Inside:
KERYL DOUGLAS
FOR JUSTICE
OF THE PEACE Precinct 7, Place 1
THIS EDITION IS MADE POSSIBLE BY SUPPORT FROM THE KERYL L. DOUGLAS CAMPAIGN.
GROUND-GAME MAGAZINE
PEOPLE FEATURED INSIDE THIS ISSUE!
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“PUTTING PEOPLE OVER POLITICS IN 2016”
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“NO”AMERICAN LEF
ME MAGAZINE
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FT BEHIND SERIES...
THERESA
Hearn-Haynes
for STATE
REPRESENTATIVE HOUSE DISTRICT 150
A Voice for the Voiceless... ...A Servant for the People!
2016
Republican Primary
Tuesday, March 1, 2016 Early Voting: Feb.16TH - 26TH
“I am, and have been an entrepreneur since 1978.”
PAID POLITICAL AD BY THERESA HEARN-HAYNES CAMPAIGN
Theresa Hearn-Haynes for State Representative House District 150
A Voice for the Voiceless... ...A Servant for the People! NO MORE Property Taxes for Our Senior Citizens
NO MORE Property Taxes for Widows of Disabled Veterans Regardless of Percent Disability NO MORE Genetically Modified Foods (GMO)
MEMBERSHIPS
Association of Women Attorneys American Bar Association National Bar Association Federal Indian Bar Association
COMMUNITY
Navy Sea Cadet Officer, -- United States Navy (2002 – Present) Akins Army Consumer Advocate, -- Channel 2 (2003 – 2005) Wild Heather Civic Association – Past President
Past President of the Southside Community Improvement Association -- 33 different civic clubs on the south side of Houston
PAID POLITICAL AD BY THERESA HEARN-HAYNES CAMPAIGN
Theresa Hearn-Haynes is Asking for Your Vote
THERESA IS COMMITTED to protecting our environment as our next House District 150 State Representative.
THERESA IS COMMITTED to protecting our border, and keeping illegals out as our next House District 150 State Rep.
THERESA IS COMMITTED to getting video cameras inside courtrooms throughout the state of Texas.
THERESA IS COMMITTED to establishing a Citizens Review Board to hear complaints against attorneys and judges throughout the state of Texas.
THERESA IS COMMITTED to establishing equality in criminal sentencing in jurisdictions throughout Texas.
THERESA IS COMMITTED to increasing teacher salaries throughout the state of Texas when she’s elected.
THERESA IS COMMITTED to creating a better free breakfast program in schools throughout the state of Texas.
THERESA IS COMMITTED to revising the Texas Education Curriculum for the betterment of current and future generations of Texas students.
THERESA IS COMMITTED to decreasing the Insurance Rates for Windstorm, Homeowner and Automobile Policies throughout the entire state of Texas.
THERESA IS COMMITTED to establishing a better, more affordable and accessible Health Care System in Texas. * Implementation of alternative health care into health insurance plans, i.e., naturopathic doctors, acupuncturist, any natural
health providers who are not included in health insurance policies is very important.
THERESA IS COMMITTED to pushing legislation for strict penalties and/or fines for “Slander of the Law” * Slander of the law means degrading, demeaning, or causing a person to feel less than, provoking others to anger. THERESA IS COMMITTED to pushing legislation “AGAINST” negative (Slanderous) campaign advertising in Texas.
Theresa Hearn-Haynes is Proven & Experienced
Theresa will bring her extensive experience in operations management, driving revenue growth and profit to the Texas House of Representatives.
* University of Tulsa School of Law (20082009) Legal Research/Assistant Professor
* Robert Hodge and Associates (1984-1986) Law Clerk * University Savings (1981-1983) Branch Relief Manager
Educational Background
* University of Tulsa, College of Law (20082009) LL.M (Master of Laws) in Federal Indian and Indigenous Law * South Texas College of Law (1986) Doctor of Jurisprudence
* University of Houston Law Center (1997) Certification in Mediation and Dispute Resolution
* University of Iowa (1981) Studies in Preventative Medicine and Environmental Health * University of Illinois (1975) Received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology
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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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832.212.8735
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DON’T FORGET TO VOTE ON TUES., MARCH 1, 2016
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“God’s Plan is Unfolding!”
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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Important 2016 Election Dates
Tuesday, March 1, 2016 - Mark your calendar for the 2016 Democratic and Republican Primaries.
