Tag Archives: TLCQ 2015

The ReBuild Houston Saga Ratchets Up

To outgoing Mayor Annise Parker, and at least one candidate hoping to succeed her, the innovative ReBuild Houston program is viewed as a signature accomplishment.

To others desperate for every last vote, the program comes with hesitant support, if not outright opposition, mostly due to “poor implementation. Thankfully for them, the issue has received little Press during this election cycle.

But today, ReBuild Houston enters the fray, just hours before we see Election Results.  Here’s the story from Katherine Driessen of the Houston Chronicle…

A trial court judge ruled Thursday that the ballot measure Houston voters narrowly approved in 2010 obscured the nature and cost of the drainage fee at the heart of the city’s multi-billion dollar ReBuild Houston program, effectively voiding the election.

Judge Buddie Hahn ordered the city to hold a new election on the drainage fee, though that’s unlikely to happen immediately as appeals get underway. Hahn sided with a ruling issued by the Texas Supreme Court in June, saying the city had failed to make clear the ballot language surrounding the drainage fee, part of the city’s effort to dramatically improve Houston’s roads and drainage during the next two decades.

In a brief court hearing Thursday, Hahn said he had little discretion because the “Supreme Court has just about said as a matter of law” that the election should be voided.

Conservative activists, who deride the fee as a “rain tax,” filed suit against the city in 2010. The city originally prevailed at trial court, but opponents appealed. Now, attorney Andy Taylor is calling on the city to halt collection of the drainage fee altogether.

All along, opponents have claimed that there’s no possible way that voters could understand what they were getting themselves into back in 2010.   So from the viewpoint of Conservative lawyers, Council Member Michael Kubosh and Mayoral Candidate Bill King, this ruling should be the “nail in the coffin” for ReBuild.  But to be frank, this argument borders on the ridiculous.  As fellow blogger Off the Kuff so well reasoned back in June, if you could read the ballot, you knew that a vote for ReNew Houston was a vote for a fee.  Quantum Mechanics it ain’t.

However that just about in the judges’ statement proves to be of import.  According to the Mayor’s Office,  the 2010 election results still apply.   Per City of Houston Press Release…

We are disappointed with the court’s ruling and are considering our legal options, including a possible appeal.  This case places at risk the voter approved amendment to the City Charter that prohibits the City from using debt financing or spending the drainage fee on anything other than street and drainage improvements.  Those two issues have nothing to do with whether the city is able to continue the Rebuild Houston program and the collection of the drainage fee.  The ordinance remains valid and in effect.

It may not have garnered constant press attention like the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance or the City’s looming Pension woes, but the fate of ReBuild Houston will prove critical to the future of Texas’ largest (and rapidly growing larger) city.  At the end of the day, if Houston can’t repair and improve its infrastructure, the Southeast Texas region, and the whole state will suffer greatly.

If you’d like more information on where 2015 Municipal Candidates stand on ReBuild Houston, check out the TLCQ Questionnaire Response page.

ReBuild Houston

TLCQ 2015 Responses

For information purposes only, here are all of the TLCQ 2015 Respondents.  Hopefully this will serve to increase the available information for Houstonians as we head into Early Voting next week.

Endorsements soon to follow.

Houston Mayor

 

Houston City Council

 

At Large Position 1

At Large Position 2

At Large Position 3

At Large Position 4

At Large Position 5

 

District B

District C

District G

District H

 

If you live in the city of Houston, this election matters.  Houston is a growing city that will face many challenges over the coming decades.  It is the next Mayor and City Council which will decide how we handle them.  Get informed, and V-O-T-E!!

 

 

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TLCQ 2015: Joe Ferreira

In the Fourteenth installment of the 2015 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire we hear from Joe Ferreira 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?

JF:  Joe Ferreira

 

TL:  Are you a current or former elected official? If so what office(s)?

JF:  No

 

TL:  As a political candidate, you clearly care about what happens in certain levels of government. In your own words, why is government important?

JF:  The reason we even need government is to provide people a safe and civilized life. Government  meant to be a servant of the people, not the people a servant of the government.

 

TL:  If elected, what is your top priority in office for the upcoming term? Describe how you plan to accomplish it.

JF:  Provide a flame to the public to heat their food, not hand them the food. Everyone should have opportunity to live a healthy life and provide for their families by pushing the need of a honest day’s work for an honest days pay. Houston budget is in the red and it must be fixed.

 

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.   

