The Texas Progressive Alliance is thoroughly enjoying some Republican slapstick comedy as it brings you this week’s roundup.
Off the Kuff implores Sen. Leticia Van de Putte to run for Lt. Governor. One look at the group vying for the GOP nomination shows how much we need her on our ticket.
Eye On Williamson is having some technical difficulties this week, we hope to be back next week.
Once PDiddie at Brains and Eggs declared this year’s municipal election season in Houston “the most boring ever”, things started to pick up a bit.
Horwitz at Texpatriate discusses the controversy that has arisen in a Houston City Council election after one leading candidate allegedly made some unspeakably offensive comments.
Here’s more evidence that Texas GOP Congress members really are in a pickle over the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare), despite what they say to the contrary. From reporter Emily Wilkins of the Dallas Morning News…
Aides to Dallas Rep. Jeb Hensarling’s office recently said that he would gladly help any constituent having trouble enrolling in a health plan under the Affordable Care Act.
“Providing outstanding constituent service is a top priority,” an aide said, and that includes “their dealings with all federal agencies and bureaucracies.”
The next morning, Hensarling joined other House Republicans in voting for the 41st time to repeal the law. That illustrates how Texas Republicans are in the position of helping constituents with a program they are simultaneously attempting to derail as the next major step of Obamacare is drawing near.
On Oct. 1, the insurance marketplace will open and 6 million uninsured Texans must pick a plan or face a tax penalty. Organizations working to help North Texans understand the new health care act said they haven’t heard much from federal lawmakers. [note: the enrollment period starts October 1st, 2013 and ends March 31st, 2014.]
“I’ll leave it up to their offices to determine if they feel responsibility to get the word out,” said Tim McKinney, chief executive of United Way of Tarrant County. “I would hope they would.”
[…]
Texas Republicans in Congress universally oppose the new health care law. But a sampling found none who said they would turn away constituents with problems accessing its benefits.
Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Lewisville, calls the law “bad for America” and contends it has the potential to destroy the economy. But he’s kept his staff in touch with the Department of Health and Human Services. And Burgess arranged a meeting with the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services after he felt he wasn’t getting as much information as he needed.
“I’ll share with anyone who calls the information I have,” Burgess said.
Even Sen. Ted Cruz, a leader in efforts to strip funding for implementation of the law, promised to help Texans participate if they call.
“I am honored to represent 26 million Texans,” he recently told CNN. “And dealing with the government is inherently frustrating. It’s inherently confusing, and one of the things our office takes very seriously is trying to help Americans deal with the government.”
To be clear, when the Republicans threaten to “defund Obamacare” they’re basically telling a bald-faced lie. Whatever your conception of Obamacare may be, we are already living under much of the law’s provisions, and reaping substantial benefits from them. Right now, several provisions of the Affordable Care Act are Federal law, including…
— the eradication of lifetime limits. That means if you get sick with an expensive disease, your insurance company can’t drop you once health care expenses pass a certain point.
And a whole lot more. With 20 states already participating in the ACA Medicaid Expansion, millions of Americans now have access to affordable care that they previously did not have available. All of these changes are part of Obamacare. So when the GOP runs around and says they want to repeal it, what they really want to do is take away your right to appeal, stop covering children with pre-existing conditions restore lifetime limits on coverage, and yank Medicaid coverage for the millions that received it under the expansion. They are also betting on you not being able to read, talk to someone about the law, and discover for yourself why so many of these changes are important. This is what they are threatening a government shut-down for… to ruin people’s lives who are already benefitting from Obamacare.
Which is what is so laughable about this article… the audacity of them to proclaim how horrible the Affordable Care Act is, but then to simultaneously be a valuable government resource on the law for their constituents? Do they know that by pledging to “help” their constituents enroll and navigate the exchanges, they are actually making the law even more impossible to dismantle than it already is?
Senator Ted Cruz is correct on one point… he and his offices do in fact represent all 26 million Texans in the United States Senate, and some of those 26 million Texans will enroll using the Healthcare Exchange. The same goes for Senator Cornyn, Congressman Ted Poe, and all the other 35 Congressional Representatives. But on this issue, the Republicans are not representing Texas very well.
