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BUSINESS CONNECTIONS HOUSTON

AT-LARGE #3 SHOWDOWN

HURRICANE HARVEY CONTRACTS IGNITE PROBE OF HOUSTON, TX MAYOR SYLVESTER TURNER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL KUBOSH AND JANAEYA CARMOUCHE WILL FACE OFF ON DECEMBER 14, 2019 IN THE RACE FOR AT-LARGE #3

The Office of Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security is investigating Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and the campaign contributions that he has received from disaster contractors.

FBI QUESTIONS HURRICANE HARVEY DEBRIS CLEANUP

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2019 ENDORSEMENT SPOTLIGHT

Turner has received more than a $350,000 from companies benefiting from the damage done by Hurricane Harvey. The Code of Federal Regulations says that “The officers, employees and agents of the non-Federal entity may neither solicit or accept gratuities, favors or anything of monetary value from contractors or parties to subcontracts.” The question for the feds is this: Do campaign contributions violate this statue? Turner’s relationship with three specific hurricane subcontractors may raise the most questions. Just look at the political contributions to Mayor Turner that came from three of the companies, their leadership, and the leadership’s families:

CITY MATTERS

Ardurra Group: $40,000 IMS Engineers, Inc.: $69,250 Isani Consultants, LP: $59,537

TONY BUZBEE

Attorney Tony Buzbee is endorsed by Eugene “Mean Gene” Hill a professional heavyweight boxer with a record of 34 wins and 2 losses. According to “Mean Gene” he believes that Tony Buzbee is the right man for the job and will fight for us.

MIKE KNOX

City of Houston disaster contracts. While the Office of the Inspector General investigation deals with disaster debris removal, it is important to note that hurricane housing contracts also brought campaign contributions to the Mayor too. Subcontractors on the contract with the company APTIM have donated nearly $200,000 to Sylvester Turner. The APTIM contract is worth up to $14 million. As has been previously reported, the Mayor’s former law partner, Barry Barnes, is also on that contract and has been awarded $7 million. The Office of the Inspector General is not the only federal agency that is scrutinizing the money paid for debris cleanup in Houston after the hurricane. Dolcefino Consulting has confirmed the FBI interviewed Keith Edgar, the former Solid Waste Management Department official who was put in charge of the debris cleanup after Hurricane Harvey. Edgar resigned just weeks after the storm. Edgar was said to be frustrated with delays in the cleanup because certain companies were given exclusive rights to pick up debris, while other companies had no work to do and left. “I think it is outrageous that the Mayor continues to take money from companies benefiting from a natural disaster,” says Wayne Dolcefino, President of Dolcefino Consulting. “He should have returned the money long ago. It is an insult to the victims and taxpayers and it compromises the ability of City Hall to watchdog and punish contractors who cheat or fail to perform on these lucrative disaster contracts.”

In June of 2019, the company Tetra Tech was awarded a new $4.9 million debris monitoring contract with the Solid Waste Department. Subcontractors on the contract have given Mayor Turner nearly $100,000 in campaign contributions since his first run for office. The contract was given despite Tetra Tech’s growing scandal in California. In August of 2018, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi complained that Tetra Tech had manipulated and falsified records in the cleanup of a radioactive shipyard in San Francisco. The company was sued this month for exposing hundreds of people to hazardous materials as a result. Tetra Tech was paid $300 million for the California job they’re accused of botching. $23 million has been paid out on Tetra Tech’s

Wayne Dolcefino is one of the nation’s most decorated journalists.

Thirty Emmy Awards from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Five Charles Green Awards, an Edward R. Murrow award, a Jack Howard Award for investigative reporting, numerous honors from the Associated Press and Texas Association of Broadcasters, and an unprecedented three medals from the international journalism organization Investigative Reporters and Editors.

www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com Councilman Mike Knox is endorsed by Black leaders like Larry Blackmon and Georgia D. Provost in the Saturday, December 14, 2019. Georgia and Larry are both encouraging African Americans to cast their vote to re-elect Mike Knox.

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS ARTICLE ARE IS BEING PROVIDED BY DOLCEFINO CONSULTING AND DOES NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE THOUGHTS OR OPINIONS OF AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS, HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS NEWSPAPER, OR ANY OF OUR READERS OR SUPPORTERS.

