Don't Forget To Vote Tuesday! by Aubrey R. Taylor Communications

People On The Move

NEWSPAPER “Why I’m The Best Candidate” - See Page 17

“The Power To Change Our World Is Inside Each of Us!” - Aubrey

AUG. 2012

YOURTHOUGHTMATTERS.COM

MINISTRY ON PAGE - 02

ECONOMICS ON PAGE - 06

OPINIONS ON PAGE - 12

EDITORIAL ON PAGE - 21

THESE INDIVIDUALS ARE INCLUDE IN THIS ISSUE

PUBLIC SERVANT

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20 OBAMA

PUBLIC SERVANT

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ROMNEY

MINISTRY PROFILE

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OSTEEN

MINISTRY PROFILE

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YOUNG

R.W. BRAY: Candidate editorial: “Appeal of a Black Republican” for Harris County voters

BUSINESS PROFILE

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JOHNSON

We Must Be Active Participants In The Process 19

Pastor Ed Young: Accepted Jesus Christ as his savior at the tender age of 12 years old

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18 BRAY

Pastor Joel Osteen: Worked for 17 years behind the scene after attending college

PUBLIC SERVANT

Gov. Mitt Romney: Is the top Republican on the Tuesday, Nov. 6th, 2012 U.S. Pres. Ballot

President Obama: Is the top Democrat on the Tuesday, Nov. 6th, 2012 U.S. Presidential Ballot

ECONOMICS

SEE PAGE

KEEP FLOWING IN THE CURRENT THAT HE’S PROVIDING FOR YOU! -- "Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust in him; and he shall bring it to pass." -- PSALMS 37:5

“I'm praying that God would grant me the wisdom to be able to articulate how important a role our elected leaders play in our daily lives! I mean, we can't even have an intelligent conversation about the future for us or our children without being concerned about who we allow to govern over us! Be praying for me as I continue to walk the path that has been predestined for me to travel. And I'll be careful and diligent to do the same for you! I don’t know what you’ve been called to do; but I do know that God has a plan and AUBREY R.TAYLOR process that will take you to His promise for you. So keep flowing in the current that He’s PRESIDENT provided to take you to what He’s already prepared for you!” -- AUBREY R. TAYLOR

CLINTON

Cornell Johnson: The CandCNet World is the place to go when safety and security matters

Pres. Bill Clinton: Is bringing corporations together to impact lives across America

THE OWEN REPORT

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OWEN

Mayor Allen Owen: Is impacting the quality of life for citizens living in Missouri City, Texas

YOURTHOUGHTMATTERS.COM NEWSPAPER IS PUBLISHED BY AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS. *INDIVIDUALS FEATURED THROUGHOUT THIS NEWSPAPER ARE NOT ASSOCIATED WITH ONE ANOTHER UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

My Strategic Plan

EARLY VOTING BEGINS:

Monday, July 23, 2012

Provided below is a portion of the strategic plan that will be implemented at the outset of Sheriff Guthrie’s Administration. Multilayered in approach, the plan is founded on a singular Vision; to emerge as one of the nation’s preeminent comprehensive law enforcement agencies. This Vision is supported by two fundamental principles that provide the foundation for all activities: Organizational Excellence and Core Values. Once in Office, the Core Values of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office will transform into the following:

EARLY VOTING ENDS:

Friday, July 27, 2012

ELECTION DAY IS:

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Vote for Louis Guthrie in the race for Harris County Sheriff in the Republican Runoff

Excellence

Lead by example Exceed normal expectations Foster teamwork and performance

Commitment

Empower all to act decisively Encourage and reward innovation Cultivate lasting partnerships with our local communities

Courage

Act with conviction Confront all threats to our community with intelligence and vigor Stand firm in the face of danger, placing the safety of others above our own

Integrity

Value unique talents, experiences, and perspectives Demonstrate truthfulness and honesty in all matters Be morally and ethically aware and above reproach at all times regardless of our duty status

Attaining our Vision requires superior and continually improving performance in every area and at every level of the organization; it is a never ending pursuit of excellence. This pursuit requires hiring, developing and retaining a diverse workforce of the highest caliber. Additionally, it requires the implementation of defined metrics and measurements to accurately judge success and provide guidance for adaptation. Lastly, to be truly successful, the organization must be agile enough to evolve along functional lines and capable of implementing innovative technologies and best practices. Therefore, the following keystones will form the foundation and guide rods for our innovative strategic plan. 1. Personnel Development (Recruiting, Retention and Training) 2. Data Driven Policing and Accountability 3. Organizational Structure Based Along Functional Lines 4. Leveraging Technology and Best Practices ------------------------------------------------------------

“Vision is seeing what was there, what is there, and what will be there...Mission is inspiration wrapped up in unyielding commitment to do what is next until what will be...Is.”

