BUSINESS CONNECTIONS HOUSTON
THERE IS NO CAPITAL WITHOUT LABOR
Houston Business Connections Newspaper is published by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications. All Rights Reserved.
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Carroll G. Robinson
By Carroll G. Robinson
There is no capital without labor. Labor creates the wages that are spent by consumers that drive the economy and generate global capital, national and global economic growth and prosperity where wealth is shared. As our economy continues to trans-
form, the rights of all workers to unionize and bargain collectively, in Texas and across our nation, must be protected. The nature of work and employment are both changing, but our nation's commitment to a safe workplace, fair wages and quality benefits for a fair
day's work must be unchanging. Gig economy employees and those working for tech companies across the nation must also be a part of this basic bargain. Organized labor, our nation's labor laws, and the federal minimum wage
ECONOMY
DEMOCRATIC JUDGES LIKE ERICA HUGHES ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS
have been important parts of bringing economic justice to our nation. We recently celebrated Labor Day in America, and celebrating holidays is important; but let us not just celebrate Labor Day, let us also prepare to ensure that workers in the new economy are protected as a tribute to the sacrifices of those who labored before them.
POLITICAL NEWS
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Kim Ogg Opposes Bail Reform; Seeks to Execute Intellectually Disabled Man Says His Lawyer
COUNTY CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW #3
JUDGE ERICA HUGHES: “Don’t JUDGE a book by its cover. Unfortunately we have several male Defendants in our court for trial that don’t have any business casual/business attire. Jurors do JUDGE Defendants by what they wear and often have a preconceived notion that they are Guilty. The public defender's office provides a closet for indigent Defendants, but the items are often too big, too small, or too soiled. I’m excited to announce our partnership with Wal-Mart stores and the Harris County Sheriff’s Department. They provided the court with 100 newly packaged shirts and ties to fit all sizes. Thank you to the Wal-Mart Store Manager and Sergeant for providing a solution to a problem that plagues our Criminal Justice System. Now let’s have a fair and impartial trial.” AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “WAY TO GO JUDGE ERICA HUGHES!!!
FOCUS ON HARRIS COUNTY
Democratic Judges Herb Ritchie, Hazel Jones, and George Powell are Among the Admonished Judges
Judge Herb Ritchie
Judge Hazel Jones
Judge George Powell
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Kim Ogg, the current Harris County District Attorney, campaigned on the need for comprehensive bail reform back in 2016. However, she is now opposing the proposed settlement of the Harris County Bail Reform Lawsuit saying it goes too far. However, Audia Jones, a former Harris County Prosecutor who is challenging Kim Ogg on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 in the Democratic Party Primary believes it is Kim Ogg who has gone too far. On a side note, the lawyer representing Dexter Johnson says Kim Ogg is seeking the execution of an Intellectually Disabled Man. According to his lawyer, Dexter Johnson is not fit to be executed, cannot name everyday objects, and has an IQ of 70. Early voting for the 2020 Democratic Primary will begin on Tuesday, February 18, 2020.
Audia Jones, Democrat
Megan Daic to Challenge Judge Ursula Hall in the 2020 Democratic Primary THE RACE FOR HARRIS COUNTY’S 165TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
Attorney Megan Daic recently announced that she is seeking to unseat Judge Ursula Hall on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the Democratic Primary. Judge Hall is the current judge for the 165th District Court. “I am looking forward to this journey, and I know that I can't do it alone! So please consider helping out by volunteering, attending an event, or donating to the Daic for Judge campaign!,” said Attorney Megan Daic in a recent facebook post. Early voting begins on Feb. 18, 2020.
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These three Democratic Judges, along with eight other Former Republican judges recently got disciplined for ordering bans on no-cost bail in Harris County. Of the three Democrats pictured above, only Judge Herb Ritchie has decided to not run for re-election in 2020 so far.
Judge Hall, Democrat
Megan Daic, Democrat
DEMOCRATIC
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“I would like to publicly thank Congressman Al Green and other Distinguished Members of “OUR” United States Congress.”
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On behalf of Houston Business Connections Newspaper©, I would like to thank Congressman Al Green and the other members of congress who visited Houston recently for “Field Hearings on Barriers to Consumer Credit, Homeownership, and Financial Inclusion.” I, just like Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib would like to thank Congressman Al Green for his continued leadership. Congresswoman Tlaib: “I thank Chairman Al Green for his continued leadership on working to increase access to housing and equitable lending across the country. Hearing from experts and advocates today made it clear there is action needed now, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to bring solutions forward.” As always, I would like to implore the readers of Houston Business Connections Newspaper© to support public servants who value, respect, and appreciate our support.
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You can learn more at: www.algreen.house.gov
Congressman Al Green Welcomed Members of Congress to Houston for a Congressional Field Hearing on Barriers to Consumer Credit, Homeownership, and Financial Inclusion (Houston, TX) - Recently, U.S. House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations Chairman Al Green (TX-09) presided over a congressional field hearing in Houston, Texas, titled: Examining Discrimination and Other Barriers to Consumer Credit, Homeownership, and Financial Inclusion in Texas. Congressman Green was joined by Congressman Emmanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Congressman Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), and Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29). Congressman Green said, “I must thank Chairwoman Maxine Waters for her leadership of the Financial Services Committee as well as for continuously making space to address and correct issues that involve invidious discrimination in financial services. It
was my honor to host my colleagues from across our Nation and right here in Houston for this landmark congressional field hearing on Examining Discrimination and Other Barriers to Consumer Credit, Homeownership, and Financial Inclusion in Texas. This hearing informed the public of pervasive disadvantages in the financial services industry that disproportionately affect people of color and persons in the LGBTQ community. With the help of highly knowledgeable panelists from community organizations, academia, and small banks, my colleagues and I were also able to explore legal and policy solutions to ensure that American economic life becomes truly inclusive and equitable.” “I want to thank Congressman Green for hosting this field
PRESS RELEASE
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib
hearing on such a pivotal issue currently affecting millions of Americans,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Equitable access to credit and homeownership remains elusive, especially for mi-
norities, but I believe we heard from some very insightful individuals and discussed several creative ideas that we can bring back to Washington to level the playing field.” According to Congressman Meeks, “The evidence makes clear that there is discrimination present in financial services, and that the barriers minority communities face disproportionately restrict their ability to access credit and generate wealth. Field hearings like today’s allow us a closer look on the specific needs of different communities across the country, informing us as we move to introduce legislation that can help level that playing field for buying a home or starting a business, and restore community banking in banking deserts. I look forward to hosting an upcoming field hearing in New York where we can listen and respond to the needs of communities like mine in southeast Queens.”
Congresswoman Tlaib added, “I thank Chairman Al Green for his continued leadership on working to increase access to housing and equitable lending across the country. Hearing from experts and advocates today made it clear there is action needed now and I look forward to working with my colleagues to bring solutions forward.” “We need to wrestle as a country with some hard truths, locally in Houston and as a nation. The legacy of discrimination and racism have kept some communities from succeeding,” said Congresswoman Garcia. She adds, “I believe Congress has an obligation to ensure we break down barriers that keep people from owning a home and make sure that discriminatory impacts don’t get incorporated into new ways banks and other financial institutions use new technologies.”
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“It’s imperative that we make it our business to elect the “BEST-QUALIFIED” candidates who value “US” whenever we go to the polls to cast our ballot.”
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“Making Law and Order EQUAL Justice.” “Hacer que la Ley y el Orden Sean IGUALES a la Justicia.”
JUDGE DEDRADAVIS 270th CIVIL DISTRICT COURT Dear Harris County:
I want to thank the voters of Harris County, Texas for entrusting me with the honor of serving as your judge of the 270th Civil District Court. Since taking the bench, I have held to the promises I made while campaigning to be your public servant back in 2018. “Making Law and Order Equal Justice” isn’t just a slogan I made up – it’s a commitment I’ve made to you! I believe every citizen should have a voice and receive a fair day in court. I don’t know about other courtrooms, but in the 270th Civil District Court we treat everyone who enters this courtroom with all of the dignity and respect they deserve by putting “JUSTness” into justice as I rule with a firm, yet compassionate hand. I love our young people and believe they are our future. One of the ways we help our young people who are a part of civil cases is to allow them to come up onto the bench so they can
see themselves from a position of power and strengh. I believe how we see ourselves is extremely important. That’s why, since taking the bench, I’ve allowed over 400 students from various public schools in our area to sit in the judge’s seat in the 270th Civil District Court. I also love our young adults. One of the ways I am helping to shape the lives of young adults is to have them serve as interns in the 270th Civil District Court. Since taking the bench, I’ve hired over fifteen interns from the Houston area. Before becoming your judge, for the 270th Civil District Court, I served as a lawyer for 21years, with almost ten years as a civil litigation paralegal, and 23 years as a Certified Mediator. I’m Dedra Davis, and I’m “Making Law and Order EQUAL Justice,” in Harris County’s 270th Civil District Court.
Judge Dedra Davis Sincerely,
Judge Dedra Davis 270th Civil District Court Harris County, Texas
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Judge Dedra Davis will be up for re-election in 2022.
www.DedraDavisForJudge.com
PAID POLITICAL AD BY DEDRA DAVIS FOR JUDGE CAMPAIGN, IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE VOLUNTARY LIMITS OF THE JUDICIAL CAMPAIGN FAIRNESS ACT, TOI ANDERSON, CPA, TREASURER.
“VOTE FINCH TO THE BENCH” Back in 2018 Toria J. Finch was“PROUDLY’ endorsed by:
Texas Coalition of Black Democrats The Houston Chronicle Tejano Democrats Our Revolution Houston Lawyers Association AFL-CIO Houston GLBT Political Caucus Pasadena Bar Association Area 5 Democrats Northeast Harris County Ministers Alliance Houston Black American Democrats Houston Association of Women Attorneys Texas Organizing Project
Judge Toria J. Finch HARRIS COUNTY CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW NO. 9
Thank You, Harris County, Texas for Your Vote!!!
We did it! Winning could not have been possible without you. When I announced my candidacy for Judge of Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 9, on July 28th, 2017, I knew that we could win no matter the challenges and adversity that we would face. We won our campaign because of your confidence, your contributions, your prayers, your sacrifices, your unwavering support, and your time. I look forward to continuing to serve Harris County, Texas well and making your vote count each day that I take the bench as your newly elected Presiding Judge of Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 9. Because of Your Vote, Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 9 will be a court for the People, where the three tenets of Truth, Justice, and Fairness will abound.
Sincerely,
Hon. Toria J. Finch Presiding Judge of Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 9
JUDGE TORIA J. FINCH CONTINUES TO MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT!
As of January, 1, 2019, Judge Toria J. Finch and her fellow Democratic County Criminal Court at Law Judges Continue to make Your Vote Count:
• Dismissal of the appeal in the ongoing federal bail bond lawsuit • Misdemeanor offender jail population is steadily decreasing • Increased percentages of personal recognizance bonds with appropriate conditions are being issued • New specialty courts are being created to address the needs of our community • Several ongoing efforts aimed at fixing errors and reforming the criminal justice system with innovative ideas to address: discriminatory practices and policies, disproportionate sentencing, increased diversion opportunities, judicial efficiency, mass incarceration, responsible judicial spending of taxpayer dollars, treatment-based rehabilitation, and bridging the gap between the community and the courts.
Judge Toria J. Finch will be up for re-election in 2022.
WWW.VOTETORIAFINCH.COM Truth, Justice, and Fairness
My Court Team from Left to Right: Sheri Gilbert, Court Coordinator, Diana Ramos, Court Reporter, Carmen Sanchez, Court Liaison Officer (CLO), and Deputy Kirk Fretty, Court Bailiff (Not Pictured).
Pd. Pol. Ad by Vote Toria J. Finch for Judge Campaign, in compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act, Pedro Danilo Quezada, Treasurer
Texas Black Lawyers, Our Leadership Is Still Needed and Still Matters
HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER©
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Nekketta M. Archie and Carroll G. Robinson*
Black lawyers have historically been leaders in our community and in the fight for civil rights, social justice, equity, economic equality and equal justice under the law. As lawyers, we are not only officers of the court, we are also defenders of unalienable rights and champions for justice in the broader legacy of Charles Hamilton Houston, Constance Baker Motley and Thurgood Marshall just to name a few. In the coming months, we must lead the effort to ensure a complete count in our communities (and across the state) during the 2020 Census which is
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Black lawyers in Texas can help lead the way. We can help ensure that our nation's Supreme Court reflects the full diversity of our America.”
the essential prerequisite to a fair and representative redistricting process in 2021. Protecting the voting rights of Texans must include registering voters, educating them about their constitutional and statutory rights as well as informing them of the fact that there will be no straight ticket voting in the November 2020 General Election. We must also be champions and supporters of naming a qualified Black woman to the United States Supreme Court. One has never served on the Court and it's time to make that a reality in our profession and in our nation. Black lawyers in Texas can help lead the way. We can help ensure that our nation's Supreme Court reflects the full diversity of our America. If we are going to increase the number of Black lawyers in our profession we need living examples of our success in the profession to be acknowledged, lifted up and reflected in the faces of our nation's Justices. To grow our presence in the legal profession, we also need to increase our outreach and mentoring in an organized statewide fashion to our children and grandchildren as early as middle school.
Early exposure to the LSAT, the critical thinking and analytical skills needed to be a lawyer, and the interconnectedness of high school and college academic success (grades) to law school graduation and bar passage matter and must be communicated to our children as soon as possible. Building diversity in the profession must start before college and even before high school.
OPINION
Together, Black lawyers in Texas can help move our state forward by:
1) helping to diversify our profession, 2) standing up to protect the voting rights of Texans and for the other issues of importance to us and our communities such as criminal justice reform, and 3) strengthening our presence in the governance of the State Bar of Texas. Each of us will be traveling the state, in the months ahead, to work with all the members of the African American Lawyers Section, the local National Bar Association Chapters and other Black lawyers and National Black Law Student Association Chapters across our state--as well as the leadership of the State Bar of Texas--to help make things better for our profession, to help increase opportunities for Black lawyers and our law firms and to help all of our communities across Texas. —————————————————
* Nekketta M. Archie is the Treasurer of the African American Lawyers Section (ASLS) of the State Bar of Texas, a graduate of Thurgood Marshall School of Law and an attorney at the Robinson Law Group in Houston, Texas. Carroll G. Robinson is a life member of the Texas Bar Foundation, a former Minority Director of the State Bar of Texas and TYLA. He is also a past President of the Houston Lawyers Association and a former National Chairman of NBLSA.
www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com “It’s imperative that we make it our business to elect the “BEST-QUALIFIED” candidates who value “US” whenever we go to the polls to cast our ballot.”
