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Houston Politics

TLCQ 2015: Lane Lewis

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In the Fifth installment of the 2015 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire, we hear from Lane Lewis, chairman of the Harris County Democratic Party and 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?

LL:  Lane Lewis

 

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

LL:  I am currently the Harris County Democratic Party Chair; Harris County is the nation’s third largest county with nearly 2 million registered voters. I was elected unanimously in a special election in December 2011, was re-elected in May 2012 with over 55% of the vote and won re-election again in 2014.

 

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

LL:  I began my community involvement organizing friends and neighbors 25 years ago focusing on public safety and social issues. Time and time again the issues I encountered in communities came back to city services and infrastructure. This motivated me to run for office, so I could help provide the help communities and community organizers need to better their neighborhoods. Just recently after a tragic murder in of a young man in Neartown, I helped organize a formal dialogue between HPD and neighbors. The topic of safety again led back to infrastructure, the community and law enforcement agreeing sidewalks and lighting would be key in deterring crime. It only reinforced for me that; a prosperous, safe, world-class city cannot be built on crumbling streets.

As an At-Large Council Member, I will be able to influence initiatives that affect the entire city and benefit multiple districts. Infrastructure improvements need to be streamlined for the engineers, contractors and constituents. 

 

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

LL:  

1.  Improving infrastructure

As an At-Large Council Member, I will be able to influence initiatives that affect the entire city and benefit multiple districts. Infrastructure improvements need to be streamlined for the engineers, contractors and constituents. I am also concerned that infrastructure needs are not adequately addressed in all neighborhoods fairly. City council can work with departments and stakeholders to find better ways to identify and address infrastructure issues, a process which has begun in earnest and I will help the current efforts anyway I can.

2. Growing the tax base with quality businesses paying livable wages

Houston needs a sustainable solution to budget and pension shortfalls. Tax hikes are not a long-term solution and drive away businesses and residents to surrounding municipalities. I will work with District Council Members and business leaders to expand business opportunities that are beneficial to hard working Houstonians. The city government plays a central role in making a city attractive to development and business investment and should pay particular attention to helping minority owned business participate and grow.

3. Relieving transportation and traffic congestion

Working with METRO and public works, city council can find solutions that fit the diverse needs of Houston. Properly executed alternatives like ride sharing, bike paths, new bus routes, and light rail can open our roadways. City council needs to lead on these initiatives.

 

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 Houstonprogram. 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.  

LL:  ReBuild Houston is not perfect, but the imperfections are mostly on the political side of its inception and the program itself is a strong step in the right direction. New projects are coming online and helping with Houston’s flood issues. The immediate problem is that we are so far behind that we are vulnerable today and ReBuild’s full impact will not be felt for decades to come. Once ReBuild finishes paying off decades of debt, it will produce about $600 million a year to our infrastructure and the number of projects will increase rapidly.

ReBuild’s pay-as-you go philosophy is a much needed improvement; however, it requires a project to be fully funded before work begins. I would like to explore the possibility of starting projects simultaneously based on a predicted revenue stream prior to being fully funded, but without borrowing money.

 

 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.

LL:  I would approve such an amendment to provide balance to the horseshoe. I have strong personal and working relationships with most of the Mayoral candidates and am comfortable that I will be able to work effectively with any administration. Even if the power to place business on the agenda was granted to council, the Mayor of Houston would still hold tremendous power and influence over the process of voting and implementing that business. City council would still need a good relationship with the Mayor and the main trump card to counter the Mayor would still be public opinion. I am in favor of empowering council more with the understanding that the key to a productive council will always be the ability to work with the Mayor and fellow council members.

 

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?  

LL:  A significant change in our transit system must include options for pedestrians and cyclists of all ability levels. Complete Streets along with rail, bike paths, ride sharing, traditional cabs and most importantly the reimagined bus system, must work in concert to make a Houston a multi-mobile city. New development should encourage walkable neighborhoods and the city should provide that foundation.

 

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

LL:  My service to the community has given me strong relationships with elected officials and decision makers that can help me get things done. I have strong ties to leaders across the city, county, and state from all walks of life and in all areas of town. As a Houston City Council Member, you cannot accomplish your goals without the help of other council members, the Mayor, and constituents. My valuable relationships will enable me to be an effective council member from day one at City Hall.

