Inside:
INSIDE: HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED SEEKING AND APPOINTMENT FROM GOV. GREG ABBOTT?
GROUND-GAME MAGAZINE速 2015 YEAR END REVIEW EDITION
WWW.GROUNGAMEMAGAZINE.BLOGSPOT.COM
THE GAME PLAN... Aubrey R. Taylor
281.788.3033 All candidates without respect to “Party Affiliation” are invited to seek the vote and support of our diverse and very “OPEN-MINDED” reader base. GROUND-GAME MAGAZINE® was born to combat “VOTER APATHY” and get more Americans inspired and encouraged to get off the sidelines and into the fight for territory that’s currently taking place in our nation. Our mission is to help our readership identify the candidates who value and respect our vote!
“Let’s Play As A Team in 2016”
Aubrey R. Taylor President & Chief Executive Officer Aubrey R. Taylor Communications 957 NASA Parkway #251 Houston, Texas 77058-3039 Email: aubreyrtaylor@gmail.com Blog: aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com Phone: 832.212.8735 Cell: 281.788.3033
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2016 General Election for Missouri City, Texas
In accordance with the Texas Election Code, the City of Missouri City will hold a General Election on May 7, 2016, to elect a: • Mayor • Council At Large Position 1 • Council At Large Position 2 The term of office for these positions is two years from May 2016 to May 2018.
Notice is hereby given that applications for a place on the City of Missouri City, Texas, General Election ballot may be filed during the following times to the City Secretary. • Start Date: Wed.,, January 20, 2016 • End Date: Friday, February 19, 2016
Meet Mayor Allen Owen
Mayor Allen Owen is Missouri City's 10th mayor since the city's incorporation in 1956. Mayor Owen and his family have lived in Missouri City more than 36 years. Mayor Owen continues to dedicate much of his time and expertise towards the developMAYOR OWEN ment of a community where he and his wife of 46 years, Jane, raised their three children. Owen has served as mayor since his election to that position on May 7, 1994. Prior to that time he was a member of the
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Planning and Zoning Commission for five years and a City Council member for eight years, including serving as mayor pro-tem. Mayor Owen earned degrees from Southern Methodist University's Graduate School of Finance and Banking and from Stephen F. Austin State University.
Community Involvement
From the beginning of Mayor Owen's association with Missouri City, he has been highly visible in the community that now has grown to 68,000 residents and numerous businesses. He continues to play a major role in building a strong economy evidenced by Missouri City's attraction of quality residential and commercial development.
Mayor Owen combines his position as retired senior vice president and Texas government liaison for Wells Fargo Bank of Texas with assuring he is available to hear and work with the City's residents on their needs. He actively participates in numerous community activities, including tireless volunteer hours with the YMCA, United Way, March of Dimes, and many other organizations.
Additional Service
He serves on the boards for the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, Fort Bend Women's Center, Fort Bend Literacy Council, and the Fort Bend Community Justice Council. Mayor Owen is also a lifetime vice president and director of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, a lifetime member of the Fort Bend Fair, past president of the Texas 4H Foundation, and president of the Asian American Family Services Center.
