The Distraction of Monuments and Bathrooms by Bill King -- HBC Magazine Commentary and Opinions

The Distraction of Monuments and Bathrooms -- Commentary Written by Bill King

The national debt is rapidly closing in on $20 trillion. And that does not include the future structural deficits in Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Millions of Americans still have no health insurance and we spend almost twice as much as any other country on healthcare. Drug abuse (including alcohol and nicotine) continues to take a terrible toll on Americans.

North Korea is rapidly moving to acquire intercontinental nuclear missile technology. We are still running gaping trade deficits. Terrorist attacks, international and domestic, continue unabated. Our broken immigration system negatively impacts citizens and immigrants. Income and wealth disparity continues to hollow out America's middle class. Our schools lag behind those in other developed countries.

Texas' largest metropolitan area continues to live under the existential threat of storm surge with no plan in sight to do anything about it. The Texas Taxpayers and Research Association recently released a report that our state government will likely run a $8 billion deficit in next biennium and that does not take into account the state's unfunded pension liability, which is currently reported at over $50 billion. The real number is probably nearly twice that amount.

Our city government continues to careen into insolvency. Our police department still only solves only 6% of the burglaries. Progress on flood control projects is proceeding at a snail's pace. Property taxes are driving people out of their houses.

I could go on, but you get the point.

And in the face of these daunting challenges that affect the lives of our citizens every day, what do our elected officials choose to discuss? Monuments and bathrooms. Really?

The problem is that the real issues we face are hard. The solutions are complex and hard to explain to voters. And the solutions might, perish the thought, ask us to make sacrifices. Or worse yet, they might upset those who vote in the primaries. So, if your principal objective is to get re-elected, it is much safer to demagogue some issue that will energize your primary base. Why take on the tough problems that might get you unelected?

While it is easy to be disgusted with our elected officials' cowardice to take on the hard issues, we, as citizens, bear some of the responsibility as well. We still vote in embarrassingly low numbers. In the 2016 election, less than half of Texans eligible to vote bothered to go to the polls. The turnout in the last City election was 21%. Turnout in the parties' primaries frequently is below 10%. Runoffs are even worse.

And we too readily accept simple answers to complex issues, which are almost always wrong. Often the simple answers involve the identification of some scapegoat, which we may find emotionally gratifying but rarely does anything to solve the real problem.

Those of us who have raised children know that their conduct had a lot to do with our expectations for them. If we gave them a pass, most of the time they will take it. As long as we allow our elected officials to spend their time on fringe issues that have nothing to do with solving the serious issues our nation, state and region face, they will take the pass.

So, here's my suggestion: No more passes.

EMAIL BILL KING

Bill King, 3388 Sage, Houston, TX 77056

The commentary above is published by Houston Business Connections Magazine© as part of our “Strategic Voter” Education, Engagement and Empowerment Campaign – which is intended to keep our diverse body of loyal readers informed, empowered and enlightened. However, the comments contained in the above commentary are those of the writer “ONLY” and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Aubrey R. Taylor Communications, our readers, our advertisers, our supporters or any of the distinguished individuals featured below. If you have any questions about this commentary, or how you can get your commentary or announcement published inside Houston Business Connections Magazine©, please call (832)212-8735 today.

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Early voting for the 2018 Democratic Primary and 2018 Republican Primary in the State of Texas will begin on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 and end on Friday, March 2, 2018. Election Day voting will take place on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 in the Lone Star State. So, if you plan on winning the Democratic (nomination) or Republican (nomination) in any of these races your application must be filed between Saturday, November 11, 2017 and Monday, December 11, 2017 at 6:00 PM to have your name placed on the MARCH 2018 PRIMARY BALLOT in the State of Texas.

