The numbers are startling, the similarities are haunting, and the frequency… incomprehensible. As citizens across this country continue to be unlawfully detained, arrested and even killed by police under circumstances that are questionable at best, the grieving families of these victims are left with little peace or consolation.
Such is the case for the family of Ashtian Barnes, 24, who was killed by Harris County Police Officer Roberto Felix on April 28th. Today, Officer Roberto Felix was No-Billed by a Harris County Grand Jury, which means he will not be indicted or face charges for the death of Barnes. Here’s more from Fox 26 Houston…
HOUSTON (FOX 26) – After two sessions, a grand jury has not indicted a Harris County Precinct 5 deputy constable in the April 28 deadly shooting of Ashtian Barnes.
“What we can say is that the presentation was comprehensive and responsive to the needs of the grand jury,” said Harris County District Attorney’s Office Civil Rights Division Chief Julian Ramirez. “The 183rd Grand Jury handled this case with great care.” The grand jury of twelve people included three African Americans and three Hispanics.
[…]
At least nine of the 12 grand jurors needed to find probable cause to indict the deputy constable. DA Anderson said that the panel’s decision shows there was not enough evidence for a charge.
But the newly released video via Black Lives Matter- Houstonhas many people seeing the outcome differently. The video, which seems to counter the officer’s account of the incident, is leading many viewers to cry foul with the Grand Jury’s decision. As one may recall from earlier this summer, those standards to find Probable Cause against policemen were significantly toughened when a Supreme Court decision decimated the Fourth Amendment, giving police virtual right to profile and suspect any citizen that they want. As seen and heard from the video, the officer seems to be looking for reasons to conduct a search of Barnes’ vehicle. Beyond the lack of probable cause, BLM members also stated that officers and lawyers for Felix were “laughing in the face” of activists outside the trial.
At this moment, BLM members are gathering for a protest in front of the Harris County courthouse, calling for Justice for Ashtian Barnes. The protest begins at 6pm. Texas Leftist will be following the developments.
Do you agree with the Grand Jury’s assessment?? Leave your feedback in the comments.
Even as it continues to urbanize and become increasingly diverse, it’s doubtful that anyone familiar with American politics considers Texas to be a harbinger of Progressivism. Thanks to many factors like voter suppression and mis-education, the Lone Star state is expected to once again skew Conservative for the upcoming election.
Though the constraints of America’s often challenging two-party system would want voters to think otherwise, the terms “Progressive” and “Conservative” do not belong to exclusively to Democrats or Republicans. In fact 2016’s two major party candidates are causing many American voters to look outside of the traditional “big tent” status quo.
This week, a major player in a Progressive politics is taking over Houston, as Mihir Zaveri of the Houston Chronicle reports…
The odds seem long for the Green Party of the United States. In a presidential election, it never has won more than 2.7 percent of the popular vote.
Right now, its presumptive candidate is slated to be on the ballot in only two dozen states.
Still, members say the November election could provide a unique opportunity for the progressive party, now in its fourth decade, to capture voters who will not vote for Democrat Hillary Clinton or Republican Donald Trump.
That will be one of the central themes as the Green Party kicks off its three-day national convention Thursday at the University of Houston, where delegates are expected for the second straight election cycle to nominate Jill Stein, a Lexington, Mass., physician, author and environmental advocate, for president.
“I think we’re trying to take advantage of something this year,” said party spokesman Scott McLarty. “That is the widespread realization by a lot of people, among non-voters, among independents, and, interestingly this year, among a lot of Democrats and Republicans, that the two-party status quo is failing us.”
It’s been something of a ‘Powerhouse’ Political year for the University of Houston, whom not only welcomes the Green Party this week, but also played host to a Republican Debate earlier this year.
Spoiler Alert: at this point it is unlikely that Dr. Jill Stein, or her running mate Ajamu Baraka will win this years election. At present, they have reached the General Election ballot in 24 states and the District of Columbia. But that situation in the Presidential race doesn’t discount the real successes that its membership has garnered elsewhere. The party currently has 134 elected officials serving in 15 states, including Arkansas, Mississippi, and yes, Texas.
Per the schedule of events, convention activities begin today August 4th, with the highlights of Keynote speaker Dr. Cornel West, the roll call of states, and the official Presidential Candidate nomination and acceptance all slated for August 6th. There’s even a special welcome for Bernie Sanders supporters.
Will the Green Party’s mission be advanced by their time in Houston? At this point it is uncertain. But Texas Leftist plans to find out. Look for more Green Party Convention coverage right here.
With a heated Presidential Election in our midst, it is sometimes tough to keep up with important news surrounding other races. This is particularly the case in a state like Texas, which focuses so heavily on Republican/ Conservative media to start. But the March 1st Primary did prove to be an historic one for Progressives as well.
