As many readers know, Texas Leftist is in the midst of a very interesting interview process. I have submitted Candidate Questionnaires (on here as the TLCQ) to candidates on Houston’s November ballot. Thankfully, the process is going well, and I must say it’s quite fascinating to read the myriad of answers given by the candidates.
Houston municipal elections are also non-partisan, and I wanted to garner some information about the political views of each candidate. But rather than ask them outright what party they belong to, I decided to ask candidates to share why government is important. In my opinion, the answer to this question can reveal a deeper truth than a particular party affiliation. It lets readers know what motivates this person to devote so much time, energy and money into running for public office.
Given what’s going on in Washington right now, I keep trying to also interpolate the answer to this question from someone like Texas Senator Ted Cruz or Texas Congressman Louis Gohmert. Judging by their actions, one can only conclude that their answer would go something like this…
Government is important to me because it gives me something to screw up. It is a vehicle by which I make lots of money and garner lots of national attention. When not serving me with self-promotion, government is wasteful spending aimed at society’s losers.
It’s no coincidence that one might associate this view with the Republican Party writ large. Their long-held plan to shut down the government has finally been realized. Most Republicans did not go to Washington to govern this country. They went to ruin it, and beat Obama. Of course GOP leaders will turn right around and say “no… this shutdown was caused by Harry Reid and the President. We didn’t want this.” They’ve said that or something similar a bunch over the last few days, and they’ve been lying.
I know everyone doesn’t watch the Rachel Maddow show, but I sincerely hope that you take a few minutes to watch this clip. She goes back and traces every move by the House GOP caucus, and proves that they have wanted a government shutdown since 2010, and would stop at nothing to get it. Democrats have been the ones held hostage to each and every of their growing list of demands. This is worth watching.
Though the Affordable Care Act has been the law for over 3 years, there’s still plenty of political wrangling going on. But the truth is, many people still don’t understand exactly what “Obamacare” is, why we need it, and how it is transforming the American healthcare system. This 2010 video from the Kaiser Foundation is the best I’ve found that boils everything down to simple and clear examples. It leaves out the politics and just gives the facts.
In the Tenth installment of the 2013 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire, we hear from Hon. Neeta Sane, incumbent Houston Community College Trustee, District VII. She is running for reelection.
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?
NS: Neeta Sane
TL: Are you a current or former elected official? If so what office(s)?
NS: Yes, I am a current elected official. I was elected in 2007 to serve as a Trustee of Houston Community College (HCC) and I am seeking re-election to this public office. I represent HCC District VII which is comprised of Stafford, Missouri City and a portion of Alief. Alief was annexed into HCC system in 2008 with overwhelming support of the Alief Community. The annexation of Alief expanded the educational opportunities and workforce programs for the students and the community of Alief. More information is on www.NeetaSane.com
TL: As a political candidate, you clearly care about what happens in certain levels of government. In your own words, why is government important?
NS: I believe that in order to accomplish common goals for public good, it is necessary that government provides a platform for two major functions – 1) To uphold the values that take into account humanity, social justice and public safety 2) To ensure the growth of a society or a region in terms of productive populace and better means of living. That is why, I believe, government is important.
TL: If elected, what is your top priority in office for the upcoming term? Describe how you plan to accomplish it.
NS: Appointing a highly qualified and experienced Permanent Chancellor to lead day-to-day operations of HCC – I will continue to ensure that the Chancellor Search uses best practices including involvement of HCC’s stakeholders.
Completing the 2012 bond program effectively– I will continue to provide governance and oversight on behalf of the constituents of HCC to ensure that 2012 bond program produces the desired outcome.
Graduating more students for the 21st century academia and workforce – I will continue to strengthen the partnerships and dialogue that I initiated with area school districts and industry sectors. I will continue to work hard to ensure that students graduating from high schools are ready to take college-level courses and student graduating from college are equipped with knowledge and skills necessary for the 21st century job market.
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?
NS: Yes, HCC continues to position itself well as one of the leading institutions in the educational and professional landscape. HCC continues to remain responsive to the regional needs for the academic and workforce training opportunities. By offering educational opportunities in over 70 different career pathways, HCC is paving the way for 1) industry sectors to have skilled workforce and 2) regional economies to have educated and productive base of citizens.
