Ed Gonzales and Jerome Moore are the Two Candidates in the Democratic Party Primary Runoff for Harris County Sheriff

HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF

(ATTENTION HARRIS COUNTY REPUBLICAN VOTERS): In the race for Sheriff -- Ron Hickman is the nominee who will represent the Republican Party on the Tuesday, November 8, 2016 General Election ballot. Sheriff Hickman is the incumbent in this race. The (DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY RUNOFF) for Harris County Sheriff will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 between Ed Gonzales and Jerome Moore to decide who will represent the Democratic Party on the Tuesday, November 8, 2016 General Election ballot. Don't forget to vote early!

Aubrey R. Taylor

HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS®

As President and CEO of Aubrey R. Taylor Communications, the publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper® and Ground Game Magazine® I am imploring every warm-blooded American to put people over politics when selecting candidates during the "2016 Presidential Election Cycle" that's currently in full swing. I’m also asking for you to vote for and support "QUALIFIED CANDIDATES" who "EXPRESS AND DEMONSTRATE" a sincere desire and willingness to represent "ALL CONSTITUENTS" who dwell within the jurisdictions to which they've been duly elected "BY THE PEOPLE" to serve during this very important and pivotal election cycle.


DEMOCRATIC RUNOFFS

As of today, Judge Elaine Palmer, Judge Hilary H. Green, Angelique Bartholomew, and Kimberly Willis are Democratic candidates who are asking for our prayers, vote and support in the Tuesday, May 24, 2016 Democratic Party Primary Election. Early voting will begin on Monday, May 16, 2016 and end on Friday, May 20, 2016.



REPUBLICAN RUNOFFS

As of today, we don't currently have any Republican candidates seeking our prayers, vote or support in the Tuesday, May 24, 2016 Republican Primary Runoff Election. Hopefully this will change before voting begins. Please don't forget to vote early!






U.S. REPRESENTATIVE – DISTRICT 18

The (REPUBLICAN PRIMARY RUNOFF) for United States Representative, District 18 will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 between Reggie Gonzales and Lori Bartley to determine which candidate will represent the Republican Party in the Tuesday, November 8, 2016 General Election. (ATTENTION HARRIS COUNTY DEMOCRATIC VOTERS): On the Democratic side, Sheila Jackson Lee will represent the Democratic Party in the race for U.S. Representative for the 18th Congressional District. Congresswoman Lee is the incumbent in this race.

TEXAS RAILROAD COMMISSIONER

The (REPUBLICAN PRIMARY RUNOFF) for Railroad Commissioner will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 between Gary Gates and Wayne Christian to decide who will represent the Republican Party on the Tuesday, November 8, 2016 General Election ballot. The (DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY RUNOFF) for Railroad Commissioner will also be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 between Grady Yarbrough and Cody Garrett to decide who will represent the Democratic Party on the Tuesday, November 8, 2016 General Election ballot in the race for Texas Railroad Commissioner. Mark A. Miller is the Libertarian candidate in this race.

JUDGE, COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS, PLACE 2

The (REPUBLICAN PRIMARY RUNOFF) for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 2 will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 between Mary Lou Keel and Ray Wheless to decide who will represent the Republican Party on the Tuesday, November 8, 2016 General Election ballot. (ATTENTION HARRIS COUNTY DEMOCRATIC VOTERS): On the Democratic side, Lawrence “Larry” Meyers will represent the Democratic Party in the race for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 2 in the November General Election. Judge Meyers is the incumbent in this race. Mark Ash and Quanah Parker are both Libertarian candidates in this race.

JUDGE, COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS, PLACE 5

The (REPUBLICAN PRIMARY RUNOFF) for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 5 will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 between Sid Harle and Scott Walker to determine who will represent the Republican Party on the Tuesday, November 8, 2016 General Election ballot. (ATTENTION HARRIS COUNTY DEMOCRATIC VOTERS): On the Democratic side, Betsy Johnson will represent the Democratic Party in the race for Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 5 in the November General Election. William Bryan Strange is the Libertarian candidate in this race.