YOU CAN STILL GET ON THE 2018 PRIMARY BALLOT

If you are a candidate who would like to run for office in 2018 your application must be filed between Saturday, November 11, 2017 and Monday, December 11, 2017 at 6:00 PM to have your name placed on the MARCH 2018 PRIMARY BALLOT in the State of Texas. You can call the Harris County Democratic Party at (713)802-0085 for more information on how to get on their ballot. Or you can call the Harris County Republican Party at (713)838-7900 for more information about how to get on their ballot. Or feel free to call Houston Business Connections Magazine© at (832)212-8735 if you need marketing/branding assistance, push cards, yard signs, yard sign placement/monitoring, press release delivery, or publishing of your intent to run for office.

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ABOUT THIS PUBLISHER/REPORTER 

The Houston Business Connections Magazine© “POWER RANKINGS” is published by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications. Aubrey R. Taylor is the publisher/CEO of Aubrey R. Taylor Communications and has more than 26-years of experience in marketing branding, public relations and political consulting. He’s publicly promoted Republican and Democratic candidates in statewide elections and in local municipalities throughout the State of Texas. He’s also publicly promoted (through his publications) such corporations and institutions as: Shell Oil, The City of Houston, Texas Southern University, Prairie View A&M University, Chevron, Waste Management, Nationwide Insurance, Momentum Jaguar/BMW, State Farm Insurance, and Allstate Insurance to name a few.

AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS

957 NASA PARKWAY #251

HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039

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2015 MAYORAL ELECTION: Ed Kampf Would Like to See a Businessman Elected Mayor of Houston in the 2015 Election

HERE'S AN OPINION ON THE UPCOMING ELECTION: Aubrey, I am friends with Carl Pittman. He's running for HC Sheriff. I don't think the mayoral position in Houston has to be a battle between party lines. I would like to see a businessman, however we tried that with Lanier. Heck, I just want someone who's honest. Houston deserves the best. I like King and Bell thus far. I don't know much about the others. -- This statement was submitted by Ed Kampf via our facebook network.

KEY 2015 HOUSTON MAYORAL CANDIDATES

THE 2015 CITY OF HOUSTON MAYORAL CANDIDATES AS OF THE DATE OF THIS BLOG POST: Chris Bell, Bill King, Adrian Garcia, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Sylvester Turner, Demetria Smith, Ben Hall, Victoria Lane, Marty McVey, and Stephen C. Costello are the candidates running  for Mayor of Houston in the 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election. Any other candidates hoping to run for Mayor, City Controller, City Council, HISD Board Trustee, or HCC Board Trustee must file for a place on the ballot before Monday, August 24, 2015. Early voting will begin on Monday, October 19, 2015 and end on Friday, October 30, 2015.

"Here are a few questions and opinions we should definitely ask ourselves/candidates and consider before going to the polls to vote in the 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. And please, please, please, don't forget that early voting will begin on Monday, October 19, 2015 and end on Friday, October 30, 2015."

-- FARRAH MARTINEZ --

HERE'S A QUESTION VOTERS SHOULD ASK ALL THE CANDIDATES: Voters should ask candidates what are their top three priorities for the next two years for our city and how they plan to achieve those goals. – This statement was submitted by Farrah Martinez a Personal Injury and Accident Lawyer in Houston, Texas. Farrah Martinez PLLC, is dedicated to ensuring that you get the compensation you deserve through experienced, aggressive and smart representation. You can (CLICK HERE) for more information. You may also call (713)853-9296 to speak with Attorney Farrah Martinez today! So don't wait another minute. Set up an appointment by calling (713)853-9296 for a free consultation today!

-- JUDGE JOHN SCHMUDE --

HERE'S A THOUGHT TO CONSIDER BEFORE VOTING: I look for a candidate that respects the religious liberties and the freedom of conscience of all Houstonians. – This thought was submitted by Judge John Schmude (247th Family District Court in Harris County). Judge Schmude and his family are grateful for our continued prayers, love, vote, and continued support. He won’t be up for re-election again until the November 2018, Midterm Elections. You can (CLICK HERE) for more information. Judge Schmude believes in fair and impartial justice.