As my former choir director says, “At any point in time, you can only be doing one of two things… helping or hurting. You can’t do both at the same time.” Despite what they may say to reporters, the Texas GOP is squarely in the HURTING column on Obamacare, and the general welfare of the people they serve. They continue to lie and misinform Texans about the provisions of the existing law, and new provisions coming up. Rather than helping constituents to understand the law and it’s wide-range of changes, they skip all substantive information, and instead champion creepy ads like the one from Koch Brothers’ spawn Generation Opportunity.
So please, whatever you do, don’t believe the GOP when they say they’re going to “help” constituents with any part of the Affordable Care Act. The only things they want to help are their political careers.
In the Fifth installment of the 2013 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire, we hear from Robert Gallegos, candidate for Houston City Council District I.
Please note: Responses have been received directly from the candidate, and have been posted verbatim from the email received. This is done out of fairness to all candidates. Publishing these responses does not constitute an endorsement, but will be considered during the endorsement process.
TL: What is your name, as it will appear on the ballot?
RG: Robert Gallegos
TL: Are you a current or former elected official? If so what office(s)?
RG: 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?
RG: Government is the vehicle by which we have a civilized society. In the broad sense, different forms of government are believed to achieve certain order for a country, state, or city. More to the point City Government provides for public safety, public health, services such as water, trash pick-up, infrastructure (streets, sewers, drainage, building codes), parks, libraries, and governing ordinance for the order and public safety of its residents. City government is the most basic and primal governing body that guides and provides for the quality of life of a community or more specifics the collaboration of several communities within a geographic boundary. To put it simply, city government is where the rubber meets the road in providing for the quality of life of the residents of a city.
TL: If elected, what is your top priority in office for the upcoming term? Describe how you plan to accomplish it.
RG: District I is one of the oldest Districts in the City of Houston. My top priority is quality of life. I have a three prong plan to provide for a better quality of life for the residents of District I.
–Infrastructure – District I has some of the oldest infrastructure in the City of Houston. I will work to direct Rebuild Houston Funds collected in District I, to be invested in the decaying infrastructure.
–Public Safety – I will take the lead in working with the Houston Police Department and Houston Fire Department to insure the safety of the residents in District I. I have worked with HPD and HFD for many, many years on a volunteer basis and as the President of my Civic Club.
–Quality of Life – I will address air pollution issues of District I, which is the home to the Port of Houston and investment in the future of our children and the youth of District I by working to increase after school programs and summer programs. More money needs to be directed to inner city council districts for our youth, which directly affects the quality of life of the entire family and communities.
TL: With the exception of city government and some other select businesses, Houstonians can still be fired for being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender because we do not have a comprehensive non-discrimination ordinance for general employment. This lags behind other Texas cities such as Dallas, Austin, and Ft. Worth. Do you support a comprehensive non-discrimination ordinance for the city of Houston? If not, please explain why. If so, please explain how you would work to pass such a measure.
RG: Yes, I support a comprehensive non-discrimination ordinance for general employment. I am an open gay Latino man who has always worked for equality for all individuals regardless of race, religion, or sexual orientation.
TL: There have been an alarming number of complaints filed against officers in the Houston Police Department, accused of unwarranted police brutality towards citizens. A disproportionate amount of this violence occurs in minority communities, and in the vast majority of these cases, officers have gone unpunished. As a result, these incidents cause a cycle of mistrust between Houstonians and the very officers sworn to protect them. What can you do to increase oversight of the Houston Police Department, and help ensure that these incidents do not continue?
RG: First, I want to say the majority of Houston Police Officers are men and women who go in harm’s way to protect and serve the residents of the City of Houston. They are honorable men and women doing an excellent job. I am not naïve and living in the East End my entire life, I have witnessed unwarranted police brutality. As within any organization or business there should always be accountability and to that end I support a Citizens Review Board with subpoena power and substantial authority to insure proper oversight and action when a fair and complete investigation has been conducted. Houston has reached a size in which we may need to explore creating an elected position of Public Advocate. The job of the Public Advocate is, most fundamentally, that of a watchdog, ensuring that all citizens receive the City services they deserve and have a voice in shaping the policies of their government.