MEMBER, STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, DISTRICT 6

(ATTENTION HARRIS COUNTY REPUBLICAN VOTERS): In the race for Member, State Board of Education, District 6 -- Donna Bahorich is the nominee who will represent the Republican Party on the Tuesday, November 8, 2016 General Election ballot. Donna Bohorich is the incumbent in this race. The (DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY RUNOFF) for Member, State Board of Education, District 6 will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 between Jasmine Jenkins and R. Dakota Carter to determine who will represent the Democratic Party on the Tuesday, November 8, 2016 General Election ballot. Whitney Bilyeu is the Libertarian candidate in this race.


STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 27

(ATTENTION FORT BEND COUNTY REPUBLICANS): In the race for State Representative for House District 27 in Fort Bend County in the Tuesday, March 1, Republican Primary Ken Bryant defeated Mary Walker to earn the Republican nomination. The (DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY RUNOFF) race for State Representative – House District 27 in Fort Bend County will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 between Ron Reynolds and Angelique Bartholomew to determine who will represent the Democratic Party on the Tuesday, November 8, 2016 General Election ballot. *State Rep. Ron Reynolds is the incumbent in this race. *Angelique Bartholomew is asking for your vote in this race.



STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 128

The (REPUBLICAN PRIMARY RUNOFF) for State Representative, District 128 will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 between Briscoe Cain and Wayne Smith to decide who will represent the Republican Party on the Tuesday, November 8, 2016 General Election ballot. *No Democrat chose to run for this seat. So, the winner of the runoff between Cain and State Rep. Smith will face Libertarian Ken Lowder on Tuesday, November 8, 2016. Don't forget to vote early!


STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 139

The (DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY RUNOFF) for State Representative, District 139 will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 between Kimberly Willis and Jarvis D. Johnson to decide who will represent the Democratic Party on the Tuesday, November 8, 2016 General Election ballot. *No Republican chose to run for this seat. So, the winner of the runoff between Kimberly Willis and Jarvis Johnson will be elected on Tuesday, November 8, 2016. *Kimberly Willis is asking for your vote in this race.

DISTRICT JUDGE, 11TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT

(ATTENTION HARRIS COUNTY REPUBLICAN VOTERS): In the race for District Judge, 11th Judicial District -- Kevin Fulton is the nominee who will represent the Republican Party on the Tuesday, November 8, 2016 General Election ballot. The (DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY RUNOFF) for District Judge, 11th Judicial District will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 between Kristen Hawkins and Rabeea Collier to decide who will represent the Democratic Party on the Tuesday, November 8, 2016 General Election ballot. Don't forget to vote early!



DISTRICT JUDGE, 61ST JUDICIAL DISTRICT

(ATTENTION HARRIS COUNTY REPUBLICAN VOTERS): In the race for District Judge, 61st Judicial District -- Erin Elizabeth Lunceford is the nominee who will represent the Republican Party on the Tuesday, November 8, 2016 General Election ballot. Judge Lunceford is the incumbent in this race. The (DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY RUNOFF) for District Judge, 61st Judicial District will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 between Julie Countiss and Fredericka Phillips to decide who will represent the Democratic Party on the Tuesday, November 8, 2016 General Election ballot.


DISTRICT JUDGE, 215TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT

(ATTENTION HARRIS COUNTY REPUBLICAN VOTERS): In the race for District Judge, 215th Judicial District -- Fred Shuchart is the nominee who will represent the Republican Party on the Tuesday, November 8, 2016 General Election ballot. The (DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY RUNOFF) for District Judge, 215th Judicial District will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 between Elaine Palmer and JoAnn Storey to decide who will represent the Democratic Party on the Tuesday, November 8, 2016 General Election ballot. Judge Palmer is the incumbent in this race.

HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF

(ATTENTION HARRIS COUNTY REPUBLICAN VOTERS): In the race for Sheriff -- Ron Hickman is the nominee who will represent the Republican Party on the Tuesday, November 8, 2016 General Election ballot. Sheriff Hickman is the incumbent in this race. The (DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY RUNOFF) for Harris County Sheriff will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 between Ed Gonzales and Jerome Moore to decide who will represent the Democratic Party on the Tuesday, November 8, 2016 General Election ballot. Don't forget to vote early!



