Monthly Archives: August 2015

Houston Politics

TLCQ 2015: Roland M. Chavez

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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

Houston Politics, Texas Politics, United States

Houston Commemorates 10 years Post Hurricane Katrina

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Even as the years pass and details fade, one moment in the history of the Gulf Coast sometimes seems crystal clear.  Ten years ago this week, the nation faced one of the most expensive natural disasters it has ever known.  On August 29th 2005, Hurricane Katrina first decimated towns on the Mississippi and Alabama coast, leaving hundreds dead and over 10,000 displaced.  That in itself was an alarming tragedy, but amazingly, the much larger urban area of New Orleans once again seemed to escape the worst effect of the storm.

Then the levees broke.

NOLAKatrina

The City of New Orleans, Lousiana during the Katrina flooding, 2005.  Photo credit:  WLU Academia.

What was already a devastating hurricane suddenly became a national nightmare.  The death toll multiplied, and the 10,000 refugees suddenly ballooned to over 250,000.

Many say that with every tragedy, there lies the opportunity for great leadership.  Such was the case for the City of Houston, and it’s Mayor at the time Bill White.  While others watched the events in horror, including many tasked to lead the Federal Government response, White and other Houston-area leaders stepped up to help our fellow Gulf Coast brethren in their time of need.

Just last week, the current Mayor of New Orleans came to Houston to mark this fact.  Here’s more on a very special press conference from Madlin Mekelburg of the Houston Chronicle…

Standing alongside U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Houston Mayor Annise Parker, former Houston Mayor Bill White and former Harris County Judge Robert Eckles, Landrieu said he was grateful for the widespread aid his city saw after the storm — particularly from Houston.

“When that flood receded, you see, another flood came in,” Landrieu said as the 10-year anniversary approaches. “That was the flood of good will that came from people all over the world … I can tell you this, we would not have survived without friends and neighbors like the people from Houston.” 

Throughout Hurricane Katrina’s onslaught  a decade ago, more than 1 million people evacuated the waterlogged coast, scrambling to find higher ground. Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama residents made their way to the northern reaches of their home states while others went farther and found lodging in Tennessee or Arkansas. Nearly 250,000 residents opted to travel west and ended up in Houston.

The city sprang into action as the diaspora pushed more evacuees westward. Houstonians and city officials worked to establish temporary shelters and find ways to provide food and health care to the evacuees. White said the money that was put forth to provide aid for the evacuees was nearly completely reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA.

Here’s a link to the full press conference, via HTV.

As reserved as Bill White was during the press conference, it’s pretty clear that he was the lead actor in an incredible response. While many at the Federal level sat on critical funds to help the city, White pioneered unique Houston solutions, first opening the Astrodome, the George R. Brown Convention Center, and several sites around town to house evacuees.  And then in just a few short weeks creating a bold Public-Private housing partnership, placing hundreds of thousands of people in temporary apartment housing.  A similar plan was done by Harris County under Judge Robert Eckles’ leadership.

The government leadership was very important, but even that  couldn’t have done what he did without the thousands of Houstonians that volunteered at shelter sites, donated money, food, clothing and shelter, or worked to rescue stranded persons across the region.  As extraordinary as Katrina was, it’s important to remember that the resilience of victims and those who assisted them was even greater.

As a brand new Houstonian in 2005, I was one of those who just showed up at the George R. Brown one night to see what could be done.  I ended up at a check-in table working to collect basic information on the displaced… asking if they were able to rescue any of their vital records (Driver License, birth certificate), and directing them to a place to sleep and shower.  I was one of hundreds of students from the University of Houston who dedicated several sleepless nights to help out at the GRB.  After that experience, I can say without fail that who I admire most were my fellow volunteers, and the incredible, proud and strong people of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.  As we celebrate those who helped them, let’s also remember the extraordinary effort it took for evacuees to rebuild their lives in Houston, back in New Orleans, or other places they settled across the nation.  It’s that inner strength that embodies the true American spirit, and we are thankful for all those that endured persevered and recovered.

HOU Katrina 10

L to R:  Bishop Robert Blake Jr., Former Harris County Judge Robert Eckles, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, Houston Mayor Annise Parker and Former Houston Mayor Bill White.  Photo credit:  Mayor Mitch Landrieu via Twitter.  