“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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Is Tony Buzbee a Republican or Democrat?...Who Cares? Let me take this moment to be clear: THE 2019 RUNOFF RACE FOR MAYOR OF HOUSTON, TEXAS IS A NONPARTISAN RACE!!! What does this mean? I’m glad you asked. When an election is deemed to be nonpartisan it means that it should be free from political party influence, bias, and partisan labels. One of the things l like most about Tony Buzbee is that he is doing his best to run for Mayor of Houston, Texas on his own merits. He’s running his race as a true nonpartisan candidate. In my opinion, that’s the way it should be in nonpartisan elections. So, don’t forget to vote early! Early

voting will begin on Wednesday, November 27, 2019 -- the day before Thanksgiving. Early voting will skip a few days, then resume on Monday, December 2, 2019, and continue through Tuesday, December 10, 2019. And election day voting will take place on Saturday, December 14, 2019.

(281)788-3033

AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS

957 NASA Parkway #251 I Houston, Texas 77058 Email: aubreyrtaylor@gmail.com

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I support Ed Pollard for Houston City Council District J

Fair minded Democrats need to stand up and speak out against the despicable political attacks against Ed Pollard in the District J City Council race. The attacks on Ed Pollard, a successful young Black professional, husband and father, are unacceptable. Ed Pollard is being attacked by supporters of Sandra Rodriquez for being a Christian. They are also saying he is not a Democrat. Ed Pollard is a Democrat. Ed has been an active member of the Party and has also been active in his community. Being a Christian does not mean you are not a Democrat. Since when did being a Christian preclude someone from being a Democrat? The racial and ideological attacks against Ed Pollard in the District J race hurt efforts to build a

POLLARD

Black/Brown/Asian coalition in Houston and across Harris County. The attacks need to stop, now!!! People can support his opponent without having to attack Ed Pollard. Black Democrats in Harris County will remember what is happening in District J in next year's Democratic primary and in the 2020 General Election. Fair minded Democrats, in Harris County, need to stand up and oppose what is being done to Ed Pollard in District J.

www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com Carroll G. Robinson is a former At-Large Houston City Councilman

“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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FBI QUESTIONS HURRICANE HARVEY DEBRIS CLEANUP A man moves debris from his flooded home into Homewood Lane near Tidwell Road where trash removal is beginning Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017 in Houston. ( Michael Ciaglo / Houston Chronicle)

FBI agents have interviewed the former Houston Solid Waste Management Department official who coordinated the first weeks of debris cleanup after Hurricane Harvey.

Keith Edgar resigned just weeks after the hurricane, reportedly frustrated over the way the cleanup was being handled. News of the FBI interview comes just days after the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General confirmed an investigation into more than $370,000 in campaign contributions Mayor Turner has received from disaster contractors, both before and after Hurricane Harvey. Dolcefino Consulting has provided federal investigators with documents detailing the contracts and contributions. At least one recent disaster contract was handed out to Tetra Tech this summer by Houston City Council for debris monitoring in likely future storms. The two subcontractors on that deal are IMS Engineers and Isani Consultants – both are large campaign donors to the Mayor. The Houston Chronicle recently questioned the IMS Engineers contributions to Mayor Turner in a report detailing the amount of money by city contractors. News of the FBI debris questions comes as one of the former debris contractors says, “Taxpayers got screwed in the debris cleanup.” “I absolutely think it should be investigated, and I also think that contractors like me should be made whole,” John Yensan told Dolcefino Consulting in an interview from New York. Yensan runs an environmental cleanup company called Ontario Specialty Contracting. They came to town days after the hurricane with dozens of trucks. Yensan says their deployment was personally requested by Mayor Turner. Ontario was awarded a signed purchase order of $16.8 million. Once the trucks arrived, they were told to pick up debris in only two small sections of the city. After just two weeks the company was forced to pull out, frustrated that they were being kept out of many areas of town because particular companies had been awarded exclusive rights to pick up debris. “There was debris all over the city and we combed the city and we even located some areas where we

thought we could more effective, but we were told we can’t just pick up and move to those areas,” said Yensan. Many sections of the city were awarded exclusively to DRC, the company with a stand-by contract for disaster services. The company was allowed to significantly raise the cost of the cleanup despite a contract to clean up at lower costs. A DRC executive helped Turner in his run for mayor. Ontario is considering legal action against the City of Houston to recoup the hundreds of thousands of dollars the company lost on the disaster deployment. The company was paid only $1.25 million for their role in the cleanup – less than a tenth of what they were originally promised. “I know I had personal conversations with Harry Hayes and Mayor Turner and to my detriment relied upon the information that they gave me, and they are the ones that put me in the situation that we’re in. So, do I blame them? Yes, I do,” said Yensan. The cleanup in Houston after Hurricane Harvey lasted through Thanksgiving 2017.

