6 minute read
Publisher Patti Parish-Kaminski
Contributors
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Bob Hebert Robert Hebert and Associates page 2
Patti Parish-Kaminski Fort Bend CEO Publisher page 4
Nancy Parsons CDR Assessment Group, Inc. page 7
Alisa Murray AlisaMurray.com page 16
Read all past issues at www.fortbendceo.com
The State of Fort Bend’s Healthcare
As we go to press with this issue of Fort Bend CEO, the first case of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been “presumptive positive” in Fort Bend. While this is alarming as a public health issue, the question arises: How is a diagnosis of COVID-19 in our community going to affect us and businesses?
While attending the State of the Healthcare luncheon hosted by the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, it’s clear that our community and our businesses have already been affected. The leaders of our major hospitals are already experiencing supply chain issues on medical provisions, along with concerns about projected shortages of our healthcare system’s greatest asset due to illness or school closings: our healthcare workforce.
That being said, is Fort Bend prepared for the Coronavirus? A resounding “yes” is the answer. The leaders of our hospitals in Fort Bend indeed have us well-prepared. Houston Methodist Sugar Land CEO Chris Siebenaler shared Team Methodist’s strategy of “daily huddles” meeting with medical experts and their leadership team to address concerns before they become issues – a strategy that has been ongoing at Methodist. Memorial Hermann CEO Malisha Patel shared that they have a “similar approach” as Houston Methodist to the situation and explained a collaborative effort between the hospitals to serve the community during this time. She also shared the Fort Bend Health Department phone number for the public to call with any questions regarding COVID-19 (281.633.7795). Joe Freudenberger, OakBend Medical Center CEO, spoke of “secret shoppers” at their hospital to ensure that their protocol to protect patients and staff was 100% in compliance and effective.
Houston Methodist Sugar Land infectious disease specialist Dr. Sarfraz Aly emphasized, “We are prepared for the Coronavirus. The majority of the fear surrounding this is the unknown.” He stressed that our best protection really is in our hands: “Washing your hands with soap and water is the best way to protect yourself.”
Yes, Fort Bend, our hospitals have this under control. Now our retailers who sell hand sanitizer, toilet paper, wipes, well, their business has been affected as well. It’s booming.
Stay safe Fort Bend, and wash your hands! Dr. May Tape, Ray Aguilar and Patti Parish-Kaminski at the State of Healthcare hosted by the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce.
Your partner in the Bend,
Primary Colors:
The Party Nomination Battles
Continue in Fort Bend
Now that the dust has settled from the March 3rd primary, Fort Bend is gearing up for the general election in November. But, the primary didn’t yield clear-cut nominees in all of the local races. On May 26th, voters will have their last opportunity to be heard in who the Republicans and Democrats nominate in the runoff races. So, who’s still vying for bids?
Troy Nehls.
US Representative District 22 In a race featuring 15 Republican candidates and five Democratic candidates, Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls ended the night with 41%* of the vote to runner up Kathleen Wall, who received 19%. The latest member of the Bush family to enter politics, Pierce Bush, came in third with nearly 14% of the vote. Nehls and Wall will continue to battle for the Republication nomination as they face off in the primary runoff.
Sri Preston Kulkarni received the Democrat nomination earning over 56% of the vote and will face either Nehls or Wall in the November election.
*All are unofficial results as of press time. United States Senator MJ Hegar and Royce West are advancing to the runoff for the Democratic nomination challenging Republican Senator John Cornyn. With 12 candidates vying for the Democratic nomination, former Air Force helicopter pilot Hegar led the way with 22% of the vote. Runner-up Dallas State Senator Royce West carried 14.5%.
State Representative District 26 Sugar Land physician Suleman Lalani, MD, PA carried 31% of the Democratic vote in a tight race against L. “Sarah” DeMerchant’s nearly 30%. The winner of the primary runoff will face one of the two Republican candidates, also in a runoff. Republican Matt Morgan won nearly 50% of voters against Jacey Jetton, who was close behind with nearly 41%.
Railroad Commissioner Republican Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton was unseated in the primary by South Texas rancher and oilfield service company owner Jim Wright. Wright will face the winner of the primary runoff between Democrats Chrysta Castenada, a Dallas energy attorney who received 34% of the vote, and former State Representative Roberto “Beto” Alonzo, who received 29%.
County Commissioner, Precinct 1 Four candidates for County Commissioner, Precinct 1 ran on the Democrat ballot. Dr. Jennifer Cantu received 41.84% votes and real estate developer Lynette Reddix earned 25.59%. The winner of the runoff election will battle against Republican and current Precinct 1 Commissioner Vincent Morales.
Geneane Hughes.
Trevor Nehls.
Fort Bend County Sheriff On the Democratic side for Fort Bend County Sheriff, Patrol Lieutenant at Fort Bend County Precinct 2 and former Commander of Criminal Investigations for the Missouri City Police Department Geneane Hughes ended up with the most votes in a narrow lead over retired Houston Police Department officer Eric Fagan. The winner in the primary runoff will face Republican Trevor Nehls, who received 82% of the vote over challengers John Minchew and Siddiqi Muzaffar. Nehls is currently deployed in the Middle East and served two terms as constable.
County Attorney Republican Steve Rogers was on the ballot unopposed in the primary receiving the Republican nomination. Rogers will battle the winner of the Democratic runoff between Bridgette Smith-Lawson and Sonia Rash for County Attorney.
Tax Assessor-Collector Democrat Carmen Turner will face off with the winner of the Republican primary runoff between Republicans J.J. Clemence and James Pressler. Pressler won 46% of the votes against Clemence’s 24%.
Carmen Turner.
J.J. Clemence. Jennifer Cantu.
Lynette Reddix.
Vincent Morales.
Justice 14th Court of Appeals District, Place 7
Democrats Tamika “Tami” Craft and Cheri Thomas will face off once again in the primary runoff. Craft received 45% of the vote with Thomas receiving 23%. The winner of this contest will face Republican Judge Ken Wise in the general election.
District Judge, 505th Judicial District In the race for District Judge 505th, Democrats Kali Morgan and Surendran K. Patel will continue their contest for the nomination. Morgan received 45% of the vote with Patel receiving 30%. The winner will face off with incumbent Republican Judge David S. Perwin.
For more information on the candidates or the upcoming May 26th Primary Runoff Election, visit the Fort Bend County Republican Party at fortbendgop.org and the Fort Bend Democratic Party at fbdemocrats.com.
Primary Runoff Election Timeline
May 15th: Individuals meeting the criteria to vote early by mail may do so in the primary runoffs as well. This is the last day to request a ballot to vote by mail for the primary runoffs.
May 18th – May 22nd: Early voting in the primary runoffs. Voters can only participate in one party’s primary each year.
May 26th: Primary Runoff Election Day. This is the voter’s last chance to be heard in who the Republicans or Democrats nominate in any runoff races.