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STARTING NEW TRADITIONS: “We are starting new traditions in Harris County Misdemeanor Veterans Court. If you ever have free time, please come see how Veterans with Mental Health diagnosis and criminal charges are changing the narrative. Criminal Justice Reform must include mental heath!” — JUDGE ERICA HUGHES
Judge
ERICA HUGHES
JUSTICE
“HERSTORY”
INTEGRITY
Judge Erica Hughes will be up for re-election in 2022.
ALWAYS READY TO SERVE
JUDGE ERICA HUGHES UNSEATED THE REPUBLICAN INCUMBENT JUDGE NATALIE C. FLEMING BACK ON NOVEMBER 6, 2018 IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS — SHE WILL BE RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION IN THE MARCH 2022 PRIMARY ELECTION AUBREY R. TAYLOR REPORTS©
In case you don’t know, Judge Erica Hughes would have still defeated Republican Judge Natalie C. Fleming in the race for Judge, County Criminal Court at Law No. 3 – even without the 105,158 straight-ticket voting cushion she received from Democratic voters in Harris County, Texas back on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in the midterm election. Here’s why: Erica Hughes received 659,197 overall votes. When you subtract the 515,812 straight-ticket votes, you come up with 143,385 votes. Com-
paratively speaking, if you subtract the 410,654 straight-ticket votes, Judge Natalie C. Fleming received from her overall vote total of 521,594 you come up with 110,940 votes. So, in essence, even if you hypothetically stripped away the straight-ticket votes received by Erica Hughes back in 2018, she would have still unseated Judge Fleming by approximately 32,445 votes back on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in the midterm election in my opinion.
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THIS MOMENT IN TEXAS HISTORY...
“Women like Judge Erica Hughes are “PROOF-POSITIVE” that dreams do indeed come true for those of us who are bold enough to believe in ourselves. So, I implore you to make it your business to go after the dream that’s been placed in your heart during this pivotal time in the history of our great nation. God bless!”
www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com — DON’T FORGET THAT “STRAIGHT-TICKET” VOTING IS NO LONGER ALLOWED IN THE STATE OF TEXAS —
Political advertising paid for by Erica R. Hughes in compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act.
“Judge Erica Hughes will be up for re-election in the March 2022 Democratic Party Primary in Harris County, Texas. Judge Erica Hughes cares about every American.”
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“I’M HONORED TO BE YOUR JUDGE!”
“As your judge of the 246th Family District Court, I promise to always serve on this bench with compassion, integrity, and respect.” — JUDGE ANGELA GRAVES-HARRINGTON
“I’M GRATEFUL FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND SUPPORT!” Dear Harris County Voters:
It is indeed an honor and privilege to serve as your judge for the 246th Family District Court in Harris County. Before being elected to the bench, I often reflected on events that have caused me to question the integrity of our courts. In January 2017, President Obama implored us to “grab a clipboard, get some signatures, and run for office” if we were disappointed in our elected officials. As fate would have it, after I entertained the thought of running for judge, I was in the audience when Congressman Castro said, “it’s time to get off the sideline and do something.” At that moment, I knew my time to effectuate change had come, and with your prayers and support, we did it! I practiced law for over a decade before becoming your judge of the 246th Family District Court. During my time on the other side of the bench, I represented clients in all phases of litigation, from mediations and arbitrations to bench and jury trials. Actively practicing law before becoming a Judge has given me a wealth of technical knowledge, but my family has been the most integral factor in preparing me to serve as a family court judge. As a wife of nearly 16 years (and counting) and mother of two sons, I understand the compassion and empathy required during times of discord and conflict. The practicality of daily family life, coupled with my years of experience representing families, has given me a unique perspective on life and the job I’ve been hired to do. As an officer of the court, I observed judges completely disregarding the rule of law and rendering decisions based on feelings (and sometimes favoritism). Litigants in Harris County courts deserve able, fair, and independent jurists on the bench and I am honored to say that I am already making a difference in Harris County, Texas. As your judge, I am fully committed to interpreting the law honestly and integrally. Every person who enters my courtroom can be confident that my rulings will be based solely on the merits of his or her case. I can assure you that justice is (now) administered in the 246th Family District Court in a fair, compassionate and impartial manner. My courtroom will continue to be one where we treat everyone with the respect he or she deserves. As your judge, I promise to always serve on this bench with compassion, integrity, and respect. May God continue to bless you and yours. Your Public Servant,
Judge Angela Graves-Harrington 246th Family District Court, Harris County, Texas
246TH FAMILY
DISTRICT COURT
“I would like to take this moment to thank a few of the organizations that endorsed me back in 2018.” — Judge Angela Graves-Harrington AFL-CIO, Harris County Labor Assembly COPE Clear Lake and Webster (CLAW) Bar Association Communication Workers of America, Local 6222 Houston Chronicle (2018 Democratic Primary) Mexican American Bar Association Houston Houston Black American Democrats Harris County Tejano Democrats
Association of Women Attorneys Texas Coalition of Black Democrats - Houston Chapter Texas Progressive Executive Council Houston GLBT Political Caucus Pleasantville Voters League International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 716 Bay Area Democratic Movement
Political Advertising paid for by Angela L. Harrington Campaign, 12 Rothwell Street, Houston, Texas 77002. Darryl D. Harrington, Treasurer, in compliance with the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act.
Judge Angela Graves-Harrington will be up for re-election in 2022.
FATHER. JUDGE. MILITARY VETERAN.
DASEAN JUDGE
“
JONES 180TH
CRIMINAL DISTRICT COURT HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS
We must be careful in how we distribute “justice”. The system has the potential to build, destroy, or do nothing. Too often the choice is to label rather than understand. Someone once told me that no matter how you spin the needle on the wheel of justice the poor, black, brown, addicted, and mentally impaired consistently face disadvantage. Studies show that many crimes are the outcome of social ills. Yet, our leaders are more focused on being agencies of punishment and brutality. If we are honest, we should seek to pull out the roots of the problems — Defeat the impetus as opposed to suppressing the outcomes in perpetuity.”
Judge DaSean Jones will be up for re-election in 2022.
NOT AFRAID TO MAKE TOUGH DECISIONS.
As an undergraduate at Tuskegee University, DaSean Jones was a member of Army ROTC. He graduated from college and immediately commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. DaSean attended the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course and volunteered for his first duty station in Uijongbu, Korea, where he worked as a Multiple Launcher Rocket System Platoon Leader. The Army taught DaSean how to make tough, life changing decisions. And as Judge of the 180th Criminal District Court he’s afforded the unique opportunity to leverage the lessons obtained from his experience as an Army combat arms officer to make tough decisions for the men and women of Harris County, Texas.
WWW.DASEANJONESFORJUDGE.COM Political advertising paid for by DaSean Jones for Judge, Tony Eiland, Treasurer, in compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act.
JUDGE LASHAWN A. WILLIAMS “Trusted Administration of Justice with Courtesy and Respect.”
HA RR IS C
OU NTY
CIV
IL C
OU RT AT L
AW NO .3
“I am honored to serve the extraordinary families, communities, and businesses of this great county in Texas!” — Judge Williams
FOREVER GRATEFUL DEAR HARRIS COUNTY VOTERS:
Judge LaShawn Williams will be up for re-election in 2022.
Not a day has gone by that I have not given thanks to God for bestowing the honor of serving as the judge for Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 3 upon me. An event such as winning an election is life-altering. My team and I worked hard to win back in the 2018 midterms. I lost count of all the places I visited, meeting wonderful people like you. You all gave me encouragement and the much-needed strength to campaign hard. You helped me silence doubt and enabled me to forge forward in faith — trusting God. I could not have done it without you. Since taking the bench back in January, my court staff and I have conducted over 13 jury trials and have received overwhelmingly good feedback from the 78 jurors who’ve performed their civic duty. These 78 jurors reported by a survey that Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 3 is doing a great job in the areas of staff performance, efficiency, courtesy, trial management, and the Court’s preparedness. When asked if they would serve again as jurors based on their experience in County Civil Court at Law No. 3, I’m pleased to inform you that
98% of the jurors said they would. I am eternally grateful for your support, and extend my endless and forever thank you for all that you have done to help me take my rightful place as judge of Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 3. You all are wonderful, and I know that you have high expectations of judicial excellence of me. I look forward to meeting and exceeding your expectations every day I take the bench. Winning my election was a huge step in a great journey. But I look forward to earning your future support and humbly ask for your prayers as my staff, and I strive to make a real difference in Harris County, Texas. Humbly yours,
LaShawn A. Williams Judge, Harris County Civil Court at Law #3
WWW.LAWFORJUDGE.COM
*Pol. Ad. Paid for by Campaign for LaShawn A. Williams for Judge, in compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Act. Michelle Boldon, Treasurer
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"JUDGE SONYA HEATH IS A FAIR AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY JUDGE!"
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Meet Judge Sonya Heath
Judge Sonya Heath will be up for re-election in 2022.
A judge must be knowledgeable, fair and impartial. Sonya's relevant familiarity and involvement in the process, with 30+ years of legal-related service, (9 years as a licensed attorney, and 23 years as a civil litigation assistant), equip her to be that judge who can identify and understand the distresses and hards h i p s t h a t f a m i l i e s e n c o u n t e r. Thereby equipping her to assist them in getting back some semblance of their previous lives, and with any success, restore their broken families. Sonya's previous experience (before being elected to the bench back in 2018) includes The Craig Washington Law Firm, the First Court of Appeals as a judicial intern and Vice Chair of the Young Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association's Family Law Committee. During 2008-2009, she was Vice Chair, Employee Benefits General Committee, Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section of the ABA, and she has served on several committees in the Mexican American Bar Association. In 2006, she was a Court Appointed Special Advocate in Rock County, Wisconsin. Sonya's law practice, accomplishments and committee involvement have prepared her to be a very good judge. Her wealth of experience and first-hand knowledge provide Sonya with the tools that are necessary to be
“HERSTORY” JUDGE SONYA HEATH UNSEATED THE REPUBLICAN INCUMBENT JUDGE LISA A. MILLARD BACK ON NOVEMBER 6, 2018 IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS — SHE WILL BE RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION IN THE MARCH 2022 PRIMARY ELECTION AUBREY R. TAYLOR REPORTS©
In case you don’t know, Judge Sonya Heath would have still defeated Republican Judge Lisa A. Millard in the race for Judge, 310th Family District Court – even without the 105,158 straightticket voting cushion she received from Democratic voters in Harris County, Texas back on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in the midterm election. Here’s why: Sonya Heath received 663,582 overall votes. When you subtract the 515,812 straight-ticket votes, you come up with 147,770 votes. Comparatively speaking, if you subtract the 410,654 straight-ticket votes, Judge Lisa A. Millard received from her overall vote total of 517,767 you come up with 107,113 votes. So, in essence, even if
you stripped away the straight-ticket votes received by Judge Sonya Heath back in 2018 she would have still hypothetically unseated the incumbent by approximately 40,657 votes back on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in the midterm election in my opinion.
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THIS MOMENT IN TEXAS HISTORY...
“Women like Judge Sonya Heath are “PROOF-POSITIVE” that dreams do indeed come true for those of us who are bold enough to believe in ourselves. So, I implore you to make it your business to go after the dream that’s been placed in your heart during this pivotal time in the history of our great nation. God bless!”
a fair and knowledgeable judge. In her personal life, Sonya enjoys and has participated in the BP MS150 cycling event (150+ miles from Houston to Austin). The fundraising event is held annually and serves to bring hope to many who are affected by multiple sclerosis. Sonya recently completed her tenure as President of the University Area Rotary Club, and was very active with the United States – Russian Intercountry Committee Rotary Exchange. Sonya also enjoys reading and being actively involved with her church, First United Methodist, downtown branch. Sonya has two adult sons, Christopher and Nicholas, who wholeheartedly support her in this campaign. Her experience, as well as commitment to improving the lives of families, makes her the best candidate for Judge of the 310th Family District Court. By supporting Heath4Judge, you are aiding Sonya and her commitment to supporting families.
— DON’T FORGET THAT “STRAIGHT-TICKET” VOTING IS NO LONGER ALLOWED IN THE STATE OF TEXAS —
Political advertisement paid for by Sonya Heath in Compliance with the Voluntary Limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act, Melinda Schmidt, Treasurer.
QUALIFIED Judge Sandra Peake will be up for re-election in 2022.
PEAKE Judge
EXPERIENCED
FAIR
257th DEMOCRAT
Family District Court
“FAMILIES FIRST!”
“Prior to becoming the Judge for the 257th Family District Court I practiced before these Courts for more than 30 years. So, I am very sensitive when it comes to the unique issues that arise in family law cases. I believe the citizens of Harris County deserve consistent application of law, courtesy and fairness. And as your Judge for the 257th Family District Court I am up to the challenge of ensuring judicial excellence by ruling decisively and with impartiality.” — JUDGE SANDRA J. PEAKE, 257TH FAMILY DISTRICT COURT IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS
“FAMILIES MATTER!”
THE HONORABLE JUDGE SANDRA J. PEAKE
In voluntary compliance with the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act. Political ad paid for by the Sandra Peake for Judge Campaign, David G. Peake, Treasurer
PROUDLY SERVING HARRIS COUNTY WITH JUDICIAL EFFICIENCY!
THANK YOU SO MUCH!
“I am thankful for every Harris County voter who cast their ballot to elect me as judge for County Criminal Court at Law #2 back on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. I promise to serve you with impartiality and blind-fold justice. I am appreciative that you’ve bestowed this honor upon me and want you to know that I will adhere to the laws as written. I will be firm, yet fair, and I will evenhandedly work to ensure that no person is pressured to enter plea agreements because of oppressive bond amounts. As your judge of County Criminal Court at Law #2, I will make informed decisions to ensure the punishment fits the crime committed and all people receive indiscriminate treatment in my courtroom.”