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2016 Endorsements
Missouri City Police Officers Association Missouri City Fire Fighters Association Texas Association of Realtors Houston Area Asian Church Council Congressman Al Green Congressman Pete Olson State Senator Joan Huffman State Senator John Whitmire State Senator Rodney Ellis State Representative Rick Miller State Representative Ron Reynolds Constable Ruben Davis Commissioner James Patterson County Judge Bob Hebert
GREEN
OLSON
HUFFMAN
WHITMIRE
ELLIS
MILLER
DAVIS
PATTERSON
HEBERT
For a complete listing of all of Mayor Allen Owen’s endorsements you can visit: http://mayorallenowen.com/supporters/
KEY RACES GROUND-GAME MAGAZINE
®
The key Ground-Game Magazine® featured 2016 Republican Candidates running for President of the United States of America are: Jeb Bush, Ben Carson, Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, Carly Fiorina, Chris Christie, John R. Kasich, Mike Huckabee, Elizabeth Gray, Rand Paul, Lindsey Graham, and Rick Santorum. The key Ground-Game Magazine® featured 2016 Democratic candidates running for President of the United States of America are: Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton, Martin J. O’Malley. The key Ground-Game Magazine® featured 2016 race for State Representative is the (HD-27) Fort Bend County race between Ron Reynolds, Steve Brown, Angelique Bartholomew, and Chris Henderson. A key Ground-Game Magazine® featured 2016 Harris County race is the battle for Harris County Republican Party Chairman between Paul Simpson, Tex Christopher and Rick Ramos. Lane Lewis the current Democratic Party Chairman was initially facing a challenge from Philippe Nassif. However, according to Nassif, the signatures he gathered were deemed invalid. Thus, he will not appear on the 2016 Primary ballot.
NASSIF
LEWIS
REYNOLDS
BROWN
BARTHOLOMEW
HENDERSON
CLINTON
TRUMP
O’MALLEY
SANDERS
CARSON
BUSH
CHRISTIE
KASICH
GRAHAM
HUCKABEE
CRUZ
PAUL
RUBIO
FIORINA
SANTORUM
SIMPSON
CHRISTOPHER
RAMOS
GOVERNOR'S APPOINTMENT RESPONSIBILITY
The authority to make governmental appointments is one of the powers given to the Governor of Texas by the state's constitution. During a four-year term, a Governor will make about 3,000 appointments. Most appointments are: 1. State officials and members of state boards, commissions and councils that carry out the laws and direct the policies of state government activities; 2. Members of task forces that advise the Governor or executive agencies on specific issues and policies; or 3. State elected and judicial offices when vacancies occur by resignation or death of the office holder. To apply with the Governor Abbott Administration, please read about the Appointment Process prior to completing theAppointment Application. The majority of these appointments are volunteer positions, representative of our citizen government. Most appointees are entitled to
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standard travel expenses and/or per diem to attend meetings and conduct business of the board or commission.
Have you ever considered seeking an appointment from the Governor? Appointments • Phone: (512) 463-1828 • Fax: (512) 475-2576 • Address:1100 San Jacinto Austin, Texas 78701
APPLICATION PROCESS
1. How to Apply for a Position on a Board or Commission. The Governor's Office encourages all Texans to participate in Texas government and seeks the most qualified candidates for appointed positions. Please follow the instructions on the Appointments Application page. After completing the application, send it, along with a resume and photograph, to the Governor's Appointments Office. The photograph does not need to be studio quality; it is for office use only. For judicial appointments, a completedJudicial Questionnaire is required as well. When we receive your application, you will be sent an acknowledgment. Your name will be entered into the appointments system. Any additional information received from you or from others relative to your appointment will be kept in your file. If we need additional information, we will contact you. Applicants may be asked to come to Austin for a personal interview with the Director of Appointments or an Appointments Manager. A current Appointment Application is required for consideration of any candidate seeking appointment by Governor Abbott. The certification portion of the application must be signed before any candidate can be considered for an appointment.
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Please note: Any information within the file is subject to the Public Information Act. This means that anyone requesting copies of the information in your file or requesting to view your file will be provided access to the information. A resume is required, and is not a substitute for the information requested on the form.
2. Letters of Recommendation A letter of recommendation is not required; however, if there are people who would like to express their support for you, you may ask them to send letters of endorsement to the Governor's Appointments Office. Please request no more than three to five letters. 3. The Process after Submission of Application When it is time for the Governor to make an appointment in which you have expressed interest, the Appointments Office reviews statutory requirements that pertain to the appointment and gathers information on professional or personal experience necessary or preferable for the position. We also look at the composition of the current board. The background and qualifications of all applicants are then reviewed. For a majority of appointments, a potential nominee must be approved by his or her Senator prior to formal appointment by the Governor. Recommendations are made to the Governor, who makes the final decision.