With over 78 percent of the vote, local politician Jenifer Rene Pool has garnered a decisive win in her Primary Race for Harris County Commissioner, Precinct 3. The victory makes Pool the First Transgender Candidate to win an election in the entire state of Texas, and one of a precious few openly transgender candidates to have won elections across the United States. She now moves on to face incumbent Republican Steve Radack in the November 8th General Election. (For more information on the history of Transgender Elected Officials and candidates, see the 2015 Report by theLGBTQ Representation and Rights Initiative at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, prepared by Logan S. Casey and Andrew Reynolds).
Prior to Election Day, Pool had earned many high profile endorsements from the Houston Chronicle, the Houston GLBT Political Caucus, and a host of other influential organizations.
Directly from Ms. Pool, here are some comments on this truly historic win…
I was gratified last night for the tremendous show of support. I am truly thankful that voters recognize me as a leader who can address the many serious issues facing Harris County, from our growing population to our copious infrastructure needs. I look forward to the campaign and General Election so we can build a better Harris County where it matters.
Pool has run previously for Houston City Council. Though she did garner over 17,000 votes in 2013, she did not move to the run-off for that election. However this week Ms. Pool was able to garner votes from over 24,000 Texans. In what is always assumed to be a very Conservative state, this victory is decisively Progressive.
In February of 2016, It’s no surprise that the political world is at a frenzy right now. But what is different for those in the University of Houston community? That frenzy has taken over the campus this week. Set for Thursday, February 25th, the Republican Party’s ‘Super Tuesday’ Debate will be held at UH’s Moores Opera House. Even before the candidates arrive, the debate has caused a firestorm across Houston as party faithful, students and media all try to land coveted tickets into the 800-seat venue. With the race cut down from an historic 17 candidates to just 5 remaining, this week’s debate could prove a pivotal turning point in the GOP contest.
So the Republican candidates we be at the University of Houston. But, will the candidates have an opportunity to actually see the University of Houston? If so, maybe they would be quite surprised by what is going on around them. The institution is much more than a stage… it’s a window into America’s future.
Perhaps they would see that, as the Number 2 most racially/ethnically diverse university in the nation, people of different races, ethnicities, backgrounds and faiths really can live, work and play together without fear or suspicion of what they don’t always understand. Maybe, instead of calling for a wall on our Southern border, or a ban of all Muslims into the country, they would see that diversity forms an important asset to the UH community.
Perhaps they would see an institution that not only educates, but supports undocumented students and families. One that believes “all Texas high school graduates should enjoy equal access to our state universities and the opportunity to obtain a college education, becoming better informed and more productive contributors to our community,”.
Maybe they would even see a campus that not only supports the LGBT community, but stands up for full equality even when it’s not convenient.
Make no mistake… it’s a distinct honor for UH to become just the third site in Texas to host any form of Presidential debate. But even better would be if the university’s value could have some role as well.
In the Eighteenth installment of the 2015 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire we hear from Hon. Bill King, former Mayor of the city of Kenah, Texas and candidate for Mayor of Houston.
Please note: Responses are directly from the candidate, and have been posted ver batim from the email received. This is done out of fairness to all candidates. Publishing these responses does not constitute an endorsement, but may be considered during the endorsement process.
TL: What is your name, as it will appear on the ballot?
BK: Bill King
TL: Are you a current or former elected official? If so what office(s)?
BK: I served two terms on the Kemah City Council and two terms as Mayor of Kemah.
TL: As a political candidate, you clearly care about what happens in certain levels of government. In your own words, why is government important?
BK: I believe that municipal government is constituted to provide certain basic services—like streets, sewers, police, and fire protection—and to provide them well.
TL: If elected, what is your top priority in office for the upcoming term? Describe how you plan to accomplish it.
BK: Addressing Houston’s financial problems is a necessary predicate to any other objectives one may have for the city. I will implement zero-based budgets and independent audits of departments, stop relying on overtime work from city employees that costs the City more than it spends on parks, convert heavy city vehicles to natural gas, and other necessary steps to bring spending under control without compromising essential city services.
TL: After decades of deferred maintenance and neglect, Houston’s infrastructure is in a critical state of disrepair. Ask any driver, cyclist or pedestrian, and they can readily tell you that city streets and sidewalks are crumbling… some to the extent that they pose significant danger to those that would traverse them. The Parker Administration has attempted to address the problem by the voter-approved ReBuild Houston program. Knowing that the next Mayor has no choice but to invest in city infrastructure, do you support the continuation of ReBuild Houston? If yes, please explain why. If no, please explain how you would address our copious infrastructure needs differently.