HARRIS COUNTY JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, PRECINCT 1, PLACE 1

(ATTENTION HARRIS COUNTY REPUBLICAN VOTERS): In the race for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Place 1 -- SaraJane Milligan is the nominee who will represent the Republican Party on the Tuesday, November 8, 2016 General Election ballot. The (DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY RUNOFF) for Harris County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Place 1 will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 between Eric William Carter and Tanya Makany-Rivera to decide who will represent the Democratic Party on the Tuesday, November 8, 2016 General Election ballot. The incumbent in this race (Democratic Judge Dale Gorczynski) did not run for re-election.


HARRIS COUNTY JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, PRECINCT 7, PLACE 1

The (DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY RUNOFF) for Harris County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 7, Place 1 will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 between Judge Hilary H. Green and Cheryl Elliott Thornton to decide who will represent the Democratic Party on the Tuesday, November 8, 2016 General Election ballot. *No Republican chose to run for this seat. So, the winner of the runoff between Hilary H. Green and Cheryl Elliott Thornton will be elected on Tuesday, November 8, 2016. Judge Hilary Green is the incumbent in this race.



HARRIS COUNTY CONSTABLE, PRECINCT 3

(ATTENTION HARRIS COUNTY REPUBLICAN VOTERS): In the race for Constable, Precinct 3 -- Dan Webb is the nominee who will represent the Republican Party on the Tuesday, November 8, 2016 General Election ballot. The (DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY RUNOFF) for Harris County Constable, Precinct 3 will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 between Sherman Eagleton and Michel Pappillion to decide who will represent the Democratic Party on the Tuesday, November 8, 2016 General Election ballot. The incumbent (Democratic Constable Ken Jones) did not run for re-election in this race.



HARRIS COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY CHAIRMAN

The (REPUBLICAN PRIMARY RUNOFF) for Harris County Republican Party Chairman will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 between Rick Ramos and Paul Simpson to determine which candidate will lead the Harris County Republican Party forward. Rick Ramos lead all vote-getters in the Tuesday, March 1, 2016 Republican Primary by garnering 90,258 votes. Paul Simpson (the incumbent) finished second with 88,720 votes. And Tex Christopher finished third with 47,600 votes.

Killing of Deputy Goforth Could Be More About Mental Illness of Shannon J. Miles than the Black Lives Matter Movement

Deputy Goforth, Shannon J. Miles, Harris County Sheriff Ron Hickman, District Attorney Devon Anderson,and President Barack Obama are mentioned in this Report; Dr. James Douglas, NAACP Houston Branch Condemns Shooting of Harris County Deputy Darren H. Goforth

The Killing of Harris County Sheriff Deputy Darren H. Goforth Could Be More about Mental Illness than the Black Lives Matter Movement says Aubrey R. Taylor, Publisher of Houston Businesss Connections Newspaper

HBC REPORTS

Back in 2012, Shannon J. Miles, the (certifiably mentally ill) accused killer of Harris County Sheriff Deputy Darren H. Goforth was found to be incompetent to stand trial in Travis County after being charged by the Travis County district attorney’s office with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. According to prosecutor Joe Frederick the incident in Travis County back in 2012 began after he (Miles) got into a fight at a homeless shelter over a remote control. As a result of his certified mental condition, he (Miles) was sent to a North Texas state hospital located in Vernon, Texas.

According to other published reports, Miles may have also spent time in the Harris County Psychiatric Center on MacGregor in Houston, Texas.

LET'S KEEP THIS IN MIND

It is unconstitutional to execute someone who is incompetent at the time of his or her execution. The United States Supreme Court also prohibits the execution of the mentally retarded. This was made very clear by the high court in the case of Atkins v. Virginia, 536 U.S. 304 (2002). 