Friday, January 1, 2016*
First Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail (NEW LAW: first day of calendar year for ABBM and FPCA) Last Day to Register to Vote
Monday, February 1, 2016
*First day to file does not move because of New Year’s Day holiday. An “Annual ABBM” or FPCA for a January or February 2016 election may be filed earlier, but not earlier than the 60th day before the date of the January or February election.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016* *First business day after Presidents' Day First Day of Early Voting
Friday, February 19, 2016 (NEW LAW: 11th day before election day; ABBM and FPCA) Last Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail (Received, not Postmarked)
Friday, February 26, 2016 Last Day of Early Voting
Last day to Receive Ballot by Mail Tuesday, March 1, 2016 (election day) at 7:00 p.m. (unless overseas deadline applies).
*Aubrey R. Taylor Communications is the publisher of GroundGame Magazine® and Houston Business Connections Newspaper. No information contained herein may be reprinted or published in any form without our expressed written permission.
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
NEW LAWS EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2016
REP. SENFRONIA THOMPSON'S NEW LANDLORD LIABILITY ACT BECOMES LAW : HB 1510 Gives Texans A Second Chance
Landlords who rent or lease to someone with a criminal record will, on January 1, 2016, have limited liability protection from lawsuits thanks to House Bill 1510 passed by Rep. Senfronia Thompson. Having a stable place to live is one of the most critical factors in preventing recidivism and parole violations and will give ex-offenders a second chance on becoming productive citizens. HELPING BUSINESSES
For tax reports due on or after January 1, 2016, businesses with a total revenue of $20 million, instead of $10 million, will now be able to use
PAID POL. AD BY SENFRONIA THOMPSON CAMPAIGN
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fxÇyÜÉÇ|t
Longest Serving Woman in the Legislature
the E-Z computation, helping more businesses reduce compliance costs. The franchise tax rate on businesses using the E-Z computation will also be reduced from 0.575 to 0.331 percent of the business' apportioned total revenue. In addition, the franchise tax rate of a business' taxable margin is reduced from 1 percent to 0.75 percent and the franchise tax on retailers is reduced from 0.5 percent to 0.375 percent of the taxable margin. Although these tax reliefs do not directly impact individuals, the intent to reduce the franchise tax rate is to attract more outof-state businesses to Texas which, in turn, creates thousands of new jobs. GUNS: OPEN CARRY
Beginning January 1, 2016,Texans with a concealed handgun license will be able to openly carry their handgun in a shoulder or belt holster, joining forty-four other states that already allow open carry of handguns. License handgun owners will still be prohibited from carrying their handguns in certain places where concealed carry is prohibited. Individuals and businesses retain their right to prohibit handguns on their property by posting proper notice. The offense is a class A misdemeanor if the handgun license holder fails to leave the property after entering and receiving oral notice that remaining on the property is forbidden. It is also a class A misdemeanor for a license holder to openly carry a handgun on a college or university campus. Handgun license instructors are required to include instructions on how-to-use restraint holsters and other methods of securely carrying an open handgun. HELPING BUSINESSES
For tax reports due on or after January 1, 2016, businesses with a total revenue of $20 million, instead of $10 million, will now be able to
use the E-Z computation, helping more businesses reduce compliance costs. The franchise tax rate on businesses using the E-Z computation will also be reduced from 0.575 to 0.331 percent of the business' apportioned total revenue. In addition, the franchise tax rate of a business' taxable margin is reduced from 1 percent to 0.75 percent and the franchise tax on retailers is reduced from 0.5 percent to 0.375 percent of the taxable margin. Although these tax reliefs do not directly impact individuals, the intent to reduce the franchise tax rate is to attract more outof-state businesses to Texas which, in turn, creates thousands of new jobs. MORE SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES TO CHOOSE FROM
Texans will have more choices to choose from when it comes to picking out their license plates. Several specialty license plates will become effective January 1, 2016. The list includes specialty plates for Texas Juneteenth and to honor recipients of the Commendation Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Combat Action Badge, Medal, or Ribbon and the 36th Infantry Division. Specialty license plates will also be available for retired United States armed forces, the Texas National Guard, and the Texas State Guard regardless of how long they had served. Also available will be K9s4COPs license plates to honor police dogs, "In God We Trust" license plates and specialty plates for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement will also be required to develop training for peace officers on interacting with drivers who are deaf or hard of hearing.
fxÇyÜÉÇ|t Rep. Senfronia Thompson, District 141
ON THE BLOCK
...Because No American Should Be Left Behind WE MUST GET EX-FELONS, OTHER POTENTIAL VOTERS OFF THE SIDELINES AND INTO THE GAME IN 2016 By Aubrey R. Taylor Publisher of GROUND-GAME MAGAZINE®
The current political landscape in America (in general), and Texas (in particular) could be drastically changed if ex-felons were informed and made aware of the fact that their rights are fully restored once they fully complete all required portions of their sentences.