LOUIS GUTHRIE IS OUR BEST CHOICE FOR SHERIFF IN THE RUNOFF ELECTION From Humble Beginnings

Louis Guthrie was born and raised in Humble, Texas. His mother, a real estate broker, and his father, a retired State Trooper and businessman, raised Louis to understand the value of hard work, being a good neighbor, and fiscal responsibility. While at Humble High School, Louis lettered in both football and track and was twice elected Class President, as well as Parliamentarian and Vice President of the Future Farmers of America. After graduating from high school with honors courses, Louis continued his education and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Bellevue University in Nebraska, earning the National Dean’s List in his last four semesters. Eager to express his support for our democracy, Louis became a registered voter at the age of 18 and has been an active voter in Republican Primaries and General Elections ever since. Understanding how vitally important it is to support Conservative values; he has worked in many Republican Campaigns in Harris County and throughout Texas. Since the announcement of Rick Perry’s Campaign for US President, Louis is now CO-CHAIR for the Peace Officers for Perry PAC; a national effort to elect a Conservative Republican back to the White House. Louis began working at the Harris County Sheriff’s Office in 1991. While working his way through the ranks to Watch Commander, Louis received multiple commendations for his investigative work as well as community service as a RAD instructor. Louis was honored as a recipient of the “Officer of the Year” award from The 100 Club, as well as the National Sheriffs’ Association “Medal of Merit” for life saving. In 1993, Louis married his beautiful wife, Cheryl. Cheryl, who grew up in Splendora, is the daughter of a retired Peace Officer and has two brothers currently serving in law enforcement.

In 2001, Louis was appointed by the Harris County Commissioners Court and is currently serving as the Vice President of the Harris County Cultural Educational Facilities Finance Corporation. This board receives requests from educational and cultural non-profits, and hospitals, for financing growth and expansion as well as new centers that benefit the citizens of Harris County. Some of the groups helped include Methodist Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital, The Moody Foundation, assisted living facilities and many others, and all at NO COST to taxpayers. In 2008, Louis successfully lobbied for better immigration policies in Harris County, including the 287(g) program which was adopted by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, as well as better voter accountability and voter ID requirements. Louis currently serves as the Director of Special Crimes and Narcotics for the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office under Republican Sheriff Henry Patterson. Louis’s current command involves investigating political corruption, special crimes and undercover operations that include the tracking and arrest of Mexican Drug Cartel, Aryan Brotherhood, and organized crime members.

ENDORSEMENTS

ORGANIZATIONS ENDORSING LOUIS GUTHRIE: Conservative Republicans of Texas; Texas Fraternal Order of Police (FOP); Texas GOP Vote; Latino National Republican Coalition; Houston Realty Business Coalition (HRBC); Latinos Ready To Vote (LRTV); and The Jewish Herald-Voice (JHV)

ELECTED OFFICIALS ENDORSING LOUIS GUTHRIE: Honorable Sid Miller, State Representative, HD 59; Chairman, House Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety; -- Honorable Allen Fletcher, State Representative, HD 130; Vice Chairman, House Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety; -- Honorable Dan Huberty, State Representative, HD

127; -- Robert Sitton, Humble ISD Board Trustee; -- Chris Daniel, Harris County District Clerk

HARRIS COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY LEADERSHIP ENDORSING LOUIS GUTHRIE: Clint Moore, HCRP SREC SD7; -- Valoree Swanson, HCRP SREC SD 7; -- Betty Borden Avery, Military Partnership Committee, HCRP Precinct Chair 398; -- Iris Gaddis, HCRP Precinct Chair 564; -- Diane Rowland, HCRP Precinct Chair 0451; -- Jack Rodgers, HCRP Precinct Chair 173; -- “Perky” Priscilla Savage, HCRP Precinct Chair 519; -- Randy Kubosh, HCRP Precinct Chair 0002; President, Downtown Houston Pachyderm Club; -Kathryn Dahlin, HCRP Precinct Chair 351; -Michael Kubosh, HCRP Finance Chair; -- Stan Burton, HCRP Precinct Chair 500; -- Becky Flowers, HCRP Precinct Chair 771

COMMUNITY LEADERS ENDORSING LOUIS GUTHRIE: Norman E. Adams; -- Joe Slovacek, P.A.C. Treasurer of HRBC; -Steven F. Hotze, M.D., President Conservative Republicans of Texas; -- Harold Heuszel, Former Harris County Sheriff Candidate; -Ruben Monzon, Former Harris County Sheriff Candidate; -- Norma Jeter, Director of the Conservative Coalition of Harris County, Former Vice President of Texas Tea Party Republican Woman, Editor of the Texas Tea Times Newsletter; -- Bob Price, Editor/Writer of TexasGOPVote; Fox 26 News Political Commentator; member, Cherry Tree Republicans; Texas Tea Party Republican; -David Jennings, Editor/Writer of BigJollyPolitics; Howard Holsenbeck, Past Political Affairs Chairman of C Club; Downtown Houston Pachyderm Club, past officer; -Bernadette McLeroy, Founder Republican Hispanics in Action; -- Alvin Walker, Editor/Writer of influential blog Harris County Conservative Politics; member, Downtown Houston Pachyderm Club; --Byron Calfee, Former City Councilmember; -- Dean Lawther, Former City Councilmember; Sharon Slover, Past President Texas Tea Party Republican Women; -- Sharon Roberts, Fort Bend GOP Chairman

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.LOUISGUTHRIE.COM Paid Political Ad for Louis Guthrie Campaign, Kyle Rodgers, Treasurer, 3614 Beach Hill Spring, Texas 77388

YOURTHOUGHTMATTERS.COM -- REAL PEOPLE. REAL OPINIONS. REAL THOUGHTS THAT MATTER. - CALL (832)212-8735 TO BE INCLUDED!