JF:  This subject is much like the drainage problem. The tax payers are paying a drainage fee today and the money is not being used for what it was suppose to.

 

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.

JF:  Yes, I have always believed in managing with a strong support staff. I don’t think one individual has all the answers, however the individual should always be able to reach out and touch a subject matter expert on his or her staff.

 

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?  

JF:  I would support that and believe it is long overdue.

 

TL:  What makes you the best candidate for this office?

JF:  I am a retired executive and have managed a huge budget and over eight thousand employees. I am an outsider that believes in fixing it right the first time.

 

TL:  When not on the campaign trail, how do you like to spend your free time?

JF:  I enjoy people and have always participated in team sports like playing soccer and basketball.

 

Thanks to Mr. Ferreira 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 information for locations and times.

 

(Note:  Texas Leftist could not locate a clear picture of this candidate)

 

 

TLCQ 2015: Sharon Moses

In the Thirteenth installment of the 2015 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire we hear from Sharon Moses candidate for Houston City Council, At-Large Position 5.

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?*

SM:  Sharon Moses

 

TL:  Are you a current or former elected official? If so what office(s)?

SM:  No

 

TL:  As a political candidate, you clearly care about what happens in certain levels of government. In your own words, why is government important?*

SM:  Government is important because it is the glue of our society.  It unites the people in a way that no other entity can.  Albeit there are differing opinions – opposing sides – varying points of view, it is still the center of the community.  Decisions are made in government that affect us all.  And fortunately we live in a democracy so in our government our voice matters and can make a difference in how we govern.

 

TL:  If elected, what is your top priority in office for the upcoming term? Describe how you plan to accomplish it.

SM:  My top priority is to reach out to the constituents and serve the community.  I would hold neighborhood meetings and get to know those that elected me and those that didn’t.  My primary goal would be to hear their voices and their concerns. As I prepare to take my place at the horseshoe, I would begin where their voices lead me.

 

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.

SM:  I am not opposed to Rebuild Houston however, I am opposed to how it was presented to the public. Houston needs funding, Houston needs street repair and infrastructure improvement. However we cannot mislead the people in order to obtain the necessary repairs. We must be transparent with our policies, propositions and proposals to the citizens. Going forward we have to allow the
citizens to make honest choices with well-informed options. I propose we revisit the matter with a well devised plan of how and where the funding will be spent. Rebuild Houston in my opinion is not a bad idea, it just wasn’t 
implemented correctly.

 

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.

SM:  Yes, I would support an amendment to the City Charter and here’s why.  Once again we need to provide the public the opportunity to make informed choices.  I believe that if 6 of the 16 elected City Officials deem the matter important enough to bring before Council, than that item should be on the Council Agenda, as it may be a matter that is of public concern and should be addressed.  That is the purpose of City Council to be the voice of the people.

 

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?

SM:  Yes, I would work to continue the “Complete the Streets” policy.  I have a Masters in Transportation Planning and Management and as a student, my thesis topic was, “The Cost and Impacts of Transit Oriented Development (TOD)”.  One of the things that TOD planning does is it creates multi-modal options and allows for easily accessible green space, mostly via transit modalities however the plan design is inclusive of other modes of transportation as well.  This would include increasing walkability and cycling within the community.  The Complete Streets policy to me supports that type of planning, as it is inclusive of pedestrians, cyclist and people with disabilities.  To that end, I would consider this one of my priorities as an elected official and it would provide me with an opportunity to continue what I began while in pursuit of my Masters Degree.

 

TL:  What makes you the best candidate for this office?

SM:  I am the only lawyer in the race for Houston City Council At-Large, Position 5. I am the only candidate with a Masters in Transportation Planning and Management.  I am the only candidate that has worked for the City of Houston for 9 years.  One of those years was spent under the leadership of former City Council Member Ada Edwards, in District D.  The other eight years, I worked in the Solid Waste Management Department as a Senior Community Liaison in the area of Recycling and Sustainability.  As a liaison I have had the fortunate opportunity to reach out to the community and hear their concerns.  Armed with their issues I have been able to relate that information to the Solid Waste Management Department and get things done.  I have been able to make a difference in the community because of my position and concern for the people. Utilizing those community involvement skills, my training, education and background and the passion that I have for people has uniquely qualified me for such a position.  It is time for the people of this City to raise their voices and be heard at the horseshoe by a representative that has integrity and knows how to put it in motion to keep Houston-Strong!

 

TL:  When not on the campaign trail, how do you like to spend your free time?