Contrary to popular belief, people who have served time in county jails, state jails, as well as state or federal prisons (in Texas) “DO INDEED” have a right to vote in citywide, gubernatorial, and presidential elections. However, this is not something that’s widely publicized or promoted through other media outlets, but this is why GROUNDGAME MAGAZINE® is being published.
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FORMER REPUBLICAN GOV. GEORGE W. BUSH WHO ALSO ROSE TO BECOME PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES SIGNED THIS INTO LAW
Thanks to a bill signed by former President George W. Bush – back in 1997 when he was Governor of Texas, the two-year waiting period after completion of their (felony conviction) to regain their right to vote was lifted for ex-felons. According to research, an estimated 5.3 million Americans, or one in forty-one adults, have cur-
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ON THE BLOCK rently or permanently lost their voting rights as a result of a felony conviction.
Get this, over 1.4 million African American men, or what would amount to 13% of the black male population, are being affected by this epidemic. African American men are being affected by this epidemic at a rate that’s seven times the national average according to research.
SOMETHING MUST BE DONE
I bet you didn’t know that the outlook for the next generation of black males isn’t looking very good these days. Many black males will have their lives negatively impacted as they are destined to become voiceless members of society if something isn’t done to curb the rate at which they are being disproportionately given felony convictions (for sometimes petty crimes or trumped up charges) in America. According to statistics, three out of every ten of the next generation of black males can expect to be deemed ineligible to vote due to trouble with the law during some point in their lifetime. In some states in America, where felons can’t vote, more than 40% of black men may permanently lose their right to vote if something is not done.
THIS ISN’T JUST A BLACK EPIDEMIC
Don’t sit back and think of this as a black problem; it’s estimated that over 5.3 million Americans, that’s about one in forty-one adult Americans, have currently or permanently lost their voting rights due to being convicted of a felony.
AMERICA AT A GLANCE
Alabama: In 2003, Governor Riley signed into law a bill that permits most felons to apply for a certificate of eligibility to register to vote after completing their sentence. Connecticut: In 2001, Governor Rowland signed into law a bill that extends voting rights to felons on probation. At that time, the law was expected to make 36,000 persons eligible to vote.
Delaware: In 2000, the General Assembly passed a constitutional amendment restoring voting rights to some ex-felons five years after the completion of their sentence. Iowa: Governor Vilsack issued an executive order in 2005 automatically restoring the voting rights of all ex-felons, a process that will continue on a monthly basis upon the completion of sentence.
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ON THE BLOCK Kansas: In 2002, the legislature added probationers to the category of excluded felons.
Kentucky: In 2001, the legislature passed a bill that requires that the Department of Corrections inform and aid eligible offenders in completing the restoration process to regain their civil rights.
Maryland: In 2002, the legislature repealed its lifetime ban on two-time ex-felons (with the exception of felons with two violent convictions) and imposed a three-year waiting period after completion of sentence before rights can be restored. Massachusetts: In 2000, the Massachusetts electorate voted in favor of a constitutional amendment, which strips persons incarcerated for a felony offense of their right to vote.
Nebraska: In 2005, the Legislature repealed the lifetime ban on all felons and replaced it with a two-year post-sentence ban.
Nevada: In 2003, the state approved a provision to automatically restore voting rights for firsttime nonviolent felons immediately after completion of sentence.
New Mexico: In 2001, the Legislature adopted a bill repealing the state’s lifetime ban on ex-felon voting. In 2005, a bill was passed that requires the Department of Corrections to provide notification of completion of sentence to the Secretary of State’s office. Pennsylvania: A Commonwealth Court restored the right to vote to thousands of ex-felons who, as a result, were entitled to vote in the 2000 presidential election. Rhode Island: In 2006, Rhode Island voters approved a referendum to amend the state constitution and restore voting rights to persons currently serving a sentence of probation or parole.