Awards, an Edward R. Murrow award, a Jack Howard Award for investigative reporting, numerous honors from the Associated Press and Texas Association of Broadcasters, and an unprecedented three medals from the international journalism organization Investigative Reporters and Editors. For nearly 27 years, Dolcefino headed up the 13 Undercover Unit at abc13 KTRK-TV Eyewitness News. The 13 Undercover investigative unit specialized in exposing public corruption, wasted taxpayer money, government malfeasance and fraud. As head of the unit, Dolcefino managed the investigative process, and was involved in the marketing and advertising of KTRK-TV’s investigative news product. Between 1979 and 1985, Dolcefino was an investigative reporter and radio talk show host at NewsRadio 740 KTRH-AM radio. Prior to that he worked at NewsRadio KLBJ 590AM Radio in Austin, Texas. In December 2012 Dolcefino created Dolcefino Consulting. This firm consults on crisis management, ethics reviews, informational marketing and media relations and provides production, investigative services and expert testimony in litigation. Dolcefino has significant experience in courtroom litigation relating to first amendment issues. —————————————————————————-

CITY MATTERS

Wayne Dolcefino is one of the nation’s most decorated journalists.

Thirty Emmy Awards from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Five Charles Green

www.dolcefino.com

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Eugene “Mean Gene” Hill Shares His Thoughts on the Mayor's Race with Aubrey

I’ve been saying for months now, that support for Tony Buzbee in the Black Community is continuing to grow. I’m not just making this stuff up. I am not sure why nobody else is talking about this. To this end, I recently asked Eugene “Mean Gene” Hill a professional heavyweight boxer with a record of 34 wins and 2 losses to share a few thoughts about his friendship with Tony Buzbee.

“

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: How long have you and Tony Buzbee been friends? MEAN GENE: “Tony and I have been friends since 2007. It began with him sponsoring me in my boxing career and a solid friendship grew from there, now we are like family.”

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: How do you feel about your friend Tony Buzbee running for mayor of Houston? MEAN GENE: “I'm excited for him. I can say that Tony has Houston's best interest at heart. He didn't have to run for mayor, but he feels strongly about doing all he can to help improve a city that he loves so much.”

Eugene “Mean Gene” Hill and his friend Tony Buzbee

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What would you say to the Houstonians who are (still undecided) about whether to vote for Tony Buzbee or Mayor Sylvester Turner? MEAN GENE: “Turner has shown Houston what he can do and what his priorities are. I'd ask the (undecided) voters if they were happy with what they've seen. I don't think there is a PERFECT person, but there is the BEST person for the position as the mayor of Houston. Tony has always fought for the people, as he's shown this time and time again, as a United States Marine, as a lawyer, and as a human being. Campaign speeches, commercials, and politics aside... Just look at the depth in which both candidates have demonstrated as it relates to improving the quality of life for people. You will clearly see that Tony's level of commitment and sacrifice for the people far surpasses that of Turner.”

“

I can say that Tony has Houston's best interest at heart. He didn't have to run for mayor, but he feels strongly about doing all he can to help improve a city that he loves so much.” — Eugene “Mean Gene” Hill

Eugene “Mean Gene”Hill and Tony Buzbee are family

www.TonyBuzbeeforMayor.Com

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TONY BUZBEE is a decorated Marine, successful lawyer and business owner, philanthropist and change agent. He is running for Mayor of Houston to end corruption, restore effective government and deliver results for all Houstonians...Tony is frequently asked about his party affiliation; whether he is a Republican or a Democrat. The simple answer is that Tony is Independent — independent of divisive partisan politics and partisan bickering…independent of cronyism and special interests and…independent of the pay-to-play donors who control politicians with their campaign contributions...Tony Buzbee is THE Independent voice for all residents of Houston, whether Republican or Democrat.

WWW.SYLVESTERTURNER.COM

A FEW OF MAYOR TURNER’S MANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Education

Mayor Turner went from sharing one room with eight brothers and sisters to attending the University of Houston and Harvard Law School, founding his own business and then becoming a champion for every voice in the state legislature and now in Houston’s City Hall. Mayor Sylvester Turner knows every voice matters in our city. That’s why he is working every day to lift every voice in Houston – so we can do great things for our city. Below are just some of the highlights of Mayor Turner’s first term at City Hall. Houston is a city that never sleeps— and this is a story that continues to be told every day, by every one of us.