Houston Politics

Texas Supreme Court Sides with HERO Opponents on Ballot Language

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As election day fast approaches, the situation surrounding the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance continues to be complex.  Showing no concern for perception, the State Supreme Court has jumped at the chance to heighten the drama.  As Mike Morris of the Houston Chronicle reports, the fact that City Council placed HERO on the ballot is not sufficient…

The Texas Supreme Court has again overruled Mayor Annise Parker’s administration in connection with the legal fight over her signature nondiscrimination ordinance, ruling Wednesday that the mayor and City Council erred in choosing the language that will appear on the November ballot when the ordinance faces possible repeal.

The justices, writing in “yet another mandamus proceeding concerning the City of Houston’s equal rights ordinance,” said the city charter is clear in requiring that voters be asked to vote for or against the ordinance. Parker had instead argued it was proper to vote for or against repealing the measure, and the council approved language with that approach Aug. 5.

“Though the ordinance is controversial, the law governing the City Council’s duties is clear. Our decision rests not on our views on the ordinance — a political issue the citizens of Houston must decide — but on the clear dictates of the City Charter,” the justices wrote. “The City Council must comply with its own laws regarding the handling of a referendum petition and any resulting election.”

Plaintiff and conservative activist Jared Woodfill said the original ballot language was “all about deception and trickery.” Woodfill noted that opponents have now sought and won two opinions on the ordinance at the state Supreme Court — the first essentially forcing a repeal or vote on the ordinance and now one on the actual ballot language.

“Deception and trickery” are an interesting choice of words from Mr. Woodfill.  Given the ridiculous amount of time that he, the Houston Area Pastor Council and HERO opponents spend promoting  the myth of predatory males lurking in a women’s restrooms, he’d seem to be an expert at both.  They have lied about the non-discrimination ordinance every step of the way, and two Supreme Court rulings in their favor cannot change that as fact.

But unfortunately, what this latest ruling can do is force City Council to call a special meeting and review the ballot language before the August 24th deadline.  As discussed previously, the ballot language is hugely important to HERO opponents because it allows them to deploy campaign tactics which have been successful in previous situations.  It also means that all of the propaganda and information they’ve already produced against HERO does not have to be changed.

If there is any positive to be had, it’s that Houston Unites— the campaign launched to protect the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance, has now launched and is off to a great head start.  Check back later this week for more information on the Houston Unites group.

Texas Leftist will have more as it develops.

TXScotus

(Photo credit:  RMI Limited)

Texas, Texas Politics

Texoblogosphere: Week of August 17th, 2015

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The Texas Progressive Alliance wishes former President Carter all the best for a full and fast recovery as it brings you this week’s roundup.

Off the Kuff reports on another Voting Rights Act lawsuit, this one filed on behalf of low English proficiency voters who have been denied the ability to bring a translator of their choice to the ballot box with them.

For a time, many Houstonians considered it a point of pride that the city repealed the use of Red Light Cameras in 2010. But as Texas Leftist has recently discovered, a Houston without camera accountability has become much more dangerous for all transit users…Even deadly.

Related to transit, Texas Leftist was on the ground for the historic debut of Houston METRO’s New Bus Network on August 16th, and even took one new route for a test drive.    Or to be technical, “test ride” since THEY did the driving.

Not a trace of irony has been found to be present in the recent pronouncements of a certain Democratic so-called frontrunner for the 2016 presidential nomination. PDiddie at Brains and Eggs — with an assist from the biting cartoons of Ted Rall — illustrates some of the things making Clintonites so nervous of late, none of which have anything to do with e-mail servers or sagging poll numbers.

Socratic Gadfly runs Kinky Friedman’s old Five Mexican Generals border control plan through a Donald Trump filter, just for a bit of fun.

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme is sorry to say Nueces County thinks a husband can kill his wife’s lover with impunity. Stand your ground just the way a Republican likes it. Your wife is your property.

From WCNews at Eye on Williamson. There is so much Texas could do for those in need, but our GOP state leaders choose to do nothing. As a consequence Only Texas Remains above the 20% uninsured rate.

Neil at All People Have Value asserted that the nine bikers shot dead in Waco this past May may have been wrongly killed. APHV is part of NeilAquino.com.