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ON THE BLOCK Tennessee: In 2006, the Tennessee legislature amended the country’s most complex restoration system by greatly simplifying the procedure. All persons convicted of a felony (except electoral or serious violent offenses) are now eligible to have their right to vote restored upon completion of sentence and may apply for a “certificate of restoration” from the Board of Probation and Parole. All applicants must also satisfy any court-ordered restitution or child support obligations. Texas: In 1997, the Texas Legislature passed a bill, signed by Governor George W. Bush, eliminating the two-year waiting period after completion of sentence before individuals can regain their right to vote. Utah: In 1998, Utah voters approved an amendment prohibiting persons incarcerated for a felony conviction from voting.
Virginia: The Virginia legislature passed a law in 2000 enabling certain ex-felons to apply to the circuit court for the restoration of their voting rights five years after the completion of their sentence; those convicted of felony drug offenses must wait seven years after completion. The circuit court’s decisions are subject to the Governor’s approval.
Wyoming: In 2003, Governor Freudenthal signed a bill to allow people convicted of a nonviolent first-time felony to apply for restoration of voting rights five years after completion of sentence.
Sources: Jamie Fellner and Marc Mauer, Losing the Vote: The Impact of Felony Disenfranchisement Laws in the United States, Human Rights; Watch, The Sentencing Project, October 1998; Patricia Allard and Marc Mauer, Regaining the Vote: An Assessment of Activity Relating to Felon
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Disenfranchisement Laws, The Sentencing Project, January 2000, updates by The Sentencing Project, and Jeff Manza and Christopher Uggen; Locked Out: Felony Disenfranchisement and American Democracy, 2006
HELP US SPREAD THE WORD
Pursuant to Section 11.002 of the Texas Election Code (the “Code”), once a felon has successfully completed his or her punishment, including any term of incarceration, parole, supervision, period of probation, or has been pardoned, then that person is immediately eligible to register to vote.
FINAL FELONY CONVICTIONS
Please help those you know who may be in trouble with the law understand that a conviction on appeal is not considered a final felony conviction. Please inform others that a “Deferred adjudication” is not considered a final felony conviction. You can refer them to Article 42.12, Section 5, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Also, please let people know that prosecution, indictment or other criminal procedures leading up to, but not yet resulting in the final conviction, are not final felony convictions.
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION FROM THE TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE
The requirements for voting and candidacy are often confused. Under Texas law, the rules are different for voting and candidacy. Section 141.001 of the Texas Election Code generally provides that to be eligible to be a candidate for, or elected or appointed to, a public elective office, a person must have not been finally convicted of a felony from which the person has not been pardoned or otherwise released from the resulting disabilities. This means there is no automatic restoration of the right to be a candidate, as there is for voting purposes, after a full discharge. Absent a pardon, the candidate must have obtained a judicial release from his or her disabilities in order to run for any office to which this section applies. Similarly, the requirements for voting and for serving on a jury are different. Section 62.102 of the Government Code provides that a person who has been finally convicted of a felony is not eligible to serve on a jury, and that right may not be automatically restored as it is for voters. If you have any questions about these issues, please do not hesitate to contact the Elections Division of the Texas Secretary of State at 1-800-252-2216.
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.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue to earn your trust and support as Judge of Harris County Probate Court No. 1”
--JUDGE LOYD WRIGHT
2018 Gubernatorial Election
2018
www.FairandImpa MIDTERM ELECTION
rtialJustice.com
“We are grateful for your prayers, love, vote, and continued support.�
--Judge John Schmude
2018 Gubernatorial Election
“GET IN THE GAME.”
...Far too many eligible voters are sitting on the sidelines. Let’s play as a team in the 2016 Presidential Election.
33.65%
Only 33.65% of the registered voters in Harris County turned out to vote in the Tuesday, November 4, 2014 Midterm Gubernatorial Election in Harris County.
7.1%
2.70%
Only 7.1% of the registered voters in Harris County chose to vote in the Tuesday, March 4, 2014 Midterm Republican Primary Election in Harris County.
Only 2.70% of the registered voters in Harris County chose to vote in the Tuesday, March 4, 2014 Midterm Democratic Primary Election in Harris County. prov rnout were The above tu
Ha ided by the
Clerk. rris County