TLCQ 2015: Endorsements in Houston City Council Districts

As the nation’s 4th largest city (or is it the 3rd??), what happens in Houston does not just stay in Houston, but is serious business for the state of Texas and the United States.  In the coming years as Americans chart a new future in energy production, medical care, societal diversity and creative endeavors, it is Houston that will be on the cutting edge of those national experiments.

For all of these reasons, the persons Houstonians choose to lead their municipal government have very important work ahead of them.

 

DISTRICT A— In 2013, Council Member Brenda Stardig made a triumphant return to the District A seat, defeating incumbent Helena Brown.  Since coming back to Council she has generally been a voice for accountability, pragmatic leadership and thoughtful stewardship of the public’s resources.

However, the Council Member’s vote against the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance was a notable exception to these established character traits.  Stardig’s initial assertions that HERO would do “nothing more than duplicate existing laws, add bureaucracy, and highlight the city’s endless overstepping of their jurisdiction” were proven categorically false.   In the few months that HERO was in effect, the 135 complaints filed with the Office of Inspector General demonstrated the city’s undeniable need for local protections against discrimination.  It’s also important to note that Stardig’s only opponent in the race,  Iesheia Ayers-Wilson has publicly stated that discrimination should be allowed by Houston businesses… a position which should give all reasonable Houstonians pause.  Texas Leftist sincerely hopes that Council Member Stardig continues to learn the facts about discrimination in the city she represents, and eventually reconsiders this misguided position.  The pick for District A is Brenda Stardig.

 

DISTRICT B— For a true example of Public Service, Houstonians can continue to look to Council Member Jerry Davis.  His work to improve the quality of life for his constituents can be evidenced through increasing infrastructure repairs, a constant commitment to clean up dilapidated properties and illegal dumping sites, and a fight to invest funding for after school employment and educational programs in an ever-tightening budget.  Davis has also worked hard to put under-served residents into Houston’s massive economic pipeline.  Announced at the beginning of this year, the Council Member helped to create an innovative new Job Training Partnership between local Community Colleges and the Houston Airport System, which will connect workers with vital skilled labor opportunities.  It is yet another example of showing leadership in ways that build a better future for Houston.  The pick for District B is Jerry Davis.

 

DISTRICT C— Focus on Houston’s future has also been an important goal for Council Member Ellen Cohen.  Over her two terms in office, she has been a constant champion for the rights and protections of minorities and those in under-served populations. She’s made the lives of District C residents better through support for projects like Buffalo Bayou Park, and helped to guide the dizzying amount of development that’s been under her watch.  With more Civic Clubs than any other District, Cohen has done her best to be responsive and attentive to her constituents’ many diverse interests.  She has earned a final term in office.  The pick for District C is Ellen Cohen.

 

DISTRICT D— Council Member Dwight Boykins is running unopposed.

 

DISTRICT E— Council Member Dave Martin is running unopposed.

 

DISTRICT F— Few local politicians can compare with the story of Council Member Richard Nguyen.  After an unexpected win in 2013, Nguyen quickly emerged as a leader that is well-attuned to the needs of his diverse community.  A strong supporter of the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance and a proven fighter for his constituents, Nguyen deserves a second term on Council.  Don’t be fooled by “Anti-HERO” candidate Kendall Baker in this race.  The pick for District F is Richard Nguyen.  

 

DISTRICT G— Though fellow candidate Sandie Mullins Moger has the more established record of public service through her time on the Houston Community College Board of Trustees, District G voters should consider the more measured style of Conservatism from candidate Greg Travis.  His goals on Council are to be a watchdog for all Houstonians, and improve the plethora of infrastructure issues for his constituents.  While Mr. Travis may share some different views than this blog’s author on many issues, the fact that he understands how critical infrastructure repairs are now if Houston is to succeed in the future.  The pick for District G is Greg Travis.

 

District H— An open seat and one of this year’s most hotly-contested races, The residents of District H need a leader that can be ready to fill the shoes of current Council Member Ed Gonzalez on day one.   The area is home to both poverty and opportunity, so the right leader will be someone that can relate to both issues and connect them for the betterment of all residents.  Candidate Karla Cisneros comes highly recommended by the Houston Chronicle, but this blog believes that a wealth of public service experience and local government activism give Roland Chavez the edge in a very close contest.  Chavez is both a lifelong resident of the District, former Firefigher and former President of the Houston Professional Firefighters’ Association.  Given the challenges that the next Mayor and Council will face around pension obligations, Chavez has the ability to move this conversation forward in a positive direction.  The pick for District H is Roland Chavez.

 

District I— As a longtime resident and activist for improvement, Council Member Robert Gallegos knows well the needs of his constituents in District I.  But even more important than knowing what needs to be done in the present, Gallegos is also preparing the area for a bright and prosperous future.  Filled with a rich and diverse history and with amenities like an International Airport and rail line, this District needs a leader that can guide new development while respecting and improving neighborhoods for current residents.  In his first two years on Council, Gallegos has proven that he is the right person for the job, and deserves a second term.  The pick for District I is Robert Gallegos.  