“YOUR THOUGHT MATTERS NEWSPAPER IS A PLACE THAT’S BEEN CREATED FOR YOUR TO HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD!” -- SEND COMMENTS TO: aubreyrtaylor@gmail.com

Economics

THANK YOU! -- “We would like to thank everyone who contributed to this issue!” -- Aubrey

CORPORATE ENTITIES IMPACTING LIVES THROUGH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND CORPORATE GOODWILL IN AMERICA...

Public Service

6 - On the first day of the second annual Clinton Global Initiative America meeting in Chicago, former President Clinton announced fifty-eight new commitments by private and public organizations and government agencies to address the country’s most pressing economic challenges.

A Special Message from President Barack Obama Coming Really Soon!

THESE ARE OUR “I’M THE BEST” FEATURED PARTICIPANTS FOR THIS ISSUE 17 - David Dewhurst - Why I am the Best Candidate for United States Senate

17 - Ted Cruz - Why I am the Best Candidate for United States Senate

17 - Stephen Takach - Why I am the Best Candidate for United States Congress

18 - James Cargas - Why I am the Best Candidate for United States Congress

18 - Greg Parker - Why I am the Best Candidate for Texas Railroad Commissioner

18 - David Medina - Why I am the Best Candidate for Texas Supreme Court Justice

18 - John Devine - Why I am the Best Candidate for Texas Supreme Court Justice

18 - Michael Landrum - Why I am the Best Candidate for Harris County Judge

19 - Don Self - Why I am the Best Candidate for Harris County District Judge

19 - Janet Townsley - Why I am the Best Candidate for Harris County District Judge

19 - Alan Rosen - Why I am the Best Candidate for Harris County Constable

A Special Message from Republican Nominee Mitt Romney Coming Soon!

20 - Cindy Vara-Leija - Why I am the Best Candidate for Harris County Constable

20 - Jarvis Johnson - Why I am the Best Candidate for Harris County School Board Trustee

20 - Erica Lee - Why I am the Best Candidate for Harris County School Board Trustee

20 - Louis Guthrie - Why I am the Best Candidate for Harris County Sheriff

21 - Carl Pittman - Why I am the Best Candidate for Harris County Sheriff

21 - Zerick Guinn - Why I am the Best Candidate for Harris County Constable

21 - R.W. Bray - Sponsored Editorial: “Appeal of a Black Republican

Message from Ted Cruz - P.20 Message from David Dewhurst - P.17

SMALL BUSINESSES. MINISTRIES, NONPROFITS, POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS, CORPORATIONS, AND CHURCHES SHOULD CALL US TODAY!

Aubrey R. Taylor Communications is the publisher of Your Thought Matters Newspaper and website. If you have need of marketing, advertising, event promotions, or any other need related to branding you or your business call us today!

Message from Ted Cruz - P.17

Message from Jarvis Johnson - P.20

Phone: (832)212-8735

Mailing: 957 Nasa Parkway #251, Houston, Texas 77058

PUBLISHER’S NOTE -- “I’d like to personally thank the individuals below!” -- Aubrey

WE APPRECIATE YOU! -- “I’d like to thank Craig Joseph the owner of “This Is It Soul Food” located at 2712 Blodgett Street for allowing us to interview customers recently. Joseph is pictured here (left) with Ann Harris Bennett one of his loyal customers whose also the Democratic nominee for Harris County Tax Assessor Collector & Voter Registrar in the 2012 Presidential Election. I’d also like to thank Tangela Carmouche, Natasha Asberry and Leslie Paley for taking the time to share their thoughts with me on the upcoming Presidential Election. All three of the ladies are supporting President Barack Obama. I’d also like to thank Don Self and his family for supporting our effort to inform, empower, and uplift Texans. Don Self is running for Harris County Judge for the 152nd District Court in the Tuesday, July 31, 2012 Republican Primary Runoff. Don Self is pictured here (right) with his wife Kimberly, and his three children: Morgan 11, Logan 9 and Peyton 8. SEE DON SELF’S ADVERTISEMENT ON PAGE 32.

From The Publisher 4

YOURTHOUGHTMATTERS.COM -- REAL PEOPLE. REAL OPINIONS. REAL THOUGHTS THAT MATTER. - CALL (832)212-8735 TO BE INCLUDED!

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YOU CAN CLAIM THE PROMISE THAT HAS BEEN LAID UP FOR YOU! "If ye have faith as a grain of a mustard seed...nothing shall be impossible unto you!" -- MATTHEW 17:20

“I’m not sure what you want out of life. Nor am I certain of the path you should take to get to where you’re headed. But, I am certain that there’s a path that will take you to the promise that your Father has prepared especially for you. Now there’s going to be some hurdles standing between you and what He’s prepared; but if you stay the course you are going to claim your promise! So stay the course my friend! -- AUBREY R. TAYLOR

Have You Heard Yet?