-- BRISCOE CAIN --

HERE'S A QUESTION FOR THE MAYORAL CANDIDATES: Would you disregard the First Amendment and subpoena the sermons of pastors? – This question was submitted by Briscoe Cain, president of The Cain Law Firm. Briscoe Cain is also a candidate running for State Representative for House District 128 in the 2016 Presidential Election. You can (CLICK HERE) for more information on his campaign.

-- CHRIS BELL --

HERE'S A QUESTION WE SHOULD EACH ASK OUR SELF: Who actually has ideas that will move Houston forward? – This question was submitted by Chris Bell one of the 2015 Candidates running for Mayor of Houston. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. Election day is on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.

-- YOLANDA SMITH --

HERE'S SOMETHING YOU SHOULD ASK YOURSELF ABOUT EACH CANDIDATE RUNNING FOR MAYOR IN THE UPCOMING ELECTION: Education remains the highest civil rights priority of the NAACP, voters should be asking whether the candidate of choice has a true urgency in turning around our failing school system, including eliminating the educational disparities that exist within HISD. – This statement was submitted by Yolanda Smith, the executive director at the NAACP Houston Branch.

-- BILL KING --

HERE'S SOMETHING YOU MAY WANT TO THINK ABOUT: The question voters should ask themselves is this: In this election we are essentially hiring the CEO of a $5 billion entity called the City of Houston, so which candidate has the right blend of business and executive experience to get city government back to basics — fixing the streets, catching the crooks, and balancing the budget? -- This question was submitted by Bill King one of the 2015 Candidates running for Mayor of Houston. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. Election day is on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.

-- DON DAVIS --

HERE'S A QUESTION FOR THE MAYORAL CANDIDATES: Being a City where celebrities are born, we have secured the fact that legacies begin here: what plans do you have to grow the quality of life and retain the talent we attract, without compromising the economic growth of our majority minority communities? -- This question was submitted by Dionelle "Don" Davis, president of the Don Davis Luxury Group (DDLG) Texas Real Estate License #0555553. You can (CLICK HERE) for more information; or call Don directly at (936)494-5500. And don't forget: When Ready to Sell Your Home -- "It's A 'Don' Deal" when you deal with Don Davis.

-- DENISE V. SINGLETON --

HERE'S A QUESTION FOR ALL ELECTED OFFICIALS: What initiative are you willing to legislate for Women Veterans who served honorably in the military and that suffered various related traumas? The results are joblessness, homelessness, and lack of medical benefits. – This question was submitted by Denise V. Singleton a reader of Houston Business Connections Newspaper. Denise is relatively new to the Houston area.

-- BISHOP ALLEN --

HERE'S A QUESTION FOR THE MAYORAL CANDIDATES: Do you have a valid plan in hand detailing how you will leverage the economic playing field and inspire present and future Houstonians to strive for a better quality of life in the 21st Century? – This question was submitted by Bishop Anthony A. Allen, founder of Bishop Anthony Allen Ministries. You can (CLICK HERE) to learn more about his ministry. Call (281)210-8374 or email Bishop Allen at: bishopaallen@yahoo.com for additional information.

-- KERYL L. DOUGLAS --

HERE'S SOMETHING WE MAY WANT TO THINK ABOUT: Who will be the very BEST Mayor for ALL of Houston; serving with utmost integrity, vision, fairness, and without corruption, compromise, or lack of character. -- This question was submitted by Keryl L. Douglas a well-known Houston area attorney, and past President of the NAACP Houston Branch.

-- VICTORIA LANE --

HERE'S A QUESTION FOR ALL THE WOMEN OUT THERE: Do you think men should be allowed to use public restrooms with us? – This question was submitted by Victoria Lane, a 2015 Candidate for Mayor of Houston in the upcoming election. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. Election day is on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.You may email Victoria Lane at: victorialane53@yahoo.com if you have the answer to this question.

-- CHARLES X WHITE --

HERE'S A QUESTION FOR THE MAYORAL CANDIDATES: How do you plan to equalize tax based service delivery? This question was submitted by Charles X White, chairman of THE PEOPLE’S PAC (TPPAC) located in Houston, Texas. TPPAC was formed because the existing political model for African Americans is broken and in many cases never worked according to White. You can (CLICK HERE) to learn more about TPPAC. You can (CLICK HERE) to become a member.

