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Houston-Area
Published By Aubrey R. Taylor • Serving The Houston Community Since 1998 •
Email: news@houston-businessconnections.com • PROMOTIONAL ISSUE!
THE ROAD TO PROSPERITY FOR ALL: President Barack Obama Has Laid Out A Plan Of How He Will Rescue, Rebuild, Restore...And Create A New Foundation For Prosperity In America • Page 18
ADVERTORIAL MESSAGE
Jarvis Johnson as a Houston City Councilman has Brought $1.9 Billion To His District for Infrastructure projects
President Barack Obama Outlines $30 Billion New Small Business Lending Fund To Help Businesses Across America
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Why I Should Be The Next Congressman for The 18th Congressional District in Houston he people of the 18th Congressional District of Texas deserve an effective representative who will work to build coalitions that help move the entire community forward. They deserve one who will work with our President and is respected by fellow Democrats. The 18th Congressional District deserves someone who can generate new ideas and bring dollars back to the community on his own. We don't need one who will take the credit for the work of others and treat the constituents as an after-thought. -----------------------------------------------------------------------
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READ THE ENTIRE MESSAGE FROM CANDIDATE JARVIS JOHNSON INSIDE THIS ISSUE O ON PAGE • 5
FORT BEND COUNTY KEY RACES
resident Barack Obama recently will be our number outlined the new Small Business one focus in 2010, Lending Fund, which will transand we're going to fer $30 billion from the Troubled start where most Asset Relief Program to a new program new jobs do - with that will support small business lending. small businesses. The Small Business Lending Fund will be This proposal takes targeted at community and smaller banks the money that was that lend the most to small businesses, repaid by Wall Street and offer incentives for banks to banks to provide capital increase small business lending. for community banks on In the State of the Main Street. Union Address, the Together with our BUSINESS President outlined a proposal to cut taxes series of proposals for small businesses to spur to create jobs and grow our nation's hiring and increase wages, we are small businesses. Last week, President making the critical investments we Obama outlined a new Small Business need for our economic recovery.” Jobs and Wages and Tax Cut to encourage “As I have met small businesses hiring and create incentives for employers owners from across the country, they all to increase wages for already existing employees. President Barack Obama said, “Jobs continued on page, P.23
PEOPLE MAKING MOVES IN BUSINESS & POLITICS ACROSS AMERICA
THE LEGISLATIVE CHAMPION Rep. Al Edwards Earns Statewide "Legislative Champion" Award for his Doctor Shortage Legislation Texas Association of Community Health Centers honors the Houston lawmaker with its Legislative Champion Award
KEY COMPETITIVE RACE IN FORT BEND Pictured above are Attorney Ron Reynolds and President Barack Obama. See who some of the other major candidates are in the Fort Bend County area on • PAGE • 19
Houston, TX - Houston's Central Care Community Health Center has honored State Rep. Al Edwards (DHouston) for the historic Physician Loan Repayment Program measure he authored in the Texas Legislature during the past Session. Rep. Edwards was presented the Legislative
State Representative Al Edwards was a super delegate for President Barack Obama during his historic run to become President of the United States of America. Edwards is seeking re-election in the March 2nd Democratic Primary.
Champion Award by the Texas Association of Community Health Centers (TACHC) for his work during the 81st Texas Legislature. The program he passed is designed to bring physicians to medically underserved areas of the state and also to provide a cut in the franchise tax for at least 40,000 small businesses in Texas. The measure emerged as one of the centerpiece bills of the 2009 legislative session. “Physicians and health centers consider this new program to be the most significant legislation to pass in decades because of its potential to bring basic medical care to millions of Texans in please see page, P.11
ARE YOU BUILDING WIN-WIN RELATIONSHIPS? onnect: As we go through this journey we call life we will meet many people. Sometimes we make an immediate connection with people and then there are times that it takes a matter of time for a relationship to develop. My mother used to say that, “some folks seem to grow on you.” But what we must take into account is that all of those relationships will not be positive. But through
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it all, we must still continue to connect in signs of a toxic or unfruitful relationship. I'm order to grow as individuals. not saying to be fearful. But it is wise to be Construct: Interaction with individuals is careful and allow process to take place. the only way to build relationships. However, Cultivate: To foster growth in a relawe must use wisdom, discernment and tionship there will be choices and chances that you take .So it is patience and we must By Bishop K.J. Brown spend a considerable advisable to ask the amount of time commuright questions not only nicating with others. Sometimes, we can desire to that individual but to yourself as you to have a connection so badly that we ignore grow in your relationship.
Consider: We have to classify and evaluate our relationships on an ongoing basis. There are levels of friendship. We have associates, coworkers, clients, family ect. Sometimes persons will fit into more than one category. But be mindful of the fact that you need to have a mental note as to how the relationship is defined, or you will cause please see page, P.27 harm and dis-
V I S I T W W W. H O U S T O N - B U S I N E S S C O N N E C T I O N S . C O M T O D O W N L O A D T H I S I S S U E !
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Missouri City Attorney Ron Reynolds to Challenge Incumbent for Fort Bend County State Rep. District 27 Seat
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eynolds (pictured on the right below with Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen), a Missouri City resident, prominent attorney and wellknown community activist, will challenge Dora Olivo for the State Representative's seat in District 27 during the March 2, 2010, statewide, Democratic Primary. Reynolds graduated Magna Cum Laude from Texas Southern University. He received his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Texas Tech University School of Law. Notably, this past President of the Houston Lawyers Association was one of the youngest persons appointed as an Associate Municipal Judge for The City of Houston. "I'm a proud product of Fort Bend County public schools and have lived in Fort Bend all of my life," said Reynolds. "Not only do I have a public, community-minded stake in the future and prosperity of Fort Bend, but a very personal one as well. Being at the forefront of advocating for education, healthcare and economic empowerment is who I am and what I've always been about." SEE RON’S AD ON PAGE 28 OF THIS ISSUE!
Please See Other Key Races In Fort Bend County on Page • 19
Meet two of the biggest supporters of the Aubrey R. Taylor Communications “People Doing Business Series” published inside Aubrey Magazine and Houston Business Connections Newspaper are Craig and Valencia Bell the founders of Genesis Home Care, Inc., the corporate headquarters is located at 8323 Southwest Freeway Suite #100 in Houston, Texas 77074. For more information call (713)933-0427 ABOUT GENESIS HOME CARE
Your home can and should be a special healing place…familiar and comfortable. Genesis Home Care provides a complete range of services for clients of all ages with a variety of needs. Genesis Home Care is a MediCare certified home care agency where the patient is our top priority. Genesis Home Care has a team of specialized health care personnel that provide skilled nursing, therapy, social and home care aide services under a care plan approved by the physician. Genesis Home Care has a team of top-notch professionals that work closely with the patient and the family to educate and provide instruction in all aspects of health care. We provide quality, compassionate and competent care in the comfort of your home. For more information about home health care provider services or for your medical equipment needs, please call Genesis today and make it the beginning of a new day! HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICES • Diabetic Care • Wound Care • Nutrition • Medical Equipment • RNs & LVNs • Home Care Aides • Physical Therapy • Medication Reminders • Lab Work • Transportation • Provider Services • Occupational Therapy • Speech Therapy • Social Services Genesis Home Care Inc. accepts Medicare, Private Pay, Medicaid and Some Private Insurance.
FEBRUARY 2010 EDITION! Houston Business Connections Newspaper is published by AUBREY R. TAYLOR. All right reserved. No articles may be copied, rewritten, published, or otherwise distributed without the prior written approval of the publisher. For special requests please call: 832.783.1113 or call the publisher directly at: 832.212.8735.
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From a 2008 Study on Poverty 151,855 (23%) residents are in poverty 66,238 (35.4%) children are in poverty 25% of women are in poverty 28 % of African Americans are in poverty 25% of Latinos are in poverty
From the 2006-2008 American Community Survey Census 67% are high school graduates or higher compared to the 85% national average 17% have a Bachelor's degree or better compared to the 27% national average 50% of housing units are owner occupied compared to the 67% national average 50% of housing units are renter occupied compared to the 33% national average $37,133 is the median household income compared to the $52,175 national average EARLY VOTING BEGINS ON FEBRUARY 16TH!
VOTE ON MARCH 2ND! Pictured: Charlene Johnson, Jarvis Jr., Jarvis, and Nalyah Johnson.
“While on City Council, I brought back a total of $1.9 Billion Dollars to my District for Infrastructure Projects. And I’m looking to do even more for the 18th Congressional District.” - Jarvis Johnson POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT PAID FOR BY THE JARVIS JOHNSON FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE • 3404 LYONS AVENUE • HOUSTON, TEXAS 77020 • PHONE: 832.541.4908
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WORKSHEET FOR VOTERS
IN THE HARRIS COUNTY AREA
THE RACES BELOW ARE DEEMED AS KEY COMPETITIVE RACES IN THE DEMOCRATIC AND REPUBLICAN PRIMARIES TO BE HELD ON MARCH 2ND!