4. Openings on Boards and Commissions The List of Appointments details the entities to which the Governor makes appointments. Most boards and commissions have 6-year staggered terms, with one third of the members' terms expiring every two years. The majority of gubernatorial appointments expire in odd-numbered years, with many of these occurring in the first three months. The Texas Constitution provides that appointees with expired terms continue to serve until they are reappointed or replaced. Vacancies can occur at any time due to a resignation or death of an appointee. 5. Senate Confirmation The appointments process for the majority of boards and commissions, by virtue of the proce-
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dure prescribed in the Constitution of the State of Texas, requires that the nomination of a person by the Governor be confirmed by the Texas Senate. The Senate considers the confirmation of an appointment when they are in session, which is every odd-numbered year, or when the Governor calls a Special Session. 6. Disclosure of Personal Finances after Appointment to a Board or Commission Many boards require the disclosure of personal financial information. Many require a nominee to file a Personal Financial Statement (PFS) with the Ethics Commission prior to Senate confirmation.
7. Qualified Appointees Most of the appointments require the appointee to be a qualified voter. A "qualified voter" is defined as a person who: 1. Is 18 years of age or older 2. Is a United States citizen 3. Has not been adjudged mentally incompetent by a court 4. Has not been convicted of a felony (fulfillment of sentence and pardon exceptions available) 5. Is a resident of Texas 6. Is a registered voter 8. Appointments of State Employees to Boards and Commissions In most cases, state law provides that a state employee may not be appointed to a board or commission. However, there are some boards or commissions which require that a state employee be designated.
9. The Number of Boards or Commissions to Which One May Apply You may apply to as many boards as you wish. You should be specific as possible regarding your interests in the "State Board(s), Commission(s), or Task Forces of Interest to You" section. Your file will remain active during the Abbott Administration, but should be updated if you move, change employer, etc.
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DECEMBER 2015
On Thursday, December 31, 2015 Grammywinning singer Natalie Cole passed away at the age of 65. Natalie Cole was the daughter of legendary singer Nat King Cole.
On Sunday, December 27, 2015 Meadowlark “Clown Prince� Lemon passed away at the age of 83. Meadowlark Lemon entertained millions around the world during his time on the court with the Harlem Globetrotters.
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama dance with a stormrooper and R2-D2 from Star Wars in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House, Dec. 18, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)
President Barack Obama participates in a counterterrorism threat briefing at the National Counterterrorism Center in McLean, Va., Dec. 17, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
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Newly naturalized citizens wave American flags after taking the Oath of Allegiance during a naturalization ceremony at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., Dec. 15, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) On December 12, 2015 Audrey Lawson the wife of more than 61 years to the Rev. Bill Lawson, Pastor Emeritus of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church passed away at the age of 83. Audrey Lawson was actively involved in the church, and community at large. She was also a mother of four (Melanie, Cheryl, Eric and Roxanne, grandmother to Robyn and Raven Trump). She will be missed by the entire Houston community.
President Barack Obama greets Kenmore Middle School eighth-grader Sofia Rios and the other stage participants prior to a bill signing ceremony for S. 1177, Every Student Succeeds Act, in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building South Court Auditorium, Dec. 10, 2015. Standing with Rios from left, Education Secretary Arne
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Duncan; Lily Eskelsen GarcĂa, President, National Education Association; Todd Rokita, R-Ind.; Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore.; and House Education Committee Chairman John Kline, R-Minn. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) On Wednesday, December 9, 2015, Governor Greg Abbott appointed Loretta Bradley, Brenda Compagnone and Christopher Taylor to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors for terms set to expire on February 1, 2021. The board has licensing, examination and rulemaking responsibilities in the field of professional counseling.