-- LAURIE ROBINSON --

HERE'S SOMETHING WE NEED TO THINK ABOUT: Which candidate has the relevant experience to hit the ground running in day 1 to tackle some of the City's most pressing issues like the forecasted FYI 2017 budget deficit. This question was submitted by Laurie Robinson a 2015 Candidate running for the Houston City Council At-Large Position #4 seat in the upcoming election. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. Election Day is on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.

-- BISHOP K.J. BROWN --

HERE'S A FEW QUESTIONS FOR THE MAYORAL CANDIDATES: What is your position on the HERO Ordinance? If you oppose it, what will you do to have it repealed? If you support the ordinance, why do you support it? – This question was submitted by Bishop K.J.Brown the Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) at Bishop K.J. Brown Ministries. You can hear Bishop K.J. Brown on Sundays@6:00p.m. and Wednesday’s @7:30p.m. LISTEN TO: rhemagospelradio.com. You can email Bishop K.J. Brown at: bishopkjbrown@gmail.com. You can also email Bishop Brown a prayer request if you need prayer.

-- TREBOR GORDON --

HERE'S A QUESTION YOU SHOULD ASK YOURSELF BEFORE GETTING BEHIND ANY CANDIDATE IN THE UPCOMING ELECTION: What is your (Candidate's) plan to help in preventing the city from going further into debt? This question was submitted by Trebor Gordon a 2015 Candidate running for the Houston City Council At-Large Position #1 seat in the upcoming election. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. Election day is on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.

-- SEAN ROBERTS --

A QUESTION FOR THE 2015 MAYORAL CANDIDATES: What is your vision for Houston 20 years from now? -- This question was submitted by Sean Roberts a well-known Houston area attorney. You can (CLICK HERE) to provide Sean with the answer to his question.

-- ED KAMPF --

HERE'S AN OPINION ON THE UPCOMING ELECTION: Aubrey, I am friends with Carl Pittman. He's running for HC Sheriff. I don't think the mayoral position in Houston has to be a battle between party lines. I would like to see a businessman, however we tried that with Lanier. Heck, I just want someone who's honest. Houston deserves the best. I like King and Bell thus far. I don't know much about the others. -- This statement was submitted by Ed Kampf via our facebook network.

-- RHONDA SKILLERN-JONES --

HERE'S SOMETHING EVERY VOTER SHOULD THINK ABOUT: Since I only have one vote and it matters, how do I want to invest it so that I receive the maximum return for it. In other words, WHO will help me make my vote mean something in my life and community? – This question was submitted by Rhonda Skillern-Jones the HISD Board Trustee for District II. She's running for re-election in the upcoming General Election. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. Election day is on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.

-- ANDREA WARD-CONWAY --

HERE'S SOMETHING TO ASK YOURSELF ABOUT EACH CANDIDATE: Does the candidate have the education, experience, knowledge, and a proven track record of supporting policies that will bring about progressive reform and empowerment for my community? -- This question was submitted by Andrea Ward-Conway via our facebook network.

-- RENEE DUHON --

 HERE ARE TWO QUESTIONS EVERY VOTER SHOULD ASK BEFORE SELECTING A CANDIDATE IN THE UPCOMING ELECTION: What have they (the candidate) done or contributed previously for Houston? Who is this person? -- This question was submitted by Renee Duhon via our facebook network.

-- DARLENE "KOFFEY SMITH --

HERE'S SOMETHING VOTERS SHOULD CONSIDER: In a Mayoral Candidate (as a voter) I look TO CAST MY VOTE for someone who is a product of the City of Houston. Someone who has experienced, witnessed, and walked in the same shoes as the people of the City of Houston. Someone with the passion to “WANT TO”, and the ‘FEARLESS WILL” to make effective change that ALL residents of Houston will respect according to the rights of the People, Policies, Procedures, Rules, Regulations, and Laws that will allow taxpayers to see and have more confidence in the transparency, and accountability that’s being applied and enforced at: City Hall, the Houston Police Department, the District Attorney’s Office, and the Houston Independent School District. -- This statement was submitted by Darlene “Koffey” Smith a 2015 Candidate running for HISD Board Trustee for District II in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 General Election. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2015. Smith issued her point of view from the perspective of a born and raised in 5th Ward, Texas resident and voter within the City of Houston. You can (CLICK HERE) to send Darlene "Koffey" Smith a message.