HCC also enables students to have workplace skills to succeed in the 21st century marketplace. HCC’s highly diverse student body plays a significant role in widening students’ educational and professional horizon enabling them to have experiences to interact with peers who have varied perspectives and backgrounds. These experiences are highly valued by the 21st century employers in the workplace.
HCC continues to collaborate with area schools and businesses to ensure success for our students in the classroom and in the workplace. HCC, being an affordable choice that offers quality education, continues to remain highly innovative in bridging the gaps in the educational and professional arena. As a dedicated Trustee of HCC, I have been instrumental in establishing productive partnerships for HCC.
Overall, it is crucial for the success of the students and the economy of our nation that we build a foundation that strengthens the educational pipeline from high schools to colleges to careers.
TL: What makes you the best candidate for this office?
NS: I am seeking re-election to HCC Trustee District VII. As a Houston Community College Trustee for the past six years, I have a proven track record of leadership, dedication and stewardship focusing on student success, faculty empowerment and community partnerships.
The following are the highlights of my leadership accomplishments that I believe exhibit my commitment to students’ success. I believe that my effective service to HCC, students and the community as a whole makes me the best suited candidate with six years’ experience as HCC Trustee.
My Leadership Accomplishments:
–Propelled HCC to greater heights with the following programs in the growth areas New educational and workforce initiatives – HCC Alief: Early College High School, UT Tyler Engineering Degree Program, Certified Nursing Assistance Program, upcoming Bissonnet Workforce Building, HCC Stafford: Fine Arts Center, Expanded Learning Hub, AAS degree in Logistics and Global Supply Chain Management, upcoming Stafford Workforce Building, HCC Missouri City: upcoming Center for Entrepreneurship, Health Sciences and Technology, Athletics and Intramural sports at HCC. $140M investment for educational programs and buildings in HCC District VII
–Instituted Workforce Support Scholarship for HCC Students
–Instituted HCC-ASPIRE Scholarship Program in support of Diversity and Inclusiveness for HCC Students
–Leadership Summit for Alief Early College High School Students
–Workforce Summits to align HCC’s educational offerings with industry needs Built Community & Industry Partnerships for HCC
Honors and Awards:
-Special Congressional Recognition Certificate (2013) – from Congressman Al Green
-Certificate of Recognition (2013) – from Harris County Judge Ed Emmett
-Recognition & Resolution from State of Texas (2011) – from House of Representatives
-2013 Greater Houston Service Award – from Volunteer Houston
-2012 Leadership Award – from Asia Houston Network
-2010 Minority Achievers Award – from YMCA
-2010 Community Entrepreneur of the Year Award –from Asian Chamber of Commerce
-2009 DiversityFirst Award – from Texas Diversity Council
TL: When not on the campaign trail, how do you like to spend your free time?
NS: When I have some free time, I spend as much time as possible with family.
In the Ninth installment of the 2013 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire, we hear from Hon. Andrew C Burks Jr., incumbent Houston City Council Member At Large Position 2, and running for reelection.
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?
AB: Andrew C. Burks Jr.
TL: Are you a current or former elected official? If so what office(s)?
AB: I am currently the Houston City Council Member At-Large 2
TL: As a political candidate, you clearly care about what happens in certain levels of government. In your own words, why is government important?
AB: Local government is the first line of communication between the citizen and its government. Local government ensures trash is collected, responds to citizens needs, improves the quality of life for all individuals in the city, creates jobs while growing the economy and continues infrastructural improvement. Local government is vital because we respond immediately to the needs of the citizen.
TL: If elected, what is your top priority in office for the upcoming term? Describe how you plan to accomplish it.
AB: Continue to work with the EPA for funding toward Brownfield clean up, hiring of veterans and disabled individuals, improving the economy of the city and increasing property tax homestead exemption for senior citizens.
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.
AB: I support a comprehensive non-discrimination ordinance for the city of Houston. I will continue to publicly advocate for and vote in favor of a non-discrimination ordinance, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression in employment, housing, and public accommodation.
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?
AB: Through my work as Houston City Council Member and community activist I have strongly advocated to ensure that Houston Police Officers receive more training in dealing with diverse communities. The job of a police officer is a high stress position and there has to be a stronger dialogue between the citizens and the police department. We should also improve the neighborhood policing policies and ensure police officers do more policing in their communities. I also strongly support town hall meetings collaborating with community leaders and civic club presidents to combat this issue. It is also vital that the Houston Police Department conduct extensive background checks based on all police officers.