NOVEMBER 2015
President Barack Obama, Secretary of State John Kerry and other heads of state and delegations, observe a minute of silence for the Paris attack victims during the opening ceremony of the 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21), at the Parc des Expositions du Bourget in Le Bourget, Paris, France, Nov. 30, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
President Barack Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia participate in the annual Na-
tional Thanksgiving Turkey pardon ceremony in the Rose Garden of the White House, Nov. 25, 2015. National Turkey Federation Chairman Jihad Douglas participates. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
On Monday, November 23, 2015, Governor Greg Abbott appointed Mary Louise Albritton of Fort Worth, Jenni Hord of Midland and Amy Warren of Dallas to Humanities Texas for terms to expire on December 31, 2016. As the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, they conduct and support public programs in history, literature, philosophy, and the other humanities disciplines. These programs strengthen Texas communities by cultivating the knowledge and judgment that representative democracy demands of its citizens. Humanities Texas is one of fifty-six nonprofit state and jurisdictional humanities councils in the United States. They are a nonprofit educational organization founded in 1973 and are supported by appropriations from the U.S. Congress and the state of Texas and by gifts and grants from foundations, corporations, and individuals.
President Barack Obama visits a Dignity for Children Foundation classroom in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Nov. 21, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
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President Barack Obama meets with President Vladimir Putin of Russia on the sidelines of the G20 Summit at Regnum Carya Resort in Antalya, Turkey, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015. National Security Advisior Susan E. Rice listens at left. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) On Friday, November 13, 2015, Governor Greg Abbott issued a statement following a series of terrorist attacks in Paris, France:“Today’s despicable attacks in France are an assault to all of humanity, and the world must unite to condemn acts of terrorism on every front. My office has been in contact with DPS and federal authorities who will continue to monitor the situation in Texas. Additionally, I have spoken with the Consulate General of France in Houston to offer any and all assistance on behalf of the State of Texas. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the victims and all those affected in France tonight." On Tuesday, November 10, 2015, Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker Joe Straus named their respective appointees to the newly created Texas Commission on Next Generation Assessments and Accountability. House Bill 2804 authorized the creation of the commission with the purpose of developing and making recommendations for new systems of student assessment and public school accountability no later than September 1, 2016. HERE ARE THEIR APPOINTEES: Gover-
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nor Abbott has appointed and named Mike Morath of Dallas as Presiding Officer. Additionally, he appointed Andrew Kim, Theresa Trevino and Quinton Vance. Lieutenant Governor Patrick appointed Kim Alexander, Paul Castro and Michael K. McLendon. Speaker Straus appointed Pauline Dow, Maria Hernandez Ferrier and Catherine Susser.
On Thursday, November 5, 2015, Governor Greg Abbott appointed Bob Leonard of San Antonio, Rayito Stephens of Pearland and reappointed T.J. Turner of Austin to the Texas Real Estate Commission for terms set to expire on January 31, 2021. The commission's primary purpose is to protect the public in its dealings with real estate brokers and salespersons. On Wednesday, November 4, 2015, Governor Greg Abbott named Coalter Baker of Austin as presiding officer of the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy. Additionally, he appointed Ben Pena of Harlingen, Rosie Morris, PhD, of San Marcos, Kimberly Wilkerson of Lubbock, Timothy LaFrey of Austin and Ross T. Johnson of Houston to the Board for terms set to expire on January 31, 2021. The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy protects the public by ensuring that persons issued certificates as certified public accountants (CPAs) possess the necessary education, skills and capabilities and that they perform competently in the profession of public accountancy.
On November 1, 2015 Fred Thompson, a former Republican U.S. senator from Tennessee passed away at the age of 73. He was born in 1942 and will be missed his family, fans of “Law & Order,� and constituents.