District Judge, 268th Judicial District
Commissioner of the General Land Office
Family District Judge, 308th Judicial District
U. S. Representative District #8
Brady G. Elliott (I) Roxie Roll ---------------------------------------------------
Bill Burton Hector Uribe ---------------------------------------------------
Scott Baker Kevin Brady (I) Melecio Franco Tyler Russell ---------------------------------------------------
District Judge, 280th Judicial District
Porfirio "Poppy" Diaz Bruce Kessler Julia Maldonado ---------------------------------------------------
A Few Key Republican Matchups
Republican Primary
U. S. Representative District #10 Rick Martin Michael McCaul (I) Joe Petronis ---------------------------------------------------
U. S. Representative District #14 John Gay Tim Graney Ron Paul Gerald D. Wall ---------------------------------------------------
U. S. Representative District #18 Tex Christopher John Faulk Brenda Page ---------------------------------------------------
U. S. Representative District #29 Frank "Mazz" Mazzapica Roy Morales Tom Stevens Eric Story George A. Young ---------------------------------------------------
Texas Governor Kay Bailey Hutchison Debra Medina Rick Perry (I) ---------------------------------------------------
Railroad Commissioner Victor G. Carrillo David Porter ---------------------------------------------------
Angelina Gooden Lynn Bradshaw Hull ---------------------------------------------------
Family District Judge, 308th Judicial District William "Sumpter" Frazier James Lombardino Alice J. O'Neill Rick Ramos ---------------------------------------------------
Family District Judge, 309th Judicial District Sheri Y. Dean Clint Lawson Daniel J. Lemkuil Meca Walker ---------------------------------------------------
Family District Judge, 310th Judicial District Lisa Millard (I) Kay Polk ---------------------------------------------------
Justice, 1st Court of Appeals District, Place 4 Evelyn Keyes (I) Don Self ---------------------------------------------------
Justice, 1st Court of Appeals District, Place 8 - Unexpired Term Gael Harrison Michael Massengale ---------------------------------------------------
Justice, 14th Court of Appeals District, Place 2 Sharon McCally Leslie Brock Yates (I)
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District Judge, 113th Judicial District Christina Bryan Jerome Fjeld ---------------------------------------------------
District Judge, 157th Judicial District Chuck Silverman Shawn Thierry ---------------------------------------------------
District Judge, 189th Judicial District Ursula A. Hall Larry Hinojosa Andy Pereira Lawyer ---------------------------------------------------
Olan Boudreaux Jim Wrotenbery ---------------------------------------------------
Family District Judge, 313th Judicial District Glenn Devlin Fred Wilson --------------------------------------------------A Few Key Democratic Matchups
Democratic Primary
U. S. Representative District #18 Sheila Jackson Lee (I) Jarvis Johnson Sean Roberts ---------------------------------------------------
U. S. Representative District #22 Doug Blatt Kesha Rogers Freddie John Wieder Jr. ---------------------------------------------------
Texas Governor Alma Ludivina Aguado Felix (Rodriguez) Alvarado Bill Dear Private Clement E. Glenn Star Locke Farouk Shami Bill White ---------------------------------------------------
Lieutenant Governor Ronnie Earle Lawyer Marc Katz
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District Judge, 234th Judicial District Nile Copeland Tanner Garth Jim Peacock ---------------------------------------------------
District Judge, 245th Judicial District Raymond L. "Ray" Fisher Janiece Horn ---------------------------------------------------
District Judge, 246th Judicial District
Jeff Cherry Winston Cochran Robert Pruett ---------------------------------------------------
Bryan Le Jack O'Connor Dianne Williams ---------------------------------------------------
Al Edwards (I) Borris L. Miles ---------------------------------------------------
Lorraine Cervantes Donna Detamore Joel A. Grandstaff Anthony Magdaleno Denise Pratt Attorney ---------------------------------------------------
Sarah Davis Bonnie Parker ---------------------------------------------------
State Representative District #149
State Representative District #146
District Judge, 190th Judicial District
U. S. Representative District #14
Howard H. Gano Jr. Fernando Herrera ---------------------------------------------------
Richard "Kinky" Friedman Hank Gilbert ---------------------------------------------------
Family District Judge, 311th Judicial District
State Representative District #134
State Representative District #148
Commissioner of Agriculture
Sherri Cothrun Mary Kay Green Clinton "Chip" Wells ---------------------------------------------------
District Judge, 248th Judicial District Trent Gaither Jim Sullivan ---------------------------------------------------
Family District Judge, 310th Judicial District Tammy Craft Demming Judy Dougherty ---------------------------------------------------
Family District Judge, 311th Judicial District Damiann Curvey Banieh Steve Herskowitz Brad Morris Deborah Wright ---------------------------------------------------
Family District Judge, 313th Judicial District Marc Isenberg Natalie Oakes J. Anthony Referente ---------------------------------------------------
Family District Judge, 314th Judicial District John Stephen Liles David Longoria ---------------------------------------------------
Family District Judge, 315th Judicial District Keith Branch Bill Thursland ---------------------------------------------------
Judge, County Civil Court at Law #1 Erica M. Graham Steve Reilley ---------------------------------------------------
Judge, County Civil Court at Law #2 Damian E. LaCroix Cheryl Elliott Thornton ---------------------------------------------------
Judge, County Civil Court at Law # 3 Damon Crenshaw Javier Valenzuela ---------------------------------------------------
Judge, County Criminal Court at Law #1 Anthony Limitone Beverly D. Melontree Louis McWherter ---------------------------------------------------
Judge, County Criminal Court at Law #2
District Judge, 270th Judicial District
Mary Connealy Acosta Miles J. LeBlanc ---------------------------------------------------
Lee Arellano Charles Spain Bob Thomas ---------------------------------------------------
Judge, County Criminal Court at Law #3
District Judge, 281st Judicial District Donna Roth Juliet Kathy Stipeche ---------------------------------------------------
District Judge, 295th Judicial District Reginald E. McKamie Paul Simon ---------------------------------------------------
District Judge, 180th Judicial District Lori Gooch Darrell Jordan
Judith Snively Lloyd Wayne Oliver ---------------------------------------------------
Judge, County Criminal Court at Law #9 Juanita Jackson Barner Silvia Pubchara-Munoz ---------------------------------------------------
Judge, County Criminal Court at Law #10 Lori Chambers Gray Grant U. Hardeway, Sr. ---------------------------------------------------
Judge, County Criminal Court at Law #12
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Robert “Bob” Cardenas Cheryl Harris Diggs
POLITICS
A MESSAGE FROM CANDIDATE JARVIS JOHNSON
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE JARVIS JOHNSON FOR CONGRESS CAMPAIGN VISIT: WWW.JARVISFORCONGRESS.COM
THE NEW DIRECTION: A PROVEN LEADER FOR HOUSTON’S 18TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT T he people of the 18th Congressional District of Texas deserve an effective representative who will work to build coalitions that help move the entire community forward. They deserve one who will work with our President and is respected by fellow Democrats. The 18th Congressional District deserves someone who can generate new ideas and bring dollars back to the community on his own. We don't need one who will take the credit for the work of others and treat the constituents as an afterthought.
Constituents' and veteran's concerns have not been addressed over these past 16 years. We have suffered in the way of education; economic development-loss of jobs; and limited access to health care. Dollars have not come back to our district to address deficiencies in the education system. When our youth are not adequately prepared to compete, they are unable to secure good paying jobs. They are not able to open businesses of their own. Our crime rate increases dramatically; poverty rates increase at the same time. Our current representative in Congress has allocated funds for law enforcement and to build prisons. Instead, I want us to change our focus to educating our youth, and bringing businesses back to the communities. We need to make prevention the focus rather than punishment after the fact.
Proven Leadership: • While on Houston City Council, I have worked tirelessly with our city's business and civic leaders to help create economic opportunities for our community. • I brought $1.9 Billion dollars back to District B for infrastructure projects. • I've spent most of my life working hard to keep area young people in school by providing quality after-school programs, mentorship programs and teaching them to be leaders. Economic Development, Jobs and Go-Green Initiatives: • I will make it my priority in Congress to recruit businesses within the 18th Congressional District to prepare them to compete for federal contracts. I have been the most forceful advocate on behalf of small and minority/women owned businesses and professionals in their effort to win city contracts. My efforts resulted in the “unbundling” of large contracts to allow opportunities for Small and Minority/Women owned businesses to go after and secure city contracts. I sponsored the Proximity to Opportunity Seminars in partnership with the airport system to get Small and Minority/Women owned businesses well versed on the bid and contracting system. As a City Council Member, I obtained $1.9 Billion in infrastructure projects that are designed to draw business to the area, create jobs, and to improve the quality of life for residents in the district. We must make sure that the major financial institutions that are benefitting from federal government assistance or bailouts are investing that money back into our businesses, communities, and schools. When we increase the amount of business that is brought into our communities we will increase the jobs and tax base of that community. We must be more aggressive about bringing well-paying jobs into the 18th congressional District. When we bring jobs and new business, we increase tax revenue for local schools and municipal government. We are currently witnessing a major transformation of our economy from 20th century manufacturing to go green technologies. The 18th Congressional District has an abundance of underdeveloped and affordable land that can be used as a major recruitment tool to lure the clean and environmentally friendly companies into our communities.
Committed to Education: • We must put the highest priority on closing the achievement gap, eliminating the drop-out rate, and making sure that all the children of the 18th Congressional District get a quality education. I will make sure that the Department of Education redirects resources to underserved areas in the 18th Congressional District. If we do a better job in underserved areas of the 18th Congressional, then that in turn will increase our tax base and our public schools will benefit. As the former Executive Director of Phoenix Outreach Community Center for 10 years, our after school programs for our inner-city youth were structured to help keep our students in school. I am proud of my record in helping our students stay focused on getting an education. As a member of the Houston City Council, I have consistently demonstrated my commitment to educating our youth. I provide internships and mentor young men and women to ensure that they learn the importance of preparation for a college education. As a council member, I have led the effort to expand funding for after school programs. When proposed budget cuts threatened to close neighborhood schools, I led the effort to keep them open. I support President Obama's guiding principles for reforming public education which calls for “providing a high-quality” education for all children. I embrace President Obama's initiative that focuses on early childhood education, reform and investment in K-12 education, and restoring America's leadership in higher education. The "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act" includes $5 billion for early learning programs, $77 billion for reforms to strengthen elementary and secondary education, $5 billion in competitive funds to spur innovation and chart ambitious reform to close the achievement gap, and $30 billion to address college affordability and improve access to higher education. I will be aggressive in making sure our federal dollars are brought back to schools in the 18th Congressional District and follow our children into the classroom.