2022 BOWMAN
“HERSTORY” - TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2022 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
JUDGE RONNISHA BOWMAN UNSEATED THE REPUBLICAN INCUMBENT JUDGE BILL HARMON BACK ON NOVEMBER 6, 2018 IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS — SHE WILL BE RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION IN THE MARCH 2022 PRIMARY ELECTION AUBREY R. TAYLOR REPORTS©
One of the things I love most about Judge Ronnisha Bowman is the fact that she is battle-tested. I mean, she just knows how to win. While she was the underdog in both of her 2018 contests, she (in my book) proved that she can stand on her own and duke it out with the best of them! Yes, she gained my respect back on Tuesday, March 6, 2018, in the Democratic Primary when she faced off against fellow Democrat Harold J. Landreneau. While some doubted this rising “DEMOCRATIC STAR” she showed poise, grace, faith in God, and confidence in her ability to get the job done! And after the smoke had cleared, Ronnisha Bowman had amassed 74,045 votes for 53.07 percent of the vote while Landreneau fell short with 65.491 votes for 46.93 percent of the vote. But she wasn’t done! After taking out her fellow Democrat, Bowman turned her attention to the November 2018 midterms in what was supposed to be her toughest challenge – unseating the incumbent at the time, Republican Judge Bill Harmon. While many doubted her once again, calling her young and inexperienced, she took it all in stride and kept her eyes firmly affixed on her goal of becoming judge for Harris County Criminal Court #2. And in the end, her hard work, determination, tenacity,
JUDGE, COUNTY CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW #2
and unwavering faith in God propelled her to victory. “I trust God,” she proclaimed to me on Election Night as she looked back over her life in amazement at God’s faithfulness. In case you don’t remember, Ronnisha Bowman (as a candidate) earned 650,963 votes for 55.24 percent of the vote back on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, in the Midterm Election, to unseat Republican Judge Bill Harmon who could only muster 527,402 votes for 44.76 percent of the vote. So, when you hear uninformed folk say that straightticket voting is the only reason Democrats swept through Harris County, Texas back in 2018 – please share Judge Ronnisha Bowman’s inspiring story with them. After all, even if you stripped away every straight-ticket vote she received back on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, she would have still hypothetically unseated the incumbent judge at the time by more than 18,403 votes in my opinion.
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THIS MOMENT IN TEXAS HISTORY...
“Women like Judge Ronnisha Bowman are “PROOF-POSITIVE” that dreams do indeed come true for those of us who are bold enough to believe in ourselves. So, I implore you to make it your business to go after your dream during this pivotal time in the history of our great nation. God bless!”
— DON’T FORGET THAT “STRAIGHT-TICKET” VOTING IS NO LONGER ALLOWED IN THE STATE OF TEXAS — PAID POLITICAL AD BY RONNISHA BOWMAN FOR JUDGE CAMPAIGN, IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE VOLUNTARY LIMITS OF THE JUDICIAL CAMPAIGN FAIRNESS ACT, KEN D. HOUSE - TREASURER.
ATRUE GEM...
“…In short, this courtroom dealing with youthful offenders needs an overhaul, and the impressive Moore exhibits the commitment to fair and impartial justice that is currently lacking.”
“We’ve searched the Harris County archives and cannot find any election returns from a past Presidential Election Cycle or Midterm Election Cycle showing a woman of color gaining more (Harris County) countywide votes than the 674,976 gained by Michelle Moore back in the Tuesday, November 6, 2018 Midterm Election. So, from a historical perspective, Judge Michelle Moore is indeed a true gem.” – Aubrey R. Taylor, Publisher of Houston Business Connections Newspaper©
Judge Michelle Moore is Genuine
I care about the children and families of Harris County. I dedicated my entire legal career to serving the public be-
fore becoming your Judge for the 314th Juvenile District Court in Harris County, Texas. I understand the challenges that modern families face and I promise to make decisions that fit your situation while following the law.
Judge Moore brings a Fresh Perspective to the Bench
I truly believe that all children need love. Adoption is a fundamental necessity in our society. According to openly published statistics, as of June 2017, over 2,386 children in Harris County were in foster
homes. I intend to do everything within my power as Judge of the 314th Juvenile District Court to reunify families whenever it is safe to do so.
Judge Moore Has a Plan
I believe a three-prong approach is key when working with our troubled youth: rehabilitation programs (plus) mentorship (plus) education is my focus. I recognize being in a court of law can be very stressful. Knowing this, I treat every person who comes into the 314th Juvenile District Court with dignity and respect.
Judge Michelle Moore will be up for re-election in 2022.
www.michellemoorefor314th.com
JUDGE TONYA JONES HARRIS COUNTY CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW 15
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Dear Harris County Voters:
Judge Tonya Jones will be up for re-election in 2022.
“As your judge of Harris County Criminal County at Law No.15, I am committed to the task for which you have elected me. I will remain accessible and accountable to the vision of a progressive criminal justice system.”
— Judge Tonya Jones, County Criminal Court at Law No. 15
JUDGE TONYA JONES: “Allow me to introduce you to the heart of Court #15. They hold me down and without them I wouldn’t be able to focus on being the best judge I can be. There are no “big I’s or little you’s”...I don’t have staff, I have a team...and my team is pretty solid.”
Political ad paid for by Tonya Jones for Judge in compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act, D'Lenya Jones, Treasurer
JUDGE SEDRICK T. WALKER II
"I am extremely grateful to the voters of Harris County for electing me as Judge of Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 11. The 2018 election presented an opportunity to achieve impactful change in our government, and the citizens of Harris County turned out in historic numbers to make their voices heard. I have been given an incredible responsibility, and I am committed to serving on this bench with impartiality, honor, and professionalism." — JUDGE SEDRICK T. WALKER II
HARRIS COUNTY CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW NO. 11 ABOUT JUDGE WALKER
Judge Sedrick T. Walker II is a Houston native and graduate of Texas A&M University. He graduated with honors from A&M in 2005 with a B.S. in Political Science. After graduating from University of Texas School of Law in Austin, he worked as a prosecutor at the Harris County District Attorney's Office from 2009 to 2012 where he handled thousands of cases ranging from misdemeanors to 1st-degree felonies. His experience included working on every aspect of cases from the initial filing stage, gathering evidence, making grand jury presentations in felony cases, and ultimately the trial phase. As an Assistant DA, he was recognized for his willingness to work long hours, fairness in negotiations with the defense bar, and a constant commitment to a prosecutor’s ultimate duty – to seek justice, not merely to convict. After working tirelessly in the criminal courtrooms of Harris County for many years he decided to run for the Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 11 bench and won, back on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Judge Sedrick T. Walker brings a reasonable and even-keeled approach to the bench and is committed to ensuring that everyone entering his courtroom is treated with professionalism, dignity, and respect. ———————————————————
Judge Sedrick T. Walker II will be up for re-election in 2022.
www.sedrickforjudge.com
FAIR FOCUSED FORWARD-THINKING
PAID POLITICAL AD BY SEDRICK T. WALKER II FOR JUDGE CAMPAIGN, IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE VOLUNTARY LIMITS OF THE JUDICIAL CAMPAIGN FAIRNESS ACT.
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- TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2022 -
DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
Harris County Civil Court at Law #2
Judge Jim Kovach graduated from The University of Houston Law School in 1991 after earning a BBA in Marketing from The University of Texas. Having spent 26 years as an attorney in Harris County, before becoming the Judge for Harris County Civil Court at Law #2, Jim successfully handled more than 10,000 cases. His former law firm represented both Plaintiffs and Defendants, so, his balanced legal experience serves as a great asset to him on the bench. Judge Kovach reviews every case impartially, and not based on some preconceived biases. Whether a person is represented by an attorney or representing themselves, he believes everyone should start the case without any side having an unfair advantage or head start in the courtroom.
Harris VOTE Coun TO RE-ELECT J ty Civ UDGE WWW JIM F i l C ourt a . KOVACH .KOVA t Law CHFOR #2 JU
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“LIFE MAY NOT BE FAIR, BUT JUDGES SHOULD BE.”
JUDGE JIM KOVACH: “I believe everyone should start the case without any side having an unfair advantage or head start in the courtroom.”
Pol. adv. Jim Kovach Campaign. April Ayers, Treasurer. In compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act.
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ONNECTIONS
PUBLISHED BY AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS©
What Has Mayor Sylvester Turner Done for Us? LETTER TO THE EDITOR
GARY WADE: “Mayor Sylvester Turner passed on the opportunity to nominate Theldon Branch as the first African American Port of Houston Chairman earlier this year.” — PAGE 2B
BRANCH
CAMPO
FITZGERALD
Gary Wade
“Mayor Sylvester Turner will be running for re-election on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. He will be the 9th candidate listed on your ballot. If you like him, you have a right to cast your ballot for him.”
EMAIL YOUR LETTER THE EDITOR TO: aubreyrtaylor@gmail.com
“Tony Buzbee will be trying to unseat Mayor Turner on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. He will be the 10th candidate listed on your ballot. If you like him, you have a right to cast your ballot for him.”
“Sue Lovell will be trying to unseat Mayor Turner on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. She will be the 7th candidate listed on your ballot. If you like her, you have a right to cast your ballot for her.”
LETTER TO THEEditor 02B
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Experience vs. Integrity
“This “LETTER TO THE EDITOR” WAS SUBMITTED BY GARY WADE, A LOCAL BUSINESSMAN FROM HOUSTON, TEXAS.”
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Businessman Gary Wade
By Gary Wade COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDER
Let me set the record straight — back In 2015 I was the #1 supporter for our current Mayor. I block walked, I financially supported the Mayor, I did everything I could to provide support to Mayor Turner, and I was privileged to be invited to the victory party. For over 25 years Sylvester Turner wanted to be the Mayor of Houston. The third time for him was the charm. If anyone should know about the word integrity, it should be Mayor Turner. Before winning the election then-candidate, Sylvester Turner promised many from the African American Community that things would change. No change occurred, and this is not secondhand information, these statements I heard directly from Sylvester myself. My personal friend(s) and colleagues chauffeured then-candidate Sylvester Turner around this city during the campaign, and he promised that if he won the election, he would make sure that my friend(s) loyal service would not be forgotten. After winning the election, my friend and his colleagues got dropped like a hot potato. What happened to Turner’s integrity? Let’s look at another important issue that matters to the African American Community. When Sylvester Turner became the Mayor of Houston, instead of selecting a Chief of Police from among the ranks, he goes outside
of the city and brings in a Police Chief from San Antonio. Get a rope!!! Don’t get me wrong, I think Chief Art Acevedo is a great guy, but whatever happened to loyalty to our local talent? Mayor Turner also had the opportunity to appoint an African American Police Chief. Troy Fenner is a home-grown local product more than qualified to be the Police Chief. In fact, as of today, Troy Fenner is the Asst. Police Chief. Mayor Turner are you say-
chance to nominate the first African American Port of Houston Chairman as well. Theldon Branch, who many in the African American community thought was a highly qualified individual, and someone who has pretty much always supported Mayor Turner. According to Mayor Turner he did not have the support of the county. What does that have to do with the price of tea in China? It is undisputed that Mayor Turner should have nominated Theldon Branch. What happened Mayor? But he instead nominated, Ric Campo who eventually won the chairmanship in a tight vote over Clyde Fitzgerald, someone who many people thought was more qualified. You were also told that Karun Sreerama was a bad choice for the public works director, Mayor Turner. But you chose him anyway. Why? Is it because the Indo community wrote you a fat check for your campaign? Where was the integrity in that choice? I could go on and on about the lack of integrity that Mayor Turner has shown to the African American community, but the point of this “letter to the editor” is to question our Mayor’s integrity especially when it comes down to the African American community-at-large. The title of this “letter to the editor” is Integrity vs. Experience. It is undisputed that Mayor Turner has political experience. The question is does he have integrity. The very definition of integrity
EDITORIAL OPINION
ing that Troy Fenner is not qualified to be the Chief of Police of Houston, Texas? If you are not saying so, your selection certainly suggests that Troy Fenner is not qualified. Today our Fire Chief happens to be from El Paso Texas. Mr. Sam Pena, who I do not personally know. But I do know Rick Flanagan, Herbert Griffin, and Kevin Alexander, to name a few African American firefighters who just so happen to be from Houston, and is more than qualified to head up the Houston Fire Department. With so much local talent, why did you choose Sam Pena and not someone from Houston? There are many major decisions that Mayor Turner could have made that would have had a significant impact and would have benefitted the African American community. Mayor Turner had the
is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles and moral uprightness — the state of being whole and undivided. Mayor Turner has not shown that he has integrity. It’s often said, “politicians will say what they have to say to get elected.” It is no doubt that Mayor Turner has a lot of “experience” when it comes to saying whatever he has to say to win. The time is now, however, that we must not just choose a representative of our interest simply because of the color of their skin — but for the content of their character. Just because a person has experience does not mean that they have integrity.
Mayor SYLVESTER TURNER
www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com EMAIL US YOUR LETTER: aubreyrtaylor@gmail.com
“The opinions expressed in this “LETTER TO THE EDITOR” are those of the author of the letter only. This letter does not necessarily reflect the views or opinion of Aubrey R. Taylor Communications, Houston Business Connections Newspaper, our advertisers, readers, sponsors, our supporters in any way, shape, or form.
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“Bill King will be trying to unseat Mayor Turner on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. He will be the 8th candidate listed on your ballot. If you like him, you have a right to cast your ballot for him.”
“Dwight Boykins will be trying to unseat Mayor Turner on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. He will be the 11th candidate listed on your ballot. If you like him, you have a right to cast your ballot for him.
“Kendall Baker will be trying to unseat Mayor Turner on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. He will be the 5th candidate listed on your ballot. If you like him, you have a right to cast your ballot for him.”
“Victoria Romero will be trying to unseat Mayor Turner on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. She will be the 3rd candidate listed on your ballot. If you like her, you have a right to cast your ballot for her.”
“Derrick Broze will be trying to unseat Mayor Turner on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. He will be the 6th candidate listed on your ballot. If you like him, you have a right to cast your ballot for him.”
“Demetria Smith will be trying to unseat Mayor Turner on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. She will be the 1st candidate listed on your ballot. If you like her, you have a right to cast your ballot for her.”
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Marina Angelica Coryat filed for District A Council Member Seat on Houston election deadline
(Houston, Texas) - Back on Monday, August 19, 2019, Marina Angelica Coryat filed her application to be placed on the ballot for the upcoming November election. Coryat, a first time political candidate, is seeking election for the Houston City Council Member, District A position. District A includes key areas such as Spring Branch and a portion of Acres Homes. There will be no incumbent for this seat on the November 2019 ballot. “District A residents are concerned about flooding and drainage, infrastructure, and basic city services like garbage collection, sewage and public safety. I am running for this seat to give all District A residents a voice at the Houston City Council table for these top issues as well as more. I look forward to unveiling our plans for a better district A,” said Coryat. Although this is Coryat’s first time running for office, she is not a novice to government. She is an Ivy leaguer having graduated from Cornell University with a major in government. Coryat is a 21-year veteran with the City of Houston; she worked in the Mayor’s Citizens Assistance Office, Housing and Community Develop-
her Communications Director. After working at the City of Houston, Coryat took a leap of faith and ventured into the private sector. She became the Regional Public Relations Supervisor for the agency that managed the McDonald’s Owners Operators Association of Greater Houston. Following her stint there, Coryat became the Senior Manager fore Media and Community Relations with Blue Cross and Blue Shield where she managed media and community relations strategies and programs for the Houston and Southeast Texas region. She engaged in community involvement activities by overseeing regional corporate philanthropic efforts and establishing and maintaining media, governmental, chamber, and key stakeholder relationships. Two weeks prior to Hurricane Harvey, Coryat began her own business, Refined Communications LLC. Coryat is life-time member and has been an ambassador with local companies for the Greater Houston Partnership.