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OCTOBER 2015
President Barack Obama visits with Ella Harper Rhodes, daughter of Ben Rhodes, Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications, in the Oval Office, Oct. 30, 2015. Ella is in costume for the White House Halloween celebration event. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden react after Prince Harry of Wales hands the First Lady a ball that came to him while watching a wheelchair basketball game in the field house at Fort Belvoir, Va., Oct. 28, 2015. Their visit to Fort Belvoir is in support of the Joining Forces initiative and the Invictus Games. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)
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President Barack Obama holds two youngsters while posing for a photo with them during halftime of the Chicago Bulls-Cleveland Cavaliers basketball game at the United Center in Chicago, Ill., Oct. 27, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) On Tuesday, October 20, 2015, Governor Greg Abbott appointed J.B. Smith of Lufkin to the Texas Crime Stoppers Council for a term set to expire on September 1, 2017. The Texas Crime Stoppers Council advises the Governor on crime stoppers programs in Texas and certifies local crime stopper programs in order for them to receive payments of rewards or payments of probation fees establishes by the Code of Criminal Procedure.
On Tuesday, October 6, 2015, Governor Greg Abbott appointed Jennifer “Jenny” Downing Yoakum of Longview, Rebecca “Suzette” Tijerina of Castle Hills and Isaac “Chip” Thornsburg of San Antonio to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy for terms set to expire August 31, 2021. The Texas State Board of Pharmacy fosters the provision of quality pharmaceutical care to the citizens of Texas and regulates the practice of pharmacy in accordance with the highest standards of ethics, accountability, efficiency, effectiveness and openness. On Friday, October 2, 2015, Governor Greg Abbott announced the award of $133 million in criminal justice and victim services grants to local law enforcement agencies, domestic violence
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shelters, child sex trafficking victims programs and other governmental and non-profit agencies across Texas. The grants include both state and federal funds administered by the Criminal Justice Division of the Governor’s Office and are part of the Governor’s efforts to implement his “Bicentennial Blueprint” policy plans for the state.
SEPTEMBER 2015
President Barack Obama kisses Wynetta Beamer, grandmother of SPC Heidi Sanders, directly behind the President, during a greet with wounded warriors and their families during their tour of the White House, in the East Room, Sept. 30, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
On Tuesday, September 22, 2015 Yogi Berra passed away at the age of 90. The Hall of Fame will forever be remembered for the 10 World Series championships he amassed with the New York Yankees. On Monday, September 21, 2015 Governor Greg Abbott reappointed Tilman Fertitta and Beth Madison, and appointed Gerald McElvy to the University of Houston System Board of Regents for terms to expire on August 31, 2021.
President Barack Obama greets Alya Dorelien Bitar, the one-year-old daughter of Maher Bitar, the outgoing National Security Council Director for Israeli and Palestinian Affairs, and his wife, Astrid Dorelien, during a family photo in the Oval Office, Sept. 21, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
On Sunday, September 13, 2015 Hall of Famer and three-time NBA MVP Moses Malone passed away at the age of 60. Moses Malone was a five-time All Star during the six seasons he played with the Houston Rockets.
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AUGUST 2015
On Monday, August 31, 2015, Governor Greg Abbott appointed Ed Robertson of Pflugerville and has reappointed David Gutierrez of Belton to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles for terms set to expire Feb. 1, 2021. The governor additionally designated Gutierrez as presiding officer. The Board makes parole decisions for Texas prison inmates, determines conditions for parole and mandatory supervision, and makes recommendations on clemency matters to the governor.
President Barack Obama greets five-monthold Davida Asen and her mother Rebecca Watson in the Outer Oval Office, Aug. 28, 2015. Rebecca's brother-in-law, Jonathan Asen, Office of Legislative Affairs, brought his family to have departure photos taken with the President. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) On August 27, 2015 Darryl “Chocolate Thunder� Dawkins passed away at the age of 58. The Philadelphia 76ers center is part of the reason the NBA now uses breakaway rims.