“As a City Council Member, I obtained $1.9 Billion in infrastructure projects that are designed to draw business to the area, create jobs, and to improve the quality of life for residents in the district.” - JARVIS JOHNSON ADVERTORIAL PAID FOR BY THE JARVIS JOHNSON FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE
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MESSAGE HERE’S A LITTLE ABOUT THE BAYOU CITY “OUR FUTURE HAS NEVER BEEN BRIGHTER,” - A MESSAGE FROM AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS - 832.212.8735!
HOUSTON
Annise Parker CURRENT
Two brothers, J.K. and A.C. Allen, founded Houston on August 30, 1836 just a few months after the end of the Texas War for Independence. They named the new settlement for the hero of that war, General Sam Houston. rom 1841 to 1939, Houston municipal government was headquartered at Old Market Square, on a site donated to the City by Houston's founder, the Allen brothers. The City Hall on Market Square was destroyed by fire in the 1870's, and again in 1901, and rebuilt each time. City Hall in those days was part of the lively commercial atmosphere of Market Square. City offices were located on the second floor of the municipal building. The first floor tenant was a fish market. By the 1920's, it had become apparent that these facilities were no longer adequate for the municipal government. In 1927, voters approved by wide margins bond issues for the construction of a new Civic Center ($1.4 million) and a new City Hall ($1 million). In 1929, a report by the City planning Commission urged the establishment of a Civic Center - a downtown area of architecturally-coordinated buildings and parks. The Planning Commission was chaired by Will C. Hogg, son of Texas Governor James Hogg and the developer of the River Oaks residential area. The Planning Commission report suggested establishing the Civic center around Hermann Square and recommended the construction of a new City Hall (or City-County Building) at Bagby between Walker and McKinney, on the site currently occupied by the City Hall Annex. During the Depression, plans for constructing the City Hall were temporarily sidetracked. In 1933, however, the City applied for a federal Public Works Administration grant to help finance the construction of a new City Hall. Straw votes on building a new City Hall were taken in 1933, 1934 and 1935, In 1934 voters rejected a proposition to build the City Hall, but also voted that if one were to be built, it should be put on the Civic Center site rather than at Market Square. On August 8, 1937, the City Hall W.P.A. grant was approved. The City Commission authorized the taking of bids on the City Hall bond funds originally approved in 1927. Mayor R.H. Fonville and the Commissioners also passed an ordinance designating the west end of Martha Hermann Square as the site of the new City Hall. In October 1937 the City Commissioners awarded the City Hall architectural contract to Joseph Finger. Finger, an Austrian-born architect, had designed the William Penn Hotel, the Montgomery County Courthouse in Conroe and the Temple Beth Israel, among other buildings. Finger received the contract over the objections of Mayor Fonville, who wanted it awarded to architect A.C. Finn, designer of Jefferson Davis Hospital. The construction contract was awarded to Bates Construction Company. Fonville also objected to no avail to Finger's "ultra-modern" building design for City Hall. The mayor said he wanted the building to conform architecturally to the City Library and the site of the former Sam Houston Coliseum, located on either side of the proposed building. Finger called this an impossible task, since the Library and Coliseum were each built in a different style. "Here in America we are rapidly developing our own type of architecture which is far above that of foreign countries," Finger told the Mayor and Commissioners. "We are building for the masses, not the classes," he added. The City Commission voted to accept his plans. The project hit a snag when Lawrence Settegast sued to block the sale of the City Hall bonds. The bonds had been approved for construction of a City Hall on the Market Square site, he argued. He also objected on the grounds the City did not have sufficient property tax revenues to support the sale of the bonds. The Texas Supreme Court decided the suit in the City's favor, and the bonds were sold at an interest rate of 2.5 percent. Construction began on March 7, 1938. The cornerstone was laid on October 1, 1938. A time capsule was placed in the cornerstone, containing a Bible, copies of the City charter, Houston's
F Bill White 2004 - 2010
Lee P. Brown 1998-2004
Bob Lanier 1992-1998
Kathy Whitmire 1982-1991
Jim McConn 1978-1981
continued on page, P.8
Contact Information for Mayor Annise D. Parker: PHONE: 3-1-1, or 713.837.0311 I EMAIL: mayor@cityofhouston.net
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www.DamonCrenshawForJudge.com 3730 Kirby Drive, Suite 1200, #186 Houston, Texas 77098 Damon@DamonCrenshawForJudge.com
Tel: 713-528-5932
Damon Crenshaw has 24 years of legal experience representing people from all walks of life, small businesses and international business entities. Because he has counseled both plaintiffs and defendants, he will bring a sense of fairness and understanding to the bench. As Judge, he would be committed to fairness for all parties, regardless of status.
EXPERIENCE • Graduate South Texas College of Law and Texas A&M University • 24 years of civil trial experience • Representation of both plaintiffs and defendants • Private practice involving matters of personal injury, workers’ compensation, consumer protection, products liability and general civil issues • Certified mediator presiding over varied civil matters • Member, Houston Bar Association and Houston Trial Lawyers Association
COMMITMENT • Life-long Democrat and Sustaining Member of the Harris County Democratic Party • Member of Harris County Democrats, Harris County Democratic Lawyers Association, Houston Black American Democrats, Harris County Tejano Democrats, Stonewall Democrats, Asian American Democrats of Texas, Heights Democrats Pol. ad. paid for by Damon Crenshaw for Judge Campaign, Damon Crenshaw Treasurer. In compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act.
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MESSAGE HERE’S A LITTLE ABOUT THE BAYOU CITY “HOUSTON’S FUTURE IS SHINNING BRIGHT” - A MESSAGE FROM AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS - 832.212.8735!
HOUSTON three daily newspapers and the City Auditor's report for 1937. The construction job took 20 months. Work was finished in July 1939. The work was done by 100% A.F. of L. union labor. Wages on the job site ranged from 40 cents an hour to 1.85 an hour. An estimated 800,000 hours of labor were expended on the job. The Mayor and City Commissioners moved from the old City Hall to the new one on December 3, 1939. The old building was converted to a bus terminal. It was destroyed by fire in 1960. Total cost of the new City Hall, including landscaping and furniture, was estimated at $1,670,000. Forty-five percent of the cost was covered by the W.P.A. grant. Landscaping was done by the Japanese Nursery, 7200 Lawndale. The $28,000 electrical fixtures contract went to Livers Lighting and Bronze Company, Kansas City, Missouri. $80,000 worth of furniture and office equipment was purchased from the Thomas Watson Company, Jamestown, N.Y. An additional $17,000 in office equipment was purchased from the Willhide Equipment Company. Basement offices, originally used for a tobacco stand and coffee shop, were built by Brown Construction Company. The doors to the building are of a specially cast aluminum. In the grillwork above the main entrances are aluminum medallions of the "great lawgivers" from ancient times to the founding of America: Akhenaten, Julius Caesar, Moses, Charlemagne, King John and Thomas Jefferson. The lobby is walled with lightly veined marble. The entrances to the Tax Department are inlaid with bronze, nickel and silver. All elevator lobbies are treated with marble base, walls and wainscoting. Wood trim and wood doors are of figured gum, a Texas product. The 1940 Directory noted that "all floors of the building are served by two high-speed elevators. The cabs are of walnut and prima vera panels with concealed troughs of nickel and bronze." City Hall also was one of the first totally air-conditioned office buildings in Houston. An article in the December 3, 1939, Houston Chronicle described the Mayor's Office. "His large business office is tastefully decorated with a beige rug and apple green draperies. His desk and other office furniture are of a modern design and of imported koan wood, with teakwood and ebony inlay, trimmed in aluminum. Some of the chairs are upholstered in apricotcolored leather," the story continued. "The lounge and easy chairs are upholstered in fabric to match the draperies. The walls are of walnut paneling." A marble stairway and aluminum railing lead from the basement to the third floor. The City Council chambers on the second floor are constructed of walls of blond walnut with panels of natural walnut. A horseshoe table faces the leather-upholstered seats for the public. The chamber is capable of seating more than 200 spectators. Above the lobby entrance facing the reflecting pool in Hermann Square is a stone sculpture depicting two men taming a wild horse. This represents men uniting in government to control the chaotic forces of nature. The plaster cast for this sculpture, and twenty-seven casts for friezes around the building, were done by Beaumont artist Herring Coe and co-designer Raoul Jassett. Ringing the building above the windows on the first floor are friezes depicting the Industries of Houston. Above the tenth floor windows are friezes portraying the functions of municipal government. Crowning the building are friezes of the head of the Texas bobcat. For their work, Coe and Jassett were paid $2,200. The Mural on the ceiling of the first floor lobby was painted by commercial artist Donald MacMorris of Kansas City. The mural depicts industry, culture, law and municipal administration in Houston. In one panel a man appears to be wearing a Confederate officer's uniform under his cape. Colors of dusty pink, saffron and rosy red were used to blend with the marble and the soft lighting in the lobby. The centerpiece of the mural is a plaster relief of the Western hemisphere, with the star of Houston in the center. The relief is surrounded by the signs of the zodiac. Local artists Grace Spaulding and John and Ruth Uhler assisted in painting the mural. Herbert Schneider of Houston did the gold-leafing. The artists were paid $6,000 for their work. The Houston City Directory of 1940 called the City Hall the "realization of a dream of a lifetime." The more irreverent Houston Press noted that the building featured "a private elevator for the Mayor, shower baths for the City Councilmen and private passageways for officials so they may dodge crowds." The ground floor of City Hall now is home to the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau and its Visitors Center. Houston's City Government has over 500 buildings utilized by the over 23,000 City employees. The core of this local government is located in the downtown Civic Center. This includes City Hall and the Annex, the Central Public Library, the Hobby Center, Jones Hall, the Wortham Theater, George R. Brown Convention Center, Tranquillity Park, Sam Houston Park, and Hermann Plaza. Located north of Interstate 45 from the Hobby Center site is the Police Station with the Municipal Courts Building next door. continued from page, P.6
