Just wanted to share a note about the endorsement process before they are released…
The Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire has been a great learning experience for me. I am especially thankful to all of the candidates that took the time to read the questions, think about them and respond back. Working with a political campaign, I know how busy and very tired all of these candidates must be as we round the bend to November 5th… the countless number of public appearances, constant scrutiny by voters and news media, and hardly any time to themselves. I honestly admire you all, and sincerely don’t know how you do it!!
That being said, TLCQ did not get quite as many responses as I had hoped for, but even with the ones received I am very glad to have contributed to the important political conversation, and raised some issues that others may not be discussing. The voters of Houston and Texas deserve a full, diverse compendium about our elected officials and those who seek said offices. I also salute the great work being done by other bloggers on the 2013 elections, and recommend that voters visit their sites before heading to the polls. Off the Kuff has done a superb job of compiling information on the candidates, so if you’re still trying to find information, check out his 2013 elections page.
In the Fifteenth installment of the 2013 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire, we hear from Hon. Annise D. Parker, current Mayor of Houston, and running for her third and final term.
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?
AP: Annise D. Parker
TL: Are you a current or former elected official? If so what office(s)?
AP: I am currently Mayor of Houston.
TL: As a political candidate, you clearly care about what happens in certain levels of government. In your own words, why is government important?
AP: In order for human beings to live in concert with one another, you have to have government. It’s a mechanism for deciding what you do as a community. I have been frustrated that, as a country, we seem to be losing that focus on community in favor of a more consumer-driven focus on individuals wanting to pay only for the services they use. It is my hope that people will think more about how we can re-engage as a community and re-engage with local government in service of community. Government should be run efficiently and effectively. I have applied many approaches I’ve learned in the business world to achieve that. But ultimately, government is a service organization, not a business. It really is about making our communities stronger.
TL: If elected, what is your top priority in office for the upcoming term? Describe how you plan to accomplish it.
AP: Continue to create jobs. We are seeing very good results from Hire Houston First, a program I started to give preference to firms that hire local workers when they apply for city contracts. I will continue the reforms we started in the Office of Business Opportunity – the former Affirmative Action Department. We expanded our overall city-contracting goal for small, minority, woman-owned businesses to 34 percent. We’ve helped secure more than $25 million in private funds for small business loans. We’ve provided incentives that have attracted more than $2.2 billion in economic development for the city. And we’ve worked with labor unions to provide apprenticeship programs on city-funded projects.
Continue to reduce crime and improve public safety. Since I became mayor, Houston’s overall crime rate is down more than 8 percent. We’ve modernized public safety, protected police officers from layoffs and increased the number of officers on the street. We’ve revamped the police radio and technology system, bulldozed 2,000 crack houses and dangerous abandoned buildings, opened our new Sobering Center so that police officers can focus more of their time on fighting crime, made substantial progress on creating an independent crime lab (separated from the police department), put a plan in place to eliminate the backlog of sexual assault kits and more.
Use resources available to the city to support our children’s education. Although the city is not charged with education in the traditional sense (setting the curriculum, hiring teachers, etc.) I’ve made sure that our resources are working to strengthen schools and help schoolchildren. In August we distributed 25,000 backpacks full of school supplies to children in need. I appointed a Chief Education Officer to coordinate city initiatives around education. We’re working to coordinate infrastructure projects near schools and keep our kids safe when they go to school. We’re building new libraries and funding after-school programs. We’re working with partner organizations to help children stay in school and gain the necessary skills to find good jobs when they graduate.
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.
AP: I absolutely believe we should pass an anti-discrimination ordinance. Houstonians deserve those protections. Passing the ordinance will require agreement from all councilmembers, and when we have the support necessary we can move forward.
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?
AP: The Chief of Police, his Command Staff and I take very seriously any allegation of police brutality. That’s why it is simpler and easier than it has ever been before to bring a complaint against an officer. We revised the complaint process, removing language on the forms that threatened perjury charges for unproven allegations. We made complaint forms available for the first time through community organizations like NAACP, Urban League and LULAC. We created the Independent Police Oversight Board, whose community panelists review allegations of police abuse, use of force and all discharges of weapons. We have begun to deploy body cameras among patrol officers, with the goal of having all officers wear them as soon as financially possible. We are purchasing new TASERS that limit the duration of the electrical charge administered. And we have dealt swiftly and decisively in removing officers who have violated the rights of citizens.
TL: What makes you the best candidate for this office?