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MINISTRY -- People Answering The Call To Service

Texas Based Mega-Ministries Are Impacting Lives Around the World

LAKEWOOD CHURCH

Pastor: Joel Osteen 3700 Southwest Freeway Houston, TX. 77027 Phone: (713) 635-4154

OSTEEN

www.lakewood.cc

Joel, the son of John Osteen, a highly respected minister of the Gospel and the founder of Lakewood Church, attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma where he studied radio and television communications. In 1982, Joel returned to Houston and founded Lakewood’s television ministry where he produced John Osteen’s televised sermons for 17 years until January 1999 when his father passed away suddenly from a heart attack. For many years, John Osteen encouraged Joel to preach, but he always declined preferring to work behind the scenes. But, in early 1999 Joel felt compelled to accept his father’s invitation and he preached his first sermon on January 17th of that year. Little did anyone know that would be the last Sunday of John Osteen’s life. Two weeks later, Joel began preaching and later that year was installed as the new Senior Pastor of Lakewood Church. Source: This information was gathered from wire reports on Joel Osteen. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH Pastor: Ed Young 6400 Woodway Drive, Houston, TX 77057 Phone: (713) 465-3408

YOUNG SR.

www.second.org

Dr. H. Edwin Young was born on 11 August 1936 in Laurel, Mississippi. His family was poor, and he did not have shoes until he was in third grade. . He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at the age of 12 through the leading of his pastor’s wife, Mrs. Gates. He entered the University of Alabama as an engineering major. Half way through

his freshman year he decided to become a preacher and enrolled at Mississippi College to continue his education. He went on to the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He was a pastor in North and South Carolina until 1978, when he moved to Houston, Texas and became the pastor at Second Baptist Church. Under his leadership the church grew from an average weekend attendance of 500 in 1978 to over 24,000 today. Source: This information was gathered from wire reports on Second Baptist Church. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FELLOWSHIP CHURCH Pastor: Ed Young, Jr. 2450 N Hwy 121 Grapevine, TX 76051 Phone: (972)471-5700

YOUNG JR.

www.fellowshipchurch.com

Ed Young (Edwin Barry Young, born 16 March 1961) is the founding and senior pastor of Fellowship Church. With four campuses in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and one in Miami, Florida, Fellowship is one of the most attended churches in North America and was listed as the 3rd Most Influential Church in America according to a 2007 survey. Young is the oldest son of Homer Edwin Young, senior pastor of Second Baptist Church Houston in Houston, Texas. He played basketball at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida before receiving his bachelor’s degree from Houston Baptist University and his Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Young attended Florida State University on a basketball scholarship. Upon graduating college, he worked as an associate pastor at Second Baptist Church in Houston, Texas – at the time one of the largest churches in America. In February 1990, Young began a new church in the Dal-

las/Fort Worth area with a core group of 150 members. Since that time, Fellowship Church has grown to an average weekly attendance of over 20,000 people. In 2003, the church began expanding beyond its central campus. Today, there are five Fellowship Church locations throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and one in Miami, Florida. Source: This information was gathered from wire reports on Fellowship Church. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE POTTER’S HOUSE

Pastor: T.D. Jakes 6777 West Kiest Boulevard Dallas, TX 75236 Phone: (214) 331-0954

JAKES

www.thepottershouse.org

On June 9, 1957, Thomas Dexter Jakes was born in South Charleston, West Virginia to Ernest Jakes, Sr., a janitor and entrepreneur, and Odith, an educator. Even as a child, he was known in his West Virginian neighborhood as “the bad Bible boy.” He was also told he would never be able to preach because of his “bad” lisp. Shortly after his father’s death from kidney failure, Jakes decided to go into ministry. In 1979, with very little funds of his own and with only ten initial members, he founded Greater Emmanuel Temple of Faith as a storefront church in Montgomery, West Virginia. Jakes maintained his day job digging ditches in order to support his ministry until the church was able to support him. During its first 10 years, the church grew to over 1,000 members. In 1982, Jakes turned to full-time ministry. By 1990, his church had moved twice, first from Montgomery to the nearby community of Smithers, and from there to his hometown of South Charleston. In 1993, the church moved yet again within the Charleston area, to Cross Lanes; the building having been formerly a bank. In 1995, when he was 38 years old, Jakes started his

MINISTRY

YOURTHOUGHTMATTERS.COM -- REAL PEOPLE. REAL OPINIONS. REAL THOUGHTS THAT MATTER. - CALL (832)212-8735 TO BE INCLUDED!