Election Day is Tues., Nov. 3, 2015 

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Houston Business Connections Magazine is published by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications. To discuss your inclusion call (832)212-8735 and ask for Aubrey R. Taylor, the president and CEO of Aubrey R. Taylor Communications.

KEY DEADLINES

The candidate filing deadline is on Monday, August 24, 2015 if you plan to run for Mayor, Controller, City Council, or one of the HISD Board Trustee seats in the Tuesday, November 3, 2015 General Election.

The following dates are key deadlines for the 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election.

Thursday, June 25, 2015 is the deadline to post notice of candidate filing deadline.

Saturday, July 25, 2015 is the first day to file for place on general election ballot.

Monday, August 24, 2015 is the last day to file for place on general election ballot.

Friday, September 4, 2015 is the first day for registered voters to apply for ballot by mail.

Monday, October 5, 2015 is the last day for voter registration with the Harris County Clerk.

Monday, October 19, 2015 is the first day of early voting for the 2015 General Election.

Friday, October 23, 2015 is the last day to apply for ballot by mail for the 2015 General Election.

Friday, October 30, 2015 is the last day of early voting for the 2015 General Election.

Tuesday, November 3, 2015 is Election Day for all registered voters in the City of Houston. 

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Please make an informed and empowered decision when you go into the voting booth to cast your vote on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.”

Election Day is Tues., Nov. 3, 2015 

BEN HALL IS SEEKING OUR SUPPORT!

At this time, Ben Hall, a well-known Houston attorney is asking for our vote, prayers, and support in his quest to become mayor of Houston. Hall finished as the runner-up to (Mayor Annise Parker) back in the 2013 City of Houston Mayoral election. “We’ve provided some information on Ben Hall below. Hall is being highlighted here because he’s one of only two candidates in the 2015 race for mayor who is asking for our vote, prayers, and support at this time,” says Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper.

VICTORIA LANE IS SEEKING OUR SUPPORT!

“Victoria Lane is a candidate who values and respects us, our community, and our vote. Victoria Lane, is a businesswoman with more than 40 years of experience. She was the fourth place finisher back in the 2013 City of Houston Mayoral election. She finished behind Mayor Annise Parker, attorney Ben Hall and attorney Eric Dick respectively back in 2013. “We've provided a good overview of who Victoria Lane is in her profile below,” says Taylor.

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: "The charts and information below this point should serve as a quick reference guide to City of Houston Mayoral Election results from 1985 through 2013. This information was compiled by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications."

ANNISE PARKER WON IN 2013

# # # #

In the Tuesday, November 5, 2013 City of Houston Mayoral Election, Mayor Annise Parker won the right to serve her third and final term in office by receiving 98,124 votes to avoid a runoff. Mayor Parker was challenged by Charyl L. Drab, who received (788) votes, Eric B. Dick (18,368), Don Cook (1,740), Keryl Burgess Douglas (1,227), Ben Hall (48,604), Michael Fitzsimmons (1,195), Victoria Lane (1,814), and Derek A. Jenkins, who finished with 834 votes at the end of the night.

ANNISE PARKER WON IN 2011

# # # #

In the Tuesday, November 8, 2011 City of Houston Mayoral Election, Mayor Annise Parker won the right to serve her second term in office by receiving 60,135 votes to avoid a runoff. Mayor Parker was challenged by Kevin Simms who received (8,261) votes, Amanda C. Ulman (1,896), Dave Wilson (13,911), Fernando Herrera (16,863), and Jack O’Connor, who finished with 17,348 votes as the end of the night.