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President Barack Obama greets a youngster during a walk through the TremĂŠ neighborhood of New Orelans, La., with Mayor Mitch Landrieu, left, Aug. 27, 2015. The area experienced significant flooding during Hurricane Katrina ten years ago. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
President Barack Obama greets the 2014 WNBA Champion Phoenix Mercury players, coaches and leadership in the State Dining Room prior to an event to honor the team and their victory in the WNBA Finals, Aug. 26, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
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On Sunday, August 9, 2015 Pro Football Hall of Famer Frank Gifford passed away at the age of 84. Gifford was a long time fixture inside the “Monday Night Football” also helped to lead the New York Giants to the 1956 NFL title.
Attorney General Loretta Lynch clasps hands with Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., as President Barack Obama recognizes them during his remarks to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building South Court Auditorium, Aug. 6, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) On Wednesday, August 5, 2015, Governor Greg Abbott released the following statement after the Fifth Circuit Court issued its decision on Texas’ voter ID law: “In light of ongoing voter fraud, it is imperative that Texas has a voter ID law that prevents cheating at the ballot box. Texas will continue to fight for its voter ID requirement to ensure the integrity of elections in the Lone Star State.”
JULY 2015
President Barack Obama gets a hug from Johnsenia Brooks after a group photo with Ameri-
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can Legion Girls Nation delegates in the East Room of the White House, July 30, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
On Monday, July 27, 2015 Governor Greg Abbott appointed Steve Gilman, Beckie Stockstill Cobb and Yusuf Farran to the Credit Union Commission for terms set to expire on February 1, 2021.
On July 26, 2015 Bobby Kristina Brown, daughter of legendary singer Whitney Houston passed away at the age of 22 in Peachtree Christian Hospice in Duluth, Georgia.
On Wednesday, July 22, 2015 Governor Greg Abbott issued the following statement regarding the ongoing investigation into the arrest and death of Sandra Bland in Waller County: “Our hearts and prayers remain with the Bland family for their tragic loss. The family deserves answers. The Texas Rangers, working in coordination with the FBI, will conduct a full and thorough investigation that will deliver those answers and work toward the ultimate goal of ensuring justice in this case."
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President Barack Obama talks with Jon Stewart between segments of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart in New York, N.Y., July 21, 2105. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
President Barack Obama talks with Iowa Healthy Lunchtime Challenge winner Mary McFetridge and her mother Colleen Kinney during the Kids' State Dinner in the East Room of the White House, July 10, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
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JUNE 2015
On Monday, June 29, 2015 Governor Greg Abbott appointed Kenny Koncaba and reappointed Brad Boney to the Board of Pilot Commissioners for Galveston County Ports for terms to expire on February 1st, 2019.
President Barack Obama hugs Kristie Canegallo, Deputy Chief of Staff, and Vice President Joe Biden hugs Chief of Staff Denis McDonough as they celebrate the Supreme Court ruling on Affordable Care Act subsidies in the Oval Office, June 25, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
President Barack Obama shows Soleil Malveaux Jean-Pierre a floral arrangement in the Blue Room of the White House prior to a reception to observe LGBT Pride Month in the East Room, June 24, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
On Monday, June 15, 2015, Governor Greg Abbott hosted a bill signing ceremony at Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) in Austin, TX where he ceremonially signed into law HB 32 (D. Bonnen, R-Angleton; Nelson, R-Flower Mound), which will permanently reduce the business franchise tax by 25 percent. Governor Abbott also highlighted several bills that he signed into law to reduce the property tax burden on homeowners, eliminate occupational licensing fees for more than 600,000 Texas professionals, and increase transparency to hold local taxing districts more accountable to voters.
MAY 2015
On Monday, May 18, 2015 Governor Greg Abbott appointed Martha Leigh Whitten, George W. Russell, Joseph M. “Joe” Crane and Charles Barton “Bart” Johnson to the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) Board of Directors, and reappointed current board member Lori A. Berger for terms to expire February 1, 2021. On May 14, 2015 B.B. King, one of the greatest singers-of-the-blues of our time passed away at the age of 89. King was a 15-time Grammy winner. King was born in 1925.