BK: I have consistently opposed ReBuild Houston. The pay-as-you-go scheme costs taxpayers more money than traditional infrastructure bonds, and it also means that citizens have to wait years for critical projects and lose the value of having roads and culverts completed when they are needed. Also, it is very un-democratic to have city bureaucrats and engineers making the decisions on which projects get priority. Infrastructure bonds give the voters a say.
TL: At present the city of Houston has one of the strongest forms of “strong-Mayor governance” in the state of Texas, to the point that the Mayor alone decides what business comes before City Council. If elected, would you support an amendment to the City Charter that would allow any coalition of 6 Council Members to place items on the Council Agenda without prior approval from the Mayor? Whether yes or no, please explain your answer.
BK: I support a mechanism for Council Members to set agenda items without the Mayor’s approval. In a more general sense, I think that Houston needs to work on de-centralizing some authority. The super-neighborhood system, for instance, has been deteriorating in many areas of town, depriving the mayor of valuable input on the needs of specific neighborhoods.
TL: If elected, would you support and seek to continue the current administration’s Complete Streets policy, which establishes that any new or significant re-build of city streets will work to prioritize and incorporate safe access for all road users, including pedestrians, persons with disabilities and cyclists?
BK: I am all for providing safe, dedicated infrastructure for bicycles and pedestrians. But the Complete Streets policy is not what we need right now: Complete Streets can costs as much as 3 times what a regular street costs, and Houston is full of disadvantaged, largely minority neighborhoods where streets are impassible and sidewalks are nonexistent. We can’t get economic opportunity to the areas of town that need it most if we keep spending down our budget on amenities that always seem to find their way to wealthier neighborhoods first.
TL: What makes you the best candidate for this office?
BK: Running the City of Houston is a bit like being the CEO of a $5 billion corporation. Taxpayers have not been getting their money’s worth from municipal government, and I want to use my 40 years of experience in business and public service to deliver what the voters expect from City Hall.
TL: When not on the campaign trail, how do you like to spend your free time?
BK: I enjoy dining out in Houston and spending time with my grandchildren.
Thanks to Mr. King for the responses.
Election Day 2015 is Tuesday November 3rd, and Early Voting runs from October 19th through October 30th. Check out this year’s Harris County Early Voting informationfor locations and times.
In the Sixth installment of the 2015 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire, we hear from Amanda Edwards, candidate for Houston City Council, At-Large Position 4.
Please note: Responses are directly from the candidate, and have been posted ver batim from the email received. This is done out of fairness to all candidates. Publishing these responses does not constitute an endorsement, but may be considered during the endorsement process.
TL: What is your name, as it will appear on the ballot?
AE: Amanda Edwards
TL: Are you a current or former elected official? If so what office(s)?
AE: This is my first campaign for elected office.
TL: As a political candidate, you clearly care about what happens in certain levels of government. In your own words, why is government important?
AE: I believe that government is important because it affects every member of society in some way. Municipal government is especially important because of its effect on our day-to-day lives. Who is elected President, Governor, etc., is, of course important, but it is local government that paves the streets, protects our neighborhoods, collects garbage and treats our water. It is critical that we have good stewards of the public trust in government to ensure these core services are delivered and that the City is properly managed.
TL: If elected, what is your top priority in office for the upcoming term? Describe how you plan to accomplish it.
AE: Houston has many needs, including improving our infrastructure and transportation systems, protecting public safety, increasing broad-based economic development and improving our quality of life. All of those needs are affected by the City’s financial health. Our growing population and need for services are on a collision course with increasingly limited resources, due to increased fixed costs and declining revenue. We must bring all stakeholders together to improve the City’s fiscal situation, so residents’ needs can be met today, and for the long term. We must also focus on how to manage the 100,000+ people who are moving into our City annually by addressing our infrastructure and transit needs.
TL: After decades of deferred maintenance and neglect, Houston’s infrastructure is in a critical state of disrepair. Ask any driver, cyclist or pedestrian, and they can readily tell you that city streets and sidewalks are crumbling… some to the extent that they pose significant danger to those that would traverse them. The Parker Administration has attempted to address the problem by the voter-approved ReBuild Houstonprogram. Knowing that the next Mayor has no choice but to invest in city infrastructure, do you support the continuation of ReBuild Houston? If yes, please explain why. If no, please explain how you would address our copious infrastructure needs differently.
AE: Yes. There have certainly been challenges with the rollout of Rebuild Houston, including a two-year delay before actual projects began (funds were initially used for debt service reduction), questionable prioritization of projects, and difficulty in completing projects timely and on budget. Despite those challenges, there is no denying the need for a dedicated funding stream for critical infrastructure work, particularly in light of the City’s overall budgetary difficulties. Rebuild Houston should be improved and continue. I would focus on improving transparency and efficiency with how Public Works implements the Rebuild Houston program.