“YOUR THOUGHT MATTERS NEWSPAPER IS A PLACE THAT’S BEEN CREATED FOR YOUR TO HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD!” -- SEND COMMENTS TO: aubreyrtaylor@gmail.com television ministry. In 1996, Jakes founded The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas, with about 50 families that had relocated with him from his former congregation in Cross Lanes. Jakes purchased the property, which was previously Eagle’s Nest Family Church, from W. V. Grant, after Grant was sentenced to 16 months in prison for tax-related crimes. In its 12 year existence, it has grown to over 30,000 members, located in Dallas, Texas. T.D. Jakes church services and evangelistic sermons are broadcast on The Potter’s Touch, which airs on the Trinity Broadcasting Network, Black entertainment Television, the Daystar Television Network, The Word Network and The Miracle Channel in Canada. Other aspects of Jakes’ ministry include an annual revival called “MegaFest” (which draws more than 100,000 people during that period of time), an annual women’s conference called “Woman Thou Art Loosed”, and gospel music recordings. In the fall of 2009, Jakes planned on launching a secular daily talk show, syndicated through the CBS Television Distribution group; however, economic troubles in the industry may put his new program into jeopardy. In 2005 Jakes accompanied President George W. Bush on his visit to the areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina. In his book Decision Points, President Bush describes Jakes as “a kind of man who puts faith into action.” Both Jakes and his Potter’s House church are unrelated to the Potter’s House Christian Fellowship, a Pentecostal denomination founded in Arizona in 1971. Source: This information was gathered from wire reports on T.D. Jakes Ministries. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WOODLANDS CHURCH

Pastor: Kerry Shook 1 Fellowship Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77384 Phone: (281) 367-1900

SHOOK

www.fotw.org

Born in 1962, Shook later graduated from the Klein High School in Spring, Texas. Kerry and his wife, Chris Shook, founded Woodlands Church, formerly Fellowship of The Woodlands, in October, 1993; and since then, the church has grown to more than 17,000 in average attendance each weekend. Now Woodlands Church is one church in many locations with its Fellowship campus in The Woodlands outside of Houston and satellite campuses online, in the Humble/Kingwood/Atascocita area, Tomball and its newest location in Katy. Woodlands Church continues to grow, ranking 4th in the top 100 churches for growth in 2009. In 2005, Shook began broadcasting his message on local television stations, beginning with Channel 55 —- The Tube. Within the year, several more networks were added, including KTLA channel 5, Houston’s The CW 39 and DayStar Television Network. Today, Kerry Shook Ministries is a worldwide television ministry both to a national and international audience. Pastor Kerry and Chris can now be seen by millions in 50 states and over 200 countries worldwide. Source: This information was gathered from wire reports on Kerry Shook Ministries. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CORNERSTONE CHURCH Pastor: John Hagee 18755 Stone Oak Pkwy San Antonio, TX 78258 Phone: (210) 490-1600

HAGEE

www.sacornerstone.org

John Charles Hagee (born April 12, 1940) is an American founder and senior pastor of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas, a non-denominational charismatic megachurch with more than 19,000 active members. Hagee is also the chief executive officer (CEO) of his non-profit corporation, Global Evangelism Television (GETV). Hagee is the President and CEO of John Hagee Ministries, which telecasts his national radio and television ministry carried in the United States on 160 TV stations, 50 radio stations, and eight networks, including The Inspiration Network (INSP), Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), and Inspiration Now TV.[2] The ministries can be seen and heard weekly in 99 million homes. John Hagee Ministries is in Canada on the Miracle Channel and CTS and can be seen in Africa, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and in most Third World nations. Hagee is the founder and National Chairman of the Christian-Zionist organization Christians United for Israel, incorporated on February 7, 2006. John Hagee was born in Baytown, Texas, to the former Vada Mildred Swiek and the Reverend William Bythel Hagee. He graduated from Trinity University in San Antonio, with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1964. He was on a football scholarship and appeared on the Academic Dean’s List. Hagee received a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of North Texas in Denton in 1966 and completed his theological training at Southwestern Assemblies of God University with a Diploma in Theology in Waxahachie, south of Dallas. Hagee descends from a long line of Anabaptist Mennonite pastors[citation needed], a somewhat curious fact in light of Mennonite beliefs (pacifism, aversion to war, forgiveness of

enemies). In 1989, he received an Honorary Doctorate from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 2005, he received another Honorary Doctorate from Netanya Academic College in Israel. Hagee served on the Oral Roberts University Board of Regents from 1989 to January 2008. Source: This information was gathered from wire reports. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW LIGHT CHRISTIAN CENTER CHURCH Pastor: Ira V. Hilliard 11249 Crown Park Drive Houston, TX 77067 Phone: (281) 876-9296