President Barack Obama greets 107 year-old Retired Army Lt. Col. Luta Mae Cornelius McGrath, a World War II veteran, after a Memorial Day ceremony at the Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Amphitheater in Arlington, Va., May 25, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
On Tuesday, May 5, 2015 Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Judge Debra Ibarra Mayfield as judge of the 165th Judicial District Court in Harris County for a term to expire at the next general election in November 2016.
APRIL 2015
On Thursday, April 30, 2015, First Lady Cecilia Abbott, along with Governor Greg Abbott and the Governor’s Commission for Women, hosted a luncheon to honor the women members of the 84th Texas Legislature and thank them for their leadership and commitment to Texas. On April 30, 2015 famed soloist and former lead singer for the Drifters Ben E. King passed away at the age of 76. He is remembered for such hits as “Stand by Me,” and “There Goes My Baby.” He died of natural causes. On April 14, 2015 Percy Sledge, the soul singer who brought us, “When a Man Loves a Woman,” passed away at the age of 74. He will surely be missed by his fans.
On April 2, 2015 Rev. Robert H. Schuller passed away at the age of 88. Rev. Schuller was the founder of the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California. He was also a motivational speaker and author.
MARCH 2015
On Monday, March 23, 2015 Governor Greg Abbott appointed Charles M. Barnard of Wichita Falls as judge of the 89th District Court of Wichita County. He replaced Judge Mark Price, who passed away in February, for a term to expire at the next general election in November 2016. First Lady Michelle Obama snuggles against President Barack Obama before a videotaping in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White
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House, March 27, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)
President Barack Obama jokes with Anne Ha of Philadelphia, Pa., and other guests backstage prior to an event marking the fifth anniversary of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and kick-off of the Health Care Payment Learning and Action Network, in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building South Court Auditorium, March 25, 2015. Ha, who
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signed up for health insurance though the Affordable Care Act and was later diagnosed with cancer, attributes the insurance with saving her life. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
On Tuesday, March 17, 2015, Governor Greg Abbott announced the reappointment of Arthur Roger Matson of Georgetown to the Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners Board, an organization charged with protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the people of Texas. On March 8, 2015 Sam Simon passed away at the age of 59. Simon was a co-creator of hit cartoon “The Simpsons,�. He was also philanthropist and animal-rights advocate.
FEBRUARY 2015
On February 28, 2015 Leonard Nimoy, the actor known as Mr. Spock passed away. He was born in 1931. On February 27, 2015 Hall of Famer Earl Lloyd passed away at the age of 86. Lloyd was the first black player in NBA history. On Tuesday, February 24, 2015, Governor Greg Abbott announced the appointment of Christi Craddick to serve as his designee to the Southern States Energy Board for a term to expire at the pleasure of the Governor.
On February 18, 2015 former NBA Champion Jerome Kersey passed away at the age of 52. He also played for the Portland Trail Blazers and helped them to advance to the NBA Finals twice. On Friday, February 13, 2015, Governor Greg Abbott announced the appointments of J. Bruce Bugg Jr. of San Antonio and Tryon Dexter Lewis of Odessa to the Texas Transportation Commission, which governs the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for terms to expire February 1, 2021.
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President Barack Obama presents the First Lady with a Valentine's Day card on the State Floor of the White House before the President departed on a five-day trip to California, Feb. 12, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)
On Thursday, February 12, 2015, Governor Greg Abbott joined a coalition of 24 governors in sending a letter to President Barack Obama encouraging the President to reconsider his threat to veto legislation approving the Keystone XL
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pipeline. Legislation authorizing the pipeline recently passed with bipartisan votes in both chambers of Congress.