Hurricane Harvey

Ordered a targeted evacuation in west Houston that saved countless lives after the U.S. Corps of Engineers released an unexpectedly large amount of water into neighborhoods from reservoirs. Provided administrative support and coordination for the rescues of thousands of people from their flooded dwellings by boats, helicopters and special trucks. Shifted personnel and emergency resources to the Northeast Water Plant, thus avoiding a plant shutdown that would have required an advisory saying the city’s tap water was unsafe to drink. Co-founded the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund, which collected and distributed more than $114 million to proven nonprofit organizations that provide direct aid to victims. Won City Council support for an ordinance that requires new and substantially remodeled houses and other buildings to be built higher to prevent flooding. Opening and operating the George R. Brown Convention Center as an impromptu shelter that held as many as 12,000 people benefiting from services by thousands of volunteers and the American Red Cross. Creating and operating Neighborhood Recovery Centers, which became one-stop recovery service centers close to where victims lived, and later a set of resource centers through which victims could apply for federal housing repair aid. Convincing FEMA to create a credit against the city’s financial obligations for volunteer services that address the recovery. Successfully lobbying Congress to increase FEMA funding and related funding for Houston’s recovery. The lobbying effort included work by former Shell Oil Co. President Marvin Odum, who served for 15 months without pay as the mayor’s chief recovery officer. Municipal Pensions: Brought Republicans, Democrats, business people, labor unions and working families together to save our city from bankruptcy by fixing the looming pension crisis.

City Budget

Cut city spending by at least $80 million without tax hikes or layoffs of city workers

THIS PHOTO OF MAYOR SYLVESTER TURNER WAS TAKEN AT CITY HALL INSIDE THE LOVELY LEGACY ROOM

before the passage in November 2018 of Proposition B, which required salary increases for firefighters totaling at least $113 million in the first year. Worked with county officials, non-profit organizations, private companies and foreign diplomats for them to provide funding that augments city services and programs. County Commissioner Rodney Ellis concentrated street and sidewalk resources on city neighborhoods, for instance. Other partners included, but were not limited to, Microsoft, Verizon, Facebook, The Rockefeller Foundation’s 100 Resilient Cities, Bloomberg Associates, the nations of Qatar and United Arab Emirates, the Kinder Foundation and the Astros Foundation. Began steps to reduce the city’s Other Postemployment Benefits liability with an approach like the one he took with historic pension reform.

Crime and Safety

To keep a lid on crime, Mayor Turner appointed proven crime-fighter Art Acevedo as Houston police chief and provided the police force with all resources available under the constraints of the city budget. Recently updated statistics show that overall crime has declined during Mayor Turner’s term in office, and violent crime declined last year. Worked with schools, students and neighborhoods to focus on solutions to violence against and by youth. Appointed a Commission Against Gun Violence, composed of people from diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, that made policy recommendations now under consideration. Appointed proven public safety leader Samuel Peña as fire chief with the goal of restructuring the department to meet modern-day demands and work within budget constraints. Following the retirement of Dennis Storemski, Mayor Turner chose veteran law enforcement leader George Buenik as director of Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Economic Development

Challenged businesses and potential business leaders to establish Houston as the next national frontier for computer-

based tech innovation by creating a fertile environment for start-up companies. Soon after the mayor issued his challenge, an “ecosystem” for the tech industry began to flourish with plans for a bio-research campus at the Texas Medical Center, the designation of the former Midtown Sears building as an innovation hub, Verizon’s delivery of 5G service to commercial customers in Houston before doing so in any other city, and much more. Created more than 100,000 new jobs in the region last year with a focus on startups, technology and innovation. The Houston Business Journal called this fast-growing sector “Silicon Bayou.” Led Houston’s successful bid to host the World Petroleum Conference in 2020. Led international missions to nations that trade heavily with Houston, including China and India, resulting in increased Houston commerce, tourism, and cultural ties. Fostered the Office of Business Opportunity’s Turnaround Houston, which helps “hard to employ” residents position themselves for job opportunities. Created the Hire Houston Youth program, matching Houstonians age 16-24 with summer jobs in the private, non-profit and government sectors and positioning them as talented full-time employees ready to take their place in the future Houston economy. The target number of HHY jobs for 2019 is a record-high 10,000. Promoted Houston’s number one ranking in the U.S. for ethnic diversity, which serves as a welcome mat for commerce, culture and tourism.

