Showing posts with label Tanya Garrison. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tanya Garrison. Show all posts

Thursday, May 16, 2019

OPINION: Houston City Councilman Mike Knox Explains What's Next for Prop B; How Things Got to This Point in the First Place


Houston City Council Member Mike Knox (At-Large Position #1) has garnered the prestigious endorsement and vote-of-confidence from Political Analyst Jacquie Baly in his bid for re-election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. In case you don’t know, Councilman Mike Knox has several opponents challenging him in the upcoming City of Houston election. So, please don't forget that early voting will begin on Monday, October 21, 2019, and end on Friday, November 1, 2019. Houston Business Connections Newspaper© would like to remind you that Councilman Mike Knox values the vote of every single Houstonian, and is asking for our prayers, and support in this nonpartisan race. What does nonpartisan mean? All of the races appearing on the ballot for Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the City of Houston should be free from political bias or influence based on any perceived political party affiliations of the candidates running for office. So, you will not find the words "DEMOCRAT" or "REPUBLICAN" in front of the name of any candidate appearing your ballot. 



Houston City Councilman Mike Knox Explains What’s Next for Prop B; How Things Got to This Point in the First Place

Council Member Mike Knox
Houston City Council At-Large Position #1

On Wednesday, May 15, 2019, Judge Garrison, of the 157th Harris County District Court, ruled Proposition B unconstitutional.

What does this mean, and how did this happen?

Following the passage of Proposition B, the Houston Police Officers Union filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of Proposition B. The City of Houston joined this lawsuit.

An injunctive motion was filed to delay the implementation of Prop B until the merits of the lawsuit were heard by the court. The injunction was granted for a short time and then was vacated by a judge who ruled that the implementation of Prop B would cause no irreparable harm or hardship to the City or the taxpayers.

The process of implementing Prop B was begun, resulting in the notification of layoffs of many city employees.

The 157th District Court held hearings and ordered the parties into mediation, which ultimately failed. The court then ruled on the matter in favor of the HPOU and the city and against the HPFFA.

The Judge’s ruling means that Proposition B cannot be implemented because it violates an existing state law, Chapter 174 of the Texas Government Code.
Chapter 174 is the part of the Texas Government Code that requires Houston to engage in collective bargaining with Fire Fighters for pay and benefits. Proposition B was determined not to be a collectively bargained agreement and did not follow the law as defined in chapter 174 of the Texas Government Code.

The Texas Constitution prohibits a city from implementing an ordinance which violates an existing state law. Therefore, Prop B was ruled unconstitutional by the court.

The Houston Professional Fire Fighters have filed an appeal, so the issue is not yet finally settled. However, it may be years before the appeals process runs its course. In the meantime, the current ruling prevails.

Today, the 66 Fire Cadets who have been in limbo were sworn in and are now full-fledged Fire Fighters. The lay off notices for the 220 Fire Fighters, and the 47 civilian employees have been rescinded. There will be no layoffs.

There will be no raises for Fire Fighters until they reach a collectively bargained agreement with Mayor Turner.

The City of Houston will still have to balance a 117 million dollar deficit.

For those who are interested, I voted to place Proposition B onto the ballot last November. I voted against spending tax dollars to join the HPOU lawsuit challenging Proposition B, and I voted against laying off city employees.

Councilman Mike Knox - At-Large Position #1 is endorsed by the Honorable Jacquie Baly on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in his bid for re-election.



MEET JACQUIE BALY

Jacquie Baly, President of BalyProjects, has been a leader in the Houston region’s business and policy communities for more than two decades. Jacquie founded BalyProjects with the objective of providing public affairs and media relations services to clients. She began her career as a city and regional planner for numerous entities then served as Governor Rick Perry’s appointee on water and wastewater issues. Soon after she was elected as Mayor Pro Tem and Councilmember At Large for the City of Sugar Land and most recently became an advisor and appointee of Governor Greg Abbott’s on higher education initiatives. If Jacquie looks familiar, that is because she can be seen and heard as a political analyst for various television and radio stations including FOX 26, KTRH and KSEV.

Jacquie has won numerous awards including Woman of Excellence by the National Association of Women Business Owners, KTRK-13 Woman of Distinction, University of Houston Alumni Association’s “Rising Star for Achievement” award, and Black Alumnus of the Year award, Outstanding Young American by the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce, Houston Woman Magazine’s Most Influential Woman, Texas Executive Women’s “Woman on the Move” and Fort Bend Entrepreneur of the Year.

