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
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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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“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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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.
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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.
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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
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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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MARIA T. JACKSON
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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.”
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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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IMPACTING LIVES RE-ELECT 10D
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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.
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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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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(832)564-3804 CALL MARJORIE A. MURPHY AT:
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EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2019 AND ENDS ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019
“It’s imperative that you know the rights that have been afforded to you as an American citizen in these “UNITED” STATES of America.”
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