Coryat serves on the Board of Directors with the Houston Area Urban League. For the last few years, she chairs the HAUL’s Fund Development Committee and cochaired its 49th Annual Equal Opportunity Day Gala. Coryat also served as a Board Member and Advisory Board Member for Career and Recovery Resources, Inc., a United Way organization. Coryat also is a volunteer mentor (commonly referred to as a “Big” ) to a little brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Coryat is a graduate from Leadership Houston, Trimm Institute for Global Leadership, and Center for Houston’s Future. She is an active member of Windsor Village Church where she serves on the Prayer Team; She is also the founder of SunArise International Ministries.
PRESS RELEASE
Marina Coryat for District A
ment Department and the Solid Waste Management Department(SWMD). In her 18 years of serving in the SWMD, she served as the chief spokesperson and directed and organized all departmental information for programs, special events, press conferences, media interviews, website, social media, Texas Public Information Act requests, as well as City Council requests. Coryat currently works for State Representative Senfronia Thompson as
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For more info and photos, please contact: Sharon Jenkins 281-516-8390
GLADYS HOUSE FOR DISTRICT C ELECTION DAY: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2019 HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT C SPOTLIGHT
Preservation of Neighborhoods on national and local levels; saved heritage brick streets; obtained largest historic district of its kind in America
Renamed Westheimer HPD Storefront in honor of Sgt. R.V. Wilson in 2019
Co-Founder of CDC of Greater Houston to empower residents in their neighborhoods economically Partnership for Houston neighborhood improvements
Recognized as community worker by United Nations in September of 2012 Business owner for nearly 20 years
Challenged banks to reinvest in neighborhoods since 1998
Constantly seeking transparency and justice for neighborhoods at Houston City Hall
Gladys
HOUSE
www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com Political ad paid for by Elect Gladys House Campaign, Gertha Giles, Treasurer.
EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2019, AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019
“It’s imperative that we make it our business to elect the “BEST-QUALIFIED” candidates who value “US” whenever we go to the polls to cast our ballot.”
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“Johnny “J.T.” Taylor will be trying to unseat Mayor Turner on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. He will be the 12th candidate listed on your ballot. If you like him, you have a right to cast your ballot for him.”
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“I’M ASKING FOR YOUR VOTE AND SUPPORT!”
Dear District B Voters
I would like to take this moment to share how Houston has shaped my life, through a 30-plus year leadership journey. I was raised in 5th Ward during the height of it’s economic boom and honorably served in the United States Navy. After serving as President of the Greater Fifth Ward Super Neighborhood Council, I became chief of staff to District B Councilmember Jarvis Johnson and and later District F Councilmember Richard Nyugen. I’m currently lucky to serve in the City of Houston Department of Neighborhoods. As a steadfast public servant, I’ve devoted my life to making Houston safer and stronger for all people, especially communities of color. For over 30 years, we’ve helped alot of great people solve tough issues. That’s why I am well prepared to lead our district to new heights. It would be my honor to serve as your District B Council member. I’d love to have your support on November 5. (Early Voting: Oct. 21 - Nov. 1).
“Naoufal Houjami will be trying to unseat Mayor Turner on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. He will be the 2nd candidate listed on your ballot. If you like him, you have a right to cast your ballot for him.”
Alvin Byrd, 2019 Candidate for Houston City Council District B
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Please visit my website and donate $25 or more to assist me in my quest to become your next Houston City Council District B representative.
WWW.ALVINBYRD.COM
Paid for by the Alvin Byrd Campaign.
“Roy J. Vasquez will be trying to unseat Mayor Turner on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. He will be the 4th candidate listed on your ballot. If you like him, you have a right to cast your ballot for him.”
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“AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Please make it your business to research these candidates before going to the polls to cast your vote!” Positions Drawn on the ballot for the Tues., November 5, 2019 General Election
Mayor
Demetria Smith Naoufal Houjami Victoria Romero Roy J. Vasquez Kendall Baker Derrick Broze Sue Lovell Bill King Sylvester Turner Tony Buzbee Dwight A. Boykins Johnny “J.T.” Taylor
Council Member, District — A
Mehdi Cherkaoui Amy Peck Marina Angelica Coryat Lois Myers George Harry Zoes Iesheia Ayers-Wilson
Council Member, District — B
Alice Kirkmon Ben White, Jr. Karen “KKC” KossieChernyshev Robin J. Anderson Broderick F. Butler Alvin Byrd Cynthia Bailey Prince E.W. Bryant II Karisma D. Gillam Tarsha Jackson Kenneth Perkins Renee Jefferson Smith Huey German-Wilson Alyson Quintana
Council Member, District — C Kevin Walker Amanda Wolfe Michelle Gianz Sean P. Marshall Gladys House Mary Jane Smith Bob Nowak Abbie Kamin Daphne Scarbrough Candelario Cervantez Greg Meyers Shelley Kennedy
Council Member, District — D Jerome Provost Ken Moore Carolyn Evans-Shabazz T. “Nissi” Hamilton Carla Brailey Mike Grissom Travis McGee Brad “Scarface” Jordan Dontrell L. Montgomery Anthony Kirk Allen Dennis Griffin Rashad Cave Terrill D. Thomas Marlon A. Christian Andrew C. Burks, Jr.
Council Member, District — E Dave Martin Sam Cleveland
Council Member, District — F Tiffany D. Thomas Jesus Zachary Zamora G. “John” Nguyen Richard Nguyen Anthony Nelson Van Huynh
Council Member, District — G Tom Baker Greg Travis Crystal Pletka
Council Member, District — H Gaby Salcedo Cynthia Reyes-Revilla Karla Cisneros Isabel Longoria
Council Member, District — I Robert Gallegos Richard “Rick” Gonzales
Council Member, District — J Andrew “Drew” Patterson Barry Curtis Sandra Rodriguez Nelvin Adriatico Federico “Freddie” Cuellar II Edward Pollard Rafael Galvan
Council Member, District — K Gerry Vander-Lyn Martha Castex-Tatum Kim Sauke
Council Member, At-Large — Position #1
Mike Knox Georgia Provost Raj Salhotra Yolanda Navarro Flores Larry Blackmon
Council Member, At-Large — Position #2
David W. Robinson Willie R. Davis M. “Griff” Griffin Emily Muñoz Detoto Jim Honey
Council Member, At-Large — Position #3
Jose Carlos Gonzalez Michael Kubosh Marcel McClinton Janaeya Carmouche
Council Member, At-Large
Houston Independent School District — DISTRICT II
Cloe V. Short Arthur J. Smith Katherine BluefordDaniels Jevon D. German John C. Gibbs
Houston Independent School District — District III
Sergio Lira Daniela E. Hernandez
Houston Independent School District — District IV
Reagan D. Flowers Patricia K. Allen Larry L. McKinzie Ashley Butler Matthew C. Barnes
Houston Independent School District —District VIII
L. Diana Davila Judith A. Cruz
— Position #4
Ericka McCrutcheon Tiko Hausman James “Joe” Joseph Jennifer Laney Nick Hellyar Bill Baldwin Jason Rowe Anthony Dolcefino Christel Bastida Javier Gonzalez Letitia Plummer
Council Member, At-Large — Position #5
J. Brad Batteau Ralph “Rafa” Garcia Catherine Garcia Flowers Eric Dick Sonia Rivera Michelle Bonton Sallie Alcorn Ashton P. Woods Marvin McNeese, Jr.
Houston Community College Board Trustee — DISTRICT I
Dave Wilson Dakota John Stormer Monica Flores Richart
Houston Community College Board Trustee — DISTRICT II
Brendon Singh Kathleen Lynch-Gunter Linda Murray Rhonda Skillern-Jones
Houston Community College Board Trustee — DISTRICT VII
Cynthia Lenton-Gary ****NO OPPONENT
EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON OCTOBER 21, 2019
Mike Knox is a native Houstonian. He married his high school sweetheart in 1977 and they have raised one son; who now serves the city as a Houston Police Officer. Mike Knox obtained an Associate of Arts degree from the Houston Community College and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston – Downtown while working as a Houston Police Officer.
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Mike has a long history of honorable public service. Mike Knox is a veteran who served in the United States Air Force and served over 15 years as a Houston Police Officer. Mike was one of two officers responsible for the creation of the Houston Police Department’s first divisional gang unit in 1988 and helped create and served on the original board of directors for the Texas Gang Investigators Association. Mike authored a book entitled Gangsta in the House; Understanding Gang Culture, which was published in 1995. This book added to the knowledge base on gang culture and was recognized in 2001 by the National Gang Research Center who awarded it the prestigious “Thrasher” award. Mike served his fellow officers as a Board Member of the Houston Police Patrolmen’s Union and chaired the HPPU Political Action Committee. In addition, he served as editor of the “Sentinel” (HPPU) monthly newsletter. Shortly after publishing his book in 1995, Mike began a consulting business focused on helping law enforcement, schools districts, and communities understand and deal with street gangs and violent youthful offenders. Mike Knox has served his community as a board member of the Spring Branch Education Foundation and was among the original funders of the Spring Branch ISD “Fund for the Future” endowment. He contributed to the creation of the Spring Branch Good Neighbor program. Mike was recruited in 2007 to help the Spring Branch Management District develop the Public Safety component of its service plan and worked as their Director of Community Service for three years. For the past seven years Mike Knox has served as the President of the Yupon Estates Homeowners Association. Mike has a deep interest and investment in Houston and believes Houston City Council deserves a dedicated servant.
ELECTION DAY: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2019
Political Analyst Jacquie Baly has endorsed Council Member Mike Knox in the race for Houston City Council At-Large Position #1 on Tuesday, November 5, 2019.
EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2019 AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019
“Councilman Mike Knox is a public servant who values, respects, ® and appreciates our vote, prayers, and support!”
www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com “It’s imperative that we make it our business to elect the “BEST-QUALIFIED” candidates who value “US” whenever we go to the polls to cast our ballot.”
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The Grand Tuscany Hotel 12801 Northwest Freeway Houston, TX 77040
Metropolitan Multi Service Center 1475 West Gray Street Houston, TX 77019 Texas Southern University - Terry Library 3100 Cleburne Street Houston, TX 77004
Ripley House Neighborhood Center 4410 Navigation Boulevard Houston, TX 77011
University of Houston - University Center 4800 Calhoun Road Houston, TX 77004
Moody Park Community Center 3725 Fulton Street Houston, TX 77009 Young Neighborhood Library 5107 Griggs Road Houston, TX 77021
SPJST Lodge 88 1435 Beall Street Houston, TX 77008
Kashmere Multi Service Center 4802 Lockwood Drive Houston, TX 77026 Fiesta Mart 8130 Kirby Drive Houston, TX 77054
Harris County Public Health 2223 West Loop South Freeway Houston, TX 77027 HCCS Southeast College 6960 Rustic Street Houston, TX 77087
HCC West Loop South 5601 West Loop South Houston, TX 77081 Sunnyside Multi-Service Center 9314 Cullen Boulevard Houston, TX 77051
Trini Mendenhall Community Center 1414 Wirt Road Houston, TX 77055
Acres Homes Multi Service Center 6719 West Montgomery Road Houston, TX 77091 Northeast Multi Service Center 9720 Spaulding Street Houston, TX 77016
Galena Park Library 1500 Keene Street Galena Park, TX 77547
Hardy Senior Center 11901 West Hardy Road Houston, TX 77076 Bayland Park Community Center 6400 Bissonnet Street Houston, TX 77074
John Phelps Courthouse 101 South Richey Street Pasadena, TX 77506
ENGAGING
East Harris County Activity Center 7340 Spencer Highway Pasadena, TX 77505
Baytown Community Center 2407 Market Street Baytown, TX 77520
Hiram Clarke Multi Service Center 3810 West Fuqua Street Houston, TX 77045
Octavia Fields Branch Library 1503 South Houston Avenue Humble, TX 77338
Big Stone Lodge 709 Riley Fuzzel Road Spring, TX 77373
Tracy Gee Community Center 3599 Westcenter Drive Houston, TX 77042
Prairie View A&M University Northwest 9449 Grant Road Houston, TX 77070
North Channel Branch Library 15741 Wallisville Road Houston, TX 77049
Freeman Branch Library 16616 Diana Lane Houston, TX 77062
Lone Star College Victory Center 4141 Victory Drive Houston, TX 77088
County Attorney Conference Center 1019 Congress Houston, TX 77002
INFORMATIVE
BakerRipley East Aldine Campus 3000 Aldine Mail Route Road Houston, TX 77039
Raindrop Turkish House 9301 West Bellfort Boulevard Houston, TX 77031
Nottingham Park 926 Country Place Drive Houston, TX 77079
Alief ISD Administration Building 4250 Cook Road Houston, TX 77072
Harris County Scarsdale Annex 10851 Scarsdale Boulevard Houston, TX 77089
Fallbrook Church 12512 Walters Road Houston, TX 77014
Katherine Tyra Branch Library 16719 Clay Road Houston, TX 77084
Harris County MUD 81 805 Hidden Canyon Road Katy, TX 77450
Kingwood Community Center 4102 Rustic Woods Drive Kingwood, TX 77345
Klein Multipurpose Center 7500 FM 2920 Spring , TX 77379
Champion Forest Baptist Church 4840 Strack Road Houston, TX 77069
Juergen's Hall Community Center 26026 Hempstead Highway Cypress, TX 77429
Lone Star College Cypress Center 19710 Clay Road Katy, TX 77449
Tomball Public Works Building 501B James Street Tomball, TX 77375
Crosby Branch Library 135 Hare Road Crosby, TX 77532
Atascocita Branch Library 19520 Pinehurst Trail Drive Atascocita, TX 77346
Katy Branch Library 5414 Franz Road Katy, TX 77493
October 21st - October 26th 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. October 27th 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. October 28th - November 1st 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Iesheia Ayers Wilson City of Jersey Village City Hall 16327 Lakeview Drive Jersey Village, TX 77040
Richard & Meg Weekley Community Center 8440 Greenhouse Road Cypress, TX 77433
HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT A SPOTLIGHT
FOR HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL
DISTRICT A
“I’M RUNNING TO REPRESENT ALL HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT A RESIDENTS”
I
Representing ALL!!! For too long our elected officials have neglected our communities with funds and services. I’m going to be the one that listens to the people and hears their needs and take action at City Hall. I want to bring transparency back to the city, I am going to work with the homeless community, I want to reorganize the City of Houston's Citizens Review Board where community leaders along with City Council and law enforcement are on the board to make sure the community has a voice and can be heard. I want to work directly community activist who are actually doing the work to see how the City can better assist them so we all can be successful. I want to make sure Houston is represented in a positive light for ALL!