TL: What makes you the best candidate for this office?
AB: I am extremely qualified for this position because my visible leadership as Houston City Councilmember At Large Position 2 and my experience as an activist and long history of involvement in the Houston community. I have taken the lead on many imperative issues facing the citizens of this great city such as, increasing senior citizen property tax exemption, ensuring our youth have more quality summer jobs, adding more ambulances to the Houston Fire Department and investing in quality after school programs for our youth but there is still a great amount of work to be completed. I also have a strong passion for making Houston the best city in the country to live, do business and raise a family. I also have a great amount of experience working with the cities budget, understanding how the city operates and how all departments’ function.
TL: When not on the campaign trail, how do you like to spend your free time?
AB: Free time is merely a dream. In my spare time, I think of how I can help improve, beautify, promote and better the quality of life for all our citizens and businesses.
In the Eighth installment of the 2013 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire, we hear from Ben Mendez, candidate for Houston City Council, District I.
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?
BM: Ben Mendez, Candidate for City Council District I.
TL: Are you a current or former elected official? If so what office(s)?
BM: I am not a current or former elected official.
TL: As a political candidate, you clearly care about what happens in certain levels of government. In your own words, why is government important?
BM: Government can be the great equalizer to serve as the voice of the people. Government addresses many concerns we cannot address as individuals. Government helps gather resources for the public good, and can help protect the rights of individuals, as well as communities.
TL: If elected, what is your top priority in office for the upcoming term? Describe how you plan to accomplish it.
BM: My top priorities are affordable housing, updating infrastructure, and improving the quality of life in communities.
I intend to prioritize these issues, and bring funding to neighborhoods in the district that have been left behind, and work to implement green initiatives to reduce energy costs and help the environment.
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.
BM: I support a comprehensive non-discrimination ordinance for the City of Houston. I would work to pass it by reaching out to my fellow Council Members, as well as unions and community members to appeal to the underlying issues of justice and fairness inherent in such an 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?
BM: The Houston Police Department should be held to a high standard in its dealings with the public. In addition to increasing training and reporting systems, I am open to creation of a citizen’s review board to weigh-in on such police incidents.
TL: What makes you the best candidate for this office?
BM: My qualifications/assets I feel earn great consideration are as follows:
Experience with City Government & Budget Experience As former City of Houston’s CIP Manager I developed and managed the construction dollars for the City of Houston’s 5-year Capital Improvement Plan and served as the point of contact for all departments in regards to the $1.4 billon spent on new construction and renovation of City facilities. In addition, I was hired by the Houston Independent School District to develop the district’s $1.2 billion 5-year Capital Improvement Plan for the construction of new schools.
Small Business Experience As the Founder and President of PMJ Project Management Group I offer more than 17 years of experience in the energy, architectural, engineering, and construction industries, with special expertise in managing, budgeting, and program/policy development.
Our company was recently honored at Harvard University by ICIC as the 41st fastest growing inner-city businesses in the nation, and ranked Number #1 in the State of Texas.
As the Chairman of Texas Association of Mexican-American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC) I have proven experience in promoting strategic to enhance small business growth in the Hispanic community.
Community Organizing Experience As Founder of NHPO, and a former Union steward for the Houston Federation of Teachers [HFT], I have the community relationships and grass-roots organizing experience to increase civic engagement in our communities.
TL: When not on the campaign trail, how do you like to spend your free time?
BM: When not on the Campaign Trail, I enjoy spending time with my wife and children. We are an active family, and even more so since my 1-year old recently learned to walk. I am always happy to get together with friends for fun, and to support charitable community efforts, such as National Hispanic Professional Organization – Leadership Institute, Tejano Center for Community Concerns, Association for the Advancement of Mexican Americans, Talento Bilingue de Houston and many others. Of course I also enjoy our local sport teams and especially enjoy cheering on my alma mater University of Houston Cougars, and the Houston Texans.
In the Seventh installment of the 2013 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire, we hear from James S. Horwitz, candidate for Houston City Council At Large Position 5.
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?
JH: James S. Horwitz
TL: Are you a current or former elected official? If so what office(s)?
JH: I have never held, or run for, public office before.