AP: Houston is leading the nation in job creation and the vast majority of ways that people rank cities. I’m running because I believe we can do even better. During my two terms as Mayor, Houston’s city government is borrowing less and doing more on a pay-as-you-go basis. We’ve created a dedicated fund for street repairs and flood prevention. We’ve secured funding for new libraries and laid the foundation for a parks and trails system that most cities can only dream of. We put more police officers on the street and are working to make our city safer. We’re demolishing crack houses and dangerous abandoned apartment complexes – and we’re modernizing our police and fire stations. I want to help the best city in America get even better.
TL: When not on the campaign trail, how do you like to spend your free time?
AP: Between my job as mayor and my campaign, free time is a real luxury! I spend as much time at home with my family as I can – and I relax by reading and working in the garden tending my cacti, succulents and orchids.
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.
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.
In the Eleventh installment of the 2013 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire, we hear from Robert Glaser, candidate for the Houston Community College Board of Trustees, District 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?
RG: ROBERT GLASER
TL: Are you a current or former elected official? If so what office(s)?
RG: NO
TL: As a political candidate, you clearly care about what happens in certain levels of government. In your own words, why is government important?
RG: GOVERNMENT PROVIDES SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES TO COMMUNITIES THAT ARE OFTEN NOT BEST OR PRACTICALLY PROVIDED BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR. IT PROVIDES A MECHANISM TO PROMOTE IMPORTANT PUBLIC VALUES.
TL: If elected, what is your top priority in office for the upcoming term? Describe how you plan to accomplish it.
RG: THERE ARE TWO THAT ARE AT THE ‘TOP OF THE LIST’. FIRST, RESTORE UNQUESTIONABLE INTEGRITY TO THE BOARD BY REVIEWING CURRENT ETHICS POLICIES AND IMPROVING THEM AS REQUIRED SO AS TO SATISFY COMMUNITY CONCERNS. SECOND, COMPLETE THE TASK OF SELECTING AND HIRING A NEW, PERMANENT, CHANCELLOR FOR THE SYSTEM BY SUPERVISING THE CURRENT SELECTION COMMITTEE PROCESSES AND ACTIVELY SEEKING OUT AND PERSONALLY INTERVIEWING QUALIFIED CANDIDATES FOR THE POSITION.
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?
RG: HCCS IS ‘BECOMING’ READY. BY IMPLEMENTING THE EXPANSION OF TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR THE SKILLS NEEDED IN OUR LOCAL ECONOMY, EXPANDING THE ‘DUAL CREDIT’ PROGRAM FOR HS STUDENTS, AND INCREASING THE NUMBER OF CLASSES PROVIDING CREDITS THAT TRANSFER TO OTHER TEXAS PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES, HCCS IS RESPONDING TO THE NEEDS OF A 21ST CENTURY COMMUNITY. FOCUSING ON TECHNOLOGY TO BETTER DELIVER CURRICULUM AND TRAINING TO STUDENTS WITH DIVERSE SCHEDULES IS AN AREA THAT HCC MUST CONTINUE TO DEVELOP. HCC MUST ALSO LEAD THE WAY IN AFFORDABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY FOR ITS STUDENTS TO BEST SUCCEED IN THE PROGRAMS AND PATHS CHOSEN.
TL: What makes you the best candidate for this office?
RG: I AM A NATIVE HOUSTONIAN, A PRODUCT OF THE LOCAL PUBLIC EDUCATION SYSTEM AND HAVE LIVED IN THE DISTRICT ALMOST MY ENTIRE LIFE. AS A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS OWNER IN THE ENERGY INDUSTRY FOR OVER 25 YEARS, I EMPLOY SKILLED LABOR AND I UNDERSTAND THE NEED FOR A QUALIFIED AND SKILLED WORKFORCE IN OUR COMMUNITY. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THE FINANCES OF RUNNING AN ORGANIZATION AND AM SKILLED AT FOCUSING ON OBJECTIVES AND COMMITTING THE NECESSARY RESOURCES TO ACCOMPLISHING GOALS. BEING MARRIED AND HAVING THREE CHILDREN, I ALSO UNDERSTAND THE BENEFIT OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND HOW THE AVAILABILITY OF THIS OPPORTUNITY TO EVERYONE IN OUR COMMUNITY IS A BENEFIT TO OUR COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE. THE SKILL SET I WILL BRING TO THE BOARD WILL BE VALUABLE IN GUIDING THE INSTITUTION ON A PATH TO CONTINUING ITS MISSION FOR THE COMMUNITY.
TL: When not on the campaign trail, how do you like to spend your free time?
RG: I DIVIDE MY TIME BETWEEN MY BUSINESS, MY FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.
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.