IESHEIA AYERS WILSON: “My name is Iesheia K. Ayers-Wilson and I running to be YOUR next City Council Representative. I grew up in Carverdale, TX on the outskirts of Fairbanks, Jersey Village and Spring Branch. I grew up in a family where there were five children so I definitely know how to pull my weight as the fourth child. I pride myself on being a hard worker, dedicated servant and a responsible leader. I graduated from Cypress Falls High School and I am recent graduate at Lone Star CollegeCyfair Campus with a degree in Business Accounting looking forward to pursuing my Bachelor's at University of Houston-Down-
town!!!! (soon) I am married to my wonderful husband who always supports my endeavors and believes in me and my vision. I attend church at Mt. Zion MBC where I am under the leadership of Pastor and First Lady Joshua Davis. I love working in my church and helping as many people as I can. I am here to serve the people any capacity inside and outside the church. I am not new to helping the community. I am an active member of Carverdale Community Civic Club and attend other club meetings. I like to remain in the background because helping people is not about me it’s
about doing what is suppose to be done in order to help others grow. I am looking forward to working with every citizen , Mayor and Council Member to help improve not only my district, but the City of Houston. I am ready to get to work for the city. I believe change is something that has to happen rather good or bad. You just have to roll with the punches until you can adjust!”
WWW.IESHEIAWILSON.COM Sincerely,
Iesheia Ayers Wilson
Iesheia Ayers Wilson For Houston City Council District A
Political Ad Paid for by the Iesheia Wilson Campaign,Treasurer Detra Holcomb
EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2019 AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019
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Allies
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Rather Than Competitors
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By Carroll G. Robinson
The violence that has occurred in El Paso is more than a wake-up call on gun violence and the need for real gun control in our nation.
It is also a reminder that the hate of white nationalism is not just focused against the Black community. El Paso must be a wake-up call for Hispanic Americans to realize that it is time for Black and Brown America to build a true alliance of cooperation and stop viewing each other as competitors in a zerosum game of access to economic opportunities, prosperity, a full share of the American Dream and seats at the table of political power and influence in our local communities, states and nationally. It is past time that we come together and build alliances not only between our two communities but also with the Asian/South Asian community and all the international people of our communities. It could be that our coming together will demonstrate what our nation should look like. We should never be divided when it comes to injustice. An injury to any of our communities is an injury to justice and equality. There should never be a time when we look at injustice as another groups problem. Once we have finished mourning all who were killed in El Paso and Dayton, let's come together and start the real work that is required to make us safer, more prosperous and that will move our nation forward without having to wait for Washington, D.C. or Austin to do what they should have done years ago.
www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com “It’s imperative that we make it our business to elect the “BEST-QUALIFIED” candidates who value “US” whenever we go to the polls to cast our ballot.”
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...AUDIA JONES FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY 2020
“We need change, not broken promises of reform. I’m running for district attorney because we need a DA for the many, not the few.” — Audia Jones for Harris County District Attorney 2020
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2020 Candidate for Harris County D.A. Rolls Out Policies To Keep People Out of Jail
Audia Jones, 2020 Candidate for Harris County District Attorney recently unveiled her plans for bold progressive reforms in Harris County. She vows to increase public safety while ending mass incarceration. Read more about her plans to bring balance back to sentencing.
THE PLATFORM
Public safety is compromised every day in Harris County because our elected leaders choose to focus the
attention of the criminal justice system on low-level crime while failing to solve and successfully prosecute some of the most serious crimes. This approach is costly, counterproductive, and cruel. It creates a cycle of incarceration that destroys people and families without doing anything to make us safer. The current District Attorney promised that she would reform this broken system, but sadly little has changed. We are still locking up people for possessing marijuana and detaining people who are presumed innocent because they cannot afford the high bail amounts requested at the direction of the current District Attorney. We need to rewrite the rules of our criminal justice system in Harris County. We must focus our resources on holding people accountable for the most serious crimes, and investing in evidence-based services like mental health and drug treatment that we know work to interrupt cycles of crime and help people become stable, contributing members to their families and communities. That’s the justice system Audia Jones will fight for everyday as your District Attorney. Audia is running for District Attorney because true
criminal justice reform in Harris County requires policies that will:
Increase Safety While Ending Mass Incarceration; End Excessive Punishment; Ensuring That No One Is Above The Law; Support Crime Survivors; and, Build Community Trust.
INCREASE SAFETY WHILE ENDING MASS INCARCERATION
Incarceration should always be the last resort, but right now we treat incarceration as the default way to hold people accountable. People who pose no threat to public
AUDIA JONES FOR D.A.
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EARLY VOTING WILL BEGIN ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2020, AND END ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020
“It’s imperative that we make it our business to elect the “BEST-QUALIFIED” candidates who value “US” whenever we go to the polls to cast our ballot.”
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...AUDIA JONES FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY 2020
“Real change begins the moment we have honest conversations with the people who genuinely want to see change made and make change happen.” — Audia Jones for Harris County District Attorney 2020
2020 Candidate for Harris County D.A. Rolls Out Policies To Keep People Out of Jail
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safety should not be jailed, particularly when they’re only there because they can’t afford to pay to get out. As District Attorney, Audia will stop seeking cash bail and will seek to eliminate pretrial incarceration unless necessary to ensure community safety or to prevent willful failure to return to court. Furthermore, we must recognize that the incarceration for certain criminal offenses does little to increase public safety, and, instead, only makes our communities more dangerous by making people and their families even less stable. This is particularly true for brown and black
families, because prosecution of low-level crimes contribute to a persistent racial imbalance in our criminal justice system- for example, even though Latinos, African-Americans and white people use marijuana at the same rate, Latinos and African-Americans are more likely to be arrested, charged, and convicted than their white counterparts. In order to focus on those crimes that affect public safety, Audia will de-prioritize low level offenses like marijuana possession and criminal trespass when the trespass occurred due to a person’s homelessness. The prosecution of these cases in particular draws vital resources and attention away from the cases that need it the most, and contribute to racial disparities in our criminal justice system. Harris County must also focus on programs that build
both the individual and their community. Audia will expand no-fee diversion programs, which have been shown to reduce rates of re-arrest, for crimes such as theft, and crimes of poverty and homelessness. She will ensure that prosecutor-led diversion programs are administered in ways that are fair to citizens and non-citizens alike, and that ability to pay fees is not a barrier to treatment. Possession of small amounts of narcotics will be handled effectively, by treating the problem as one of a public health issue and not something that the criminal justice system can solve on it’s own.
AUDIA JONES FOR D.A.
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EARLY VOTING WILL BEGIN ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2020, AND END ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020
“It’s imperative that we make it our business to elect the “BEST-QUALIFIED” candidates who value “US” whenever we go to the polls to cast our ballot.”
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“Real change begins the moment we have honest conversations with the people who genuinely want to see change made and make change happen.� - AUDIA JONES
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...AUDIA JONES FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY 2020
“We need change, not broken promises of reform. I’m running for district attorney because we need a DA for the many, not the few.” — Audia Jones for Harris County District Attorney 2020
2020 Candidate for Harris County D.A. Rolls Out Policies To Keep People Out of Jail
ENDING EXCESSIVE PUNISHMENT
Harris County has sent more people to death row than any other county in Texas. The retrograde practice risks the execution of a wrongly convicted person, serves no purpose beyond retribution, and is disproportionately applied to people of color. As District Attorney, Audia Jones will use her voice at the legislature to oppose capital punishment in Texas and she will end Harris County’s ignoble position as one of the country’s largest producers of death sentences and executions. Our prisons have become one of the largest health care providers in the country for older Americans who have spent decades behind bars for crimes they committed in their youth. Moreover, there are thousands of people serving long or life sentences in Texas that have served enough time, transformed their lives while incarcerated, and no longer present any serious safety risk to the community. Audia Jones will actively advocate for parole and compassionate release for those who are elderly or sick, and for everyone who has earned a second
chance to re-enter society as a productive neighbor and community member.
NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW
While our criminal justice system targets the poor, people of color, the homeless, and those who are mentally ill, more serious crimes and abuses of power are far too often left unpunished. This is why Audia Jones will follow best practices and expand oversight to hold all individuals equally accountable under the law including, Powerful Actors, to increase public trust in law enforcement while decreasing socially-damaging crimes. We must also make sure that the people and corporations who commit serious harms to our environment through their criminal actions are held accountable, and that people and corporations that steal wages from our most vulnerable communities are not able to do so without consequence. Finally, it is a black-eye to our justice system that nearly 40% of homicides go unsolved. Nothing under-
mines confidence in the law and respect for law enforcement than failing to solve murders while focusing resources on marijuana prosecutions. We have too much punishment and too little accountability. As District Attorney, Audia will ensure that resources saved by ending unnecessary prosecution and imprisonment of poor people will be redirected to investigate high-level and violent cases in an adequate and timely manner, ensuring that we can justly prosecute those offenses that affect our communities the most, in a way that does not punish race or poverty.
SUPPORT CRIME SURVIVORS
For too long, the primary way that prosecutors show crime survivors that we care about the harm done to them is to treat the person who committed the harm as harshly as possible — locking them up and throwing away the key. However, a recent survey of Texas crime survivors shows that harsh treatment of the offender is not the support that survivors want or need.
www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com EARLY VOTING WILL BEGIN ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2020, AND END ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020
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treatment, mental health services, or job training we make people more stable and connected to their communities, and therefore less likely to be a perpetrator or victim of crime in the future.
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What crime survivors want most is to make sure that the harm never happens to them or anyone else again. This is especially important because crime survivors often live in the same homes and often even in the same bodies as people who perpetrate harm. Since most people who go to jail or prison will re-enter society again, the smartest course of action is to focus resources on stopping the cycle of harm. That’s why the vast majority of crime survivors want their elected leaders to focus just as much on investing far more resources on treatment and prevention as they do on punishment. Instability and vulnerability breed cycles of harm and violence. So, when we focus on drug
BUILDING COMMUNITY TRUST
Audia Jones recognizes that repeated systemic failures and broken promises of reform have severely eroded public trust in Harris County’s criminal justice system. Under her leadership, the Harris County D.A.’s Office will establish a community advisory board to provide community leaders with a public forum to voice concerns or provide feedback regarding office policies and actions. The District Attorney’s office will also assign public points of contact for communities, hold frequent town halls for public comment, and clearly communicate reasons for prosecutorial action or inaction regarding cases
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in the public interest. Audia will use her platform as Harris County District Attorney to advocate for important policy reforms and investment in our communities, such as in education, housing, and healthcare, and pledges to work with other county officials and departments to meet these shared goals. It’s long past time to acknowledge that Harris County’s social and economic problems will not be solved by prosecution and incarceration. We will build a safer, stronger Harris County by holding more people accountable, ending excessive punishment, and decreasing our bloated jail and prison populations and preparing people to thrive back home in their families and communities. After enduring decades of abuse and mistreatment, our communities have had enough. We need big, bold reform not more broken promises. Audia Jones is running for District Attorney because we need a District Attorney who will fight for all of us.
Join the Campaign: info@audiajones.com
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GROUND GAME ...FORT BEND COUNTY
“We Must Keep Floyd Emery as our Missouri City Council District D Council Member.” — FORMER MAYOR ALLEN OWEN
THE MOST ETHNICALLY DIVERSE COUNTY IN AMERICA
PUBLISHED BY AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS©
FORT BEND COUNTY
LET’S RE-ELECT FLOYD EMERY ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH Missouri City, Texas
UPCOMING ELECTION
Houston Business Connections Newspaper© Congratulates Dr. Cynthia Lenton Gary
ELECTION NEWS: “Dr. Cynthia Lenton-Gary (pictured far left) will become the Houston Community College Board Trustee for District VII on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Dr. Cynthia Lenton-Gary is the only candidate on the entire Tuesday, November 5, 2019 General Election ballot who does not have an opponent. She is pictured above with a few other distinguished African American women at Christian Bible Church — The Powerhouse of Love. AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “WAY TO GO CYNTHIA LENTON GARY WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU AND YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENT.”
2020 PRIMARY
MANISH SETH: “I’m humbly asking for your vote, prayers and support in 2020.”
Manish Seth and his family are depending on your vote, prayers, and support in Fort Bend County.
FORT BEND COUNTY ELECTION NEWS: “I would like to inform all Fort Bend County voters that Neeta Sane will be running for Fort Bend County, Tax Assessor Collector on Tuesday, March 3, 2020. Early voting will begin on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, and end on Friday, February 28, 2020.
RE-ELECT FLOYD EMERY FOR MISSOURI CITY COUNCIL — DISTRICT D
“I’M ASKING FOR YOUR VOTE ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2019.”