TL: As a political candidate, you clearly care about what happens in certain levels of government. In your own words, why is government important?
JH: In today’s time, there is an often-repeated metaphor for the role government should play. Some people believe government should stay out of most issues, whereas many others believe the government should be a key player in most issues. Disagreeing with both of these premises, I believe that government should be a referee in our society. The government should be an arbiter of disputes in our society, as well as the provider of certain invaluable services. In the case of the City of Houston, this includes our general welfare, utilities and protection.
TL: If elected, what is your top priority in office for the upcoming term? Describe how you plan to accomplish it.
JH: My top priority is to listen to my constituents, hear their concerns, and try if reasonable to help them. For example, recently, I took my son up to Boston as he continues his collegiate education. While on the plane, I struck up a conversation with the flight attendant—who is based in Houston. She told me that FAA regulations required her to occupy the gateway between the terminal and the plane for hours at a time, sometimes in the grueling heat. The City of Houston controls the air-conditioning in the gateway. They could turn it on for the benefit of the staff required to be in there. Just listening to this Houstonian has brought this issue —adding fans and air conditioning to airport gateways— to my attention, and it is one I will argue to be implemented. I am sure there are countless other issues that Houstonians have that I can learn about. In addition, strengthening public transportation, developing an comprehensive non-discrimination ordinance protecting LGBT people as well as expanding recycling service to all corners of the city are major concerns of mine.
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.
JH: I strongly support a non-discrimination ordinance, domestic partnership agreements and same-sex marriage (including a symbolic resolution by the City Council supporting it). Recently, Mayor Parker announced her intention to make this issue a priority for her possible third term. If elected, I will work closely with the Mayor to pass this ordinance out of the City Council, as well as strongly support a charter amendment to achieve this action.
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?
JH: I would work closely with the Houston Police Department to help the department conduct internal investigations of its officers. Unfortunately, these incidents have been going on since I moved to Houston in my teens in the 1960s. At that time, racist and corrupt police officers generally got a free pass from the City Government and Herman Short, the Chief of Police. However, today, I would like to think the situation has improved. I do believe that Mayor Parker and HPD Chief McClelland have been doing great work to punish brutality and oppression from HPD officers. I am reminded most vividly of the case of Andrew Bloomberg, a HPD officer recently acquitted of the videotaped senseless beating of a minor. After the verdict, both Parker and McClelland stood firm in ensuring Bloomberg would never again have a job with the Houston Police Department. Still, there are issues we must deal with to stop these miscarriages of justice.
TL: What makes you the best candidate for this office?
JH: Many people may agree with my positions more than any other candidate. For example, I am the only candidate in this race who, in a recent election dialogue of the League of Women Voters, unequivocally supported a non-discrimination ordinance protecting LGBT people. I am the only candidate to go on-record supporting the pending Wage Theft ordinance in the City Council. There are countless other issues such as this one, where I stand alone in my position. While the other candidates in this election certainly have many honorable personal characteristics, I believe I have distinguished myself from them on the issues. If you agree with me on the many issues I have discussed on my website, “horwitz4houston.com,” then I believe I am the ideal candidate for you to support.
TL: When not on the campaign trail, how do you like to spend your free time?
JH: I have a big family, and thoroughly enjoy spending as much time with them as I able to do so. I was extremely lucky, many years ago, not only to marry my amazing wife, Deborah —who raised our two sons, Geoffrey and Noah, with me— but to marry into her great family.
If you’ve been to Houston recently (and took some time to exit the freeways), you probably could tell one thing pretty quickly… the city is in the throws of a rapid transformation. Much of this building boom is taking place in the form of new condominiums and mid-rise structures, which will likely increase after revisions to the city’s development code. But it’s not just the law that is mandating these types of developments… much of it is driven market demand, as more and more Houstonians prefer to live in a traditional “built urban” environment.
The shift in thinking is starting to get noticed outside the city as well, for it affects the way Houston does business. Take this interesting interview on the changing face of Houston architecture, from an architect’s perspective. The editor of the Chicago Architecture Blog interviewed John Lahey, CEO of Simon Cordwell Buenz. SCB is a Chicago-based firm that is currently working on projects across the United States, including two in Houston.
Editor: Houston is a whole different market.
Lahey: For an urban person, it’s not as accommodating. But there is a sprit of Texas that you can’t help but like. Even if, politically or whatever, you’re not in sync with it, their do-it-yourself identity is really kind of neat.