 

District J— Faced with the unique challenges of both an under-served multifamily communities and a plethora of prominent single family neighborhoods, the residents of District J needs a forward thinker that can at times have a bifurcated approach to constituent service.  Council Member Mike Laster has done a good job listening to both groups in his District and worked very hard to meet the diverse needs of both.  He understands that success of Houston depends on the many issues that can be resolved in his District.  Infrastructure improvement and creating economic opportunities have been central and recurring themes for Laster, and they are exactly why he deserves another term on Council.  The pick for District J is Mike Laster.  

 

DISTRICT K— Council Member Larry Green is running unopposed.

 

Houston City Council Map

Texoblogosphere: Week of October 19th

The Texas Progressive Alliance is ready to vote as it brings you this week’s roundup.

Off the Kuff would like to clear up some myths about sexual assault.

Libby Shaw at Texas Kaos and contributing to Daily Kos argues Governor Greg Abbott cannot claim to be pro-life when he denies federally expanded Medicaid coverage for 766,000 Texans. The Holy Ones and the Senseless Cruelty of Right Wing Dogma.

Socratic Gadfly offers up a Democratic debate related trio. First, he presents his snarky, under-the-bus debate preview. Second, he provides his take on debate winners and losers. Third, he tackles a post-debate conspiracy theory by some Sanders supporters, that anti-Semitism is behind some opposition to Sanders.

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme notes Republicans choose the CEO, even if headquartered out of state, over the citizens they were elected to serve. Worker safety? Not at the expense of profits. The water you drink? The air you breathe? Even the wind. Not yours.

Nonsequiteuse, writing for Burnt Orange Report, points out that voting yes on Prop 1 in Houston isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s your patriotic duty.

With early voting starting Monday in the Houston municipal elections, PDiddie at Brains and Eggs offered his “P Slate” for progressive voters.

Neil at All People Have Value took a picture of the sun over Houston. APHV is part of NeilAquino.com.

Just in time for Early Voting, Texas Leftist took a moment to compile all of the TLCQ 2015 responses. Find out where Houston municipal candidates stand on less “press grabbing” issues like complete streets and Mayoral power.

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And here are some posts of interest from other Texas blogs.

Juanita reports on the #CocksNotGlocks protest at UT.

Grits for Breakfast has a suggestion for Dan Patrick if he really wants to reduce police officer deaths.

Texas Clean Air Matters would like to change the conversation about the Clean Power Plan in Texas.

Texas Watch has a Netflix recommendation for you.

The Texas Election Law Blog wonders if we are ever going to get a court order regarding 2016 legislative and Congressional boundaries.

Amy Valentine navigates her way through Amazon’s creative standards as she attempts to promote her book about her breast cancer experience for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Melissa Hudnall bemoans anatomically incorrect spider costumes and decorations.

Guadalupe

Today’s feature photo is from the Guadalupe Mountains in West Texas.  Photo credit:  Papiblogger

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!!

 

 

(if you like this Texas Leftist post, please consider a donation!  Help us encourage Progressive, common sense ideals in the Lone Star State!!)

TLCQ 2015: Kenneth Perkins

In the Twentieth installment of the 2015 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire we hear from Kenneth Perkins candidate for Houston City Council, District B

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?

KP:  Kenneth (KP) Perkins

 

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

KP:  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?

KP:  We need justice in our society to maintain peace, bottom line public values are very important.

 

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

KP:  Safety and public work in the community. I plan to meet with the head of staff, discuss some of the current issues and collectively we will come up with some ideals to improve  issues at hand. However, I will take input from the community leaders into consideration when creating the current policies and procedures. Community Safety/ Street Condition, Weeded Area/ Abandon Building/Property. 

 

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.   

KP:  Being that we are in a catch 22, I support Rebuild Houston. However lets review the program and see what can we do to make things better for us as a whole.

 

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.

KP:  Yes however perhaps with some stipulation, allow the Mayor to visit the issue and give his or her position, prior to bringing it to the table.

 

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?  

KP:  Yes

 

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

KP:  My ability to communicate and understand the need of the community. I worked as a public servant  for nearly 30 years (In The City of Houston) therefore I clearly understand the operation of business.

 

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

KP:  Visiting the elderly at the community center playing dominoes and cards. I actually love it!

 

Thanks to Mr. Perkins 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.

Kenneth Perkins

Texoblogosphere: Week of October 12th

The Texas Progressive Alliance is ready for some real Presidential candidates to take the stage and have some debates as it brings you this week’s roundup.

Off the Kuff examined two polls of the Houston Mayor’s race and HERO referendum.

Libby Shaw at Texas Kaos and contributing to Daily Kos shared an article she read in the Houston Chronicle. It seems that a certain group is determined to white wash U.S. and Texas history. The Texas Textbook Fiasco.