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The Makeshift Academic reviews the landscape in Texas on the Affordable Care Act.

Nancy Sims considers the value of the Houston GLBT Political Caucus’ Mayoral endorsement.

The Houston Justice Coalition calls for an investigation into the actions of three sheriff’s deputies who forcibly conducted an illegal body cavity search publicly on a woman in Harris County.

Scott Braddock knows the real reason why Ken Paxton is still in office.

The Texas Living Waters Project reminds us that the best time to plan for a drought is when you’re not in one.

 

WCCH

 

Today’s feature photo is of the Wharton County Courthouse in Wharton, Texas.  Credit:  L. Wayne Ashley

Houston Politics

TLCQ 2015: Philippe Nassif

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In the First installment of the 2015 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire, we hear from Philippe Nassif, a 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?

PN:  Philippe Nassif

 

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

PN:  I am not. I am a first time candidate.

 

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

PN:  Government is important not simply because it provides us as individuals with certain services and benefits, but also because it is the primary way to promote important values that are good for us and that is in the public interest.  Values such as Justice, Liberty, and Equality are important for all of us and government is here to protect and promote them for all of its citizens.

 

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

PN:  My first priority in office would be to convene state and local elected officials after declaring Houston in an state of  “ traffic emergency” to  figure out quick and efficient practices the city can do with the resources we have to fix our traffic and pothole issues. This coalition will work with other transportation groups to see what has worked in other cities and states around the country and put those into our best practices, as we involve all levels of government and community organizations. The end result would be an overhaul of speed limits in neighborhoods, promoting bus usage, light rail planning, debris free roads, bike lanes and biker safety, and better planning for our highway systems to meet a booming population.

 

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.   

PN:  I support ReBuild Houston, however there needs to be an increase in transparency so that Houstonians can be confident that funds are being spent efficiently.  I would like to see it strengthened in order to accommodate our rapidly growing population and increasing drive towards urbanization and densification. I would also like to see ReBuild Houston projects advance in low income communities where investment in infrastructure is needed most.

 

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.

 PN:  I would most certainly support such an amendment. A healthy democracy is one that is characterized by debate and the free exchange of ideas. It is difficult for our city government to fully function and effectively carry out its duties if City Council is unable to even place an item on the agenda. I believe the time has come for us to correct this issue and empower City Council to play the role it is intended to play in order to better serve the people of Houston.

 

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?  

PN:  I would absolutely continue to seek the complete streets policy implementation and support it in full. We need to repair our infrastructure and in that same process modernize it by making it more pedestrian and cyclist friendly.

 

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

PN:  Both of my parents immigrated to the United States. My father came in the 1970’s from Lebanon and my mother came from Mexico. They raised me along with my two siblings with a philosophy that we have to give back to the country that welcomed them and allowed them to build their career and family, and also to respect all viewpoints and beliefs of those around us. I am running for Houston City Council At-Large Position 5 because I want to serve the people of Houston and give back to the city that has given myself and my family so much. At-large position 5 is currently held by an incumbent who has continuously voted contrary to the interests of the majority of Houstonians. He took office promising Houstonians that he would serve the public and move our city into the future, but has instead voted against our interests time and time again, such as his vote against HERO, vaccinations for underserved children, fixing potholes, and other major infrastructure issues. What we need is a leader who will listen to the people, lead on issues that matter to Houston, and serve the public and not work against it. At-Large members should be in the community, looking at the larger policy issues that affect all of Houston, not hiding in city hall. I will be a community focused at large member who will stand shoulder to shoulder with the all Houstonians and working people, ensuring our rights are respected, our economy continues to grow, that people are safe, and our infrastructure is sound. This is why I believe I am the best candidate for Houston City Council At-Large Position 5.

 

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

PN:  I spend my free time with my girlfriend and family enjoying Houston’s many amenities! Experiencing Houston’s booming restaurant and café scene with friends and family is one of my favorite things to do. I also enjoy biking along buffalo bayou, running in memorial park, and other outdoor activities. I have been a lifelong martial artist and practice Muay Thai at Houston Muay Thai in downtown, in addition to going to the gym regularly. And I am a big reader as well!