A native of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Jacquie holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a master’s degree in City Planning. She has been an Adjunct Professor at the University of Houston for over a decade and served as a Faculty-In-Residence at the University of Texas in Austin.





According to the folks at the Houston City Secretary’s Office candidates looking to run for office on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, can pay a filing fee, or they can collect signatures to have their name placed on the ballot. So, if you are a candidate wanting to run for MAYOR OF HOUSTON you can pay a 1,250.00 dollar filing fee or collect signatures to have your name placed on the ballot. If you are a candidate who would like to run for THE CITY OF HOUSTON CONTROLLER position you can pay a 750.00 dollar filing fee or collect signatures to have your name placed on the ballot. And if you are a candidate looking to run for one of the HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL positions you can pay a 500.00 dollar filing fee or collect signatures to have your name placed on the ballot. However, if you plan on going the route of collecting signatures to have your name placed on the ballot, the exact number of signatures needed won’t be determined until sometime in July of this year from what I understand. But, to be sure, all candidates interested in running for office on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the City of Houston General Election can call (832)393-1100 to speak directly with someone in the City Secretary’s Office. However, if you have any problem whatsoever in getting your questions answered, you can call me directly at (281)788-3033, and I will try to do what I can to help. And just in case you don’t already know, the City Secretary’s Office can be located at 900 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002 on the first floor.


(BALLOT BY MAIL)

The first day to apply for a ballot by mail for the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston Mayoral Election has already passed -- it was on Tuesday, January 1, 2019. So if you are going to vote by mail, you can go ahead and request your mail-in ballot today!


(DESIGNATE YOUR TREASURER)

If you are a candidate planning to run for Mayor of Houston, City Controller, or one of the Houston City Council Positions you need to designate your treasurer before you start spending money on your campaign.


(FIRST DAY YOU CAN FILE TO RUN)

Saturday, July 20, 2019, is the first day that you can "OFFICIALLY" file for a place on the ballot for the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston Mayoral Election.


(LAST DAY YOU CAN FILE TO RUN)

Monday, August 19, 2019, is the last day that you can file for a place on the ballot for the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston Mayoral Election.


(LAST DAY YOU CAN REGISTER TO VOTE)

Monday, October 7, 2019, is the last day that you can register to vote to make your voice heard in the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston Mayoral Election.


(EARLY VOTING PERIOD BEGINS)

Monday, October 21, 2019, is the first day that you will be able to vote early to make your voice heard in the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston Mayoral Election.


(EARLY VOTING PERIOD ENDS)

Friday, November 1, 2019, is the last day that you will be able to vote early to make your voice heard in the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, City of Houston Mayoral Election.


(ELECTION DAY VOTING)

Tuesday, November 5, 2019, is "ELECTION DAY" for the City of Houston General Mayoral Election, the HISD Board of Trustees Election, and HCCS Board of Trustees Election. So mark your calendar, and do your very best to make an informed voting decision.

957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033


The City of Houston Mayor at this time is Sylvester Turner. In case you don't know, Mayor Sylvester Turner is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Mayor Sylvester Turner, Bill King, Tony Buzbee, Kendall Baker, Demetria Smith, Derrick Broze, Anton Dowls, and Naoufal Houjami.



The City of Houston Controller at this time is Chris Brown In case you don't know, Controller Chris Brown is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Amparo Gasca and Controller Chris Brown.



The Houston City Council District A seat is currently being held by Council Member Brenda Stardig. In case you don't know, Council Member Brenda Stardig is "TERM-LIMITED" and cannot run for re-election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Amy Peck, Ieshia Wilson, and Mehdi Cherkaoui.



The Houston City Council District B seat is currently being held by Council Member Jerry Davis. In case you don't know, Council Member Jerry Davis is "TERM-LIMITED" and cannot run for re-election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Tarsha Jackson, Renee Jefferson Smith, Alvin Byrd, Robin J. Anderson, Ben Earl White Jr, James Joseph, Karen Kossie-Chernyshev, Patria Bourgeois, Alyson Quintana, and Huey Wilson.