ANNISE PARKER WON IN 2009

# # # #

In the Tuesday, November 3, 2009 City of Houston Mayoral Election, seven candidates faced off in the race for the open mayoral seat. Annise Parker and Gene Locke made the runoff by finishing with (54,254 votes for Parker) and (45,988 votes for Locke) respectively. Peter Brown received (39,930) votes, Amanda C. Ulman (994), Luis Ralph Ullrich, Jr. (487), and Roy Morales finished with 35,964 votes to finish off the night. 

THE DECEMBER 2009 RUNOFF

Annise Parker went on to defeat Gene Locke in a Saturday, December 12, 2009 runoff election by a vote count of (82,175 votes for Parker) to (73,495 votes for Locke) respectively. By defeating Locke, Annise Parker became the first female mayor for Houston, and earned the right to serve her first term.

BILL WHITE WON IN 2007

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In the Tuesday, November 6, 2007 City of Houston Mayoral Election, Mayor Bill White won the right to serve his third and final term in office by receiving 101,557 votes to avoid a runoff. He was being challenged by Amanda C. Ulman, who received (8,832), and Outlaw Josey Wales, IV who finished the night with 7,042 votes.

BILL WHITE WON IN 2005

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In the Tuesday, November 8, 2005 City of Houston Mayoral Election, Mayor Bill White won the right to serve his second term in office by receiving 165,524 votes to avoid a runoff. Mayor White was being challenged in this election by Gladys House, who finished with (7,711) votes, Luis Ralph Ullrich, Jr. (2,550), Jack Terence (4,285), and Anthony M. Dutrow, who finished the night with 1,771 votes.

BILL WHITE WON IN 2003

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In the Tuesday, November 4, 2003 City of Houston Mayoral Election, nine candidates faced off in the race for the open mayoral seat. Orlando Sanchez and Bill White made the runoff by finishing with (98,600 votes for Sanchez) and (112,916 votes for White) respectively. Anthony M. Dutrowreceived(405) votes, Jack Josey Terence (323), John Worldpeace (368), Douglas Robb (193), Sylvester Turner (87,267), Luis Ralph Ullrich Jr. (311), and Veronica Michelle Gregory finished with 385 votes at the end of the night. 

THE DECEMBER 2003 RUNOFF

Bill White went on to defeat Orlando Sanchez in the Saturday, December 6, 2003 runoff election by a vote count of (136,618 votes for Bill White) to (81,830 votes for Orlando Sanchez) respectively. By defeating Sanchez, Bill White earned the right to serve his first term as Houston’s mayor.

LEE P. BROWN WON IN 2001

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In the Tuesday, November 6, 2001 City of Houston Mayoral Election, five candidates lined up to prevent Mayor Lee P. Brown from serving his third and final term as Houston’s mayor. Orlando Sanchez was successful in forcing a runoff with the incumbent mayor by receiving (115,967) votes to Mayor Brown’s (125,282) votes at the end of the night. Luis Ralph Ullrich, Jr. received (572) votes, Anthony M. Dutrow (235), Larry J. Devoy (488), and Chris Bell received 45,739 votes to finish the night of voting. 

THE DECEMBER 2001 RUNOFF 

Mayor Lee P. Brown went on to defeat Orlando Sanchez in the Saturday, December 1, 2001 runoff election by a final vote tally of (165,866 votes for Mayor Lee P. Brown) to (155,162 votes for Orlando Sanchez) respectively.

LEE P. BROWN WON IN 1999

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In the Tuesday, November 2, 1999 City of Houston Mayoral Election, two candidates challenged Mayor Lee P. Brown in an effort to prevent him from serving his second term as Houston’s mayor. However, Brown beat back his opponents by receiving (139,150) votes. Jack Terence received (47,887) votes, and Outlaw Josey Wales, IV finished off the night with (19,741) votes.