Fred Hofheinz 1974 - 1977
Louie Welch 1964 - 1973
Lewis Cutrer 1958-1963
Oscar Holcombe 1956 - 1957
Roy Hofheinz 1953-1955
• CITY COUNCIL • Council Member Brenda Stardig District A City Hall Annex 900 Bagby, 1st Floor Houston, TX 77002 Phone: 832.393.3010 FAX: 832.395.9500 districta@cityofhouston.net
Council Member Edward Gonzalez District H City Hall Annex 900 Bagby, 1st Floor Houston, TX 77002 Phone: 832.393.3003 FAX: 713.247.1252 districth@cityofhouston.net
Council Member Jarvis Johnson District B City Hall Annex 900 Bagby, 1st Floor Houston, TX 77002 Phone: 832.393.3009 FAX: 713.247.2707 districtb@cityofhouston.net
Council Member James G. Rodriguez District I City Hall Annex 900 Bagby, 1st Floor Houston, TX 77002 Phone: 832.393.3011 FAX: 713.247.3067 districti@cityofhouston.net
Council Member Anne Clutterbuck District C City Hall Annex 900 Bagby, 1st Floor Houston, TX 77002 Phone: 832.393.3004 FAX: 832.393.3239 districtc@cityofhouston.net
Council Member Stephen C. Costello At-Large Position #1 City Hall Annex 900 Bagby, 1st Floor Houston, TX 77002 Phone: 832.393.3014 FAX: 832.393.3347 atlarge1@cityofhouston.net
Council Member Wanda Adams District D City Hall Annex 900 Bagby, 1st Floor Houston, TX 77002 Phone: 832.393.3001 FAX: 832.393.3201 districtd@cityofhouston.net
Council Member Sue Lovell At-Large Position #2 City Hall Annex 900 Bagby, 1st Floor Houston, TX 77002 Phone: 832.393.3013 FAX: 713.247.2580 atlarge2@cityofhouston.net
Council Member Mike Sullivan District E City Hall Annex 900 Bagby, 1st Floor Houston, TX 77002 Phone: 832.393.3008 FAX: 832.393.3279 districte@cityofhouston.net
Council Member Melissa Noriega At-Large Position #3 City Hall Annex 900 Bagby, 1st Floor Houston, TX 77002 Phone: 832.393.3005 FAX: 832.393.3251 atlarge3@cityofhouston.net
Council Member Al Hoang District F City Hall Annex 900 Bagby, 1st Floor Houston, TX 77002 Phone: 832.393.3002 FAX: 713.247.1851 districtf@cityofhouston.net
Council Member C.O. "Brad" Bradford At-Large Position #4 City Hall Annex 900 Bagby, 1st Floor Houston, TX 77002 Phone: 832.393.3012 FAX: 713.247.1424 atlarge4@cityofhouston.net
Council Member Oliver Pennington District G City Hall Annex 900 Bagby, 1st Floor Houston, TX 77002 Phone: 832.393.3007 FAX: 713.247.3250 districtg@cityofhouston.net
Council Member Jolanda "Jo" Jones At-Large Position #5 City Hall Annex 900 Bagby, 1st Floor Houston, TX 77002 Phone: 832.393.3006 FAX: 713.247.2998 atlarge5@cityofhouston.net
The Role Of City Council Member In Houston: The City Council is the City's legislative body, with the power to enact and enforce all ordinances and resolutions. Nine Council Members are elected from districts and five are elected at-large, by all voters of the City. The fourteen members of Council, along with the Mayor, act only by ordinance, resolution or motion. They adopt and may alter the annual budget and confirm the Mayor's appointments. Council is responsible for the appropriation and issuance of bonds, the awarding of contracts and the approval of City expenditures over $25,000. Council may lease or dispose of the City's real estate and may levy assessments against property. Council determines its own rules of procedure, and its meetings are open to the public. Fourteen Council Members are elected every two years, in odd-numbered years. Council Members are limited to serving three terms of two years each, with each term beginning on January 2 of the even-numbered year. Five Council Members are elected At-Large, or city-wide, while the other nine are elected to geographic districts of roughly the same proportion of population. According to the City Charter, once the population of the City of Houston exceeds 2.1 million, expected for the 2010 census, two more geographic council districts will be added.
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RE-ELECT AL EDWARDS on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 as STATE REPRESENTATIVE for DISTRICT 146 Al Edwards will return to Texas Capitol with over 27 years of committed experience, dignity, and integrity. “I am running for State Representative of District 146 again because I understand that redistricting will have a dramatic event on all of us. I know we need a strong Democrat to keep a Republican from controlling District 146. I want to help save and preserve TSU, Texas History more importantly Emancipation-JUNETEENTH and all of Texas' culture. I am that unbiased individual who is willing to fight for the betterment of all citizens, especially for the improvement of our educational system. I have strived to reduce taxes and to protect every citizen from being abused by the eminent domain law. I am a strong supporter for the growth and development of the businesses in District 146.” - REP. AL EDWARDS
Supporters of Honorable State Representative Al Edwards HD-146 Some of the elected officials: Congressman Al Green, Congresswoman Shelia Jackson-Lee, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Congresswoman Diana Watson, State Representative Harold Dutton, Representative Kevin Bailey, Representative Sylvester Turner, State Senator John Whitmire, Former President of Houston NAACP: Howard Jefferson, Former Mayor Lee P. Brown, Former City Councilman Carroll Robinson, Former City Councilman Ernest McGowen, Former City Counsel Ernest McGowen, Endorsed by the major Minister Groups: Houston Metropolitan Ministers Association, President S.J. Gilbert, II, South Union Ministers Association - President R. Monroe, Baptist Ministers Association of Houston & Vicinity, President J.J. Roberson , Some of the Labor Unions: National Congress of Black Women: Faye Bryant, Transportation Workers: Sandra Burleson, Houston Federation of Teachers: Gayle Fallon, CWA: Claude Cummins, Afro-American Sheriff Deputy League, Plumbers Union AFSCME and The Houston Black American Democrats.
PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO RE-ELECT AL EDWARDS AS STATE REPRESENTATIVE FOR DISTRICT 146, DAVID EDWARDS, TREASURER
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POLITICS
RE-ELECT STATE REPRESENTATIVE AL EDWARDS
EARLY VOTING FOR THE REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC PRIMARIES BEGINS ON FEBRUARY 16TH! ELECTION DAY IS MARCH 2ND!
STATE REP. AL EDWARDS HD-146 RECOGNIZED AS A LEGISLATIVE CHAMPION continued from page, P.1 the inner cities and rural areas of our state,” said TACHC Executive Director José E. Camacho. “Texans for years should know it was the dedication and tireless work of state Rep. Al Edwards that made Texas a healthier, more prosperous state.” The legislation Rep. Al Edwards authored creates an enhanced physician loan repayment program. It will be available to primary care physicians who agree to practice in underserved areas of the state and will assist in paying off student loans amassed during medical school
training. Medical school graduates carry a debt as high as $160,000 in student loans. “The legislation was carefully crafted by Rep. Edwards to solve a very real problem in Houston. This is an incredibly important measure, and our health center is deeply indebted to Rep. Edwards for his leadership,” said Anganette Young, Executive Director of Central Care Community Health Center. “The impact of this program will truly be seen and felt in Houston.” In fact, portions of District 146, South of 610 have the highest rate of doctor shortages in all of Harris County. The Physician Loan Repayment Program is expected to bring up to 900 new doctors to
urban and rural areas. The proposal made it through an extremely challenging legislative session. In its final version, House Bill 2154 ultimately won overwhelming support in the Texas House and Senate. In June, Governor Rick Perry formally signed the physician loan repayment bill into law. The legislation became effective Sept. 1, 2009. More than half of Texas counties are in need of primary care physicians. In 2008, 26 Texas counties had no primary care physician. More than 110 Texas counties - rural and urban have been designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas, meaning those counties do not meet a minimum national threshold of one physi-
cian for every 3,500 people. -----------------------------------------------------------About the TACHC: The Texas Association of Community Health Centers is a private, nonprofit membership association that represents safety-net health care providers in Texas. Association members include Community and Migrant Health Centers, Health Care for the Homeless Grantees, Public Housing Primary Care Grantees, Ryan White HIV/AIDS Grantees, Health Center Networks and other providers who strive to meet the health care needs of the uninsured and underserved. TACHC serves as the primary care association for the state of Texas.