My decades of service, the relationships I have nurtured with integrity, and my experience as an elected and appointed servant have prepared me for the job of Houston City Council. Public service is about solving problems and meeting the needs of constituents. That requires being able to pick up the phone on day one and having a positive relationship already established with the person on the other end.

No one else running for Position 1 has the number of or quality of both professional and personal relationships that I have with other elected officials and decision makers in the city or the state, which will allow me to get to work on day one.

 

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

LL.  I have a large library collection of books, so I read a lot. For the past year or so, most of my reading has been news and policy related rather than simply a good book. I have very little free time, so often by the time I get home around 9pm, I just make myself something to eat and lay in the floor with my dogs while watching a few minutes of TV before going to sleep.

 

Thanks to Mr. Lewis for the responses.

Lane Lewis

Houston Politics

TLCQ 2015: Greg Travis

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In the Fourth installment of the 2015 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire, we hear from Greg Travis, candidate for Houston City Council, District G.

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?

GT:  Greg Travis

 

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

 GT:  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?

GT:  Government is important, but only if it addresses the needs of the people and is representative of the people by setting the rules, rights, and responsibilities of all involved, without which we have no society.  Everyone is capable of governing themselves.  Government should be answerable to the people and the more control they have over the government, the more they control their own destiny.

Government should not oppress, but enable, allow the citizens to be free to reach their potential, by providing a basic framework by which and under which we can all operate.  Government’s first duty is to protect the people not run their lives.  Government can provide for basic needs best provided for as a whole, such as defense, security, or water and roads.  However, I feel it is better if it provides for security and opportunity by limiting its reach and allowing the citizens to lead free lives because with freedom there is hope—and there are dreams and from dreams we slip the horizons of our limitations and become more than who we are.

 

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

GT:  Fiscal Discipline—and followed closely by Infrastructure Improvements.  A lone Council member cannot on their own accomplish either without the help and support of the community and other council members.  I intend to educate the public through the media and social media as to the dire situation we find ourselves in and then promote the solutions—which is to curb spending and focus our priorities on infrastructure.  I intend to work with the Mayor and other council members and bring together a coalition who understands the seriousness of our situation.  I am proud that in 24 years, I have never lost a trial.  This shows I can get together with people I just met and within a week or two, convince them of the facts and my desired solution to the situation.  Further, I am a certified mediator and I am trained and practiced in bringing parties together to resolve a situation.  I intend to do the same on council.

 

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 Houstonprogram. 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.  

GT:  While there are aspects of Rebuild Houston I have troubles with, I generally support the concept.  I think the implementation of the program has been troublesome and misguided.  However, the program as conceptualized is good.  We need a dedicated funding source to address the years of neglect.  We have $500M a year in depreciation affecting our roads and infrastructure, with only $100M going towards repairing and replacement and that in and of itself is mainly due to ReBuild Houston.  We have 16,000 lane miles in Houston with 75% in need of repair or replacement.  What other way can we insure this need is addressed?  Bond issuances are problematic as we are near the ceiling on bond debt, and the process will take us too long to address our needs which are immediate.

 

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.

GT:  Yes.  Actually, I would prefer four members of council.  I think if you can get 25% to bring up a matter, it should be worth considering by the entire council.  This issue is one of the issues I bring up when talking to the residents in my district.

 

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?  

GT:  Yes and No.  While I support the concept generally and appreciate the goals, I do not think it is appropriate in Houston for most areas.  We have 16,000 lane miles currently which we can’t even maintain properly today.  To require complete streets could easily effectively increase that number from 20% to 33% depending.  Where would we get the money?  Further, not all streets or areas in Houston are conducive to such a policy or would pass a cost/benefit analysis.  To effectively handle current traffic and other uses would require usage of eminent domain on a scale we have never seen.  However, other areas are perfect for such a concept and there is a need. So, it is not as simple as a yes or no, but rather a case by case, area by area analysis.

 

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

GT:  I do not have such a high estimation of myself to think I am the best candidate for this office as undoubtedly there are a number of people who could run with better experience than I.  However, I am the best candidate “running” for this office—simply because I care and I can and will solve the problems.  I am not a politician.  I am a businessman and an attorney with empathy for my fellow citizens.  The people in my district and in this city are tired of paying for services and not having them delivered.  They don’t mind paying for what they get but they do want to get what they pay for.   Roads, Drainage, Sewers, Police and Fire.   I get it.