Ensure Public Safety Protect Property & Family Values Attract New Businesses w w w EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2019, AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019 PAID POL. AD BY FLOYD EMERY CAMPAIGN, FRED GRATES, TREASURER
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RE-ELECT FLOYD EMERY FOR MISSOURI CITY COUNCIL — DISTRICT D
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- DISTRICT D -
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MESSAGE FOR RESIDENTS OF MISSOURI CITY
ACCOMPLISHMENTS ALLIANCES HOA/CITY
I take great pride in being responsive to the HOA Boards and the many residents they represent. In addition to attending HOA Board and Annual meetings, I listen and respond to the concerns, suggestions and recommendations of the residents of Quail Valley, sections of Quail Valley East, Lake Olympia, Lakeshore Harbour, Creekmont South , Waterbrook(s), Silver Ridge(s) and other equally important neighborhoods in District D. With the outstanding support and solution-based action of the Missouri City Staff we have made great strides in making Missouri City and District D the place we are proud to call home. PUBLIC SAFETY
Missouri City continues to be ranked as one of the safest cities in Texas. Our police and fire personnel complimented with the latest equipment, technology, and training required to protect our citizens and safety personnel, has been one of my major priorities. Through the ongoing competitive assessment of our salary and benefit plans we continue to attract and retain quality personnel. From 2011 thru 2017, we have added 32 additional sworn and non-sworn officers to our police force including the formation of a 4 person motorcycle squad. Additionally, we have provided our officers with Body and Patrol Car Cameras providing an additional level of safety and transparency for our officers and the citizens they serve. During this same period, we have added 13 additional Firefighters and opened fire station #5 as we strived to maintain our response time standards. Our Fire Department achieved an ISO 1 insurance designation, 1 of only 100 Cities across the nation to receive this highest Insurance classification. Through these initiatives and actions, Missouri City continues to maintain our ‘Safest Texas City’ designation. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Working with the former Mayor and fellow councilmembers, we have overseen the commercial development of two major business parks in Missouri City. Lakeview and Park 8/Ninety is home to Ben E Keith, Fed Ex, Best Buy, Niagara Water and over 30 additional well established and recognized businesses. From these and other new businesses we have added over $500 million in new taxable property, provided an employment opportunity for over 1500 new jobs/positions for Missouri City residents and an increase in property tax revenue from our commercial base. With this emphasis on commercial growth we are experiencing a larger share of our property tax revenue from the business sector thereby providing
relief to our residential property tax base citizens. Our sales tax revenue stream, which is the secondlargest source of revenue, has increased significantly. The expansion of retail businesses along Hwy. 6, FM 1092 and other prime locations are fueling this increase. SOLID WASTE
In 2016 the City contracted with a single waste management company, and the cost of waste collection to our residents, MUD’s, HOA’s and businesses was lowered by $1.5 million annually. Besides this agreement allowed the City to initiate a recycling program which many citizens had urged us to implement. This recycling program continues to grow as more and more of our citizens recognize the value of recycling. FINANCIAL AWARENESS
Our City Staff continues to search out opportunities to reduce the cost of doing the business of Missouri City. As an example, in 2017, the cost of funding $72 million of our indebtedness, using lower interest rates available in the bond marketplace, resulted in a $7 million savings to the City. Missouri City continues to receive high praise and awards for our budget process, the transparency of our financial records all made available to our citizens, regulatory officials, and other stakeholders. As a result of our fiscal policies, our Bond rating was recently upgraded from AA- to AA thereby providing access to lower interest rates when borrowing is needed. Our City Manager, Anthony Snipes, has implemented programs that establish our short and long term budget and Capital needs. He has developed a management structure and process that brings all staff members into the budget process thereby promoting ownership of this process. As a result, in the 2018 budget process the staff identified $2.4 million reductions in budget funding requests.
ANIMAL CONTROL
In 2018 the Council called for the examination and inspection of our Animal Shelters’ charter and its associated policies, practices, and funding needs. Through this review, new procedures for our dedicated volunteers were implemented, a policy for the compassionate handling and treatment of pets in City custody was developed, an effective program reuniting lost pets with their owners and policy for finding new homes through the adoption of animals in our care was implemented. To these initiatives the Animal Shelter funding was increased significantly, a full-time Shelter Manager was hired and we contracted with a licensed veterinarian. We are working with this business model and will be diligent to ensure that Missouri City has a humane and comprehensive policy for the care of animals.
During Hurricane Harvey, approximately 360 homes out of an approximate 27,000 homes located in Missouri City had some form of flooding. While one is too many, this experience reflects that our drainage program(s) which includes the use of streets as emergency retention and the designed retention areas around the City was effective. In spite of the enormous amount of rainfall experienced in Missouri City and the flood level on the Brazos River the City’s Emergency Management Operations Center performed effectively and mitigated several potential flooding events in Missouri City.
MOBILITY
This continued to be a major issue and priority over the last few years due to the business and residential growth experienced in Missouri City and the surrounding areas. To mitigate this issue the City has taken action including; the installation of additional turn lanes at major intersections; additional left turn on yellow signals; upgrading equipment needed to synchronize traffic flow at major roads/intersections; signage, restriping and additions of Stop, Yield and speed control signage on major roadways and neighborhood streets. Additionally, certain major mobility projects including the extension of Vicksburg Blvd.to Lake Olympia Parkway, Hurricane Lane roadway completion, traffic control improvements at intersections of Watts Plantation at Sienna Parkway and Ft. Bend Toll Road at Sienna Parkway were undertaken and completed.
INFRASTRUCTURE
From our inventory of infrastructure needs covering streets, sidewalks and bridges the following projects were completed: safety mandated replacement of 2 bridges in QV with a third in design; replacement of Thunderbird street and adjoining sidewalks; section of Misty Hollow street and sidewalks; Ashmont street and sidewalks; major sections of pavement on Cypress Point, La Quinta, El Dorado, Lake Olympia, Crow Valley, Quail Valley East and other areas in need of major repair. Sidewalks are being repaired or replaced based on a needs and priority assessment recently completed by our Public Works staff and to the extent where funding is available.
QUAIL VALLEY GOLF COURSE AND CITY CENTRE
We continue to monitor the financial and operational health of this amenity. Over the last 4 years, operations and management performance reflect a range of 96% to 103% of revenue to operating cost. In 2017 this amenity recorded over 60,000 rounds of golf, 161 corporate or charity events and 364 non-golf
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“This double-page spread is a political advertisement paid for by the Floyd Emery campaign, Fred Grates Treasurer. Please be reminded that Floyd Emery is asking for your vote in the Tuesday, November 5, 2019, race for Missouri City Council District D.”
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events at the Golf Course and City Centre, thus making it the number one attraction site for visitors and residents (estimated at 130,000) to Missouri City. Many of these events draw sales tax-paying visitors to Missouri City as they utilize the Golf Course, the City Centre venue for special occasions and food and beverage. Equally important is the visitor’s potential use and sales tax generation at other Missouri City retail businesses. The golf facility caters to many local High School and College boys and girls golf teams, the First Tee at Quail Valley, golfers from all sections of Missouri City and numerous golfing visitors from surrounding Cities, Counties and out of State/Country. Golfers visiting and using our facility cut across all age groups, gender and demographic lines truly reflecting a balanced use of the Golf Course and City Centre at Missouri City. When assessing the value of this amenity to Missouri City, the demonstrated fact that home values in Quail Valley and the immediate surrounding neighborhoods were stabilized and increased by the City’s purchase and rebuilding of this amenity. This action translates into an increase in residential property tax revenue thereby offsetting the payment of the property acquisition Bonds that were approved overwhelmingly by the citizens of Missouri City.
be diligent in the application of tax abatements where the value to Missouri City must be the determining factor. Small business initiatives will have a place in the economic development strategy. Retail and commercial business along Hwy 6, Hwy 90, FM 1092 and the Texas Parkway/Cartwright corridors will continue to be an important segment in the overall economic development strategy. Redevelopment of Texas Parkway and Cartwright Road properties will continue to be a priority when developing our overall economic development plan. I will continue to support the build-out of Lakeview and Park8/Ninety business Parks.
ACTION ITEMS FOR 2019 AND BEYOND PUBLIC SAFETY
We must continue to maintain our status as one of the Safest Cities in Texas. To that end I will be supporting the following actions: Maintain a competitive Salary structure and Benefits package for our Public Safety personnel. Ensure adequate funding for equipment, services, and training needed to perform their duties. Support the building of Fire Station #6 and acquisition of the needed personnel and equipment Provide funding for the staffing of the police and fire operations needed to meet our public safety expectations. HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION
Currently, we provide a homestead exemption of $15,000 to residents age 65 and over and who have designated their home as a homestead. This exemption provides approximately $500,000 annually in tax relief. In the 2019 budget process I will be asking my Council colleagues to consider a separate $10,000 Homestead exemption for all residents who have designated their home as a homestead. To place this in perspective, a $10,000 exemption would give residents approximately $1.2 million in tax relief or $63/year for each homestead. This would require an increase in revenue from other sources, a reduction of our annual budgeted expenditures and for the City Council to establish a priority for this offering above other services/projects covered in our annual budget. RETIREMENT BENEFIT REVIEW
For those employees who have retired or will retire before January 1, 2020, certain health benefits and cost were promised to these retirees. The City should continue to honor these commitments. Health benefits and cost for future retirees should be reviewed for competitiveness and options available in the public/private sector and presented to Council for consideration. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
We will continue to evaluate those areas of developable land in our comprehensive land-use plan. Areas along the Fort Bend Toll Road, Hwy 6 south and Hwy 90 at the Beltway will be of prime interest. Missouri City has a limited number of open tracts of land available for development. We must where possible push for best land use and
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MOBILITY
To mitigate certain traffic issues, we will implement recommendations from a recent traffic study of FM 1092 from 5th St. to Hwy 6. Complete the replacement/construction of Knight Rd., Watts Plantation, Trammell Fresno Rd. to FM 521, the extension of Ft. Bend Toll Road and for safety purposes the closing of Cravens Rd. at Hwy 90. DRAINAGE
We have requested and expect to receive approximately $950,000 to complete the drainage plan for the Cangelosi Watershed. As Board Chairman of H-GAC (Houston Galveston Area Council), I was able to bring to the attention of our staff the opportunity for funds from an H-GAC process for which they submitted a grant funding request. We will be investigating major drainage flow issues to determine if there was an impact from Hurricane Harvey or other high water events. Any found will be considered as a potential candidate for remediation by the City or other governmental entities. INFRASTRUCTURE
We must continue to work on those known projects that are in most need of repairs or replacement. The City must decide on how best to address these needs and the funding of these projects. We will continue to utilize the approximately $3.9 million annual rebate from Metro, existing funds from prior transportation bonds and our interlocal arrangements with Ft. Bend County where they partner with the City on mutually beneficial projects. These revenue sources are important when examining the overall cost of a major infrastructure program. However, additional funding will be required if we are to make a serious impact on our overall infrastructure needs. PARKS
Missouri City is home to 20 parks covering over 400 acres. Our Parks are an important City amenity and a key factor when businesses and residents consider moving to our City. The City recently completed a Park's assessment where maintenance or replacement of key park elements was identified. To address and fund these needs we will continue to use our available park funds and to reach out to our business and public partners for Grant opportunities. Our efforts to date have been encouraging. A grant from Lowes for $50,000 replaced playground equipment at QV North Park. A $65,000 grant was received from Niagara Water to be used for Community Park projects. The City provided land and a grounds maintenance commitment in Mac Naughton Park to QV Fund HOA who in return committed over $250,000 to install major playground equipment, a pavilion for family gatherings, outdoor exercise equipment, and restroom facilities. BC/BS of Texas and Kaboom have donated time and dollars for improvements and additions at Rhone Park. Freedom Tree Park
I co-chair with Council Member Jeffrey Boney the Freedom Tree Park Committee comprised of public and educational officials, private citizens, and community
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stakeholders. Our charge is to transform the existing passive park in Lake Olympia to one that captures the history and cultural relevance of the Freedom Tree and to find the necessary private/public /grant funding needed to implement a reimagined design for the park.
First Tee at Quail Valley
The City has allocated parkland to be used as an expansion of the First Tee of Houston at Quail Valley. For context, this program uses the medium of golf to teach and instill their 9 core values in kids from age 7 to 14. Its roots in Quail Valley were planted 7 years ago with 15 kids and today has over 500 kids in the program with a waiting list. Most of the students are from Missouri City and Ft. Bend County and the demographics reflect diversity similar to that of Ft. Bend County and Missouri City. This program which uses the Quail Valley Golf Course and City Centre has outgrown their allocated space and now requires a separate and dedicated area for continued growth. This is not a City program rather it has been allowed to use QV facilities and the committed Park land for this growing program. I will be working with the QV LGA, MGA and other stakeholders to acquire private funding to build the facility needed to continue to allow this program to grow.
MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT (MUD) STRATEGIC PLAN
I, along with my fellow councilmembers will be reviewing the results of the current consolidation study to determine if there is value to our residents, the City and current stakeholders. Key to a decision to embark on this venture must be the stated value to our residents, investment requirements and operating demands placed on the City. We currently have an established business model in place (MUD’s) that for over 30 years has adequately supplied our requirements for water, wastewater, storm sewer capacity and maintenance at rates extremely competitive with surrounding cities and counties. For me, any consideration to consolidate a MUD or MUD’s must provide compelling evidence of its value to the City and the Citizens of Missouri City.
ANIMAL CONTROL
I will continue to monitor the results of the business model we put into place last year to ensure it is meeting the stated goals for our Shelter.
QUAIL VALLEY GOLF AND CITY CENTRE
We will be reviewing the recommendations of the current ongoing Golf Course and City Centre evaluation study to ensure we are effectively managing this amenity. Any option that would degrade the value or scope of this amenity with its associated negative impact on home values in Quail Valley and the surrounding neighborhoods for me will not be acceptable.
FBISD COORDINATION
With the continued and forecasted growth in residential properties and its potential impact on FBISD educational facilities, I will be asking the City staff to explore from a legal and development aspect a student loading consideration into our discussions with developers, home builders, and the FBISD Board. Currently we are experiencing another controversial zoning issue that impacts many of the middle and high schools in Missouri City. In fairness to our residents we need to explore what actions if any we can take to mitigate or lessen this impact in the future. As a caveat to the ‘Action Items for 2019 and Beyond ’, our State Legislature is currently considering a 2.5% cap when calculating our Rollover Tax Rate. Should this be approved, the reduction in property tax revenue to the City will have an impact on the viability of these new offerings and current City Services.
Any comments or questions related to these accomplishments are welcomed and can be directed to femery@missouricitytx.gov
RE-ELECT FLOYD EMERY FOR MISSOURI CITY COUNCIL — DISTRICT D
Ensure Public Safety Protect Property & Family Values Attract New Businesses w w w EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2019, AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019 PAID POL. AD BY FLOYD EMERY CAMAPIGN, FRED GRATES, TREASURER
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Happenings
COUNTY JUDGE KP GEORGE: “Weather situations can change quickly. Every emergency is different. Please make sure you continue to stay updated on every medium including Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management & fbcoem.org. You can also sign up for emergency notifications by texting FBCALERT to 888777.”
WWW.FORTBENDCOUNTYTX.GOV
www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Please be reminded that the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season began back on Monday, May 20, 2019, and won’t end until Saturday, November 30. 2019.”
“It’s imperative that we make it our business to elect the “BEST-QUALIFIED” candidates who value “US” whenever we go to the polls to cast our ballot.”
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FBISD RECEIVES CENERGISTIC ENERGY STEWARDSHIP AWARD
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Fort Bend ISD – Fort Bend ISD recently received the Energy Stewardship Award presented by Cenergistic, a sustainability company, during its August 12 board meeting. The Energy Stewardship Award honors and recognizes the positive impact that FBISD’s energy program has had on the environment and natural resources. “It is an honor to receive this award from Cenergistic for our efforts,” said FBISD Chief Operations Officer Oscar Perez. “It recognizes that we are making strides towards our goal of cost savings and re-
ducing energy consumption.” With the support and cooperation of leadership and staff, FBISD has saved more than $2,418 million through its energy conservation and sustainable practices. In 2017, the FBISD Board of Trustees approved an agreement with Cenergistic to assist with the development of innovative and robust energy strategies, and to support the implementation of the adopted long-range District Energy Plan. “Fort Bend Independent School District has done a wonderful job of implementing Cenergistic’s energy con-
servation and sustainability program, as well as maintaining productive efforts at all levels of the organization,” said Randy Hoff, Vice Chairman of Cenergistic. “This award recognizes the commitment made by organizations to choose a solution that is good for the planet and their employees.”