A FEW RECENT LEGISLATIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR REP. AL EDWARDS Al Edwards was a Super-Delegate in the Democratic Party who supported President Obama in the 2008 Presidential Primary. Al Edwards is a TRUE DEMOCRAT! Authored Legislation by Rep. Edwards which became law in 81st Legislative Session: HB 2154- Bringing Doctors to Needy Communities- This historic piece of legislation provides significant loan repayment assistance to Primary Care Physicians who agree to practice in underserved and needy areas. In fact areas of District 146, including Sunnyside & South Park and the Central Care Community Health Center, are designated as underserved areas, which is why I fought so strongly for this legislation. This bill will help underserved areas and Community Health Centers to attract doctors to serve in the area, thereby leading to better health care access for the most needy residents of our area. Also, this historic bill provided the funding for small business tax cuts for those with revenues up to $1 million. HB 2153- Homeless Sex Offender Registration- Another key piece of legislation, I passed HB 2153 to help protect our children from the horrors of sex offenders. This bill closes a loophole in the sex offender registration laws which previously did not allow for the tracking of sex offenders who claimed to be "homeless". Our police had no way to know where these sex offenders were. With the passage of this bill, a sex offender who claims to be "homeless" would be required to physically check-in to law enforcement authorities where they are located at least once every 30 days and give a description of the location or area in which they are staying. This new piece of legislation will significantly help law enforcement to protect citizens from sex offenders. HB 3206- Pollution Control Tax Credits- This successful bill establishes a framework for industrial companies to apply for and receive pollution control equipment tax credits on a fair and equitable basis. The bill sets up a TCEQ regulator-driven formal application process to ensure that evaluation methods for the tax credit applications is based on the actual pollution control usage of the equipment in
question. This will stop industrial companies for receiving tax breaks on equipment that is used to make profits and not control pollution, which has been costing our school districts, counties, and even homeowners by not requiring these companies to pay their fair share. HB 4777- Which creates a new management district in District 146 that will beautify the community and bring about job development South of the 610 area. Sponsored Legislation by Rep. Al Edwards which became law in 81st Session: SB 1377- Crime Victim Fund Solvency- I sponsored this successful piece of legislation which is designed to ensure that the Crime Victims Compensation Fund remains a solvent source of funds to provide victims of crime financial assistance to help get their lives back in order. This bill provides a mechanism so that 50% of year-end balance funds greater than $5 million which accumulate in the Crime Victims Compensation Auxiliary Fund are automatically directed to the main Crime Victims Compensation Fund. This great bill will ensure that payments to victims for costs incurred as a result of a crime committed such as medical bills or counseling are available to be made. In recent years the Crime Victims Compensation Fund had been in danger of insolvency, with this bill's passage in the future this will no longer be the case. SB 1206- Helping Good Prisoners Get Out (Bill vetoed by Gov. Perry) “I also sponsored this necessary piece of legislation to reduce the delays for the processing of parole for incarcerated persons. This bill only affects inmates who had been granted parole contingent upon completion of a rehabilitation program. Offenders were completing all their necessary programs and requirements needed to be released, however they were doing so earlier than their estimated completion date. The delays in releasing these offenders for parole limited bed capacity and causing a back log in the system producing further unnec-
essary expenses. The bill, as passed, allows a range of dates to release these offenders only once they've completed their approved rehabilitation program, in a range of time which is 15 to 45 days prior to the established target completion date. This streamlining process will help save the state $13.5 million over the next two years.” Rep. Edwards' Joint-Authored Legislation which became law in the 81st Session: HB 67/ SB 487- Creating a health insurance buy-in for parents with children with mental development disabilities. HB 200- Streamlining continuing education requirements for public school principals. HB 610- Establishing the Legislative Committee on Aging, which will study issues affecting the elderly population in Texas and make recommendations to the Legislature on how to provide a better quality of life for our seniors. HB 968- Regulating the use of crossbows for hunting. HB 1637- Which clarified the normal weekly hours of work under the shared work unemployment compensation program to ensure that benefits are available for those in need. HB 1830- Which created a streamlined and efficient structure for information technology security practices amongst State Agencies. HB 1831- Revising and establishing new disaster preparedness & emergency management practices. HB 2242- Abolishes the Texas cultural endowment fund and transfers the balance to the Texas Commission for the Arts. HB 2729- Relating to payment of certain judgments against the State of Texas. HB 2806- Relating to the reinstatement of a firefighter or police officer to a previously held position based on seniority on the return of another firefighter or police officer from a military leave of absence.
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HB 3226- Relating to the payment of temporary housing costs for certain individuals who are released or are eligible for release on parole or to mandatory supervision. HB 3857- Relating to foreclosure of liens on real property and certain personal property owned by members or dependents of the military; providing a criminal penalty. Co-Authored Legislation by Rep. Edwards which became law in the 81st Session: HB 3- Reforming the public school educational system's accountability, curriculum, and promotion requirements. HB 38/SB 297- Provides instate college tuition to veterans whose residence is outside of Texas. HB 51- Establishes a pathway for additional Tier 1 colleges & universities in Texas, including the University of Houston. HB 394- Allows small businesses with less than 250 employees to become eligible for funding opportunities from the Texas Enterprise Fund. HB 795/SB 482- Establishes the Texas Holocaust & Genocide Commission. HB 873- Provides incentives for film, television, video, and digital interactive media production companies for filming in Texas. HB 1310- Regulation of tanning facilities. HB 1452- Enhances the eligibility for participation in job training and employment assistance programs by veterans in Texas. HB 3097- Creates the Texas Dept of Motor Vehicles to streamline registration issues. HB 3452- Establishes the Texas Armed Services Scholarship in Texas. HB 3613- Provides property tax exemptions for disabled veterans. HJR 39- Historic Civil Rights measure ratifying the Texas Constitution to prohibit use of poll taxes. SB 455- Regulating the practice of dental assistants.
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About Shawn Thierry’s Platform ur civil courtrooms directly affect the lives of American people and businesses every day. Everyone who steps into a courtroom deserves a just legal outcome. Open ears, impartiality and respect for the rule of law are the qualities and values which Shawn Thierry will bring to the bench. Lawyers and their clients will have a better opportunity for their cases to be heard in a fair and unbiased manner so that justice is served in each case. Shawn Thierry seeks to ensure that trial procedures, bench rulings, and final orders are applied according to the facts, and consistently with all relevant and binding case precedent. Shawn Thierry believes that balance is required to ensure that justice is achieved. Plaintiffs must have an open forum to present the facts of their case from the initial filing, to discovery, and closing argument. Defendants deserve a fair playing field to adequately defend themselves and refute the facts alleged against them in each case. Electing Shawn Thierry will help bring back the balance that is needed in our civil jurisprudence system. She will deliver justice by applying the law fairly to all the litigants who come before the court seeking redress and resolution. VOTE FOR SHAWN THIERRY IN THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY ON TUESDAY, MARCH 2ND!
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ABOUT GRAHAM: • Erica Graham is running for Harris County Civil Court-at-Law Position #1 to improve the civil justice system. • Erica Graham is a civil litigator in Houston for the past 12 years, Erica has worked for two nationally recognized law firms - Fulbright & Jaworski and Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman - and as counsel for Chevron. • Erica Graham has represented clients in both state and federal courts in Texas in litigation involving toxic tort and environmental law, employment law, personal injury law, oil and gas law and general commercial litigation. • Erica Graham has been recognized for doing high quality work preparing cases for trial, identifying settlement possibilities, benefiting client organizations, considering cost implications, and explaining complex legal options and technical issues to opposing counsel and clients. • Erica Graham also has a proven track record of collaborating and working productively with managers, clients, judges, opposing counsels, other attorneys, legal staff and juries. • Erica Graham believes the people of Harris County deserve judges who are committed to providing the best quality service they can to the people they serve. • Erica Graham believes the judiciary should reflect the community it serves and should emphasize fairness, impartiality, and a spirit of excellence. • Erica Graham is committed to customer service, running a well organized and efficient courtroom, minimizing docket backlog, and reducing the time between the filing of a case and its final adjudication. • Erica Graham believes that every citizen has a right to have his or her case heard before a fair and unbiased judge.
W W W. E M G R A H A M F O R J U D G E . C O M POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT PAID FOR BY THE ERICA GRAHAM CAMPAIGN, BESSIE B. NASH, TREASURER, P. O. BOX 440683, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77244, WHO IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE VOLUNTARY LIMITS OF THE JUDICIAL CAMPAIGN FAIRNESS ACT.
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EDITORIAL OPINION WRITTEN BY CARROLL G. ROBINSON THIS EDITORIAL REFLECTS ONLY THE VIEWS AND OPINIONS OF THE AUTHOR • SEND EDITORIALS TO: NEWS@HOUSTON-BUSINESSCONNECTIONS.COM
RIGHT NOW - A DEMOCRAT CAN’T BE ELECTED GOVERNOR OF TEXAS If the election for governor of Texas were held today, none of the Democratic candidates could win. This is not because of congressional health care reform, the federal stimulus, President Obama or the bank bailout. The problem is that all the Democratic candidates have basically faded into the woodwork. They have been unwilling to stand up and speak out on the major challenges facing our state. It's clear that they have decided that taking a position on the issues is not the best way to win. I believe that that position is wrong and it represents a misreading of the true mood of voters in Texas. Texans want a governor that will lead us into the future. A Governor who will stand up and clearly state that talk about Texas seceding from the Union not only stirs memories of one of the worst periods in our state and nation's history but is also a call for moving our state backward rather than forward-togetherinto the future. It is also a clear message to African-American voters that we aren't needed and that we will not be the deciding vote in determining the outcome of this year's governor's race. We have to prove that sentiment wrong. We have to make sure that all politicians and political parties take us seriously. The way to do that is by being active in our communities and voting. Texas Democrats have been a part of a Boston to Austin axis since JFK selected LBJ as his vice presidential running mate. For Texas Democrats, the message from Republican Scott Brown's victory in the Massachusetts special election is that the Democratic candidates for Governor can't wait until after Labor Day to start campaigning and defining themselves. Last year's gubernatorial campaign in Virginia is also a reminder of that lesson.
state's economic competitiveness on an international basis well into the future. Without a well educated Texas, businesses won't grow, relocate to or prosper in our state. That means that jobs won't be created in Texas and we won't have the resources necessary to provide basic governmental services.
no Negro dialect and President Obama should have been serving coffee to two white men instead of being a candidate for President. African-Americans, if we want to be taken seriously and respected politically, must make it clear that no one should take our votes for granted or as a given.
Black Wealth
Energy & The Environment
America may have elected a Black president, but today more AfricanTexas is the energy capiAmericans are unemployed, tal of the world, but we must underemployed, living in make it clear that we are the poverty and have lost their capitol not only of oil and homes and businesses and natural gas, but also clean, the wealth that they repregreen and renewable energy. sented as compared to just The Democratic candidates a year ago. for Governor need to be more African-Americans active and visible in this area. need to advocate for public ROBINSON It's not only about energy indepolicies that will not only pendence and security, it's also help provide jobs and good incomes but about protecting our environment, which that will also help generate and protect when clean will help protect our health. black wealth so that it can be passed from one generation to the next. Reaching Out Wealth is the primary prerequisite to The Democratic candidates for creating an “Ownership Society”. The Governor can't wait until September to American dream is not simply being able start seriously reaching out to the to buy a home, it's being able to pay off African-American community, its voters, the mortgage and burning it. business owners, entrepreneurs, professionals and neighborhood activists. Read Dr. King It's not only independent white votI would recommend that all the ers who are upset. African-Americans Democratic candidates for Governor read have serious concerns about the attitudes Dr. King's Letter From The Birmingham and mindset underlying comments about Jail and the opening paragraphs of his I
Have A Dream Speech. Progress is built on both public policy and the content of individuals' character.