TL: At present the city of Houston has one of the strongest forms of “strong-Mayor governance” in the state of Texas, to the point that the Mayor alone decides what business comes before City Council. If elected, would you support an amendment to the City Charter that would allow any coalition of 6 Council Members to place items on the Council Agenda without prior approval from the Mayor? Whether yes or no, please explain your answer.
AE: I generally support the idea, though I would need specific information on any proposal before committing to vote for it. It seems as though such a measure may be a vehicle for empowering council members to take more ownership of their leadership role in the City.
TL: If elected, would you support and seek to continue the current administration’s Complete Streets policy, which establishes that any new or significant re-build of city streets will work to prioritize and incorporate safe access for all road users, including pedestrians, persons with disabilities and cyclists?
AE: Yes. I live in Midtown and have seen firsthand the benefits of Complete Streets. It is critical that we improve and enhance our transit options for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists alike in order to better manage the continued growth of our City.
TL: What makes you the best candidate for this office?
AE: Houston faces critical challenges and key opportunities, and I am running to be part of long-term solutions that move all our city forward. I am the best candidate for this office because I have the vision, skills and passion to truly effect change for the long-term. As a municipal finance lawyer, I am well qualified to help tackle the City’s fiscal challenges. I have a long history of civic and non-profit involvement that has equipped me with a deep understanding of community based challenges (but also solutions). My work with organizations like the Houston Area Urban League and Project Row Houses reflects my passion for community work. Finally,, I plan to help City Council develop a vision and effectuate policy that will enable Houston to be an inclusive, first-class world City.
TL: When not on the campaign trail, how do you like to spend your free time?
AE: My free time is sparse in light of my work and the campaign. However, I do enjoy staying fit by exercising. I am also an urban gardener and enjoy traveling.
Thanks to Ms. Edwards for the responses.
Election Day 2015 is Tuesday November 3rd, and Early Voting runs from October 19th through October 30th. Check out this year’s Harris County Early Voting informationfor locations and times.
Now that we’ve officially made it to the hot, yucky part of Houston summer, it’s time to add to the list of indoor activities and hone in on this year’s municipal elections.
As time gets closer to Election Day (being held November 3rd, 2015 for the Houston Municipal elections) it is important that voters have a variety of resources with which to research candidates and make informed decisions when they go to the polls. One of the best ways to obtain that information is to ask the candidates directly. Not only do these questions help voters in their choices, but they also help inform politicians of what their legislative priorities should be. Sometimes they even influence policy directly.
For all of these reasons, I am happy to announce the 2015 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire (TLCQ). Questions have already been sent out to several candidates, with a goal of covering even more in the near future. As responses are received, they will be published on Texas Leftist.
Here’s the 2015 Questionnaire, in format for the Municipal races for Mayor and City Council. The Questionnaire will be amended for City Controller, HCC and HISD races…
1. What is your name, as it will appear on the ballot?
2. Are you a current or former elected official? If so what office(s)?
3. As a political candidate, you clearly care about what happens in certain levels of government. In your own words, why is government important?
4. If elected, what is your top priority in office for the upcoming term? Describe how you plan to accomplish it.
5. After decades of deferred maintenance and neglect, Houston’s infrastructure is in a critical state of disrepair. Ask any driver, cyclist or pedestrian, and they can readily tell you that city streets and sidewalks are crumbling… some to the extent that they pose significant danger to those that would traverse them. The Parker Administration has attempted to address the problem by the voter-approved ReBuild Houston program. Knowing that the next Mayor has no choice but to invest in city infrastructure, do you support the continuation of ReBuild Houston? If yes, please explain why. If no, please explain how you would address our copious infrastructure needs differently.
6. At present, the city of Houston has one of the strongest forms of “strong-Mayor governance” in the state of Texas, to the point that the Mayor alone decides what business comes before City Council. If elected, would you support an amendment to the City Charter that would allow any coalition of 6 Council Members to place items on the Council Agenda without prior approval from the Mayor? Whether yes or no, please explain your answer.
7. If elected, would you support and seek to continue the current administration’s Complete Streets policy, which establishes that any new or significant re-build of city streets will work to prioritize and incorporate safe access for all road users, including pedestrians, persons with disabilities and cyclists?
8. What makes you the best candidate for this office?
9. When not on the campaign trail, how do you like to spend your free time?
With a plethora of strong candidates across several races, voter information is more important than ever for 2015. Check here for the responses as they come in, and for endorsements closer to election time.
Along with Texas Leftist, be sure to check out the Off the Kuff 2015 elections page, as Kuff has already begun his interview series.
Ok Houston voters, y’all know what to do. It’s your municipal government, so…