TL: What makes you the best candidate for this office?
RG: I was born, raised, attended public schools and worked in District I. District I has been my lifelong home. I have a passion to serve the citizens of District I. Public service is in the very fabric of my being as evidenced by over 20 years of civic engagement I chose to run because I believe that I have a unique and diverse experience to bring to the table of Houston City Council. I have the skill set to make that happen. We are only as strong as our weakest link. I believe that my neighborhood development skills will build a stronger Houston neighborhood by neighborhood. My vision for Houston is neighborhood oriented for strength, stability and security. I understand District I, its history, its present and what the residents of District I want for a better future. I served as Community Liaison for Commissioner Sylvia Garcia serving both Houston City Council District H and I. I have more experience working with multiple government bodies, City of Houston, HGAC, State of Texas, TexDot, and the cities of Jacinto City, Deer Park, Channelview, Baytown, and Pasadena than any other candidate in this race. I understand the development of District I, home to the soon to be operative East End Light Rail line, home to the Port of Houston, and the economic development to the ever changing District I.
TL: When not on the campaign trail, how do you like to spend your free time?
RG: Thank you for this question as it is a chance to be reflective. I am a blessed man by having family and friends that I share an enjoyable and fulfilling life with. But in thinking about this specific question and reflecting over the past 20 years, aside from my commitment to work out at the gym, my off time has been filled with civic engagement. Below is a review of my commitments in my off time.
–President of Houston Country Club Place Civic Club (HCCP) for 15 years and active in the Civic Club for over 20 years; Secured new sidewalks along Lawndale; worked on No Parking On The Grass ordinance for Houston Country Club Place; Fought the Solid Waste Department to approve recycling for HCCP; Garnered support for protesting a liquor licensing renewal for a troubled local establishment near his neighborhood.
— Founder, Organizer, and First President of the Greater Eastwood Super Neighborhood 64/Lawndale Wayside Super Neighborhood 88; The Super Neighborhood Council meets once a month to address issues and concerns that affect the area’s neighborhoods. The Super Neighborhood has provided a strong voice for these neighboring Civic Clubs.
— Rallied support from East End Civic Organizations (Magnolia Park/Pineview Civic Club, East Lawndale Civic Association, Idylwood Civic Club, Houston Country Club Place Civic Club, Eastwood Civic Association, Oaklawn Fullerton Civic Club, Second Ward Super Neighborhood, Greater Eastwood & Lawndale Wayside Super Neighborhood, East End Chamber of Commerce and East End Management District.) to weigh in on METRO’s plan to construct a massive 12-block-long overpass on Harrisburg Boulevard for the light rail line. These civic organizations formed the East End Rail Subcommittee and helped convince METRO and newly-elected Mayor Annise Parker to approve an underpass, that protected historic Harrisburg Blvd. and encouraged future economic development.
— Chair, Historic Rufus Cage Educational Alliance (HRCEA). Organized and secured a united letter of support from East End Civic Organizations, Washington Ave Super Neighborhood 22, Greater Heights Super Neighborhood, and Glenbrook Valley Civic Club to save the historic Rufus Cage School, and convinced Mayor Parker to accept the school property from HISD. Now the city and HRCEA are working to find interested parties that will renovate and convert the school building to a performing arts community center that will benefit the education and promotion of the arts for the youth in District I.
— Submitted a request to the City of Houston for the first Railroad Quiet Zone for District I. Phase 1 of the Quiet Zone is Telephone Rd to Polk Ave and Phase II is Polk Ave to Navigation. The Quiet Zone will keep trains from sounding their horns unless there is an emergency.