To Win If one of the Democratic candidates for Governor wants to win in November, now is the time to start telling voters who you are, what you stand for and what you will fight to achieve. Now is not the time for the Democratic candidates for Governor to recede into the background. Voters, even those who are angry are looking for leadership. The way for a Democrat to win is to offer an agenda that empowers Texans, brings us together and protects our pocketbooks and wallets from the reckless behavior of careless and selfish private institutions and over taxation. Hiding in the background, and being afraid to take a position on policy issues will not help any of the Democratic candidates for Governor be elected in November. Luckily for them, November is still a long way away. -------------------------------------------------Robinson is an Associate Professor at the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas. He is also Chairman of the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce, the oldest and largest African-American chamber of commerce in Houston. This year is the Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the founding of HCCC, 1935-2010.
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Education Funding The Texas Supreme Court has on several occasions told us that our public school funding system is broken. Where is the sustained outrage from the Democratic candidates for Governor over our state's refusal to compete for more federal funding to improve students' academic performance, close the achievement gap and reduce the dropout rate? A quality education is the foundation for our children's and our state's future. A well educated, innovative and entrepreneurial population is what will ensure our
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FEBRUARY 1ST - LAST DAY TO REGISTER
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FEBRUARY 16TH - FIRST DAY OF EARLY VOTING
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MARCH 2ND - ELECTION DAY
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
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am answering the call for the 281st to make a difference. I am the daughter of immigrant parents from Mexico and Argentina who came to this country in search of a better life. I grew up with a fervent believe in the American Dream that I could not reconcile with the inequality and injustice that I also observed. I became an advocate for social justice and equality at a young age and decided to become a lawyer though no one else in my family had ever been. I studied and worked hard over the years, and after practicing law for over a decade, I own my own law firm, Nagorny & Stipeche, P.C., but in my heart, I have always wanted to serve the community. I am a Democratic candidate for the 281st Civil District Court in Harris County. I will strive to be fair, impartial, and independent, but I will also serve with compassion and understanding. I will enthusiastically participate in programs that benefit the citizens of Harris County. New ideas are critical in this changing world, and I offer my unique life and legal experiences for the 281st Civil District Court. I thank you for your support and vote. ENDORSEMENTS: Juliet Stipeche has been endorsed by the Coalition of Harris County Democratic Elected Officials that includes Representative Senfronia Thompson, Representative Armando Walle, Senator John Whitmire, Commissioner Sylvia Garcia, Commissioner El Franco Lee, Constable Gary Freeman, Senator Rodney Ellis, Representative Garnet Coleman, Congressman Gene Green, Senator Mario Gallegos, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Representative Jessica Farrar, Representative Alma Allen, Constable May Walker, Representative Hubert Vo, Representative Ana Hernandez, Representative Ellen Cohen, and Representative Carol Alvarado. -------------------------------------------------------She has also been endorsed by the Harris County Tejano Democrats and Dos Centavos.
WWW.StipecheforJudge.com I 4314 YOAKUM BOULEVARD I HOUSTON, TEXAS 77006 I 713.520.6667 P O L I T I C A L A D V.
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Endorsed by Coalition of Democratic Elected Officials, Houston Black American Democrats, Harris County Tejano Democrats, Mexican American Bar Association of Houston, Pasadena Bar Association, Area 5 Democrats, Democracy of Houston, Black Minister's Association of Houston and Vicinity and Momentum PAC.
22 Years Litigation Experience in Family Law Experience in adoptions, child custody, child and adult protection, child support and spousal maintenance, divorces, serving as counsel for both petitioners and respondents from mediation through bench and jury trials. Member, Family Law Section of State Bar of Texas Member, Family Law Section of the Houston Bar Association Recipient, La Rosa Family Services Yellow Rose Award J.D. and B.B.A. - University of Houston
Married; Member, St Lukes United Methodist Church
Vote For Mary Kay Green In The March 2nd Democratic Primary! Vote Early February 16th thru 26th!
IN VOLUNTARY COMPLIANCE WITH THE JUDICIAL CAMPAIGN FAIRNESS ACT. POL. ADV PD. FOR BY THE MARY KAY GREEN FOR JUDGE CAMPAIGN. P.O. BOX 774, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77270-7744
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EYE ON THE PRESIDENT
AMERICANS CAN PROSPER TOGETHER
THE ROAD TO PROSPERITY RESCUE, REBUILD, RESTORE - A NEW FOUNDATION FOR PROSPERITY Taking office amidst two wars, an economy in recession, a financial system on the verge of collapse, and a government deeply in debt, President Obama and his Administration have pulled the nation back from the brink of economic disaster. The President recognizes that while the worst of the crisis is behind us, more needs to be done to restore economic security for middle class families after a lost decade of declining wages, eroding retirement security and escalating health care and tuition costs.
The following is in chronological speech order:
There are projects like that all across this country that will create jobs and help our nation move goods, services, and information.” Through the Recovery Act, we made the largest investment in our nation's infrastructure since President Eisenhower called for the creation of our national highway system over half a century ago. In his speech, the President announced funding to make a downpayment on a new nationwide highspeed rail system being built in-part with ARRA dollars. • Tax breaks to keep jobs at home. “(I)t's time to finally slash the tax breaks for companies that ship our jobs overseas and give those tax breaks to companies that create jobs in the United States of America.” The President has called for an end for tax breaks for companies that ship our jobs overseas to
help fund tax cuts - like making the R & E credit permanent - that reward companies for investing and creating jobs in the United States. • The President also called on the Senate to pass a jobs bill that he can sign. “The House has passed a jobs bill...As the first order of business this year, I urge the Senate to do the same. People are out of work. They are hurting. They need our help. And I want a jobs bill on my desk without delay.” The bold and difficult steps the President took to stabilize the financial system have reduced the cost of TARP by more than $200 billion, providing additional resources for job creation and for deficit reduction. In December, the President outlined a package of targeted measures to help further stimulate private sector hiring, including measures to facilitate
small business growth, green jobs and infrastructure. The House has passed strong legislation - it is time for the Senate to do the same. • The President called on the Senate to pass a financial reform package. “A strong, healthy financial market makes it possible for businesses to access credit and create new jobs. It channels the savings of families into investments that raise incomes. And that can only happen if we guard against the same recklessness that nearly brought down our entire economy.” Essential reforms include measures to protect consumers and investors from financial abuse; close loopholes, raise standards, and create accountability for supervision of major financial firms; restrict the size and scope of financial institutions to reign in excesses and protect taxpayers and
• The President will fight to recover the money American taxpayers spent to bailout the banks. “To recover the rest, I have proposed a fee on the biggest banks. I know Wall Street isn't keen on this idea, but if these firms can afford to hand out big bonuses again, they can afford a modest fee to pay back the taxpayers who rescued them in their time of need.” The President has proposed the Financial Crisis Responsibility Fee, which will require the largest and most highly leveraged Wall Street firms to pay back taxpayers and provide a deterrent against excessive leverage for the largest firms. The conservative estimate for the cost of TARP in the budget is $117 billion, but the Treasury Department expects it to be much less and the fee will be in place for a minimum of ten years or however long it takes to recoup every last penny to the American taxpayer. • The President recognizes that Small Businesses will be key to our nation's economic recovery. “I'm proposing that we take $30 billion of the money Wall Street banks have repaid and use it to help community banks give small businesses the credit they need to stay afloat. I am also proposing a new small business tax credit - one that will go to over one million small businesses who hire new workers or raise wages.” To get small businesses growing again, and growing our economy, the President has proposed a range of provisions that include tax incentives to spur investment; expanded access to capital and growth opportunities to create jobs; and increased support for entrepreneurship to foster innovation. He is proposing an employment tax credit for small businesses to encourage hiring, eliminating capital gains taxes on small business investments, extending enhanced small business expensing, and transferring $30 billion in resources from TARP to a new program to help community and smaller banks give small businesses the credit they need. The President and members of his Administration will announce additional details in the coming weeks. • The President reiterates his support for continued investment in our nation's infrastructure. “Tomorrow, I'll visit Tampa, Florida, where workers will soon break ground on a new high-speed rail road funded by the Recovery Act.
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address the 'too big to fail' problem; and establish comprehensive supervision of financial markets. • We must invest in American ingenuity and innovation. “We need to encourage American innovation.” The Obama Innovation Agenda will get us closer to the President's long-term goal of increasing combined private and public R&D investment to three percent of GDP. The Obama 2011 budget will move us closer to restoring America to first in the world in college completion; and invest in the next generation of scientists so we will not lag behind countries like China in science and engineering graduates. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.
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WORKSHEET FOR VOTERS IN FORT BEND COUNTY LISTED ON THIS PAGE ARE THE KEY COMPETITIVE FORT BEND COUNTY RACES IN THE MARCH 2ND DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY!