ELECTION/ELECCIÓN About Cenergistic Cenergistic has helped thousands of K-12 districts find savings in hidden electricity, natural gas and water savings. To learn more visit www.cenergistic.com.
FORMER MAYOR ALLEN OWEN: “Don’t forget to cast your ballot for Floyd Emery in the race for Missouri City Council District D”
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During the October 17, 2016, Regular City Council meeting, Councilmembers voted 4-3 to approve a resolution that moved the City's general elections from May to November. In accordance with the Texas Election Code, the City of Missouri City will hold a General Election on November 5, 2019. Positions and candidates on the Ballot:
District A City Councilmember Reginald B. Pearson Cheryl Sterling
District B City Councilmember Jeffrey L. Boney JaPaula Kemp
District C City Councilmember Anthony G. Maroulis Raj Joseph Steve Okoroha S.A.M. Chatriwala
Floyd Emery
District D City Councilmember
EARLY VOTING BEGINS: Monday, October 21, 2019
EARLY VOTING ENDS: Friday, November 1, 2019
ELECTION DAY: November 5, 2019
Allen
OWEN
RE-ELECT FLOYD EMERY FOR MISSOURI CITY COUNCIL — DISTRICT D Cindy Forney
PAID POL. AD BY FLOYD EMERY CAMAPIGN, FRED GRATES, TREASURER
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THE MOST ETHNICALLY DIVERSE COUNTY IN AMERICA
Fort Bend County strives to be the most family friendly community in Texas by providing a high quality, enriching and safe environment. Each department and elective office provides fast, friendly service to its customers and continually strives to be number one in efficiency and effectiveness. The Commissioners Court fulfills its leadership role by providing necessary resources to the offices and departments to accomplish their duties and goals by establishing budgets, policies and procedures to make the most efficient use of the resources and by actively pursuing quality businesses to locate in Fort Bend County.
The Gulf of Mexico is located only 50 miles from Fort Bend County and its close proximity helps to hold the summer and winter temperatures to moderate levels. Extremes in climatic changes are usually short in duration. View current weather conditions.
Natural Resources
Fort Bend County has approximately 11 square miles of surface water in rivers, creeks and small lakes. The County is drained by the Brazos and San Bernard Rivers as well as Oyster Creek. The Brazos River formed a broad alluvial valley, up to ten miles wide in places. The
resulting fertile soils have been a major contributing factor to the agricultural industry in the County. The three permanently floatable waterways in Fort Bend County are the Brazos River, the San Bernard River south of Farm to Market Road 442, and Oyster Creek south of State Highway 6. The San Bernard River south of Interstate Highway 10 is a seasonally floatable waterway, shared on the west with adjacent counties. Soils vary from the rich alluvial soils in the Brazos River Valley to sandy loam and clay on the prairies. Native trees include pecan, oak, ash and cottonwood, with some old bottomland forests remaining along waterways. Mineral resources include oil, gas, and sulfur. Sand, clay, and gravel are commercially produced.
Location
Fort Bend County is located in the Houston metropolitan area of southeast Texas. It encompasses a total of 875.0 square miles (562,560 acres). The terrain varies from level to gently rolling with elevations from 46 to 127 feet above sea level, with an average elevation of 85 feet. US 59 traverses the center of the County from northeast to southwest, while US 90A crosses from east to west. State Highways (SH) 6, 36 and 99 provide important north-south routes. Neighboring counties are Austin, Brazoria, Harris, Waller and Wharton.
Climate
WWW.FORTBENDCOUNTYTX.GOV The growing season is 296 days, with an average annual rainfall of 45.3 inches. The average first freeze date in the fall is December 7, and the average last freeze date is February 14. Temperatures range from a mean minimum in January of 41º to a mean maximum in July of 93º.
MANISH SETH REPUBLICAN PARTY PRIMARY — TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020
FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE HOUSE DISTRICT 27 MANISH SETH: “First and foremost, I am a family man. I have been married to my wife, Rumana, for over 20 years. We are blessed to have two wonderful daughters. My priority in life is to be the best husband and father to these three remarkable women God has so graciously put in my life. My roots are in this Fort Bend community. I am a proud member and contributor to the community that has given me so much. I have served this community tirelessly by dedicating time to causes near and dear to my heart. As a Board Member & Treasurer on the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, I worked closely with small businesses to ensure they had the most prudent growth strategies. I have also served on AccessHealth (Board Member), Cullinan Park Conservancy Board (Board Member), Ridge Point Orchestra Booster Association (Treasurer), and Fort Bend Republican Party (Treasurer). Most recently, I was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to the One Call Commission Board, which has allowed me to serve at the State level. I was raised in this area and was able to take the opportunities presented to me and capitalize on them. I plan to take my experiences and work to bring opportunities to District 27. I want to bring a perspective of knowing the area since childhood to our House seat, and to use my experiences in growing a business, hiring people, and working with others to build our District 27 House seat.”
TRUSTWORTHY COMMITTED DEDICATED QUALIFIED HONEST
www.seth4state.com
Political Ad Paid for by Manish Seth, Candidate for Texas House of Representatives District 27, Andrew Barbe. Treasurer
There are several areas I want to focus on:
Education: We have to work with the local schools to continue providing a long-term educational plan for our children. This includes providing activities to enhance learning after normal school hours. It also means finding ways to provide skills to help the next generation transition from high school and skills to help when they enter the workforce. But it’s not just the children; it’s also the teachers. Making sure our teachers are paid fairly and are given the necessary resources from the State.
Business: District 27 is rapidly changing, and as data shows, many new people are moving to our District. With the influx of people, the District needs to continue to promote business and provide a pro-business growth environment. Local businesses that provide jobs must become a priority. To attract businesses to our community, infrastructure planning must happen at the State level. From my experience working with start-ups to large companies, I believe I have the skills of a “Business Acumen” to take this to the State Legislature to advocate on behalf of our District.
Healthcare: As someone who deals with several different healthcare clients, and through my work with AccessHealth, I have seen first-hand the need for healthcare services in our District. I also have experience in working to make sure it comes in a cost-efficient manner. We must look at ways to make sure our State is taking care of Texans, all Texans. Whether it’s our children, the elderly, or our veterans, we must ensure healthcare is accessible to all.
Property Taxes: We live in a very desirable District. As the demand for property in our area increases, so does our property taxes. Property tax laws have changed, and I will monitor to make certain the changes are positive for District 27.
Floyd
www.floydemery.com
EMERY
MISSOURI CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT D Councilman Floyd Emery To Seek Re-election for Missouri City Council - District D Floyd Emery announced he would seek another term on the Missouri City Council representing District D in the upcoming November 05, 2019 City election. Emery was first elected to that position in May of 2011 and has run opposed in all subsequent elections. He contributes running unopposed in 3 election cycles to his ability to keep his platform promises and to connect with his constituents on issues important to them. “I am seeking reelection on a platform heavy into Public Safety which includes the building of Fire Station 6; maintaining the scope of services provided by the Quail Valley Golf Course and City Centre while stressing its importance on home values in Quail Valley; continuing our economic development strategy where many nationally known businesses such as Niagara Water, Ben E. Keith, Comcast, Fed Ex, Best Buy have selected Missouri City as their business location bringing substantial capital investments and job opportunities to our city; transparency of our financial and operating records including City Council actions; a continuation of building and strengthening our alliances with our many HOA Boards and a commitment to maintain our current City Council/City Manager form of City Government.” “Missouri City needs an experienced and dedicated Council member to address the critical ongoing issues of Mobility, Drainage, and Infrastructure demands. Upcoming issues such as FBISD Coordination, MUD study evaluation, Parks evaluation, Homestead exemption evaluation, and Animal Control
PAID POL. AD BY FLOYD EMERY CAMAPIGN, FRED GRATES, TREASURER protocol are areas that also demand a seasoned Council member with a broad range of financial and operational experience.” Emery asks “why to change your Council repre-
sentative when in the current councilmember you have experience, dependability, and commitment to the position, service-oriented to constituents needs and one with a full range of knowledge and experience in most of the issues now facing our City.” “ I am proud to be associated with a city council where during my tenure Missouri City has and continues to be recognized as one of the safest cities in Texas, one of the most diverse cities in the state, best city to live in and most affordable for homebuyers among many other awards and recognitions.” “I am asking the constituents of District D to allow me to complete many of the initiatives I have outlined in my plans for Missouri City by reelecting me for another term on the City Council.” Emery is a 40 year resident of Missouri City all in District D, married to Linda for 60 years with two grown sons both educated in the Ft. Bend school system. In addition to the City, Council Emery continues to be active in community organizations as past president of QV Proud, an active member of the QV/Missouri City Exchange Club, co-chair of the Missouri City Police Officers Association annual fundraising golf tournament and heavy involvement in the Quail Valley First Tee program. For more detailed information on his accomplishments and plans for the future, visit www.floydemery.com or follow him on his Facebook page.
RE-ELECT FLOYD EMERY FOR MISSOURI CITY COUNCIL — DISTRICT D
“I’M ASKING FOR YOUR VOTE ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2019.”
Ensure Public Safety Protect Property & Family Values Attract New Businesses w w w EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2019, AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019
GROUND GAME ...HARRIS COUNTY
“On Tuesday, March 3, 2020, Judge Genesis Draper (County Criminal Court at Law #12), and Judge Lesley Briones (County Civil Court at Law #4), will need “OUR” vote to stay on the bench.” — AUBREY R. TAYLOR Publisher of HBC Newspaper
TWO AWESOME JUDGES
PUBLISHED BY AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS©
HARRIS COUNTY
BOTH THESE HONORABLE JUDGES WILL BE ON THE BALLOT IN 2020
A FEW PEOPLE YOU SHOULD GET TO KNOW!
“I’M WITH ALVIN”
State Rep. Jarvis Johnson (HD-139) has endorsed Alvin Byrd in the 2019 race for Houston City Council District B.
2019
CITY ELECTION: Tuesday, November 5, 2019
2019 Race for Council Member, District - B X Alice Kirkmon X Ben White, Jr. X Karen “KKC” KossieChernyshev X Robin J. Anderson X Broderick F. Butler
Judge Genesis Draper
2020
Judge Lesley Briones
DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
“I’M WITH CARLA”
2020
DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY Tuesday, March 3, 2020
Alvin Byrd
X Cynthia Bailey X Prince E.W. Bryant II X Karisma D. Gillam X Tarsha Jackson X Kenneth Perkins X Renee Jefferson Smith X Huey German-Wilson X Alyson Quintana
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
Gilberto Hinojosa, Chairman of the Texas Democratic Party has endorsed Carla Brailey in the race for Houston City Council District D.
2019
CITY ELECTION:
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
2019 Race for Council Member, District - D
X Jerome Provost X Ken Moore X Carolyn Evans-Shabazz X T. “Nissi” Hamilton
Carla Brailey
X Mike Grissom X Travis McGee X Brad “Scarface” Jordan X Dontrell L. Montgomery X Anthony Kirk Allen X Dennis Griffin X Rashad Cave X Terrill D. Thomas X Marlon A. Christian X Andrew C. Burks, Jr.
“I’M HUMBLY ASKING FOR YOUR VOTE ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2019” PAID POL. ALVIN BYRD CAMPAIGN
PAID POL. AD BY CARLA BRAILEY CAMPAIGN
POL ADV PAID FOR BY CARLA BRAILEY FOR DISTRICT D CAMPAIGN
www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “I’m strongly encouraging “ALL” Houston Business Connections Newspaper© readers to cast “YOUR” ballot for candidates who value “OUR” vote.”
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281.788.3033
“I would like to publicly thank JUDGE LESLEY BRIONES for her commitment to ADVANCING JUSTICE, EQUALITY AND FAIRNESS FOR ALL PEOPLE.” I am so proud of Judge Lesley Briones and her entire family. She’s a strong and courageous member of our judiciary in Harris County, Texas. She’s a person with a good heart. And what I love about her most is that she’s fighting to advance JUSTICE, EQUALITY, AND FAIRNESS in her courtroom. Judge Briones is asking for “OUR” vote in the Tuesday, March 3, 2020, Democratic Primary in Harris County, Texas. And for what it’s worth, we must make it our business to keep duly-qualified judges who value, appreciate, and respect every citizen on the bench in 2020. Judges like Lesley Briones don’t come around every day. She’s one of those rare gems that should be cherished and valued. So, when early voting begins on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, for the Democratic Party Primary, let’s show Judge Briones that we value her. So, I’m strongly encourage you to consider casting your ballot for “DULY-QUALIFIED CANDIDATES” who care about rendering justice fairly. Lastly, I would also like to remind you that Judge Briones is a Yale Law School graduate who is committed to upholding the rule of law with impartiality, as she administers equal justice, and treats everyone who comes into her courtroom with dignity, respect, and compassion.
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281,788.3033
You can learn more at: www.lesleybriones.com
Veronica Sanders Will Be Running for the 337th Judicial Court Bench on Tuesday, March 3, 2020
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HBC NEWSPAPER REPORTS
In case you haven’t heard, a local Harris County criminal prosecutor by the name of Veronica Sanders has announced that she will be running for Judge of the 337th Judicial District Court in Harris County, Texas in the 2020 Democratic Primary. For the record, the 337th Judicial District Court is currently presided over by Democratic Judge Herb Ritchie – who will not be seeking re-election on Tuesday, March 3, 2020. According to a recent press release received from her campaign, Sanders began working in prosecution back in 2013 and came to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office in Houston, Texas in 2018.
Sanders stated, “I am running because I believe homes should be free of violence and the victims in those cases should be treated fairly so that justice is served for all parties involved. I want to be a part of a fair and just system for the community.” Veronica Sanders may not be the only Democrat seeking the 337th Judicial District Court bench, being vacated by the embattled Judge Herb Ritchie; but she is perhaps someone Harris Democratic Primary voters should keep a close eye on between now, and Tuesday, March 3, 2020.
www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com Veronica Sanders, 2020 Candidate for the 337th District Court
Early voting for the 2020 Democratic Primary will begin on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, and end on Friday, February, 28, 2020.
“It’s imperative that we make it our business to elect the “BEST-QUALIFIED” candidates who value “US” whenever we go to the polls to cast our ballot.”