— Secured letters of support from community elected officials and District I Civic Clubs for construction of a pedestrian bridge over Brays Bayou at Mason Park. As a result, the Houston Parks Dept submitted these letters of support to TxDOT for a grant to construct the pedestrian bridge. A pedestrian bridge over Brays Bayou will provide easy access for pedestrians, connecting the north and southside of the park.
— Assisted the founder and first president in the creation of the Downtown Super Neighborhood.
— I have been a delegate to every Democratic Precinct Convention in the past 20 year.
— I have been a delegate to the Democratic Senate District 6 Convention for the past 10 years.
With political campaigns raining down upon the city of Houston, most everyone is focused on one date in the immediate future… November 5th 2013. A mere 6 weeks away (4 weeks for those smart enough to remember how critical Early Voting is in Harris County), the candidates barely have time to think about much else, as every word they say and place they go is influenced to sway voters.
But sometimes in the midst of all the craziness, something reveals that long-term goals are still very important. Take this exchange between Houston Mayor (and incumbent mayoral candidate) Annise Parker and the Texpatriate blog…
T: What was one ordinance you authored that has now become law?
AP: There have been so many! I would highlight our Hire Houston First initiative.
Hire Houston First gives a preference to companies bidding for city contracts if they hire local workers. It keeps our tax dollars working at home – when we hire Houston workers, they spend their earnings here, supporting other Houston businesses that can hire even more workers. In its first year, we certified 617 companies and awarded more than $139 million of city business under the Hire Houston First program, sustaining more than 6,000 jobs. Today, there are 944 firms that have been certified under Hire Houston First.
That’s a big deal for Houstonians who have been struggling since the recession. I understand what it feels like to suddenly not know how you’re going to make ends meet. When I was growing up, my father invested all his savings to start a fishing camp on the Gulf Coast. It was his dream, and it was a success – until one day a barge knocked down the only bridge to the peninsula where we were located. It wasn’t his fault, but my dad went broke. I can still see the worry in his eyes. It took a long time for our family to get back on its feet. And I know there are a lot of families like that in Houston today.
I am proud of Hire Houston First because it’s making real progress for Houston families.
From reading this, it’s pretty clear that Mayor Parker views Hire Houston First as not only good government policy, but a central part of her legacy as the city’s chief executive. She wants the “Parker era” to be remembered in part for this program, and how it, in her view, helped to bring Houston out of the Recession. Most people would agree that it’s a pretty good pick too, as Hire Houston First touches the lives of thousands of Houstonians through small business investment. The program also proves that government doesn’t always have to “get in the way”, but can be a true partner with the private sector to build up the community.
Barring unforeseen disasters, she may also be remembered as one of the most effective consensus builders in the city’s recent history. A prime example of consensus was the passage of changes to Chapter 42, Houston’s development code. Parker was able to take opposing sides that have argued over this issue for more than a decade, and create a compromise both could live with.
Beyond actual municipal legislation, Parker has managed to forge impressive common ground with Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and the Commissioner’s Court. With Commissioner’s Court being a majority Republican body, they clearly don’t agree with Parker on all issues. But she’s done a very good job at staying out of their way, and trying not to stoke as much controversy as her predecessor Bill White. Unlike county and state elections, Texas municipal elections are non-partisan, and Parker has used that fact to great advantage. Fruits of this working relationship have been wide-ranging, from the deal and on-time construction of the Dynamo Stadium to much more efficient cooperation of city and county jail procedures.
Much could still be added to the Parker legacy, as one more election night (and possible run-off) will determine whether she is granted a 3rd term as Mayor. Regardless of whether or not she is granted that term, it is the hope of this blog that the Mayor will use what time she has left to advance causes for equality. I’m with fellow Blogger Brains and Eggs and firmly believe that the time to push for equality is NOW. Demonstrated leadership in other Texas cities, New Mexico and across the country make true equality of Houston all the more imperative. And with proper public attention, City Council members are now being asked to weigh in on these issues. Parker’s common-sense style of consensus building has worked for some of her other achievements, and it would work just as well in this fight. She is uniquely skilled for this moment in Houston history. For even the most overtly cautious politician, all signs for progress seem to be converging upon the Bayou City. One could even argue that it’s the right move to encourage and unite portions of the Mayor’s base that have become apathetic in recent years. In other words… a move toward equality would likely strengthen Parker’s chances at reelection, not damage them.