 

Thanks to Mr. Nassif for the responses.

pn

Houston, Texas Politics

METRO Rolls Out the New Bus Network

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After years of planning, months of aggressive public outreach, weeks of preparation and days of frenzied execution, the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County finally reached its big day.  After completing normal Saturday bus schedules at 2am, just a couple of hours later, METRO rolled out the agency’s New Bus Network. The plans  were heralded as a triumph by the country’s transit intelligentsia, even before buses hit the ground.  But no amount of positive postulation can substitute for action.

So today, postulation finally ended, and the New Bus Network began.  Texas Leftist rode the 56 Airline Montrose this morning to church, and for lunch, and here are the initial impressions.

In my neighborhood of Montrose, the Network’s 56 Airline bus is a huge improvement because it connects Montrose to the Museum District, the Heights, Northline Transit Center and Greenspoint.  It is a desperately needed north-south route that does not have to detour into downtown like the former network.   Via transit, the trip from home to church used to take approximately 45 minutes.  I would have to ride the 81 or 82 to downtown, walk over to the train platform, wait to catch the Red Line, then ride it to church.

Church Map Old Network

But under the new system, I took the one bus down Montrose, and exit with no transfers.  This cuts a 45 minute trip down to 10 minutes if the bus shows up on time.  The level of improvement for this trip cannot be understated.

Church Map New Network

After church, I boarded the 56 Airline/ Montrose to get home, but first decided to go for lunch in the Heights at Good Dog Houston. The new bus trip from the Museum District (Montrose at Bissonnet) to the restaurant (Studewood at Bayland) took exactly 10 minutes.  For anyone that has tried to make this connection under the previous transit system, the New Bus Network indeed represents a new day.  The freedom of being able to travel from one part of town to another just for lunch, and not have to plan one’s life around a limited bus schedule is definitely new to most Houstonians, and most welcome.

My meal at Good Dog by the way??  EXCELLENT.

Of course there are many more tests ahead, like the start of tomorrow’s work week.  We’re far from being able to declare the Network’s implementation a success.  August 16th, 2015 is an historic day for public transit in the city of Houston, and well beyond.  As the nation and the world watches the Bayou City pave a new path for the 21st century, Texas Leftist is glad to have a front seat.

But still behind the line of the bus driver.

New Bus Network

The 56 Airline/ Montrose is one of the Frequent Routes in METRO’s New Bus Network.  

Houston Politics

City Council Puts 4-Year Term Proposal to Houston Voters

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Though city finances remain far from certain thanks to a crushing revenue cap, Houston City Council chose to focus on more immediate needs in today’s meeting… their own elections.  Here’s the main item via the Houston Chronicle…

Houston voters will decide whether elected city officials should serve two four-year terms rather than three two-year terms starting in 2016, potentially lengthening the terms of some current council members.

The City Council voted 12-5 Wednesday to place the item on the November ballot. Councilmen Richard Nguyen, Mike Laster, Steve Costello, Michael Kubosh and C.O. Bradford voted no.

The change, if passed, would take effect for officials elected this fall. Current freshman council members could pick up two four-year terms and those serving their second term would be permitted one four-year term. Elected officials who are already term-limited would not be affected by the change.

The council has generally supported lengthening terms, but there was debate about whether such a change should go into effect immediately or in 2020, when no current council members would benefit.

Credible arguments can be made on both sides of this issue.  With longer terms and fewer elections, it is quite conceivable that Council could become less focused on politics and more effective at serving the people.  It could also afford opportunities for increased cooperation with other levels of government like the State Legislature, County Commissioners’ Court and School District Board of Trustees.

On the other hand, a change to 4 year terms would also lessen the accountability Council Members have to voters.  Elections may be burdensome and ridiculously expensive, but they are far more than just As Off the Kuff states in a recent post, this fact would’ve been a tough pill to swallow under the Mayor’s original proposal to have 4-year terms go in effect for 2020 (thus not affecting any current Council Members).  But knowing that Houstonians will now vote for the possibility of some at City Hall to serve up to 10 years, this change seems a long shot for the November elections.

It’s a shame that Council did not consider other options, like proposing 4 year terms for the Mayor, City Controller or even At-Large Members.  That way, we would conceivably get the benefits from both points.

So there you have it.  Yet another major decision that will be put to voters this November.

houston city council logo

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