On February 11, 2015 Bob Simon a long time “60 Minutes� correspondent died in a car crash. He was 73 years age at the time of his death. Simon is perhaps best remembered for the overseas conflicts he covered.
President Barack Obama greets nurse Amber Vinson and other Ebola survivors in the vestibule of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building South Court Auditorium, prior to giving remarks on America's leadership in the Ebola fight, Feb. 11, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
On February 7, 2015, Dean Smith a legendary basketball coach passed away at the age of 83. Smith is best remembered for being the winningest coach in college basketball. He coached the Tar Heels. However, he also lead the United States Olympic Team to a gold medal at the 1976 Summer Games in Montreal.
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President Barack Obama and Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson walk between buildings during a tour and budget remarks at the Department of Homeland Security in Washington, D.C., Feb. 2, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
JANUARY 2015
On Friday, January 30, 2015 Governor Greg Abbott announced the restructuring of key Governor’s Office divisions to increase the agency’s focus on economic development and job creation. Under the restructuring announced, the Texas Film Commission, the Texas Music Office, the Women’s Commission and the Workforce Investment Council now reports to the Director of Economic Development. This move was designed to align these divisions under the Economic Development Director so that each of the agencies is sharply focused on advancing the Governor’s job-creation agenda. Along with the restructuring, Governor Abbott also formally announced the appointment of Bryan Daniel as Director of Economic Development and Tourism. On Tuesday, January 27, 2015, Governor Greg Abbott released the following statement regarding the decision to allow legal proceedings against former Governor Rick Perry to move forward: “The Texas governor is endowed by our Constitution with the authority to veto legislation, and it is outrageous and inappropriate that a Governor would be prosecuted for exercising that
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authority. The continued legal proceedings against Governor Perry conflict with the authority granted to all Governors by the Texas Constitution, and I trust they will be ultimately resolved in a manner consistent with the Constitution.� On Thursday, January 22, 2015, Governor Greg Abbott appointed two new members, Christopher Huckabee and Ron Hammonds, and reappointed Mickey Long to the Texas Tech University Board of Regents. On January 23, 2015 King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia passed away at the age of 90. He was born in 1924, lived a full life, and will forever be remembered for his efforts to modernize Saudi Arabia.
On January 23, 2015 Chicago Cubs fans lost a great one when Ernie Banks passed away at the age of 83. He died of a heart attack at a Chicago hospital.
President Barack Obama greets 103-yearold Civil Rights legend Amelia Boynton Robinson with Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Ala., at the U.S. Capitol before delivering the State of the Union address in the House Chamber in Washington, D.C., Jan. 20, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
President Barack Obama acknowledges applause before he delivers the State of the Union address in the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Jan. 20, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) On January, 4, 2015 Stuart Scott pasted away at the age of 49. Scott was perhaps best known as a trendy longtime “SportsCenter� anchor who used many memorable catch phrases to get his on-air points across.
On January 1, 2015 former three term governor of New York Mario M. Cuomo passed away at the age of 82. Cuomo will perhaps be remembered most for his liberal views.
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God will indeed prosper what He has in mind for us if we yield our mind, body, spirit, soul, and resources to His will and purpose for us individually and corporately. So let’s shake them haters off and listen to the spirit of God as He orders our steps and imparts into us ”ALL” the wisdom, discernment, favor and grace we need to change lives and claim more territory for the KINGDOM with a more potent GROUND-GAME.
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DON’T FORGET TO VOTE ON TUES., MARCH 1, 2016
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KERYL L. DOUGLAS for JUSTICE OF THE PEACE Precinct 7, Place 1
"A Judge You can TRUST!"
* Just * Fair * Honest * Principled * Accessible
DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY ELECTION - Tuesday, March 1, 2016
"K.D. for J.P." "Restoring JUSTICE and INTEGRITY to Our Courts"
Pol. Ad. paid for by Keryl L. Douglas in compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act. Campaign Treasurer, Attorney Robert E. Williams II.