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TLCQ 2013: Neeta Sane

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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.

Thanks to Ms. Sane for her participation.

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TLCQ 2013: Andrew C Burks Jr.

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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.

Thanks to Mr. Burks for his participation.

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TLCQ 2013: Ben Mendez

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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.

Thanks to Mr. Mendez for his participation.

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TLCQ 2013: James S. Horwitz

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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.

Thanks to Mr. Horwitz for his participation.

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TLCQ 2013: Zeph Capo

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In the Sixth installment of the 2013 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire, we hear from Zeph Capo, candidate for Houston Community College Board of Trustees District 1.

Please note: Responses have been received directly from the candidate, and have been posted verbatim 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?

ZC: Zeph Capo

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

ZC: I have not held public office.

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

ZC: Government is a direct reflection of our greater society. It is a picture of what works and does not work. We get out of government what we put into it. I believe voting shouldn’t be considered a right, but a responsibility because government works best when the governed are involved in the process. Government defines us as a people and we should never take for granted that we are defined by the democratic principles that make up our society.

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

ZC: My top priority would be to pass a stronger board ethics policy that results in more transparent business practices by the community college. I would welcome citizen advisory oversight by accounting/financial professions to review the colleges practices and make recommendations to the board. I would work to build a coalition of board members that wanted to increase the public trust in the board by passing better policy after a thorough review of best practices nationwide and an opportunity to take input from the community.

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?

ZC: HCC is a leader in distance education and has begun innovative new programs to meet the needs of our local workforce. We must improve our business practices to ensure the 425 million dollar bond program is executed with fidelity and efficiency. Additionally, we must ensure that our tax dollars allocated by the bond are used in absolutely the best manner to accommodate the needs of a 21st century workforce.

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

ZC: I have almost twenty years experience in public education as a classroom teacher and policy advocate. My experience with grassroots community organizing and school reform will be an asset to the HCC Board as we begin to rebuild connections with the community and reform board practices for the 21st century. I have extensive experience working with individuals from diverse and often competing backgrounds where consensus is required to be successful.

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

ZC: I enjoy spending time outdoors, especially on the beach. I volunteer with the Miniature Schnauzer Rescue Society as often as I can. I really enjoy cooking and enjoying the company of friends.

Thanks to Mr. Capo for his participation.

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TLCQ 2013: Robert Gallegos

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In the Fifth installment of the 2013 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire, we hear from Robert Gallegos, candidate for Houston City Council District I.

Please note: Responses have been received directly from the candidate, and have been posted verbatim 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 Gallegos

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 is the vehicle by which we have a civilized society. In the broad sense, different forms of government are believed to achieve certain order for a country, state, or city. More to the point City Government provides for public safety, public health, services such as water, trash pick-up, infrastructure (streets, sewers, drainage, building codes), parks, libraries, and governing ordinance for the order and public safety of its residents. City government is the most basic and primal governing body that guides and provides for the quality of life of a community or more specifics the collaboration of several communities within a geographic boundary. To put it simply, city government is where the rubber meets the road in providing for the quality of life of the residents of a city.

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

RG: District I is one of the oldest Districts in the City of Houston. My top priority is quality of life. I have a three prong plan to provide for a better quality of life for the residents of District I.

–Infrastructure – District I has some of the oldest infrastructure in the City of Houston. I will work to direct Rebuild Houston Funds collected in District I, to be invested in the decaying infrastructure.

–Public Safety – I will take the lead in working with the Houston Police Department and Houston Fire Department to insure the safety of the residents in District I. I have worked with HPD and HFD for many, many years on a volunteer basis and as the President of my Civic Club.

–Quality of Life – I will address air pollution issues of District I, which is the home to the Port of Houston and investment in the future of our children and the youth of District I by working to increase after school programs and summer programs. More money needs to be directed to inner city council districts for our youth, which directly affects the quality of life of the entire family and communities.

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.

RG: Yes, I support a comprehensive non-discrimination ordinance for general employment. I am an open gay Latino man who has always worked for equality for all individuals regardless of race, religion, or sexual orientation.

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?

RG: First, I want to say the majority of Houston Police Officers are men and women who go in harm’s way to protect and serve the residents of the City of Houston. They are honorable men and women doing an excellent job. I am not naïve and living in the East End my entire life, I have witnessed unwarranted police brutality. As within any organization or business there should always be accountability and to that end I support a Citizens Review Board with subpoena power and substantial authority to insure proper oversight and action when a fair and complete investigation has been conducted. Houston has reached a size in which we may need to explore creating an elected position of Public Advocate. The job of the Public Advocate is, most fundamentally, that of a watchdog, ensuring that all citizens receive the City services they deserve and have a voice in shaping the policies of their government.