The Houston City Council District C seat is currently being held by Council Member Ellen Cohen. In case you don't know, Council Member Ellen Cohen is "TERM-LIMITED" and cannot run for re-election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Nicholas Hellyar, Abbie Kamin, Gregory Meyers, Shelley Kennedy, Robert Nowak Jr, Daphne Scarbrough, Mary Jane Smith, and Kendra Yarbrough Camarena.



The Houston City Council District D seat is currently being held by Council Member Dwight Boykins. In case you don't know, Council Member Dwight Boykins is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Jerome Provost, Councilman Dwight Boykins, and Jeremy Darby.



The Houston City Council District E seat is currently being held by Council Member Dave Martin. In case you don't know, Council Member Dave Martin is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Councilman Dave Martin, and Sam Cleveland.



The Houston City Council District F seat is currently being held by Council Member Steve Le. In case you don't know, Council Member Steve Le is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Anthony Nelson, Councilman Steve Le, Jesus Zamora, Richard Nguyen, and Tiffany Thomas.



The Houston City Council District G seat is currently being held by Council Member Greg Travis. In case you don't know, Council Member Greg Travis is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Councilman Greg Travis.



The Houston City Council District H seat is currently being held by Council Member Karla Cisneros. In case you don't know, Council Member Karla Cisneros is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Councilwoman Karla Cisneros and Cynthia A. Reyes-Revilla.



The Houston City Council District I seat is currently being held by Council Member Robert Gallegos. In case you don't know, Council Member Robert Gallegos is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Councilman Robert Gallegos.



The Houston City Council District J seat is currently being held by Council Member Mike Laster. In case you don't know, Council Member Mike Laster is "TERM-LIMITED" and cannot run for re-election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Edward Pollard, Sandra Rodriguez, Nelvin Adriatico, Federico Cuellar, and Margaret Mitchell.



The Houston City Council District K seat is currently being held by Council Member Martha Castex-Tatum. In case you don't know, Council Member Martha Castex-Tatum is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Councilwoman Martha Castex Tatum.



The Houston City Council At-Large Position 1 seat is currently being held by Council Member Mike Knox. In case you don't know, Council Member Mike Knox is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Councilman Mike Knox, Georgia Provost, Michelle Bonton, and Neeraj "Raj" Salhotra.



The Houston City Council At-Large Position 2 seat is currently being held by Council Member David Robinson. In case you don't know, Council Member David Robinson is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Councilman David Robinson and Emily Munoz Detoto.



The Houston City Council At-Large Position 3 seat is currently being held by Council Member Michael Kubosh. In case you don't know, Council Member Michael Kubosh is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Councilman Michael Kubosh, Marcel McClinton, and Janaeya Carmouche.



The Houston City Council At-Large Position 4 seat is currently being held by Council Member Amanda Edwards. In case you don't know, Council Member Amanda Edwards is "ELIGIBLE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION" on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Councilwoman Amanda Edwards and Ericka McCrutcheon.



The Houston City Council At-Large Position 5 seat is currently being held by Council Member Jack Christie. In case you don't know, Council Member Jack Christie is "TERM-LIMITED" and cannot run for re-election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in the upcoming City of Houston General Election. POTENTIAL CANDIDATES: Letitia Plummer, Catherine Garcia Flowers, Ashton P. Woods, Jamaal Boone, Marvin McNeese, Sallie Alcorn, Dennis Griffin, Paul Bishop, Gian Nguyen, Ralph Garcia, and Sonia Rivera.

957 NASA PARKWAY #251
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77058-3039
PHONE: (832)212-8735
CELL: (281)788-3033

PUBLISHER/REPORTER

Aubrey R. Taylor is the President/CEO of Aubrey R. Taylor Communications, the publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper©. Taylor has more than 28-years of experience in marketing, branding, investigative reporting, public relations and political consulting. He’s assisted in branding Republican and Democratic candidates in statewide elections and in local municipalities throughout the State of Texas. Over the years, he’s also assisted in branding and marketing (through his various 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, Channel 11, Channel 13, State Farm Insurance, and Allstate Insurance to name a few. But, please note that the thoughts expressed by Aubrey R. Taylor do not necessarily reflect the thoughts and opinions of any Houston Business Connections Newspaper© advertisers, supporters, sponsors, or readers. You can click here to view a recent edition of Houston Business Connections Newspaper© online!