SM:  I love green space and water.  One of my favorite pass times is feeding the ducks at the park and walking the trails.  I also enjoy theatre I have somewhat of a musical background and I greatly enjoy stage productions and live music.  I am family oriented and enjoy spending quality time with my husband, family and Camille my pet Chihuahua.

 

Thanks to Ms. Moses 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 information for locations and times.

Sharon Moses

 

TLCQ 2015: Greg Travis

In the Fourth installment of the 2015 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire, we hear from Greg Travis, candidate for Houston City Council, District G.

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?

GT:  Greg Travis

 

TL:  Are you a current or former elected official? If so what office(s)?

 GT:  No.

 

TL:  As a political candidate, you clearly care about what happens in certain levels of government. In your own words, why is government important?

GT:  Government is important, but only if it addresses the needs of the people and is representative of the people by setting the rules, rights, and responsibilities of all involved, without which we have no society.  Everyone is capable of governing themselves.  Government should be answerable to the people and the more control they have over the government, the more they control their own destiny.

Government should not oppress, but enable, allow the citizens to be free to reach their potential, by providing a basic framework by which and under which we can all operate.  Government’s first duty is to protect the people not run their lives.  Government can provide for basic needs best provided for as a whole, such as defense, security, or water and roads.  However, I feel it is better if it provides for security and opportunity by limiting its reach and allowing the citizens to lead free lives because with freedom there is hope—and there are dreams and from dreams we slip the horizons of our limitations and become more than who we are.

 

TL:  If elected, what is your top priority in office for the upcoming term? Describe how you plan to accomplish it.

GT:  Fiscal Discipline—and followed closely by Infrastructure Improvements.  A lone Council member cannot on their own accomplish either without the help and support of the community and other council members.  I intend to educate the public through the media and social media as to the dire situation we find ourselves in and then promote the solutions—which is to curb spending and focus our priorities on infrastructure.  I intend to work with the Mayor and other council members and bring together a coalition who understands the seriousness of our situation.  I am proud that in 24 years, I have never lost a trial.  This shows I can get together with people I just met and within a week or two, convince them of the facts and my desired solution to the situation.  Further, I am a certified mediator and I am trained and practiced in bringing parties together to resolve a situation.  I intend to do the same on council.

 

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.  

GT:  While there are aspects of Rebuild Houston I have troubles with, I generally support the concept.  I think the implementation of the program has been troublesome and misguided.  However, the program as conceptualized is good.  We need a dedicated funding source to address the years of neglect.  We have $500M a year in depreciation affecting our roads and infrastructure, with only $100M going towards repairing and replacement and that in and of itself is mainly due to ReBuild Houston.  We have 16,000 lane miles in Houston with 75% in need of repair or replacement.  What other way can we insure this need is addressed?  Bond issuances are problematic as we are near the ceiling on bond debt, and the process will take us too long to address our needs which are immediate.

 

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.

GT:  Yes.  Actually, I would prefer four members of council.  I think if you can get 25% to bring up a matter, it should be worth considering by the entire council.  This issue is one of the issues I bring up when talking to the residents in my district.

 

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?  

GT:  Yes and No.  While I support the concept generally and appreciate the goals, I do not think it is appropriate in Houston for most areas.  We have 16,000 lane miles currently which we can’t even maintain properly today.  To require complete streets could easily effectively increase that number from 20% to 33% depending.  Where would we get the money?  Further, not all streets or areas in Houston are conducive to such a policy or would pass a cost/benefit analysis.  To effectively handle current traffic and other uses would require usage of eminent domain on a scale we have never seen.  However, other areas are perfect for such a concept and there is a need. So, it is not as simple as a yes or no, but rather a case by case, area by area analysis.

 

TL:  What makes you the best candidate for this office?

GT:  I do not have such a high estimation of myself to think I am the best candidate for this office as undoubtedly there are a number of people who could run with better experience than I.  However, I am the best candidate “running” for this office—simply because I care and I can and will solve the problems.  I am not a politician.  I am a businessman and an attorney with empathy for my fellow citizens.  The people in my district and in this city are tired of paying for services and not having them delivered.  They don’t mind paying for what they get but they do want to get what they pay for.   Roads, Drainage, Sewers, Police and Fire.   I get it.

As stated previously, I am both a litigator and a certified mediator.  I have never lost a trial in 24 years of practice.  I know what it takes to reach out and convince others of the actions needed to resolve situations in my clients favor.  I will use my talents to do the same on council for my clients—the citizens of my district.