Complete Communities

In connection with economic development as well as infrastructure and cultural development, Mayor Turner created Complete Communities, an award-winning initiative combining private and non-profit investments with funding from city and county government to improve conditions in underserved neighborhoods. The initial pilot programs, based on community input, are in Acres Homes, Gulfton, Near Northside, Second Ward and Third Ward. More will be added this year.

Established the Mayor’s Office of Education, which works with school districts to administer the Hire Houston Youth program and provide city support for successful education programs. Created a City Council subcommittee on education. Participated in the creation of a nonprofit organization poised to provide philanthropic resources and policy input to the Houston Independent School District. Potholes: Established a pothole repair initiative that led to same-day repairs of many potholes reported to the city by the public. More than 165,000 potholes have been filled on Mayor Turner’s watch. Recycling: Forged a money-saving contract that will re-establish the curbside pickup of glass as recyclable items in March. Garbage pickup: Ended several years of financial neglect of the Solid Waste Department’s aging fleet by winning council approval for purchasing new trucks that will replace half the department’s mobile equipment. Public transportation: With the Houston area slated for massive population growth, Mayor Turner challenged Metro, whose board includes members he appointed, to carry out a “paradigm shift” that will provide the public with more alternatives to using private motor vehicles for mobility. Metro responded and will ask the voters in November 2019 to fund a plan that will help transform how the Houston region moves. Climate change: The mayor has become a leading local government figure in the nation’s moves to control and reverse man-made climate change. He forged the city’s Climate Action Plan and preserved the city’s number one standing in the U.S. for municipal government use of renewable and/or cleaner energy sources such as solar and wind power and natural gas. Homelessness: Mayor Turner has advanced the astoundingly effective effort to reduce the city’s homeless population, working with nonprofit coalitions and HPD’s Homeless Outreach Team. The homeless population has shrunk by more than half since 2011. Open and accessible government: Using technological tools, Mayor Turner oversaw an overhaul of the city’s public website, houstontx.gov. It now features the public’s most popular interests in city services, such as animal adoption and job opportunities. He also established a Nextdoor.com account, allowing him to provide city service updates to more than 270,000 households. Diversity and excellence: Mayor Turner’s appointed executive staff includes two leaders who garnered international recognition for their work for the city. Maria Town, director of the city’s Office for People with Disabilities, received an international Henry Viscardi Achievements Award, which “honors exemplary leaders in the global disability community who, through the example of their professional accomplishments and advocacy efforts, are reshaping societal perceptions and making significant changes in the quality of life of people with disabilities.” Minal Patel Davis, Mayor Turner’s special advisor on human trafficking, received the prestigious Presidential Award for Extraordinary Efforts to Combat Trafficking in Persons during a White House meeting of the President’s Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons chaired by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

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.

M PAID POLITICAL AD BY MIKE KNOX

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.

RUNOFF: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2019 Political Analyst Jacquie Baly has endorsed Council Member Mike Knox in the race for Houston City Council At-Large Position #1 runoff election on Dec., 14, 2019.

Early voting will begin on Wednesday, November 27, 2019 -- the day before Thanksgiving. Early voting will then skip a few days, and resume on Monday, December 2, 2019, and continue through Tuesday, December 10, 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.”

832.212.8735

“SUPPORT FOR MIKE KNOX IS CONTINUING TO GROW IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY.”

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YOUR VOTE COULD BE THE DECIDING VOTE ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2019. CAST YOUR VOTE FOR MIKE KNOX.

LARRY BLACKMON ENDORSES MIKE KNOX

Larry Blackmon is humbly asking all 18,962 Houstonians who voted for him back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, to cast their vote for Councilman Mike Knox on Saturday, December 14, 2019, when he faces off against Raj Salhotra. Remember the "EARLY VOTING" period will begin on Wednesday, November 27, 2019, the day before Thanksgiving. Then the "EARLY VOTING" period will resume on Monday, December 2, 2019, and continue through Tuesday, December 10, 2019, with "ELECTION DAY" voting taking place on Saturday, December 14, 2019.