As stated previously, I am both a litigator and a certified mediator.  I have never lost a trial in 24 years of practice.  I know what it takes to reach out and convince others of the actions needed to resolve situations in my clients favor.  I will use my talents to do the same on council for my clients—the citizens of my district.

 

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

GT:  I spend time with my dogs (and semi-adopted stray cat).  I also go out on dates with my girlfriend.   I read, listen to classic (1960s and 1970s) music (Mo-Town especially), and continue to search for the perfect ice-cream.  Also, I spend quite a bit of time rescuing animals, whether domestic or wild (sort of a hobby).

 

Thanks to Mr. Travis for the responses.

Greg Travis

Texas Politics

Texoblogosphere: Week of August 24th

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The Texas Progressive Alliance liked it better when politicians wanted to kiss babies and not deport them as it brings you this week’s roundup.

Off the Kuff took a closer look at who votes in City of Houston elections.

Libby Shaw at Texas Kaos and contributing to Daily Kos notes that when the GOP opened its house to dog whistles it ushered in the wolves. The GOP Deserves Its Monster.

Fresh off his vacation, and as it approaches its centennial, SocraticGadfly casts a critical eye at what he describes as the decline and fall of the National Park Service.

CouldBeTrue of South Texas Chisme notes that Donald Trump is exposing the world to the racism consuming the GOP along with its authoritarian, 2nd amendment mindset.

It was all Houston mayoral elections all last week for PDiddie at Brains and Eggs, who attended a forum in his back yard, smelled some oligarchy in the HGLBT Caucus endorsement, covered the two adverse developments for the HERO, and witnessed Chris Bell’s smackdown of Adrian Garcia.

Sometimes it takes great distress to reveal greatness of leadership. As the 10th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches on August 29th, Texas Leftist reflects on the extraordinary role Houston played in the storm’s aftermath and recovery.

From WCNews at Eye on Williamson. The Texas GOP’s latest cruel move, When They Show You Who They Are Believe Them.

With Bernie Sanders running strongly for 2016, Neil at All People Have Value wrote that polling data reports more and more Americans are open to Socialism. APHV is part of NeilAquino.com.

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

Paradise in Hell previews the fried delicacies that await us at this year’s State Fair of Texas.

The Lunch Tray confirms that Americans do indeed want kids to eat healthier food at school.

Texas Watch tells you what’s really driving the cost of your car insurance bill.

Alexa Garcia-Ditta takes you on a tour of San Antonio’s new HB2-compliant abortion facility.

Tamara Tabo explains why you haven’t heard more about all those bikers who were arrested in Waco in May.

The Makeshift Academic reports that Arkansas has fully embraced Medicaid expansion.

Pamela Coloff awards the title of Worst Lawyer in Texas to disgraced and now disbarred former prosecutor Charles Sebesta.

 

Happy Back to School week for much of Texas, including the University of Houston.  GO COOGS!!

UH Seal

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

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

Houston Politics

Houston GLBT Caucus Issues 2015 Endorsements

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Over 40 years strong, the Houston GLBT Political Caucus has emerged from relative obscurity to become one of the state’s most powerful political organizations.  Whether Houston candidates run seeking the group’s endorsement, or specifically try to run against it, when “The Caucus” makes a move, everyone pays attention.  As Rebecca Elliott of the Houston Chronicle reports, this year’s annual endorsement meeting was no exception…

A raucous municipal endorsement meeting brought mayoral candidate Sylvester Turner the coveted backing of the Houston GLBT Political Caucus on Saturday, positioning the 26-year state representative to broaden his coalition to include the city’s progressive voting bloc.

Caucus members voted 142-85 to endorse Turner after more than an hour of insult-laden discussion in which they rejected the recommendation of the group’s screening committee to endorse former Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia.

Turner also beat out former Congressman Chris Bell, a longtime ally of the gay community who had been considered a likely pick for the group’s endorsement.

Once-shunned, the caucus’ [support] is now highly sought-after by candidates aiming to win over left-wing voters, known for reliably showing up at the polls.