 

TL:  When not on the campaign trail, how do you like to spend your free time?

GT:  I spend time with my dogs (and semi-adopted stray cat).  I also go out on dates with my girlfriend.   I read, listen to classic (1960s and 1970s) music (Mo-Town especially), and continue to search for the perfect ice-cream.  Also, I spend quite a bit of time rescuing animals, whether domestic or wild (sort of a hobby).

 

Thanks to Mr. Travis for the responses.

Greg Travis

TLCQ 2015: Moe Rivera

In the Third installment of the 2015 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire, we hear from Moe Rivera, candidate for Houston City Council, At Large position 2.

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?

MR:  Moe Rivera

 

 TL:  Are you a current or former elected official? If so what office(s)?

MR:  Negative, this is the second time I have run for 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?

MR:  Government is extremely important since it represents it’s  citizens and has the power to enact  and enforce laws.  Government is necessary to manage its people’s affairs, offers rights and protection and certain services without City chaos would exist. We need to elect officials that look out for everyone’s interest.

 

 TL:  If elected, what is your top priority in office for the upcoming term? Describe how you plan to accomplish it.

MR:  Promote a balanced budget and insure that expenses do not exceed its collected revenue (Tax, services and other revenues). I plan to do this by influencing other members of Council of our responsibility not to be in debt.  I plan to offer solutions to the city pension issue by offering the 777 contributory plan.  I will only approve responsible and reputable construction projects and service contracts that will not over burden our citizens or debt structure.

 

 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.  

MR:  Rebuild Houston plan prioritizes worst first let’s continue since the administration has promised certain neighborhoods that are next in line the allocation of those funds and it would be unfair to start over again.

 

 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.

MR:  Agree with coalition of six Council Members to place Council agenda without prior consent from the Mayor. This way we place the interests of all districts rather than the next mayor’s home district.

 

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?  

MR:  Agree we owe it to disabled citizens and cyclists.

 

 TL:  What makes you the best candidate for this office?

MR:  Education; I have three degrees, Trilingual, I have lived here in Houston since 1984 and have a feel for its needs and have a passion to serve this city.

 

 TL:  When not on the campaign trail, how do you like to spend your free time?

MR:  Free time is spent exercising (biking, swimming, racquetball playing) assisting church, family events and attending local sports events.

 

Thanks to Mr. Rivera for the responses.

Moe Rivera

TLCQ 2015: Roland M. Chavez

In the Second installment of the 2015 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire, we hear from Roland Chavez, candidate for Houston City Council, District H.

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?

RC:  Roland M. Chavez

 

TL:  Are you a current or former elected official? If so what office(s)?

RC:  No

 

TL:  As a political candidate, you clearly care about what happens in certain levels of government. In your own words, why is government important?

RC:  Government is important because citizens depend on it to protect their communities, provide core services, ensure public safety, enhance quality of life, maintain our infrastructure, and wisely manage our tax dollars.

 

TL:  If elected, what is your top priority in office for the upcoming term? Describe how you plan to accomplish it.

RC:  To ensure all core services are maintained and funded, and to work with other elected officials, both city and county to provide a safe community where all citizens can work, live, and enjoy this city.

 

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 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.

RC:  I will support ReBuild Houston if it is here to stay. I have always supported the “worst first” approach to ReBuild Houston, and as a candidate for District H, I will seek for infrastructure support as District H has some of the worse problems within our entire city.

 

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.

RC:  YES, I believe if six city council members feel an issue should be publicly debated it should be placed on the agenda.

 

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?

RC:  YES

 

TL:  What makes you the best candidate for this office?

RC:  Having worked for the City of Houston as a Houston Fire Fighter for 34 years, and served as President of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, I feel my experience in city government, knowledge of the city and the neighborhoods in District H, understanding labor/management relations, and working with many leaders throughout the city allows me an advantage on core services, public safety, infrastructure, budgets, and quality of life issues. Additionally, I am from Houston, raised in the District in which I am a candidate, where it provides me a great passion and appreciation for my parents, my community, and the entire city.

 

TL:  When not on the campaign trail, how do you like to spend your free time?

RC:  Living in the Woodland Heights, I enjoy time venturing out in the local scenes, festivals, sports, and antique shops. I also enjoy all types of outdoor activities, boating, fishing camping, softball, or just relaxing near a BBQ pit.

 

Thanks to Mr. Chavez for the responses.

Roland Chavez