LEE P. BROWN WON IN 1997

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In the Tuesday, November 4, 1997 City of Houston Mayoral Election, eight candidates faced off for the open mayoral seat. Lee P. Brown and Rob Mosbacher made the runoff by receiving (132,324 votes for Brown) and (90,320 votes for Mosbacher) respectively. Richard E. Barry, Helen Huey, Gracie Saenz (21,950), George Greanias (53,115), Bernard E. Calkins, and Jean-Claude Lanau were also in the race. 

THE DECEMBER 1997 RUNOFF

Lee P. Brown went on to defeat Rob Mosbacher in the Saturday, December 6, 1997 runoff election. Lee P. Brown received (156,307 votes) to Mosbacher’s (140,449 votes) to earn the right to serve his first term as Houston’s first and only African American mayor.

BOB LANIER WON IN 1995

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In the Tuesday, November 7, 1995 City of Houston Mayoral Election, two candidates challenged Mayor Bob Lanier in an effort to prevent him from serving his third and final term as Houston’s mayor. However, Mayor Bob Lanier received (104,222) votes to beat back his opponents without a runoff. Elizabeth Spates finished with (10,456) votes, and Dave Wilson finished the night off with 11,403 votes.

BOB LANIER WON IN 1993

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In the Tuesday, November 2, 1993 City of Houston Mayoral Election, four candidates challenged Mayor Bob Lanier in an effort to prevent him from serving his second term as Houston’s mayor. However, Bob Lanier defeated his opponents by receiving (169,752) votes to avoid a runoff. Brian A. Bowen received (9,705) votes, Luis Ralph Ullrich, Jr. (4,613), Jerry Freiwirth (2,713), and James Partsch-Galvan received 161 votes to finish off the night.

BOB LANIER WON IN 1991

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In the Tuesday, November 5, 1991 City of Houston Mayoral Election, Mayor Kathryn J. “Kathy” Whitmire lost her seat by finishing third, behind Bob Lanier, and Sylvester Turner in her bid to serve a sixth term as Houston’s mayor. Bob Lanier made the runoff election by receiving (138,096) votes, to Sylvester Turner’s (113,782) votes. Mayor Whitmire could only muster (63,631) votes as election night voting closed. Willie M. Reid received (787) votes to round out the field that night. 

THE DECEMBER 1991 RUNOFF

Bob Lanier went on to defeat Sylvester Turner in the Saturday, December 7, 1991 runoff election. Lanier received (152,792) votes, to Sylvester Turner’s (135,173) votes to earn the right to serve his first term as Houston’s mayor.

KATHY WHITMIRE WON IN 1989

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In the Tuesday, November 7, 1989 City of Houston Mayoral Election, Mayor Kathryn J. “Kathy” Whitmire received (176,342) votes to avoid a runoff by beating back five candidates seeking to prevent her from serving her fifth term as Houston’s mayor. “Shelby” B. Oringderff received (2,018) votes, Fred Hofheinz (89,971), Rosie Walker (4,667), Greg Rosenberg (856), and Ted G. Walker finished the night with 5,615 votes.

KATHY WHITMIRE WON IN 1987

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In the Tuesday, November 3, 1987 City of Houston Mayoral Election, Mayor Kathryn J. “Kathy” Whitmire received (168,656) votes to fend off six challengers seeking to prevent her from serving her fourth term as Houston’s mayor. Richard “Dick” Diamond received (13,628) votes, “Shelby” B. Oringderff (4,853), Bill Anderson (27,254), Mary J. Pritchard (5,296), Glenn Edward Arnett, Jr. (6,977), and Don W. Gell finished the night with 2,807 votes.

KATHY WHITMIRE WON IN 1985

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In the Tuesday, November 5, 1985 City of Houston Mayoral Election, Mayor Kathryn J. “Kathy” Whitmire held off a stiff challenge from Louie Welch and four other candidates seeking to prevent her from serving her third term as Houston’s mayor. Mayor Whitmire finished the night with (200,868) votes to avoid a runoff. Louie Welch finished a distant second with (138,588) votes. John McCabe received (565) votes, Willie Mae Reid (398), L.B. “Lock” Chambers (266), and Susan Director finished the night off by receiving 430 votes.

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