As outlined in this post, Mayor Parker has had many accomplishments… but until a firm push is made on LGBT equality, her legacy for the city of Houston will be incomplete.
Texas is of course a big state, which is why the political inner-workings of it can be quite confusing. People look at Texas and see large cities, and a huge minority population, but are confused as to why Democrats haven’t been more successful here. They try to compare us to states like Virginia, which is now firmly in the swing state column, but the calculation is always thrown off. But unlike years past, it’s good to at least see them trying. For example, this piece from Al-Jazeera America which takes an in-depth look at Democratic hopes for the state.
Celia Israel, a candidate for a state House seat in a special election this fall, said there are minority, low-income and rural Texas voters who have yet to be touched by the political process at all. Turning them out to the polls is about doing the hard work of “tilling the soil” — having conversations on doorsteps, getting them registered and talking to them about the stakes in local elections.
“This is not a red state. This is a state that doesn’t vote very well,” Israel said. “There’s a lot of new people that need to be touched, and they are touched by these down-ballot races, by real candidates saying, ‘This is who I am, and I’d like to ask for your vote.’”
A very astute observation, and something that I agree with. It’s not that there are not Democrats in Texas, or even Democrat-leaning voters. There are plenty of both here. But the reason that Texas is a majority red-state is due to two main things… the Texas majority doesn’t vote, and the Democratic party doesn’t know how to relate to Texans. Like most areas of the South, the Democratic party basically retreated the moment Bill Clinton left office, and in the 13 years that followed that exit, Democrats became a very Northern and Coastal institution. The grand irony here is that this same “grand retreat” is what the Left has accused the GOP of doing by clinging to the South and Religious Right. But they only had that territory to claim because Democrats vacated it.
There was no greater political authority on Texas Democrats than late Governor Ann Richards. She won election in the Lone Star State because she understood the balance of how Leftist ideas can apply to a state that views themselves through a Rightward lens. Here’s a 2003 interview done by the Texas Politics Project where she discusses this.
…you have to understand that Texas has always been a very ‘Conservative’ voting state. We had a ‘single-party’ system. The Republicans were in the Democratic party, because there was only one party. Some of the Liberal Democrats, of which I was one, did everything in the world that we could to help the Republican Party grow in Texas. Because we thought there should be a two-party system, and that there should be the conflict between the two to enunciate the issues. […]
Can the Democrats win again in Texas? Absolutely. What is it going to take for them to win? It’s going to take a serious vision, and it’s going to take serious money to be able to do it. And it’s going to have to produce candidates in which the public has a solid dedication and belief.
Now why did I win? Everyone says I was an anomaly. No one expected me to win. […] It was uphill. But I was running against a guy who had a loose lip, who said things he never should have said, who thought he was too cute by a long shot, and did things to defeat himself. As a consequence, I was able to beat him.
Put simply, Texas is not New York or Los Angeles. We’re not the same type of stereotypical “Liberals” that you find on the East or West Coast. Nor are we the other major part of the Democratic Party… Union-workers like you’d find in Ohio or Michigan. There’s not a large “Democratic Party” identity here. If anything, most voters would tell you that they are Conservative just because that is what they know and understand. But if you dig a little deeper, and connect with issues they care about– safe schools, fixing Texas roads and bridges, health care for their families– the wellspring of common sense is revealed. For Texas Democrats, it’s simply about pealing back the layers to find the areas where most voters agree.
I like Celia Israel’s comment… the key to winning Texas is long-term investment and hard work. Battleground Texas has got the formula just right. They are working hard to register voters, and have established a solid presence in every corner of the state. They know that this mission stretches beyond the 2014 elections. But all of this aside, even a “Red State” votes blue sometimes, when they have the right candidates and the right situations. For all of the boasting and assumptions done by the GOP, they know that Wendy Davis has a more than credible chance of taking the Governor’s mansion. It will happen if Texas Democrats take Governor Richards’ advice.
