TLCQ 2013: Roland Chavez

In the Fourteenth installment of the 2013 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire, we hear from Roland M. Chavez, candidate for Houston City Council At Large Position 3.

Please note: Responses have been received 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 will be considered during the endorsement process. No endorsement will be issued for Houston City Council, At Large Position 3.

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 its elected officials to be stewards of their communities, core services, public safety, quality of life, infrastructure, and 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: 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.

RC: As a former 34 year City of Houston employee with the Houston Fire Department, Yes I support a comprehensive non-discrimination ordinance.

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?

RC: Having worked as a civil servant, I will work closely with community leaders and HPD to ensure the department’s officers are diverse and highly trained to work in all communities and to provide protection for all its citizens and will not tolerate those officers who violate the public civil rights.

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

RC: Having worked as a Houston Fire Fighter for 34 years, and served as President of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, my experience in city government, knowledge of the city and its neighborhoods, understanding labor/management relations, and working with many leaders throughout the city gives me an advantage on core services, public safety, infrastructure, and quality of life issues. Additionally, I am from Houston, raised in the First Ward, and still maintain residence in the inner city, where it provides me a greater appreciation for my parents, my neighborhood, 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 allows me to spend time venturing out locally to festivals, sports, and antiques shops. I have been remodeling and restoring old homes. And I enjoy the outdoors, boating, fishing, camping, or just relaxing near the water.

Thanks to Mr. Chavez for his participation.

TLCQ 2013: Adriana Tamez

In the Thirteenth installment of the 2013 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire, we hear from Adriana Tamez , candidate for Houston Community College Board of Trustees, District 3.

Please note: Responses have been received 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 will be considered during the endorsement process.

TL: What is your name, as it will appear on the ballot? 



AT: Adriana Tamez

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



AT: 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? 



AT: Government is important, since it is the mechanism and place where the voice of the people is to be heard and subsequently brought to life; however, it is vital to remember that this mechanism/place must be guided and structured according to the principles established by our Constitution.

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



AT: I cannot single out one priority; however, there are three major areas that I have identified as top priorities to address upon election:

–The search, identification, and employment of a Chancellor

— Effected by implementing a transparent process to identify someone possessing the knowledge, skills and abilities that would best serve HCC,

— Agreement among the board that external and internal candidates must meet same criteria,

— Agreement among the board that there is no place for cronyism in the search/selection process;

— The alignment of HCC programs and practices to meet workforce demands, needs and development

— A comprehensive strategic plan, painstakingly created, that would necessarily include an honest assessment of current programs and services in relation to changing needs of students and business,

— Redesign of programs and services that are timely, regardless of past success – all programs and services must meet current and future needs, as well as potentially creating new income sources for HCC;

— The work to regain the community’s confidence and trust

— With the board as standard bearers, their work must be timely and transparent,

— The board must demonstrate through its productivity that it considers seriously the needs of the community and students in creating and implementing programs and services,

–The board must not engage in activities that would be cause for any suspicion of cronyism or self-serving for individual board members.

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? 



AT: I believe every Houstonian can be proud of HCC’s work to-date; however, there are significant challenges awaiting a response by the HCC system. The nation’s educational and professional landscape is constantly changing, due in great part to the influences of an ever-expanding global community and marketplace. Additionally, the exponential development of technology presents a challenge to the HCC system. These two factors, alone, challenge HCC to strategically establish a fast track for becoming aware and well-informed of community residents’ needs to be well-prepared for career or continuing university studies. At the same time, HCC must nurture relationships and be engaged with local, state and national business leaders to remain abreast of latest workforce development trends and needs. Finally, HCC must accept the challenge to develop modes of delivery of its programs and services so they may be offered not only to the local community, but the global community, too.

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



AT: It’s time for me to give back, and I very much want to do so. I have extensive experience and knowledge in the K-12 system, including involvement with the P-16 initiative. I have been privileged to enjoy a senior level school district position with HISD, which catapulted my leadership skills to a level worthy of service on the HCC board.

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

AT: My free time is spent with my son, as well as enjoying my parents and extended family.

Thanks to Dr. Tamez for her participation.