The Caucus’ backing carries particular weight in municipal elections, which have often proven a more progressive electorate than Harris County or (obviously) the deep red state of Texas.  A fact made all the more important this year, as candidates on both sides will vie for attention against the Goliath of the 2015– the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance.  To be sure, candidate positions for and against HERO were vetted to the utmost extent during this endorsement cycle.

Below is the full list of endorsed candidates… 

Houston Mayor- Sylvester Turner

Houston City Controller- Chris Brown

Houston City Council
District B – Jerry Davis
District C – Ellen Cohen
District F – Richard A. Nguyen
District H – Roland Chavez
District I – Robert Gallegos
District J – Mike Laster
District K – Larry Green
At Large 1 – Lane Lewis
At Large 2 – David Robinson
At Large 3 – Doug Peterson
At Large 4 – Amanda K. Edwards
At Large 5 – Phillipe Nassif

Houston Independent School District Board of Trustees (HISD)  

District 2 – Rhonda Skillern Jones
District 3 – Ramiro Fonseca
District 4 – Jolanda Jones
District 8 – Juliet Katherine Stipeche

 

Houston Community College District Board of Trustees  

District 3 – Adriana Tamez
District 8 – Eva Loredo

 

For candidates like impressive newcomer Philippe Nassif, the influential recognition provides visibility and greatly increases his chances of a position in the run-off with Jack Christie, incumbent Council Member of At-Large position 5.  Some voters may recall that Christie, who was once himself endorsed by The Caucus after saying that he supported a comprehensive non-discrimination ordinance, went on to vote against HERO in 2014 and in 2015.  Meanwhile Nassif has been a constant ally in the fight for equality, and leaves little doubt for voters where he would stand if elected to represent all Houstonians.

It will be quite interesting to see how these candidates fair on November 3rd.  For the sake of HERO and progress for all Houstonians, let’s hope they do quite well.

Stay tuned for more candidate information via the TLCQ in the coming weeks.

Off the Kuff has more.

 

HGLBT

 

Houston Politics

Houston Artists Discuss City Cultural Plan

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In it’s 70-plus year history, the El Dorado Ballroom in Houston’s Third Ward has seen and heard some of the world’s most compelling artistry. In it’s heyday the venue played host to Musical greats like Arnett Cobb, Etta James and Ray Charles.

But last weekend, the historic ballroom was also the scene for an important meeting on Houston’s artistic future, as artists and administrators from across the region gathered there to discuss the City’s expansive new Cultural Plan.

Named the Houston Artist Town Hall, the gathering was organized and moderated by the Fresh Arts Coalition, whose Executive Director Jenni Rebecca Stephenson moderated the discussion.  The Town Hall was not an official city event, but Minette Boesel from the Houston Cultural Affairs Office was on hand to hear the discussions.

Though the artists in attendance formed an immensely diverse crowd, they all shared at least two things in common– a dedication to the area’s arts scene and intimate knowledge of what could be improved.  As Stephenson noted in her opening comments, the meeting was arranged so artists themselves would have a chance to provide input on the city’s Cultural Plan.

Among the group of almost 200 artists, some common themes seemed to emerge…

— Houston needs a more comprehensive jobs and funding database for arts projects. 

— Better access equity for the many diverse arts groups, and artists living outside of a select few neighborhoods. 

— More transparency, less bureaucracy from municipal funding sources. 

— Stronger professional connections between the artists community and corporate entities.

— City Council Members should form Artist advisory boards by district for more direct, consistent input. 

Perennial issues like artist compensation and a lack of affordable housing were big players in the discussion as well.

On the whole, the event was quite productive, and gave voice to important issues that should be part of any Cultural Plan for the city.  But whatever moves forward under the Parker administration at this point is far from a guarantee. Any goals that Mayor Parker sets for Houston’s artistic community will be honored, improved upon or destroyed by Houston’s next Mayor, City Controller and City Council.  Which means that 2015 is an important time for Houston’s creative community to become engaged with this year’s elections.  If citizens want the arts to be strong in Houston, they need to show those preferences with their voices and their votes this year. 

HATH

Artists gather at the Houston Artist Town Hall, held May 2nd in the El Dorado Ballroom. 

Houston Public Media’s Amy Bishop also covered the event.

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