Democratic Primary Races To Watch In Fort Bend County
U.S. Rep. Texas District 14 Robert Pruett Winston Cochran Jeff Cherry
U.S. Rep. Texas District 22 Kesha Rogers John Weider Doug Blatt
Governor of Texas Bill White Farouk Shami Star Locke Felix Alvarado Alma Ludivina Aguado Bill Deer Clement E. Glenn
Lt. Govenor of Texas Linda Chavez-Thompson Ronnie Earle Marc Katz
Land Commissioner Hector Uribe Bill Burton
Agriculture Commissioner Hank Gilbert Richard "Kinky" Friedman
State Rep. District 27 Dora Olivo (i) Ron Reynolds
County Judge Rodririgo Carreon Phillip Atisebaomo
JP Pct 1 Pl 2 Aurelia Moore R.J. Blue Marty Rocha
Stephen's career in politics began as a campus organizer for Democratic US Senate candidate Harvey Gantt, who challenged Jesse Helms in 1996. From there, he founded the North Carolina A&T State University - College Democrats chapter, and was later awarded an internship in the Clinton White House. teve has since worked on a number of campaigns and legislative offices of key local Democrats including, US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, State Representative Sylvester Turner and US Trade Representative Ron Kirk. Stephen is a member of numerous organizations such as, Young Democrats of America, the Fort Bend Democratic Club, Fort Bend Black Democrats, the Houston Area Urban League, and the Fort Bend Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He also serves on the Boards of the Youth Development Center of Houston, the Fifth Ward Enrichment Program and Missouri City's Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone. Stephen is married to proud Southern University alum Monique St.
S
Amant-Mathis, and is the father of Stephen III and Mathis.
Steve Brown Has Priorities For Fort Bend County Promote Our Brand - the Fort Bend County Democratic Party must be active, visible, and vigilant more than just in an election year. By reaching out and connecting with our neighbors all year, we can build a richer relationship between the party and the community. This includes developing deeper relationships across the multitude of cultures, races and ethnicities living here. We will also look to utilize all technologies to expand voter interaction in the county including but not limited to, an improved party website, e-newsletters, interactive blogs, facebook, and twitter. Growing the Base - it's absolutely essential that we have active and engaged precinct chairs in every Fort Bend community. Vacancies must be filled immediately and talent will be recruited in order to build the framework for engaging democrats and independents house by house. We also need to increase the number of democratic clubs. I will be a Party Chair that grows our tent so that each Democrat can find a home that facilitates their activism. I'll recruit for the establishment of Fort Bend Democratic clubs such as: Tejano Democrats, Young Democrats, GLBT, etc. In fact, we need localized clubs in
every corner of Fort Bend County. Raising Money - FBCDP must have the resources to establish a headquarters that will centralize our activities and provide needed visibility. Resources are also needed to fund year-round voter engagement initiatives as well as a Get Out The Vote (GOTV) program during elections. To do so, we must have a major annual fundraiser, and solicit help from supporters throughout the region. Campaigns and Elections - getting democrats elected will be driven by recruiting elect-able candidates and providing them the human resources to help garner votes. That is, we must begin cultivating campaign experts/staff who understand voter engagement and campaign management. I will promote an academy that brings in the best campaign operatives in the business (field, fund raising, social media specialists, etc.) to help train local volunteers so that we can begin staffing candidates with people from Fort Bend. Leadership - finally, our Party must be organized and energized! Our County Executive Committee must meet regularly (as established by Party protocols), a strategic plan must be developed and executed, and Democrats must feel like they're a part of something special in Fort Bend. This foundation of leadership will help to preserve and sustain our party, and provide for a more permanent grassroots organization county-wide.
JP Pct 2 Joel G. Clouser Sr. (i) Tony Sherman
Democratic County Chair Elaine Bishop (i) Steven Brown
Precinct Chair 1040 Eva Zamora (i) Marsha Rovia
Precinct Chair 2030 Noel Pinnock Skip Belt
Precinct Chair 2059 Sherry Haytten Rodney Griffin (i)
Precinct Chair 2090 Emuka Bede Rose Wall (i)
Precinct Chair 3082 Frederick Longfoffer Dan Payne
Precinct Chair 3104 Syleta Harkins Hal Heitman
Precinct Chair 3113
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ENTERPRISE
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Sportz-N-Cutz Barber Shop A Premiere Place To Unwind And Look Good For some people, a barbershop is simply a place to get a haircut. To others it’s the place that helps them to maintain their image and personal brand. When Sports-NCutz opened its doors in July of 2009 in Houston’s Third Ward it quickly became both.
lifelong ambition, Churchwell, along with Petitt, has one of the area’s more creative one-stop shops. Sportz-N-Cutz provides haircuts, massage, manicures, pedicures, food, shoeshine, and 12 big screen TVs showing NBA and NFL sports, along with an arcade game room which includes a regulation size pool table. To top it off patrons can also get their car detailed while sitting in the barber chair. Churchwell was inspired by
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hether you’re a corporate executive, auto mechanic or a student at Texas Southern University, this establishment has something that will speak to you. When thinking of the movie Barbershop, that starred actors Eve, Ice Cube and Cedric the Entertainer, it conjures up a place that’s loud, filled with down to earth barbers with everyday issues. At Sportz-N-Cutz you still have conversations about everyday issues, with the exceptions that you are asked to lower your voice and set your cell phones to silent or vibrate. Owners Strode Churchwell and LuVonda Petitt would have it no other way. “We pride ourselves on providing a cultural, but professional and relaxing service driven atmosphere,” explains Churchwell, a business professional for more than 25 years. Combining experience and a
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a need to share business growth information to barber industry professionals, chiefly to teach investment skills. “For starters, whether its services or products, hair care is a billion dollar business. Women maximize their sales opportunities with styling skills and products; and whereas this is still a developing area for shops that caters mostly to men, the money is there to be made. The key is to know what to do with the money once it is made,” Churchwell said. Sportz-N-Cutz is also used to giving back to the community. Contractors that work in the shop must agree to give several probono hours to help the less fortu-
Churchwell is also looking for independent contractors to work in the 3200 sq. ft. shop located at located at 4721 Almeda, Houston 77004. If you’re alright with volunteering a little time along with making good money, why not make Sportz-N-Cutz your place to begin a new career. Call Strode Churchwell or LuVonda Petitt today at: 281.501.1977. ------------------------------------------
nate twice a month. The barbers recently provided free haircuts to kids from an area shelter. The comprehensive barbershop/spa sits in the heart of the Third Ward near TSU and renown
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medical and museum districts. The business is attracting a diverse customer base, of which Churchwell expects to grow as more people learn of their multitude of offered services.
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EYE ON THE PRESIDENT
AMERICANS CAN PROSPER TOGETHER
THE ROAD TO PROSPERITY continued from page, P.18 • A vision for a clean energy economy. “...to create more of these clean energy jobs, we need more production, more efficiency, and more incentives.” We will build on the historic $80 billion investment made through the Recovery Act. The President's vision includes investments in important technologies to diversity our energy sources and reduce our dependence on foreign oil, including: the renewal of our nation's nuclear energy industry after a 30-year hiatus, cutting edge biofuel and clean coal technologies, and additional offshore oil and gas drilling. To fully transition to a clean energy economy and create millions of new American jobs, we must pass comprehensive energy and climate legislation to promote energy independence and address climate change. • We need to export more of our goods around the world. “We will double our exports over the next five years, an increase that will support two million new jobs in America.” To meet this goal, we're launching a National Export Initiative that will help farmers and small businesses increase their exports and expand their markets. Details will be announced in the coming weeks, but the NEI includes the creation of the President's Export Promotion Cabinet and an enhancement of funding for key export promotion programs. We will work to shape a Doha trade agreement that opens markets and will continue to work with key allies like South Korea, Panama, and Colombia on trade agreements that provide real benefits to our workers. The President and members of his Administration will announce additional details in the coming week. • The President will continue his push to invest in the skills and education of our people. “This year, we have broken through the stalemate between left and right by launching a national competition to improve our schools. The idea here is simple: instead of rewarding failure, we only reward success. In this country, the success of our children cannot depend more on where they live than their potential.” The Obama Administration supports a new vision for increasing student achievement, delivering opportunity, and supporting excellence in America's public schools. The President's 2011 budget supports a new framework for the Elementary and Secondary Education Act that will foster innovation, reward excellence, and promote reform in our schools, as well as invests an additional $1.35 billion to continue the historic Race to the Top program to open it up to districts in order to spur innovation and additional progress. At the same time, the Administration is moving to consolidate ineffective policies and practices. The President's Budget eliminates six programs and consolidates 38 others into 11 new programs that emphasize using competition to allocate funds, giving communities more choices around activities, and using rigorous evidence to fund what works. • The President is committed to making college affordable for all Americans. “(I)n this economy, a high school diploma no longer guarantees a good job.” To increase college access and completion, the
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Administration will make student loans more affordable by limiting a borrower's payments to 10 percent of his/her income and forgives remaining debt after 20 years - 10 years for public service works. We will also make permanent the American Opportunity Tax Credit. The President urges the Senate to pass the American Graduation Initiative, which invests more than $10 billion over the next decade in reforming our nation's community colleges, promoting college completion, and moving toward the President's goal of having the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020. The President is also asking colleges and universities to do their share to make college affordable for all Americans cutting their own costs. • The President is making
investments to ensure that the middle-class benefits from this economic recovery. “(T)he price of college tuition is just one of the burdens facing middle-class families. That's why last year I asked Vice President Biden to chair a task force on Middle Class Families.” The President has outlined immediate steps to reduce the strain on family budgets and help middle class families manage their child and elder care responsibilities, save for retirement and pay for college. He will double the child tax credit this year, make it easier to save for retirement with automatic IRAs for workers without access to existing retirement plans, provide larger tax credits to match retirement savings for millions of additional workers, and provide new safeguards to protect retirement savings.