GEORGIA PROVOST ENDORSES MIKE KNOX

Georgia D. Provost is humbly asking all 27,648 Houstonians who voted for her back on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, to cast their vote for Councilman Mike Knox on Saturday, December 14, 2019, when he faces off against Raj Salhotra. Remember the "EARLY VOTING" period will begin on Wednesday, November 27, 2019, the day before Thanksgiving. Then the "EARLY VOTING" period will resume on Monday, December 2, 2019, and continue through Tuesday, December 10, 2019, with "ELECTION DAY" voting taking place on Saturday, December 14, 2019.

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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“To soar and reach higher heights an eagle needs both a left wing and a right wing. One without the other will not allow the eagle to fly. Both wings are necessary and only when they work together will the eagle have an opportunity to leave the ground and take full advantage of all its capabilities.”

CANDIDATE FOR HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT J POLITICAL AD PAID FOR BY POLLARD FOR HOUSTON CAMPAIGN

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The Pollard Plan

“This is not a partisan plan, this is a people plan.”

The Pollard Plan is designed to detail my vision for bettering the quality of life for everyone in District J. The Pollard Plan is not a partisan plan, it is a people plan. I have created three categories that identify and address many of our most pressing issues throughout the District. The first category, Needs Before Wants, details a fiscally responsible approach to getting the most out of our tax dollars by placing a greater emphasis on basic core services over everything else. The second category, Neighborhoods Determine Everything, addresses the fact that in order for our district to flourish, we must first have neighborhoods that are safe, clean, and inviting. Finally, the third category, Diversity is our Strength, stresses the importance of not only embracing the different cultures that make up our district, but highlighting this unique feature in order to create opportunities and economic growth. With a commitment to each of these three categories, I know District J will reach its full potential.

Needs Before Wants

We all want nice things, but those things should not come at the expense of the necessities. In many instances, tax dollars are allocated to pet projects instead of increasing funds for core services such as streets, flooding, homelessness, trash, parks, mobility, law enforcement patrol, and first responders/municipal employee wages. Council Members are responsible for being good stewards of our tax dollars and ensuring our money is budgeted properly and allocated reasonably. We must use the money we have and make it work without continuously going back to the tax payer asking for more. As your Council Member I will: Prioritize our basic core service needs before we fund pet projects as well as reduce the debt by putting an end to

frivolous spending.

Work closely with Harris County Flood Control District to ensure our district gets appropriate and immediate funding from the flood damage reduction project bonds. Engage residents to identify areas of our district that are in need of drainage repair and ensure the city’s Public Works department addresses the issue.

Fight tirelessly so that our district, the most densely populated area of Houston, is prioritized for transportation and mobility projects.

Advocate for privatizing when practical reducing the burden of city government by spending tax dollars on private businesses for city services when needed. Work closely with and support each Management District and TIRZ to ensure their leadership is a true representation of our community and that residents are engaged and notified upfront on proposed improvements.

Increase transparency about when and how tax dollars are spent by holding periodic town halls located within District J, that strictly discuss District J issues. The town halls will be held after business hours to prevent residents from having to miss work and fight traffic driving downtown to address their Council Member.

Neighborhoods Determine Everything

When our neighborhoods thrive our entire community thrives. Vacant, misused, and run down properties are a blight on our District J community. We must hold property owners (residential, multi-unit,

and commercial) accountable for properly maintaining their properties. In addition to that, our neighborhoods need existing city codes to be enforced so that properties are only being used for their intended purpose. This will have a direct positive impact on our property values, overall reputation, drive economic development, enhance beautification, and increase public safety. As your Council Member I will: Focus heavily on deterring crime and public safety by working with city and county attorney’s to prosecute those who violate our public nuisance laws.

Utilize discretionary District Service Fund dollars for additional law enforcement patrol to tackle specific public safety concerns such as panhandling, prostitution, trafficking, and neighborhood violations. Fight to get code enforcement officers that are strictly designated to District J to ensure commercial and multi-unit properties are properly maintained, safe for tenants, and absent of blight.

Quickly respond to the needs of residents by designating a member of my staff that is solely responsible for constituent services and complaints. Assist Civic Associations and HOA’s with enforcing deed restrictions by including their board leadership in the approval of permits for additions and changes to residential properties. Organize a volunteer group for residents who will be trained and certified to assist the City and law enforcement with reporting neighborhood related violations. Commit to initiatives that make our community look more aesthetically pleasing with a focus on parks, trails, and thoroughfares.