HILLIARD

www.newlight2.org

Ira V. Hilliard, a native Houstonian, was called at the age of nine to preach God’s Word. Having waited one year so that his Pastor would know he heard from God, Ira Hilliard preached his first sermon on a Mother’s Day night at the age of ten. He married the beautiful Bridget E. Harrison on October 4, 1975, who has co-labored with him in building a dynamic ministry that is recognized around the world. This dynamic couple co-founded the outstanding New Light Christian Center Church (“One Church, Multiple locations”) in North, East, West and South Houston; Beaumont and Austin, Texas. The opening of the West location culminates the vision and God’s mandate for a New Light Church facility in all four regions of the City of Houston. Their passion to take God’s Word to a hurting and lost generation has resulted in a current church membership of over 30,000 and counting. New Light Christian Center Church is not only recognized around the country as a Mega-Church, but in September 2007 it was honored as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Churches in America. Included in this sphere of influence as a Mega-Church is a nationwide television ministry, the ministry’s own satellite network, an Aviation Division, Light Commerce Credit Union, and early childhood development centers for the north and south campuses known as Light Christian Academy. In 1995, after a mandate from God many years prior, Bishop Hilliard started Church Development Strategies Conference. Thousands of Pastors and leaders come to Houston annually to sit at his feet to learn church growth and development principles. The conference is recognized as one of the best conferences of its kind in the country. Source: This information was gathered from the New Light Christian Center Church website. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

velop new ministries, programs and partnerships. The FountainLife Center, is the third of three campuses that includes the worship center on Hillcroft Avenue and administrative offices on South Post Oak Road. His vision is uncompromisingly clear, with one central principle; to build and develop a kingdom of empowered people for God. Holding firmly to the commissioned mandate in Matthew 28:18-20, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations”, Pastor Wright has taken the gospel into national and international communities of the world. As an active participant in both foreign and local missions, he was instrumental in establishing three churches in Zimbabwe while supporting The Fountain of Praise - Nigeria, The Fountain of Praise in Cachoeira, Bahia, Brazil and local churches in Houston. Source: This information was gathered from the Fountain of Praise website. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LAKE POINTE CHURCH

Pastor: Steve Stroope 701 Interstate 30, Rockwall, TX 75087-5504 Phone: (469) 698-2200

STROOPE

www.lakepointe.org

Called to pastor Lake Pointe shortly after its’ founding in 1979, Steve Stroope leads a congregation that has grown from 53 at its inception to more than 11,000 members or regular attendees each week at several area campuses. In addition to preaching, Steve provides coaching to partnership churches and pioneer missionaries in Africa, Australia, New Zealand, China, Cuba, Russia, Mexico, France, South Africa, and North America. Pastor Steve’s spiritual gifts are evangelism, leadership, teaching, and talking to strangers on airplanes. He has a passion for seeing that the Gospel is presented to unchurched people in a culturally relevant style without compromising its truth. He also believes that one of the keys to an effective church is keeping a balance between evangelism and discipleship. Because of this belief, he is a strong supporter of the small-group ministry at Lake Pointe. Although he is a sought-after speaker and church consultant both nationally and throughout the world, his heart is for the local church, and he looks forward to many more years at Lake Pointe. Pastor Steve graduated from Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, with a B.A. in Psychology and received the Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He and his wife Marsha have two grown daughters, three grandsons and one granddaughter. Source: This information was gathered from the Lake Pointe Church website. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MINISTRY

COMMUNITY BIBLE CHURCH Pastor: Robert Emmitt 2477 North Loop 1604 East San Antonio, TX 78232 Phone: (210) 496-5096

EMMITT

www.communitybible.com

I was born in Hollywood, Florida in 1957. I was raised in a Christian family and trusted Jesus Christ for my salvation when I was 11 years old. I had the honor of marrying the most wonderful girl in the world, Julie, in 1979. We have three grown children, three grandsons, and one granddaughter. I graduated from Texas A&M in 1979 and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1984. I have been a pastor since I was 20 years old. We started CBC May 26, 1990. The mission of CBC has always been to reach people with the good news of salvation in Jesus’ name, to teach people how to live the Christian life according to the Bible, and to help people through the hard times in life. We gather in large group celebrations for worship and in small groups for Bible study, fellowship, prayer, and ministry. Source: This information was gathered from the Community Bible Church website. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOUNTAIN OF PRAISE

Pastor: Remus Wright 13950 Hillcroft Avenue Houston, Texas 77085 Phone: (713) 433-1824

WRIGHT

GATEWAY CHURCH

www.tfop.org

Pastor Wright received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Languages from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and his Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies and Business Marketing from Martin Center University in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is an active participant in the Harvard University Summer Leadership Institute Program for Economic Development through which he has been certified as a developer of faith-based community development programs. He has served on the boards of Madison High School Community Relations and the Westland YMCA. Pastor Wright also serves as a Spiritual Advisor to the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Department, as well as many entertainers and professional athletes. In April 2007, The Fountain of Praise purchased a 153,000 sq foot facility on 14.5 acres that will provide opportunities to grow and de-

Pastor: Robert Morris 700 Blessed Way Southlake, TX 76092 Phone: (817) 328-1000 Website: gatewaypeople.com