• The President remains committed to helping Americans stay in their homes and help their homes retain their value. “,,, we're working to lift the value of a family's single largest investment - their home.” Last year, we took steps allowing millions of Americans to take out new loans and save an average of $1,500 per family on mortgage payments. This year, we will step up programs that encourage re-financing so that homeowners can move into more affordable and sustainable mortgages. In addition to the changes proposed last week to ensure sound risk management, the FHA is continuing to evaluate its mortgage insurance underwriting standards and its measures to help distressed and underwater borrowers through other FHA initiatives going forward. In order
to ensure American families receive the same consideration American corporations do, the Obama Administration remains supportive of efforts to allow bankruptcy proceedings to renegotiate all debts, including home mortgages. • As Americans are getting their budgets in order, the President is getting the nation's financial house in order. “Like any cash-strapped family, we will work within a budget to invest in what we need and sacrifice what we don't.” The President has announced the three year, non-security discretionary spending freeze, and also called for a bipartisan Fiscal Commission to identify policies to improve the fiscal situation continued on page, P.26
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PRES. OBAMA TRANSFERS $30 BILLION BUSINESSES continued from page, P.1 stress the same thing - to expand and hire, they need better access to credit,” said Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner. “The President's proposal would take money repaid by the biggest banks and provide it to community banks so they can increase lending to small businesses.” Small Business Administrator Karen Mills said, “Community banks are one of the strongest partners small businesses have in helping provide the capital needed to grow and create jobs. This fund targets one of the biggest challenges community banks have faced in this recession - capital to make more loans. This proposal, along with extending the SBA's 90 percent guarantee, can help put small and medium-sized banks back in a position to step up their small business lending and support job creation in their communities.” Key elements of the new Small Business Lending Fund are below: Limited to Community and Smaller Banks Which Devote a Higher Share of Lending to Small Businesses: The Small Business Lending Fund would support lending among small- and medium-sized banks (with assets under $10 billion). These banks devote the highest percentage of their lending to small businesses in their communities, accounting for over 50 percent of all small business loans nationwide, even though they make up only about 20 percent of all bank assets. Program Would Be Separate and Distinct from TARP to Encourage Participation: By transferring, through legislation, $30 billion to a new program that would be distinct from TARP, the Administration's proposal would encourage broader participation by banks, as they would not face TARP restrictions.
K. JOHNSON REALTY Katrina Johnson is the Broker/Owner of K. Johnson Realty, a premiere real estate firm that assists clients in buying, leasing and selling homes in Houston and surrounding areas. Ms. Johnson has been a licensed Realtor for 9 years and is successfully assisting her clients with their real estate needs. She possesses an Executive MBA from Auburn University and 18 years of corporate financial accounting experience. This combined education and experience allows her to provide expert guidance to her clients in the areas of: negotiating offers, obtaining financing, and pricing their home to sale. In addition she is a HUD approved Broker, which allows her to sale HUD-owned properties in Texas. Her experience in pre-foreclosures and short sales allows her to assist financially challenged clients who face economic hardships.
Her memberships with the Houston Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, Texas Association of Realtors and access to the National Association of Real Estate Brokers allow K. Johnson Realty to market for sale properties globally within 48 hours of listing and stay current with changing real estate trends. As a Certified Home Marketing Specialist (CHMS) she is able to stage for-sale properties in an attractive manner, thus allowing for increased visibility among potential buyers. This added feature proves to be very beneficial in today's economic climate. Ms. Johnson ensures K. Johnson Realty is committed to giving back to the community through volunteer efforts at The Houston Food Bank, charitable contributions to the Star of Hope Women's Shelter and assisting the homeless. As a veteran of the United States
Air Force, Ms. Johnson is dedicated to assisting former military veterans with purchasing a home. She regularly participates in local Veteran Home Buying Seminars. PROFESSIONAL, COURTEOUS, DEDICATED, EXPERIENCED and TOP-NOTCH are just a few words former clients and associates use to describe their experience working with Katrina Johnson. Overall, Ms. Johnson's knowledge of the neighborhoods, floorplans, builders, financing options and other aspects of buying or selling a home make her a terrific choice for your next real estate transaction. Call K. Johnson Realty today at 832-6471443 to experience professional first-class service.
A Core Function of New Fund Would Be Offering Capital With Incentives to Increase Small Business Lending: The Administration's core proposal for the new lending fund is an initiative to invest in smaller banks capital under terms that provide strong incentives to increase lending. As participating banks increase lending to small firms compared to 2009 levels, the dividend paid to Treasury on that capital investment would be reduced. Administration Will Discuss with Congress Additional Ideas to Enhance Credit for Small Businesses Through the Small Business Lending Fund. While the Administration is presenting its plan to provide capital with an incentive structure to maximize small business lending, it looks forward to discussing with Congress other ways that - in addition to what is described above - the Small Business Lending Fund could be fully deployed.
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Galveston matters, and we need a Mayor who will make sure this message is clearly heard: Galveston is more than a storm ravaged Island with a history; it is an iconic Texas coastal community with a future.
This campaign is meaningful because of your interest and support. So, freely share your ideas. Send me an email, mail me a letter or call me. Better yet, look for me in Island neighborhoods, churches, businesses and restaurants. I will be there to listen and respond. Let’s discuss what we’d like to see in Galveston’s future. Our past made us grand, but our future will make us great. One Galveston. Onward!
Ike badly damaged our homes and lives, but as a community we’re determined to recover together. There’s no place like Galveston, and it’s vital that our generation shows the same courage and resolve that Galvestonians in 1900 showed when faced with the seemingly impossible task of rebuilding. We owe it to those who came before us - and of course to those who will follow - to summon our finest effort. I’m running to be your next Mayor because I want to work for you every day to show the world that Galveston’s best days are ahead. The 2010 election is our opportunity to make things right, so let’s take this positive and historic step together. We are all Galvestonians - One Galveston - and it’s time for Galveston’s future to make us proud. I ask you to join me in this campaign for Galveston’s future. You can start by exploring the Jaworski for Galveston Mayor website: @ www.JoeForGalveston.com, I explain my position on our major issues. You can also sign up for campaign updates, learn of upcoming events and join our growing list of supporters.
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THE ROAD TO PROSPERITY article continued from page, P.22 in the medium term and to achieve fiscal sustainability over the long run. The President and members of his Administration will announce additional details in the coming weeks. • Changing the way we do business. “To close that credibility gap, we must take action on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue to end the outsized influence of lobbyists; to do our work more openly; and to give our people the government they deserve.” The President has called for additional new lobbyist reforms, including enhanced disclosure of lobbyist contacts, strict campaign contribution limits by lobbyists, and a single earmark database, so American taxpayers find out what earmarks are being requested, and where their money is going. • Countering Citizens United. “I don't think American elections should be bankrolled by America's most powerful interests, or worse, by foreign entities.” Last week's Supreme Court Citizen's United decision opens the floodgates to special interests and foreign countries and companies bankrolling national campaigns. The President called for bipartisan support for legislation that will remedy the Supreme Court's unprecedented and troubling decision. • The President's focus on national security includes rooting out terrorists where they hide. “Since the day I took office, we have renewed our focus on the terrorists who threaten our nation.” In the last year, hundreds of Al Qaeda's fighters and affiliates have been captured or killed - far more than in 2008. • The President stands by military families. “Tonight, all of our men and women in uniform … must know that they have our respect, our gratitude, and our full support.” The President's 2011 budget announces significant new investments, totaling more than $8 billion, and protections for our nation's military families, including increased military pay and housing allowances, increased funding for family support programs, expanded availability of affordable, high-quality child care, the renovation or replacement of schools, and expanded and improved care for wounded, ill and injured service members. • The President's commitment to NonProliferation results. “Even as we prosecute two wars, we are also confronting the greatest danger to the American people - the threat of nuclear weapons.” The United States and Russia are completing negotiations on the farthest-reaching arms control treaty in nearly twenty years. He will also host a Nuclear Security Summit in April, which will bring forty-four nations together behind a clear goal: to secure all vulnerable nuclear materials around the world in four years, so that they never fall into the hands of terrorists. • The President is launching a bioterror and pandemic threat initiative. “We are launching a new initiative that will give us the capacity to respond faster and more effectively to bio-terrorism or an infectious disease - a plan that will counter threats at home, and strengthen public health abroad.” The President called to action key U.S. Government leaders to re-design our medical countermeasure enterprise to protect Americans from bioterror or infectious health threats. We will pursue a business model that leverages market forces and reduces risk to attract pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry collaboration with the U.S. Government. • The President announced that he will work this year to repeal “Don't Ask, Don't 26 •
Tell.” “I will work with Congress and the military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are.” • The President is establishing a National Equal Pay Enforcement Task Force. “We are going to crack down on violations of equal pay laws - so that women get equal pay for an equal day's work.” To make sure we uphold our nation's core commitment to equality of opportunity, the Obama Administration is implementing an Equal Pay initiative to improve compliance,
public education, and enforcement of equal pay laws. The Task Force will ensure that the agencies with responsibility for equal pay enforcement are coordinating efforts and limiting potential gaps in enforcement. The Administration also continues to support the Paycheck Fairness Act, and is increasing funding for the agencies enforcing equal pay laws and other key civil rights statutes. • Immigration reform. “And we should continue the work of fixing our broken immigration system - to secure our borders ,
enforce our laws so that everyone who plays by the rules can contribute to our economy and enrich our nation.” The President is pleased Congress is taking steps forward on immigration reform that includes effective border security measures with a path for legalization for those who are willing to pay taxes and abide by the law. He is committed to confronting this problem in practical, effective ways, using the current tools at our disposal while we work with Congress to enact comprehensive reform.
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BUILDING WIN-WIN RELATIONSHIPS? Hair By ruption by trying to transition relationships where they have not grown to. Example: Because someone is a good client, does not mean they will be a good friend. Healthy relationships are built on mutual trust, admiration and respect. Toxic relationship are plagued by abuse, control and jealously. I often tell people to beware of person that can only celebrate their victories, but are jealous of yours. Celebrate: When you have those healthy and fruitful relationships it is so enjoyable to celebrate together. Healthy relationships are the things that memories are made of. I have relationships that I celebrate on a daily basis. My order of celebration is faith, family, friends, country and as appropriate business and networking. I know all of that takes a lot of time. But it takes all that to create Win-Win relationships. continued from page, P.1
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