In the Fourth installment of the 2013 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire, we hear from Kenneth Perkins, candidate for Houston City Council District B.
Please note: Responses have been received directly from the candidate, and have been posted verbatim from the email received. This is done out of fairness to all candidates. Publishing these responses does not constitute an endorsement, but will be considered during the endorsement process.
TL: What is your name, as it will appear on the ballot?
KP: Kenneth Perkins
TL: Are you a current or former elected official? If so what office(s)?
KP: No, not at this time perhaps soon.
TL: As a political candidate, you clearly care about what happens in certain levels of government. In your own words, why is government important?
KP: To maintain order of law and to keep the people informed.
TL: If elected, what is your top priority in office for the upcoming term? Describe how you plan to accomplish it.
KP: Now safety and security of life, property, jobs and education. I say safety because of all the crime in the news lately. With the help of the people, business-owners and community leaders we can make a positive change.
TL: With the exception of city government and some other select businesses, Houstonians can still be fired for being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender because we do not have a comprehensive non-discrimination ordinance for general employment. This lags behind other Texas cities such as Dallas, Austin, and Ft. Worth. Do you support a comprehensive non-discrimination ordinance for the city of Houston? If not, please explain why. If so, please explain how you would work to pass such a measure.
KP: I do not believe a person should be fired for what they believe in, or because of race or gender. If the person is capable of the job so be it. However if your life style conflict with your work performance then that could very well be an issue with employment.
TL: There have been an alarming number of complaints filed against officers in the Houston Police Department, accused of unwarranted police brutality towards citizens. A disproportionate amount of this violence occurs in minority communities, and in the vast majority of these cases, officers have gone unpunished. As a result, these incidents cause a cycle of mistrust between Houstonians and the very officers sworn to protect them. What can you do to increase oversight of the Houston Police Department, and help ensure that these incidents do not continue?
KP: More training and accountability. Check and balance. When is speak about accountability we need to hold the upper management feet close to the fire. If your officer get out of hand you are punish as well. There are little warning sign as a supervisor that you see in your employee and you need to take action. Make a firm example of the bad officer and make sure your facts in the case are air tight.
TL: What makes you the best candidate for this office?
KP: I am a people person that truly care about others. I worked as a public servant for nearly 30 years. Therefore I understand the needs of the people, not just one race but the human race.
TL: When not on the campaign trail, how do you like to spend your free time?
KP: Just having fun with family and friends. I enjoy playing basketball and sometime just riding my bike.
In the Third installment of the 2013 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire, we hear from Kevin J. Hoffman, candidate for Houston Community College Board of Trustees, District 1.
Please note: Responses have been received directly from the candidate, and have been posted verbatim from the email received. This is done out of fairness to all candidates. Publishing these responses does not constitute an endorsement, but will be considered during the endorsement process.
TL: What is your name, as it will appear on the ballot?
KH: Kevin J Hoffman
TL: Are you a current or former elected official? If so what office(s)?
KH: I hold the office Harris County Democratic Party Precinct Chair in Precinct 207
TL: As a political candidate, you clearly care about what happens in certain levels of government. In your own words, why is government important?
KH: Government allows us as a body of people (City, State, Nation) to set rules as to live by, allows us to educate our young and workforce, set forth plans for how we move forward in our devolvement of commerce, transportation of goods and services. Government also set rules as how we enter into contracts or act with other bodies / groups of people in a hopefully peaceful matter, however governments and people from time have conflicts in which we must come together to defend ourselves and our city, state and nation from those that wish to take away our rights that we enjoy under the sets of rules that we as a city, state and nation have come to enjoy.
TL: If elected, what is your top priority in office for the upcoming term? Describe how you plan to accomplish it.