Judge Herb Ritchie
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THE HONORABLE JUDGE LESLEY BRIONES
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Here is a photo of Judge Lesley Briones being sworn in by the Honorable Judge Jim Kovach last month. Judge Lesley Briones is the judge for County Civil Court at Law #4. She is asking for “OUR” vote, prayers, and support on Tuesday, March 3, 2020. Early voting wil begin on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 and end on February 28th.”
State Rep. Ann Hernandez and Judge Lesley Briones
Judge Briones and Sandra Guerra Thompson
Judge Briones and Benny Agosto, Jr.
www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com
Judge Lesley Briones, Commissioner Adrian Garcia, and Judge Genesis Draper
Judge Lesley Briones and her proud parents
“It’s imperative that we make it our business to elect the “BEST-QUALIFIED” candidates who value “US” whenever we go to the polls to cast our ballot.”
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THE HONORABLE JUDGE LESLEY BRIONES
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Here is a photo of Adan Briones and Judge Lesley Briones with Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis at Judge Briones’ “OFFICIAL INVESTITURE CEREMONY” last month. Judge Lesley Briones is the judge for County Civil Court at Law #4. She is asking for “OUR” vote, prayers, and support on Tuesday, March 3, 2020.”
Judge Kristen Hawkins and Judge Lesley Briones
Judge Linda Yanez
Adan Briones and Judge Briones with Benny Agosto, Jr.
www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Here’s a view of the massive crowd of supporters who came out to celebrate the official swearing-in held for the Honorable Judge Lesley Briones last month.
“It’s imperative that we make it our business to elect the “BEST-QUALIFIED” candidates who value “US” whenever we go to the polls to cast our ballot.”
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EARLY VOTING WILL BEGIN ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2020, AND END ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020
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THE HONORABLE JUDGE LESLEY BRIONES
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “Here is a photo of Judge Lesley Briones being greeted by her daughters as her mom helps to put on her robe at the ’ “OFFICIAL INVESTITURE CEREMONY” last month. Judge Lesley Briones is the judge for County Civil Court at Law #4. She is asking for “OUR” vote, prayers, and support in the Tuesday, March 3, 2020, Democratic Primary.”
Judge Lesley Briones and Carl Davis
Adan and Judge Briones with Dave Matthiessen
Judge Briones and Olivia Carbajal de Garcia
www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com
The Honorable Judge Lesley Briones and members of her court staff for Harris County Civil Court at Law #4
“It’s imperative that we make it our business to elect the “BEST-QUALIFIED” candidates who value “US” whenever we go to the polls to cast our ballot.”
Cha'mira L. Keener singing the “Star-Spangled Banner” at the “INVESTITURE CEREMONY” for Judge Lesley Briones last month
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“I’m asking for your vote, prayers, and support on Tuesday, March 3, 2020”
“HERSTORY” JUDGE, 339TH CRIMINAL DISTRICT COURT
“The Honorable Judge Maria T. Jackson is a true change agent and leader.”
J
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THIS MOMENT IN TEXAS HISTORY...
Judge Maria T. Jackson has been the presiding Judge of the 339th State District Court in Houston, Harris County, Texas since the election of 2008. Judge Jackson presides over serious felony offenses, which run the gamut from lowlevel drug offenses to capital murder. She has presided over one hundred jury trials and several have been featured on The First 48 Hour national television show. She has appeared on many Houston radio and media outlets like Red, White and Blue Political Show, Magic 102, KCOH, and The Prison Show on FM 90.1. Judge Jackson has taken the lead in implementing sweeping changes for DWI probationers in her court. These changes are so notable that the Harris County Probation Department has followed Judge Jackson’s lead in implementing them county wide.
Education — — — —
B.A. Political Science The University of Texas at Arlington Doctor of Jurisprudence Texas A&M School of Law formerly Texas Wesleyan School of Law
Judge Maria T. Jackson will be on your 2020 Democratic Primary ballot.
www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com Political advertisement paid for by Maria T. Jackson in Compliance with the Voluntary Limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act, Kent Schaffer, Treasurer.
— DON’T FORGET THAT “STRAIGHT-TICKET” VOTING IS NO LONGER ALLOWED IN THE STATE OF TEXAS —
“It’s imperative that we make it our business to elect the “BEST-QUALIFIED” candidates who value “US” whenever we go to the polls to cast our ballot.”
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JOE STEPHENS Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 3, Position #1
A Home Grown Leader Standing Tall for Our Kids, and Our Community.
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DEAR PRECINCT 3 VOTERS:
I’m dedicated and committed to community service. Thus, I’m grateful for the trust that has been bestowed upon me by you, the voters of Harris County Precinct 3. It has been both an honor and privilege to serve as your Harris County Justice of the Peace for Precinct 3, Position 1 for these past few years. As I have traveled the precinct serving you, I have seen how vital it is to have a Justice of the Peace with a heart for our community. So, I hope and trust that my track-record of service has proven my love for our community and has earned me the opportunity to continue my service as your Harris County Justice of the Peace for Precinct 3, Position 1. Our community is uniquely positioned to continue to be one of the fastest-growing in Harris County, and with our ever-changing demographics, I plan to continue the long-lasting traditions of humility, pride, and integrity we deserve. I have tremendous respect for our community and see it as my duty to continue to give back as your humble public servant. After all, I am still, a Northeast Houston boy who has a heart for our community and will serve it until the day I die. So, please consider casting your vote for me again in 2020. And yes, I want to continue to be your Justice of the Peace for Precinct 3, Position 1; but I can only do so with your vote, prayers, and support in 2020 and beyond.
Thank you,
Joe Stephens
Candidate for Justice of the Peace Pct. 3 Pos. 1
WWW.VOTEJOESTEPHENS.COM
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “JUDGE JOE STEPHENS CARES ABOUT THE COMMUNITY. AND HE’S ASKING FOR OUR VOTE IN THE 2020 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY.”
Former Houston Rockets Player Becomes Judge
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HBC NEWSPAPER REPORTS©
Making an impact requires more than making promises and leaving a good yet, fleeting impression. Making an impact involves empowering people to make positive changes in their lives and leaving a legacy of prosperity, health, and safety in our community. As Justice of The Peace for Precinct 3, Position 1, my goals have centered on making such an impact. Since I took office in 2017, I have implemented initiatives that change attitudes and behaviors, contributing to a healthier, safer, and more empowered community. Justices of the Peace are well-known for our duties related to traffic court, evictions, personal disputes, juvenile issues, and marriages. I am committed not only to executing these duties but also to, our community on a greater scale through programs that include teaching, training, and research. These programs were designed to empower members of our community to develop sustainable positive attitudes and behaviors. Below are some examples of our impact programs in Precinct 3, Position #1: * Boys Rock 2 Life Skills mentoring program was created to support the mentorship of young men in the 7th thru 12th grades. This unique, one-day, fun-filled workshop connects participants with local schoolbased partners, law enforcement, local leaders, and clergy. Since its inception, the program has served over 800 young men and their families. The program teaches fundamental life skills while helping the young men prepare for future careers. The program focuses specifically on professional attire, money management, and constructive interactions with law enforcement. * TRIAD Prevention Program provides countywide services to intervene with youth and families. One of the nine programs that operate under the TRIAD program is the JP Court Liaison. The Liaison works with youth and families who appear before the JP court for various class c misdemeanor offenses including: truancy, shop lifting, disorderly conduct, and disruption of school classes. JP, Precinct 3, position 1, hosts an annual breakfast with the TRIAD Liaison, Harris County Juvenile Court Representatives, and over five different School District’s representatives staff liaisons. * Educational Seminars are available to increase the knowledge our citizens have of their rights and benefits. These educational seminars include the following:
Tenants and Landlord Rights - a courtroom discussion on evictions, self-help remedies, surety bonds, appeals, and much more;
Veterans Brown Bag Luncheon - a seminar for veterans to discuss applying for VA benefits, medical care, and transportation, and much more; Community Interaction meeting with Law Enforcement to help build a better, safer community; Teen Court for students interested in a career in the judicial system, community service project, and much more;
• Community Engagement
Holiday Food Distributions Back To School Backpacks & School Supplies Donations First Responder during natural disasters Cody’s Law – testified in Austin over the Years, House Bill 76 passed 2019- for ecg screening to prevent Sudden Cardiac Death in student-athletes Board of Trustees at Galena Park ISD Galena Park/ Jacinto City Rotary Barrett Station Civic League LULAC Council
A Home Grown Leader Standing Tall for Our Kids, and Our Community.
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Comedian Joe Torry is endorsing
Carey Lashley For State Rep. House District 131
Carey is a dedicated and passionate father, homeowner and resident of Houston, Tx. He has been a proud community advocate for youth and families regarding social, economical and educational injustice issues since working and volunteering with the Hayward-South Alameda County NAACP at the early age of sixteen. Carey Lashley is a proud product of public schools and has earned his Associates degree in Liberal Arts (Social & Behavioral Science) from Chabot College, Carey attended Texas Southern University and earned his Bachelors degree in Psychology with a minor in Urban Policy from Victory University. Carey has worked as an Community Liaison (NAACP), Educator (Jesse Jackson Academy), School Counselor (Lincoln Families), Director of School Counseling and Social Worker. With this experience Carey will lead his community by inspiring residents to positive action through a clear vision. Carey knows what hardworking families are experiencing in their everyday life, dealing with the increasing costs of housing, property taxes, groceries, and everyday necessities, Carey wants to fight for local jobs guarantee, increase employee rights and bring focus to youth jobs-not jails by secure pledges to hire 50,000 Texan youth. Carey also wants to increase the number of minority owned businesses and farmers in his district as well as statewide. Carey will bring new energy to our community and he will build community pride. At a young age Carey was taught the value of perseverance, empowerment and partnerships and Carey wants to continue to bring those values to the residents of his community. He believes in social, economical, and educational justice and that the only way to find solutions is to energize, empower and educate all our residents within our community about the struggles of everyday and to hold all politicians accountable. Carey Lashley will be the new energy that Texas State Representative District 131 needs and will continue to build on our community core values. It's time for new energy in Texas politics and Carey Lashley will hold Austin accountable and continue to fight and be accessible for all residents in his community. Carey lives in District 131 with his family and is proud to call it home, let's energize the vote together and continue to build on our core values.
JOE TORRY
Carey Lashley is new energy. Texas Energy.
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Time for new energy in Texas Politics AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why do you want to run for State Representative?
CAREY LASHLEY: “I am energized by the way government works with lawmakers to accomplish change. Seeing positive change with President Obama, Congressman Al Green and the Black Girl Magic Movement, our community and government can accomplish real positive change when the right people and resources are utilized. I am running for office to continue to build positive change within my community, district and state of Texas. I want to energize, empower and educate my community and bring real positive change
to Texas government that will empower our community.”
AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Tell us about yourself, who is Carey Lashley? CAREY LASHLEY: I’m patient, strategic and very observant. Working as an educator and social worker for many years helped me build confidence, self-awareness and taught me the importance of observing and understanding other’s needs. I am a constant advocate and change agent for self-improvement. Most importantly, I am a husband and a father of three (2) girls and (1) boy.
AUBREY R. TAYLOR What experience do you have that is relevant to the office you are seeking?
CAREY LASHLEY: “I have initiated and supported change in my community working with the NAACP and several Non-profit agencies. I collaborated and lead families and youth, communities and organizations to continuous learning, self-awareness and change. Energizing, empowering and educating others is part of my id and I will continue to fight for change for my community, district and for the great state of Texas.”
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What is going to happen to the “THREE SITTING” Democratic judges and “EIGHT FORMER” Republican judges who broke the law by ordering hearing officers to deny no-cost bail to thousands of poor defendants? DEMOCRAT
“There ought to be some serious consequences if (the) state laws were violated.” — Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis
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Harris County Commissioner for Precinct #1, Rodney Ellis, talking to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzales.
In case you haven’t heard, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis applauded the State Commission on Judicial Conduct in a recent report: “I’m doing research to see what the next steps are - there ought to be some serious consequences if (the) state’s laws were violated,” said Commissioner Ellis. “The rulings show that (these judges) not only brought disgrace upon themselves but upon the criminal justice system and that has led to a lack of confidence in our criminal justice system.”
Democratic Judge Herb Ritchie was publicly admonished. He is not seeking re-election in 2020.
DEMOCRATS
JUDGE RITCHIE, SEVERAL OTHER JUDGES PUBLICLY ADMONISHED
Democratic Judge Hazel Jones (left), and Democratic Judge George Powell (right) are among the eleven current and former Harris County Judges publicly admonished for ordering hearing officers to deny nocost bail to thousands of poor defendants.
For the record, Judge Herb Ritchie (a Democrat) announced that he would not be seeking re-election in 2020 before revelations that he and several of his Democratic and former Republican fellow judges had been
publicly admonished by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct surfaced. However, in some Democratic circles, the question is being raised as to whether or not, Democrat Judge Hazel Jones (174th District Court) and Democrat Judge George Powell (351st District Court) should also forego running for re-election in the 2020 Democratic Primary in Harris County, Texas as well. Could having Judge Hazel Jones and Judge Powell on the ballot hurt other down-ballot Democratic judges who will be seeking re-election in heated 2020 battles? Only time will tell. But this is certainly a question Democrats should be asking themselves. It is already going to be difficult enough without straightticket voting as an option. Voters skipping over down-ballot
races is already a big problem in Harris County, Texas. If you look back at the 2016 Presidential Election, there were 26,622 UNDERVOTES, in the race for President of the United States involving Hillary Clinton, Donald J. Trump, and others. However, when you go down to the countywide judicial races you will see between 66,000 UNDERVOTES to 69,000 UNDERVOTES in some of the down-ballot judicial races. So, the last thing Democrats need is for poor people to think that all judges are bad and waltz into the polls in 2020, vote in the “PRESIDENTIAL RACE” and go home. After all, these judge, according to the State Commission on Judicial Conduct violated state law and judicial canons by ordering hearing officers to deny no-cost bail to thousands of poor defendants – AND THAT’S A SHAME!
POLITICAL NEWS
FORMER REPUBLICAN (HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS) JUDGES WHO WERE PUBLICLY ADMONISHED
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(1). Judge Susan Brown, formerly of the 185th District Court, (2). Judge Denise Collins, formerly of the 208th District Court, (3). Judge Michael McSpadden, formerly of the 209th District Court. (4). Judge Mark Ellis, formerly of the 351st District Court, (5). Judge Catherine Evans, formerly of the 180th District Court, (6). Judge Jim Wallace, formerly of the 263rd District Court Judge, (7). Judge Jeannine Barr, formerly of the 182nd District Court, and (8). Judge Katherine Cabaniss, formerly of the 248th District Court
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EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2019 AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019
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