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

RG: I was born, raised, attended public schools and worked in District I. District I has been my lifelong home. I have a passion to serve the citizens of District I. Public service is in the very fabric of my being as evidenced by over 20 years of civic engagement I chose to run because I believe that I have a unique and diverse experience to bring to the table of Houston City Council. I have the skill set to make that happen. We are only as strong as our weakest link. I believe that my neighborhood development skills will build a stronger Houston neighborhood by neighborhood. My vision for Houston is neighborhood oriented for strength, stability and security. I understand District I, its history, its present and what the residents of District I want for a better future. I served as Community Liaison for Commissioner Sylvia Garcia serving both Houston City Council District H and I. I have more experience working with multiple government bodies, City of Houston, HGAC, State of Texas, TexDot, and the cities of Jacinto City, Deer Park, Channelview, Baytown, and Pasadena than any other candidate in this race. I understand the development of District I, home to the soon to be operative East End Light Rail line, home to the Port of Houston, and the economic development to the ever changing District I.

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

RG: Thank you for this question as it is a chance to be reflective. I am a blessed man by having family and friends that I share an enjoyable and fulfilling life with. But in thinking about this specific question and reflecting over the past 20 years, aside from my commitment to work out at the gym, my off time has been filled with civic engagement. Below is a review of my commitments in my off time.

–President of Houston Country Club Place Civic Club (HCCP) for 15 years and active in the Civic Club for over 20 years; Secured new sidewalks along Lawndale; worked on No Parking On The Grass ordinance for Houston Country Club Place; Fought the Solid Waste Department to approve recycling for HCCP; Garnered support for protesting a liquor licensing renewal for a troubled local establishment near his neighborhood.

— Founder, Organizer, and First President of the Greater Eastwood Super Neighborhood 64/Lawndale Wayside Super Neighborhood 88; The Super Neighborhood Council meets once a month to address issues and concerns that affect the area’s neighborhoods. The Super Neighborhood has provided a strong voice for these neighboring Civic Clubs.

— Rallied support from East End Civic Organizations (Magnolia Park/Pineview Civic Club, East Lawndale Civic Association, Idylwood Civic Club, Houston Country Club Place Civic Club, Eastwood Civic Association, Oaklawn Fullerton Civic Club, Second Ward Super Neighborhood, Greater Eastwood & Lawndale Wayside Super Neighborhood, East End Chamber of Commerce and East End Management District.) to weigh in on METRO’s plan to construct a massive 12-block-long overpass on Harrisburg Boulevard for the light rail line. These civic organizations formed the East End Rail Subcommittee and helped convince METRO and newly-elected Mayor Annise Parker to approve an underpass, that protected historic Harrisburg Blvd. and encouraged future economic development.

— Chair, Historic Rufus Cage Educational Alliance (HRCEA). Organized and secured a united letter of support from East End Civic Organizations, Washington Ave Super Neighborhood 22, Greater Heights Super Neighborhood, and Glenbrook Valley Civic Club to save the historic Rufus Cage School, and convinced Mayor Parker to accept the school property from HISD. Now the city and HRCEA are working to find interested parties that will renovate and convert the school building to a performing arts community center that will benefit the education and promotion of the arts for the youth in District I.

— Submitted a request to the City of Houston for the first Railroad Quiet Zone for District I. Phase 1 of the Quiet Zone is Telephone Rd to Polk Ave and Phase II is Polk Ave to Navigation. The Quiet Zone will keep trains from sounding their horns unless there is an emergency.

— Secured letters of support from community elected officials and District I Civic Clubs for construction of a pedestrian bridge over Brays Bayou at Mason Park. As a result, the Houston Parks Dept submitted these letters of support to TxDOT for a grant to construct the pedestrian bridge. A pedestrian bridge over Brays Bayou will provide easy access for pedestrians, connecting the north and southside of the park.

— Assisted the founder and first president in the creation of the Downtown Super Neighborhood.

— I have been a delegate to every Democratic Precinct Convention in the past 20 year.

— I have been a delegate to the Democratic Senate District 6 Convention for the past 10 years.

Thanks to Mr. Gallegos for his participation.

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TLCQ 2013: Kenneth Perkins

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In the Fourth installment of the 2013 Texas Leftist Candidate Questionnaire, we hear from Kenneth Perkins, candidate for Houston City Council District B.

Please note: Responses have been received directly from the candidate, and have been posted verbatim 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?

KP: Kenneth Perkins

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

KP: No, not at this time perhaps soon.

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

KP: To maintain order of law and to keep the people informed.

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

KP: Now safety and security of life, property, jobs and education. I say safety because of all the crime in the news lately. With the help of the people, business-owners and community leaders we can make a positive change.

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.

KP: I do not believe a person should be fired for what they believe in, or because of race or gender. If the person is capable of the job so be it. However if your life style conflict with your work performance then that could very well be an issue with employment.

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?

KP: More training and accountability. Check and balance. When is speak about accountability we need to hold the upper management feet close to the fire. If your officer get out of hand you are punish as well. There are little warning sign as a supervisor that you see in your employee and you need to take action. Make a firm example of the bad officer and make sure your facts in the case are air tight.

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

KP: I am a people person that truly care about others. I worked as a public servant for nearly 30 years. Therefore I understand the needs of the people, not just one race but the human race.

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

KP: Just having fun with family and friends. I enjoy playing basketball and sometime just riding my bike.

Thanks to Mr. Perkins for his participation.