U.S. SUPREME COURT

U.S. Supreme Court in Atkins v. Virginia (2004): “The risk that the death penalty will be imposed in spite of factors which may call for a less severe penalty ... is enhanced, not only by the possibility of false confessions, but also by the lesser ability of mentally retarded defendants to make a persuasive showing of mitigation in the face of prosecutorial evidence of one or more aggravating factors. ... Mentally retarded defendants in the aggregate face a special risk of wrongful execution.”

A DEADLY FRIDAY IN TEXAS

On Friday, August 28, 2015 at approximately 11:30 a.m. deputies in San Antonio Texas, located in Bexar County Texas fatally shot Gilbert Flores, a Hispanic male who was unarmed (and appeared to have his arms raised in the air) following a domestic disturbance. Flores was pronounced dead at the scene. You can (CLICK HERE) for more information on this deadly shooting.

Later that night, on Friday, August 28, 2015 at approximately 8:30 p.m. in Houston, Texas, a Harris County Sheriff Deputy by the name of Darren H. Goforth was gunned down in cold blood. You can (CLICK HERE) for more information on this deadly shooting.

FAST FORWARD 

Shannon J. Miles, 30 (a certifiable mentally ill man) sits in the Harris County Jail (with no bond) accused of gunning down Deputy Darren H. Goforth, 47, in cold blood. According to published reports, deputy Goforth was ambushed from behind and repeatedly shot at close range on Friday, August 28, 2015 around 8:30 p.m. as he pumped gas into his cruiser at a northwest Houston gas station.

WHAT IS MENTAL ILLNESS?

Mental illness can be described in a variety of ways. The American Heritage Dictionary (4th edit., 2000) describes it as: "Any of various conditions characterized by impairment of an individual's normal cognitive, emotional, or behavioral functioning, and caused by social, psychological, biochemical, genetic, or other factors, such as infection or head trauma. Also called emotional illness, mental disease, mental disorder."

The National Alliance on Mental Illness describes mental illness in the following way:

Mental illnesses are medical conditions that disrupt a person's thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functioning. Serious mental illnesses include major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder.

American Bar Association Resolution 122A and accompanying article on exempting those with severe mental illness from the death penalty, August 8, 2006. An almost identical resolution has been endorsed by the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, and the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill.

AUBREY R. TAYLOR

“On behalf of Aubrey R. Taylor Communications, the publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper, I would like to offer my condolences to the family of slain Harris County Sherriff Deputy Darren H. Goforth’s family,” says Aubrey R. Taylor, the president and CEO of Aubrey R. Taylor Communications. 

PRAYING FOR ALL INVOLVED

“I would also like to take the moment to offer my prayers to the family of the mentally ill man (Shannon J. Miles) who is accused of this committing this horrific crime,” he says.

PATIENCE NEEDED 

“Inflammatory language and insinuations that somehow this (certifiably mentally ill) African American male (Shannon J. Miles) allegedly committed this horrible crime as a result of being influenced by the “Black Lives Matter” movement could very well be grossly missed placed,” Taylor explains. 

HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF RON HICKMAN AND DISTRICT ATTORNEY DEVON ANDERSON

“I think Harris County Sheriff Ron Hickman, and District Attorney Devon Anderson should look into whether (or not) the killing of Flores (the unarmed Hispanic male) on the very same morning by sheriff deputies in Bexar County could have somehow served as the breaking point that drove this mentally ill African American (Shannon J. Miles) to walk up to a Harris County Sheriff Deputy and allegedly pump (15) fifteen bullets into the deputy,” suggests Taylor.

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA CALLS THE WIDOW OF DEPUTY DARREN H. GOFORTH

On Monday, President Barack Obama voted to push for more officer safety following a phone conversation with Kathleen Goforth, the widow of the slain deputy. The president said he offered his condolences during the conversation.

UNITY IS NEEDED

“I’m hoping and praying that healing is found,” says Taylor. “I’m also hoping that all parties involved in this matter would withhold judgment until after the investigative process has run its course,” he says. “We do not need a rush to judgment here. Our nation is already suffering the ill-effects of countless other senseless killings of innocent individuals,” Taylor went on to say.

