Tag Archives: Jerry Davis

TLCQ 2015: Endorsements in Houston City Council Districts

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

DISTRICT D— Council Member Dwight Boykins is running unopposed.

 

DISTRICT E— Council Member Dave Martin is running unopposed.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

DISTRICT K— Council Member Larry Green is running unopposed.

 

Houston City Council Map

Houston Airport System, Community Colleges Announce Major Job Training Partnership

Even as oil prices continue in an unpredictable turn, city leaders in Houston are soldiering on with bold new initiatives aimed for the future of Southeast Texas. In particular with the Houston Airport System, they are aiming high.

On what Mayor Annise Parker called “a great day for the City of Houston”, a new partnership was announced that plans to not only improve air and space travel, but also create a pathway to job training skills for area workers.  Spearheaded by Council Member Jerry Davis, the project’s initial goal will be training workers to build the new Terminal at IAH.  Here is more information via City of Houston press release…

HOUSTON – The Houston Airport System (HAS) is taking a major step forward in enhancing the levels of both safety and efficiency surrounding the various construction projects taking place at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and Ellington Airport (EFD).  A new training center is set to be built at an existing IAH warehouse, designed to enhance the skillset of various employees working on HAS-designated construction projects.

“Continuing education and training are important in just about every professional field but it’s especially vital in the area of construction,” says Houston Mayor Annise Parker.  “This new training center will help to ensure that our vital airport facilities are growing in a manner that’s both safe and efficient.”

Under the plan approved by Houston City council members on January 28, 2015, the Houston Area Construction Education Collaborative (HACEC) creates a mutually beneficial partnership between the Houston Airport System and the following institutions of higher learning: Houston Community College (HCC), San Jacinto College and the Lone Star College System.

After constructing the education training center, to be located along Lee Road at IAH, all employees working on  HAS-designated construction projects will be required to attend a mandatory training class where OSHA and Houston Airport System safety and security guidelines and requirements are laid out in a detailed fashion.  Contractor employees will be given a sense of what it’s like to work in a dynamic airport environment.  The center will also be available to those same employees as they look to upgrade their craft skills by receiving training in various construction-related fields.

“It is in the best interest of the Houston Airport System to have a well-educated, highly qualified workforce spearheading our various construction projects,” says Houston Aviation Director Mario C. Diaz.  “Whether that person is employed by HAS or a private sector company, they need to have a solid grasp on the skills that are needed to perform their job and that skillset needs to be constantly evolving.”

With a 200,000 student population among the three community colleges, the specialty workforce training center is likely to have an expert pool of talent to choose from.  But as was hinted in the press conference, the facility’s usefulness could go much further than a couple of major airport projects.  With rapid growth throughout Southeast Texas, this center has the potential to train many new construction workers that would start and the airport system, and take their skills and expertise to other area projects.

“Across the community, we have been discussing the fact the Houston has a booming economy even with lower oil prices.”  said Mayor Parker.  “There’s a lot of new construction going on, yet we have a gap in the workforce.  Contractors are literally cannibalizing each other to get their projects done.  At the same time, we have lots of folks across the community who are under-employed or unemployed, and would be perfect to fill in the gap.”

Long a voice for some of Houston’s most under-served communities, Council Member Davis seemed to sum it up best… “We talk about economic development. This is people development.” Programs like this one will hopefully serve to build a bridge for the abundance of young, under-employed workers out there looking for opportunities.  If you have an interest in construction work, go and sign up at Houston Community College, San Jacinto College or Lone Star College.  The city of Houston is ready to do some ‘people development’.

Per the Mayor, the center is expected to come online this year.

Check out the Mayor’s comments below…

 

TLCQ 2013: Endorsements in City Council Districts A-E

Municipal government may not have the huge budget that Texas lawmakers do in Austin, but as a $4.9 billion-dollar entity, Houston’s city budget is still larger than many countries around the world. The Bayou City is one of the world’s economic powerhouses. As such, being a City Council Member is a big job.

District A is sometimes considered Houston’s “most Conservative”, at least when one considers who shows up to vote in elections. Given this fact, it’s fair to say that the persons challenging incumbent Council Member Helena Brown live up to the political philosophies of their constituents. The field has a wealth of strong candidates, including newcomers Ron Hale and Amy Peck. But former Council Member Brenda Stardig seems the most determined to win back the seat. And it is a seat that she deserves to win back. Brown is no longer an unknown entity spewing rhetoric… she has a record of stiff opposition to various types of investment, and has proven herself to not be cooperative member on Council. Brenda Stardig did a much better job during her brief tenure. The pick for District A is former Brenda Stardig.

As one of Houston’s most underserved communities, District B is an area with great challenges, but also great potential. What’s been needed for a long time there is a politician that’s not there just to point out the issues, but one that can be a true community member and set good examples for the constituency. Council Member Jerry Davis is off to a fantastic start. He regularly leads service projects with his residents, even doing manual labor when he’s not at the Council table. Beyond the important political work, his commitment to service is encouraging residents to make the community better as well. Davis has started to great things in the District B, and deserves another term to make it even better. The pick for District B is Jerry Davis.

The sheer fact that District C Council Member Ellen Cohen is running unopposed for reelection is a sign that most of her constituents are thankful for the job she’s done, and want her to continue. She strives for the highest commitment to open, accountable and responsive government… whether that be her frequent attendance at District Super-neighborhoods and Civic Clubs, or her willingness to address constituents via social media. Though she started with state politics, Cohen has proven that she has a true passion for local government, and as such has earned another term on Council. The pick for District C is Ellen Cohen.

Though it’s perhaps best known as one of the city’s great historically African-American communities, District D is starting to experience monumental changes. As home to both the University of Houston and Texas Southern University, District D is already one of the city’s educational powerhouses. New investment in rail transportation and education set to make the district better than ever before, but good leadership is required to see the area reach it’s full potential. The race has a crowded field of strong candidates, including Dwight Boykins and Anthony Robinson. But Assata Richards rises above the pack as an experienced voice that sees District D from all sides. As a University of Houston professor, she understands the growing needs of the area’s educational institutions. As a deep-rooted community member, she’ll fight to protect what residents love most about their neighborhoods, while leading them to aspire to the next level. As a young single mother and college dropout, Richards not only found the motivation to go back to school, but did so with the help of the District D community. She is an inspiring voice that has helped and will continue to help others who need a view of how to change their circumstances. The pick for District D is Assata Richards.

District E Council Member Dave Martin is a proud Conservative, and as such, has some viewpoints that do not assuage to the political philosophy of this blog. In practice though, Martin has proven to be a voice of reason on City Council, delivering his fair share of concerns, but also voting mostly in the best interests of his constituency. Elected in January of 2013, he’s had the shortest time on council, but given his very brief record, Martin has earned a full term to work for District E. And of course he will get that full term as he is running unopposed. The pick for District E is Dave Martin.