Partner with private businesses and trade associations to facilitate quarterly 2nd Chance Job Fairs for those unemployed and in need of opportunities within our district.

Diversity is Our Strength

District J is the most diverse district in the city of Houston, and that is something to be proud of. We must highlight all the amazing cultures and customs, as well as collectively work together to bridge our communities in an effort to strengthen unity among each other. As the most diverse district, we can set the standard for inclusion, cultural appreciation, and economic development. As your Council Member I will: Market our district as an international tourism hub by increasing awareness of our culturally diverse businesses and host more festivals, carnivals, and events. Promote the uniqueness of our varied demographic to attract more businesses and diligently approach top tier retail, grocery, recreation, and corporate entities to locate to our district.

Work to increase access to resources that help small businesses within District J thrive by increasing their opportunity and exposure to Minority Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) contract opportunities.

Increase resident’s awareness of social programs by working with local organizations and nonprofits within the district; as well as developing public/private partnerships that are culturally sensitive to our needs and able to assist with healthcare, education, immigration, and job readiness.

SHELLEY KENNEDY FOR THE PEOPLE 14A

NONPARTISAN

“As your City Council member, I'll bring the vision to identify solutions, the ability to make sure your voice is heard at City Hall, and the experience to hit the ground running to get things done. I’ll focus on the issues impacting us and our communities — flooding, traffic, infrastructure, city services, equality, safe neighborhoods and stray animals. Together, let’s bring about the positive change District C deserves and our city needs.” – Shelley Kennedy for Houston City Council District C

OPEN-MINDED READERSHIP

INFORMATIVE

ENGAGING

DR. RHONDA SKILLERN JONES IS ASKING FOR “YOUR” VOTE

Rhonda Skillern-Jones is a wife and mother of five children: three girls and two boys, including twins. She is a native Houstonian who has earned both a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in clinical sociology from Texas Southern University. As a volunteer social worker at the Mount Ararat Baptist Church, Skillern-Jones assists families with seniors and youth to overcome economic obstacles to their wellbeing. She and her family enjoy their 13-year membership at the church. Skillern-Jones has a strong faith in God and cites her parents as her heroes and role models. She served HISD in a volunteer capacity for 25 years before joining the school board. She has a passion for education and children, and believes that all children deserve an equitable and quality educa-

NONPARTISAN

OPEN-MINDED READERSHIP

tion for a fair start in achieving their maximum potential. Ms. Skillern-Jones was first elected to the HISD Board of Education in 2011. She is currently serving her second consecutive term, and her colleagues on the board unanimously elected her as their president for 2018. She also served as president in 2015, and has held several other leadership positions on the board, including assistant secretary, secretary, and first vice president. She also represents HISD on the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Board of Directors, is Vice Chair of the Steering Committee for the National School Boards Association's Council of Urban Boards of Education (CUBE), and is Vice Chair of the Texas Caucus of Black School Board Members. She also sits on the National Black Caucus of School

INFORMATIVE

Boards. Her other memberships include The Links, Inc.; Delta Sigma Theta; Top Ladies of Distinction; and the NAACP. In recognition of her community and

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district efforts to enhance the lives of Houston children and citizens, she has received numerous achievement awards and honors. Among these are Top 40 Professional Women of the Year, School Board Member of the Year, Community Partner of the Year, Law Enforcement Children's Champion, Outstanding Advocate Award, TSCC Community Service Honoree, Top 10 Women to Watch, PTA Partner of the Year, and PTO President's Award. While she has enjoyed being a stayat-home mother for 25 years, Ms. SkillernJones has had interval employment as a state social worker, teacher, and census director, and currently works for Harris County Precinct One as a community engagement director.

THE RUNOFF ELECTION WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2019

PAID POLITICAL AD BY FRIENDS OF RHONDA SKILLERN JONES.

TONY BUZBEE is a decorated Marine, successful lawyer and business owner, philanthropist and change agent. He is running for Mayor of Houston to end corruption, restore effective government and deliver results for all Houstonians...Tony is frequently asked about his party affiliation; whether he is a Republican or a Democrat. The simple answer is that Tony is Independent â€” independent of divisive partisan politics and partisan bickeringâ€Śindependent of cronyism and special interests andâ€Śindependent of the pay-to-play donors who control politicians with their campaign contributions...Tony Buzbee is THE Independent voice for all residents of Houston, whether Republican or Democrat.