MOTHER SAYS MILES WAS WITH HER THE NIGHT OF THE MURDER

According to published reports, the mother of Shannon J. Miles, the mentally ill African American accused of shooting Harris County Deputy Darren H. Goforth has offered an alibi for her son. She says her son was with her shopping at the time the murder of deputy Goforth was committed. She also went on to say that upon turning home from shopping the with her son (the accused killer) they could not get home because their home located in Cypress, Texas was surrounded by police.

The NAACP Houston Branch Condemns Shooting of Harris County Deputy 



Dr. James Douglas, NAACP Houston Branch President said, “We do not condone the killing of law enforcement in any situation and any and all individuals involved in the said action should be held accountable for the senseless shooting of the deputy”. 

The NAACP Houston Branch condemns last week’s killing of Harris County Deputy Darren H. Goforth. 

Dr. James Douglas, NAACP Houston Branch President said, “We do not condone the killing of law enforcement in any situation and any and all individuals involved in the said action should be held accountable for the senseless shooting of the deputy”. 

While we do not condone the senseless killing of Deputy Goforth, we also do not condone the inflammatory statements made by both Sheriff Hickman and District Attorney Anderson. The insinuation by Sheriff Hickman that the Black Lives Matter movement played a role in the killing of Deputy Goforth is not only inaccurate, but totally improper (especially in light of the fact that no established motive has been determined at this time). Additionally, the reference by District Attorney Anderson of “the silent majority”, harkens back to President Richard Nixon’s use of the term as a political wedge to divide the black and white community. Inflammatory language such as that used by the District Attorney and Sheriff further enflames an already volatile situation. 

Dr. Douglas suggests that further investigation and prosecution of the individual involved should be continued and asks that the Harris County officials be more responsible in their rhetoric regarding incidents of this nature. “If we are to come together in this city, we must learn to respect the rights of all its citizens”. 

Contact information: 

Yolanda Smith, Executive Director 

713-526-3389 – office / 713-545-9696 – cell 

NAACP Houston Branch 2002 Wheeler Houston, TX 77004 

Founded in 1909, by a multiracial group of progressive advocates, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was established with the mission to improve the political, educational, social and economic status of minority groups; to eliminate racial prejudice; to keep the public aware of adverse effects of racial discrimination; to take lawful action to secure its elimination; and to increase their opportunities for securing justice in courts, education for our children, employment according to their ability and complete equality before the law. The NAACP Houston Branch is a non-profit agency supported primarily by funds generated from membership as well as corporate and individual contributions. Under the leadership of its dedicated volunteer Executive Committee Members and its Executive Director, the NAACP Houston Branch serves the Houston-Harris County and surrounding areas via its programs and myriad committees made up of its dedicated volunteer members. The Houston Branch has an estimated 20 standing committees to carry out the advocacy efforts of the Association.

CLICK HERE TO IDENTIFY A FEW HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER SUPPORTERS AND ADVERTISERS

The focus of Houston Business Connections Newspaper from now through Tuesday, November 3, 2015 is being placed on voter education, engagement and empowerment heading into the 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Elections. Early voting begins on Monday, October 19, 2015. Call (832)212-8735 for more information. Or you may email the publisher at: aubreyrtaylor@gmail.com to discuss your inclusion.

DON'T FORGET TO READ THE HERO ORDINANCE FOR YOURSELF BEFORE GOING TO VOTE

Are you confused on matters pertaining to the HERO Ordinance? Well, you are strongly encouraged to read the ordinance for yourself before going to the polls to vote. You can (CLICK HERE) to read the ordinance for yourself. "Voting is a personal decision that every voter should make from an empowered position. The 2015 City of Houston Mayoral Election will be perhaps one of the most important elections that have taken place in the last 50 years. So to this end, please research and study the candidates and issues before going to the polls. Early voting will be taking place from Monday, October 19, 2015 through Friday, October 30, 2015. Election Day is on Tuesday, November 3, 2015," Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper -- You are welcome to call (832)212-8735 to discuss your inclusion.

DISCLAIMER

The opinions expressed by Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper in this "BLOG POST" do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Aubrey R. Taylor Communications; or supporters, sponsors, advertisers, friends, associates, or anyone else associated directly or indirectly to Aubrey R. Taylor Communications.