Editor: How is working in Texas different than the other markets you’re working in?
Lahey: The people that we’re working for in Texas are from Texas, so the Texas imprint is very apparent. I would say in Texas it’s just not as dense and hard an urban environment, and it’s a little more gracious. A little more landscaping when you come into the building. It’s hot, but it’s sunny a lot. The units are a little bigger.
There’s a vitality in Texas that is different. Chicago and San Francisco have very established urban areas and you’re sort of being part of an established urban framework. Whereas in Texas, you can be more freewheeling, and people want to just celebrate it a little more. The buildings in Chicago have a lot of civility, where in Texas… it’s hard to say exactly what’s different.
In Texas the construction costs aren’t as much as they are here, and so you get more for your money.
Editor: And no zoning in Houston.
Lahey: Austin has zoning. It has a lot of zoning. But the buildings there are large, and we’re working on a few smaller ones, too.
Editor: In the last few years, people in Houston seem to be coming around to the notion that it’s OK to live in a tower instead of a rambler.
Lahey: I think there’s quite a bit of it. And then there’s more stuff starting to happen in downtown. The one that we’re doing in Montrose isn’t a super-tall tower. It’s probably half as tall as this [Rincon Two], but that’s tall for there. But what’s neat about an area like that where there’s already a density and there’s restaurants and stuff, when you bring in that many people and do it in a way that still lets the neighborhood be what it is, it’s just more people going to these things. Walking to them. And you can see how the urban experience that we all love, will morph into a Texas way of being urban.
Austin is a little more urban feeling because of all the music downtown, and it’s pretty centralized. And because of the size of Austin, they’ve probably got a denser core than Houston. But I think Houston is going to be really good. The things that are happening there are really positive.
Editor: Are there things that you have to do differently designing a building in Houston?
Lahey: It’s not so cold, so when you do your amenities, the outdoor — the pools and all that stuff — are really important because you’re going to be using that a lot.
Balconies… You know, it gets so hot that some people want them and some people don’t. Somebody told me that you just don’t sit out a lot in Houston. So when we’re doing it, there is the thought that people are going to be in their apartments and have the windows closed and have the air conditioning on a lot.
Now in Chicago, we have the same thing in the winter — people are going to be inside and have the heat on. So, they’re similar. Whereas in Chicago, you’re making sure things don’t get too dark, in Houston you’re making sure things don’t get too light. You don’t have the short days, what you have is the big hot sun. Here you’ve got the winter, when it’s dark and it’s cloudy, and you want to make sure you get enough light into each unit.
Editor: Do you need heavier HVAC units and bigger ducts for all that air conditioning in Houston?
Lahey: A lot of it is done with natural ventilation, although we do use mechanical ventilation a lot more in Texas than we would here. Here it’s mostly natural ventilation because people can just open a window. In Houston, you want fresh air, but you’re just not going to touch that window.
The old traditional building with the punched openings and small windows, we hardly [ever do that]. We like the more modern, contemporary ones with the views. When you live in a high-rise that’s the one great amenity that you have, and when you see the views being limited by the size of windows, that seems wrong.
The aesthetic of buildings, people there really do respond to more contemporary buildings today. They like having big amounts of glass in their living rooms. Bedrooms aren’t so critical. But that’s happening across the board. It’s everywhere.
That’s in Hawaii, that’s in California, that’s in Texas, that’s in Chicago, and it’s in Miami. It’s everywhere.
As Mr. Lahey says, there are definitely some advantages to the having a more “fluid urban environment” like you find in Houston. One project, like Discovery Green, can spur a whole burst of new activity virtually on its own. It’s great to see so many developers noticing the changes in trends, and looking for copious business opportunities in the city. As a Houstonian, there’s nothing more exciting than getting to witness the growth and change happening throughout the city. But it also serves as a reminder that along with the new wave of development, Houston cannot leave its basic infrastructure behind. Just as important to the renaissance of the city’s built urban environment and densification is the full commitment of the city to improve our ailing drainage and sewer systems so they can keep up with the dizzying growth. A complete streets initiative becomes all the more imperative as our city gains more residents, and our public transit has to both improve and plan for the future as well. Impressive new towers and mid-rises are great, but they won’t matter as much if we can’t get to or from them.