Robert Morris is the Founding Senior Pastor of Gateway Church, a multi-campus, evangelistic, Spirit-empowered church in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Since it began in 2000, the church has grown to more than 24,000 active members. He is featured on the weekly television program, The Blessed Life, broadcast to approximately 90 million homes in the United States and more than 200 countries around the world. Robert holds a Doctorate of Literature and serves as Chairman of the Board of The King’s University. He is the bestselling author of ten books including The Blessed Life, From Dream to Destiny, The Power of Your Words and The God I Never Knew. Robert and his wife, Debbie, have been married 31 years and are blessed with one married daughter, two married sons and two grandchildren. On September 16, 1999, Pastor Robert Morris began to plan a Bible-based, evangelistic church in Southlake, Texas. Morris hoped to serve Northeast Tarrant County, the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and beyond. Gateway’s first service was on Easter morning, April 23, 2000, at the Hilton Hotel in Grapevine with approximately 180 people in attendance. A few weeks later, the church began meeting on Saturday nights at Christ Our King Church in Southlake. In July 2001, Gateway Church began meeting at the A World of Learning daycare facility in Grapevine, during which time the church grew to five services with over 2,000 people attending weekly. Source: This information was gathered from the Gateway Chuch website. MORRIS

ABUNDANT LIVING FAITH CENTER Pastor: Charles Nieman 1000 Valley Crest Dr El Paso, TX 79907 Phone: (915) 532-8543 Website: www.alfc.com

In 1977, Charles, along with his wife Rochelle, began teaching God’s Word in a small railroad union hall with just 20 people. Since that small beginning, their church ministry has grown; NIEMAN

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT -- People Answering The Call To Service

Corporations Are Impacting Lives By Addressing Community Needs

New Commitments Announced on Day One of Clinton Global Initiative America

tribute to a healthier US economy. To fulfill this commitment PwC US is working alongside a variety of local and national nonprofit partners, including Donorschoose.org, Feeding America and Junior Achievement to distribute its financial literacy curriculum, train teachers and mentor students. ------------------------------------------------------------

Introduction: In 2012, BUILD committed to expanding the scope and number of its corporate partners. BUILD teaches entrepreneurship and life skills to low-income high school students on the verge of dropping out, and has propelled well over 90 percent of its seniors to high school graduation and college acceptance. These new partnerships will engage approximately 20-30 companies to support BUILD through providing skills based volunteering to its students in entrepreneurial education; assisting with business plans, mentorship, and job shadowing. Through BUILD’s commitment, they aim to reach over 2,000 new students. ------------------------------------------------------------

jobs and union apprenticeships, with a target of training and placing at least 1,000 women. Finally NCRC will assemble leading financing advisors to create an investment vehicle and revolving loan fund for property acquisition and renovation.

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On the first day of the second annual Clinton Global Initiative America meeting in Chicago, former President Clinton announced fifty-eight new commitments by private and public organizations and government agencies to address the country’s most pressing economic challenges. When fully funded and implemented, the new commitments will facilitate the hiring of five hundred thousand veterans and military spouses, convert ten thousand trucks into plug-in hybrids, and provide $15 million in loans to small businesses in Chicago and Los Angeles. The commitments also include the creation of a new philanthropic investment fund designed to advance private-sector innovations in early childhood education for disadvantaged children. During the event, PriceWaterhouseCoopers announced a five-year, $160 million commitment to advance youth education and financial literacy, including $60 million in cash and one million service hours valued at $100 million. In total, day-one commitments will directly affect nearly 3.9 million people. Sponsored by the Joyce, Peter G. Peterson, and J.B. & M.K. Pritzker Family foundations, as well as Allstate, Dow Chemical, ExxonMobil, and APCO Worldwide, the two-day event, held June 7-8, convened nearly a thousand leaders representing Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, foundations, and government agencies at the state and local level around a wide range of topics, from job creation, to stimulating economic growth, to fostering innovation, to supporting workforce development in the United States. “At CGI America, so many key decision makers from all levels of government, all sectors of the economy, and all sides of the political spectrum are bringing their experience and different perspectives to address economic recovery in the U.S.,” said Clinton. “I look forward to seeing the collaboration and partnerships that will be created at this year’s meeting.”

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Earn Your Future: Boosting Financial Literacy & Youth Education Commitment by: PricewaterhouseCoopers Focus Area: Economic Empowerment

Introduction: In 2012, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) made a five-year commitment to address youth education, with a focus on financial literacy, impacting 2.5 million youth and educators in the US. Through an investment of $160 million-composed of $60 million in cash donations and one million service hours, worth $100 million-PwC will prepare educators and youth with financial literacy training to help young people make responsible decisions and ultimately con-

Creating Job Opportunities, Saving Energy for Illinois Commitment by: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Focus Area: Economic Empowerment

Introduction: In 2012, The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (IL DCEO) State Energy Office, in partnership with the IL DCEO Office of Employment and Training and the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA), committed to deliver Building Operator Certification (BOC) training that targets incumbent workers, returning veterans, and employed building operators in Illinois. The BOC program offers facilities workers the improved job skills and knowledge to create energy efficient and environmentally friendly workplaces, leading to energy savings and cost reductions. The pilot project will address job placement for Illinois incumbent workers and returning veterans through recruitment, training, mentoring, and credentialing leading to a gainful employment. IL DCEO is partnering with employers, mentors, associations, and agencies to build a sustainable program model to replicate the project through Illinois after the pilot period. The pilot period will result in ten full-time vacant jobs filled in the green/clean jobs space. ------------------------------------------------------------

Online Mental Health Program for Veterans in the Workforce Commitment by: Prevail Health Solutions Focus Area: Global Health