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme objects to police chiefs wanting to stir up trouble with ‘in your face’ declarations of their religion which is the opposite of community policing. Police are hired by the public to promote the general welfare, not the chief’s animus to diversity.

Socratic Gadfly takes a Washington Post columnist to the woodshed for using tortured logic to claim Hillary is actually more progressive than Bernie..

Ahead of the first Democratic candidates debate, PDiddie at Brains and Eggs heard the Clinton machine finally rumbling to life. He also listened to more dripping about her email, and mused on her policy pronouncements regarding the TPP and Glass-Steagall.

At the 4th anniversary of Occupy Houston, Neil at All People Have Value recalled the accomplishments of the Occupy protests. APHV is part of NeilAquino.com.

Texas Leftist wants you to meet Texas’ Next great urban masterpiece. With national press and praise for its grand opening, Houston’s Buffalo Bayou Park is well on the way to becoming a world-class tourist destination.

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And here are some posts of interest from other Texas blogs.

D Magazine has an in-depth look at the troubled story of Dallas County DA Susan Hawk.

Paradise in Hell ponders redistricting.

Austin On Your Feet documents the problems of homelessness.

Kevin Barton argues against state Proposition 7, one of the constitutional amendments that will be on your November ballot.

Jenny Dial Creech shares what it’s like to be a female sportswriter.

The TSTA Blog wishes there was a STAAR test for legislators.

The Texas Election Law Blog analyzes the seven constitutional amendments on the November ballot.

 

 

University of Houston To Host 2016 GOP Primary Debate

Some big news coming from Houston, as the 2016 Presidential race will soon turn its eyes and ears to one of the Lone Star State’s rising educational stars.  Early next year, the University of Houston will play host to a 2016 Primary Debate for the Republican Party.  Here’s the scoop via UH press release

The University of Houston has been selected by NBC News and Telemundo to host a Republican presidential candidates’ debate on the UH campus Feb. 26, 2016.

The debate, sanctioned by the Republican National Committee, is slated to be the final GOP debate before the crucial “Super Tuesday” primary contests in Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Vermont and Virginia on March 1. Alaska, Minnesota and Wyoming also will award delegates on that same day. All candidates who qualify are expected to participate in the debate, which will be presented in partnership with National Review.

“Diversity is more than our demographics at the University of Houston – it’s our commitment to expression, varied viewpoints, and the belief that challenging the status quo produces the strongest innovation,” said University of Houston System Chancellor and UH President Renu Khator. “This debate comes at a pivotal moment in the election cycle. We’re delighted to host a national conversation with real-life impact on our community and country, and welcome an evening of engaging discourse to our campus.”

The debate will be broadcast nationwide on the NBC News and Telemundo networks.

According to the American Presidency Project, UH’s announcement will mark only the 3rd time that a major Presidential or Vice Presidential Debate has been hosted in the state of Texas.  Houston’s Alley Theater played host to a 1976 Vice Presidential debate between Walter Mondale and Bob Dole, and UT Austin hosted candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in early 2008 Democratic Primary contest.  For a state as big and influential as Texas, this is quite the “get” for Khator and the University of Houston.

Earlier this year, other Texas sites were in the running to land a General Election debate, but those sites where given to other locations.

TLCQ 2015: Jenifer Rene Pool

In the Nineteenth installment of the 2015 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire we hear from Jenifer Rene Pool candidate for Houston City Council, At-Large Position 1.

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?

JP:  Jenifer Rene Pool

 

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

JP:  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?

JP:  Government is the people’s way of acting collectively for the betterment of the community and its citizens.

 

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

JP:  1.  Improve the services at the Permitting Center by instituting solid business principles to make the process more efficient.

2.  Make sure our TIRZ agreements are following their mandates and spending money for the good of all citizens.

 

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.

JP:   Yes.  I believe that the principle of “pay as you go” represented by ReBuild Houston is the best way our city can invest in infrastructure and not continue borrowing on the future to pay for today.

 

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.

JP:  Yes.  A Strong-Mayoral government may have been the best in years past when Houston was a much smaller city.  However we are a different city today, and Council Members represent a quarter million people.  Their contributions should be heard.

 

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?

JP:  Yes, I am in full support of the administrations’ Complete Streets policy.

 

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

JP:  I am a successful businesswoman with years of experience serving the people of Houston as a liason between citizens and the city government.  I was appointed by Mayor Bill White to the Buildings and Standards Commission in 2009, and to the Police Advisory Commission by Mayor Annise Parker in 2010.  With expertise in political activism, infrastructure repair and and construction management, I have an intimate knowledge of what needs to be done to improve city services and how to accomplish the best outcomes for all Houstonians.

 

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

JP:  I work with women recovering from physical and drug abuse to empower them to succeed and build a better future.

 

Thanks to Ms. Pool 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.

 

Jenifer