KH: I will work to bring back the public’s trust by making HCCS’ Code of Conduct and Ethics stronger. I will begin a dialog with the ISD’s, business community, and general public to better understand the needs of the Greater Houston Area. Based on these finding: I will build on HCC’s role in the training of tomorrow’s workforce and expand its academic credentials for those who want to transfer to higher level institutions. I will seek new programs that will nurture business partnerships and promote economic development, particularly within the area of Northeast College. I will call for HCCS and HISD and other school districts to begin a dialog about what the School Districts are doing correctly and most important the areas need improvement plans in area that students are lacking the skills and tools that they need. It is a major issue at HCCs that so many new students are not ready for the demands of college life nor do they have the basic skills needed be complete the course work required. I will work with my fellow board members to make sure that all employees of the college have as one of their health care options in their benefit package an (Employee-Plus-One Health Insurance plan). I will work to make sure this plan covers domestic partners for same or opposite-sex.
I will audit the number of classes offered at a given campus so students may complete a degree program within a two year time period. This lack of classes’ clauses students to drive or take public transportation to as many as four or five campuses in a given day to be able to take the course work required for a degree. Some students may also drop out due to the transportation needs. HCC can do better. Our students should be able to complete all basic courses at one campus.
TL: As our nation’s educational and professional landscape continues to evolve in the 21st century, institutions like HCC stand to be a critical part of that important process. In your opinion, is HCC ready for the monumental changes coming to education? What can the system do to best prepare?
KH: HCC can and should be in a major leadership role for the coming changes in education. HCC and the community must take a hard look at its self and our local ISDs. We must be willing to bring in new leadership to work foremost for students and their interest. The new leadership must follow the Rules and Ethics Guild Lines of the State and of the College in all matter before the college. This will allow HCC to Restore Public Confidence in the college and its leadership. The college must have an ongoing dialog with Houston and Harris County business leaders to find out more about the needs of the local workforce. HCC and the business leaders need to work together to design degrees and training programs that match local needs. Out of these meeting should also come a plan to assist the students with tuition reimbursement and other incentives. This dialog will nurture HCC’s business partnerships and promote economic development. HCC needs to better promote the Early College program and expand enrollment. This program allows high school students the opportunity to enroll in HCC courses while still attending high school and be able to graduate from high school and HCC at the same time. This program saves families money and can help make college dreams come true for many young people.
HCC needs do a better job at promoting all of its certificate programs for those that do not wish to complete a 2 or 4 year degree program. HCC also needs to do a better job with the Hire Houston First program. This a great program that awards contracts to our local businesses and in so doing puts local tax dollars back into the community. This program is a win, win for all parties. HCCS fits very closely into the totality of this program by: working closely with the business leaders to assist in the training of the local workforce on new skills that maybe needed for projects; creating new jobs in the Houston area for those workers that may be former students of HCCS; Contracts that are awarded locally also creates local second tier jobs like: material supplier jobs, restaurant workers, grocery store workers and other similar jobs that put money back into the local tax base.
TL: What makes you the best candidate for this office?
KH: My back ground as business professional and a community activist coupled with my high levels of ethics makes me the most qualified person in this race. In my more than 20 years working in the energy industry in Project Management, Land Administration, Contract Administration, Acquisition and Divestiture I have developed a sound, proven history and ability to handle multiple tasks and make sound business decision that are required of a HCC board member.
In my role as a civic and political activist I have lobbying local, state and national political leaders for positive change for the benefit of our community. I have worked to help kept clean blighted lots and buildings, work to keep bars and cantinas from opening near area schools and churches and help keep our young people out of gangs. I have worked with the public through neighborhood meetings, stakeholder groups, and community outreach as a civic club president and board member to various civic, political and governmental groups. I have also implemented community outreach programs for stakeholder groups. For this work I have received letters of appreciation from two Mayors and members of Houston City Council.
In my roles in business and as civic leader, civic and political activist I have always acted with the high ethical standers and will continue to do so.
I have the best overall understanding of the needs of the community and how to best engage the community. I am the best knowable to be able get the message out about how and what HCC can do for to help community members move forward by providing job training and higher education opportunities.
TL: When not on the campaign trail, how do you like to spend your free time?
KH: Gardening, working on community projects and spending time with friends and love ones