Break Through: The New Digital Workforce Commitment by: Youth Radio Focus Area: Economic Empowerment

Introduction: In 2012, Prevail Health Solutions committed to develop an Online Mental Health Program for Veterans in the Workforce. Like the original program, Vets Prevail, it is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, but it deals directly with many of the common challenges the current generation of veterans are facing as they reintegrate into the civilian workforce. Prevail committed to work with one or more large, veteran-friendly employers to provide this program, at no cost, to 2,000 veteran employees over a nine-month period beginning in the fall of 2012. Prevail will use its in-house software development team to create a unique URL for each partner and will work with the employer partners to encourage their veteran employees to enroll through email campaigns and strategic webbased recruiting. The peer support element of the program will be provided by veterans already employed by Prevail and working out of Prevail’s offices in a call-center model. -----------------------------------------------------------

Engaging Corporations in Entrepreneurial Education Commitment by: BUILD Focus Area: Education

Introduction: In 2012, the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC), and its principal partners Chicanos Por La Causa and the AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Department, committed to returning at least 4,100 units of distressed single-family housing to productive use while creating 5,000 jobs for local residents in the next four years. The program combines the best of existing housing and workforce development practices with cross-sector partnerships to build a $328 million investment fund that will support distressed property acquisition and rehabilitation. In addition to stabilizing neighborhoods by rehabbing distressed properties in seven states, this project will implement a nationally acclaimed pre-apprenticeship curriculum to train and place local residents in construction related

ECONOMICS

Introduction: In 2012, Youth Radio committed to create a Digital Media and Technology Pathway, connecting at least 60 low-income young adults to jobs in the technology and digital media industry. Youth Radio will partner with businesses in the Oakland, CA, and the East Bay area to provide disconnected youth with externships, and opportunities to build technology skills. Through this commitment, Youth Radio will also create a Break Through news desk which will provide youth with the ability to deliver reports on solutions related to youth unemployment, which will be pushed to national broadcast and digital outlets. This commitment seeks to address the issue of youth unemployment on two levels: connecting young people to employment on the ground while connecting them with broad audiences on the air. ---------------------------------------------------------------

Generating Real Opportunities for Work Transforming Housing Commitment by: National Community Reinvestment Coalition Focus Area: Economic Empowerment

Real-Time Job Training Platform to Solve the Skills Gap Commitment by: LearnUp Focus Area: Economic Empowerment

Introduction: In 2012, LearnUp, a real-time job skills training platform, committed to working with at least eight national and/or global employers, including the following confirmed companies Staples, Prudential, Gap, and Safeway to enable them to share job training content online for free with job-seekers, including over 100,000 students at community colleges throughout California. Building upon the success of the testing phase piloted in March of 2012, LearnUp will launch the platform officially on June 7 to 100,000 students in partnership with Corporate Voices for Working Families and the California Community Colleges. KPMG and Staples will remain on as partners and other businesses have come on to partner (see website). The LearnUp platform will also serve as a “virtual employer advisory board” to help guide the partners California Community College and Corporate Voices’ emerging program to aggregate skills requirements by specific industry sectors. ----------------------------------------------------------California Best Buildings Challenge Commitment by: U.S. Green Building Council Focus Area: Environment & Energy

Introduction: In 2012, U.S. Green Building Council (USSGBC) committed to the launch of the California Best Buildings Challenge, which calls on property owners, managers, and tenants to strive towards a goal of achieving 20% reductions in energy, water, and waste in two years. The Challenge will highlight the sustainability leadership of Northern California’s preeminent companies through special events and education campaigns; this program will send a powerful message about the feasibility and importance of improving the efficiency of all buildings. -----------------------------------------------------------Eliminating Bank Deserts in the Mid-South Commitment by: Hope Credit Union Focus Area: Economic Empowerment

Introduction: In 2012, Hope Credit Union (HOPE) committed to doubling its presence and impact in underserved and distressed Mid-South states. In response to the decline in traditional financial services in low-income communities across the region, HOPE will merge with other credit unions, acquire bank branches, open new branches, and roll out mobile financial services to reach the most underserved households in remote locations. Through these activities HOPE will add 11 new branch locations and increase its membership from

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When fully funded and implemented, the new commitments will facilitate the hiring of five hundred thousand veterans and military spouses, convert ten thousand trucks into plug-in hybrids, and provide $15 million in loans to small businesses in Chicago and Los Angeles. The commitments also include the creation of a new philanthropic investment fund designed to advance private-sector innovations in early childhood education for disadvantaged children. 26,000 to 51,000 individuals, providing residents with access to retails products and services, and loans for small businesses, mortgages, and other purposes that stabilize lives and neighborhoods. ----------------------------------------------------------A Growth Strategy for Small Business Global Expansion Commitment by: Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) Focus Area: Economic Empowerment

Introduction: In 2012, Women Impacting Public Policy committed to developing and implementing a global export expansion education program targeted at helping 5,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with an additional emphasis on womenowned SMEs. The program will guide current exporters to expand to other countries and guide them through the developmental steps they require to prepare to export, covering the basics of exporting and leading them through an assessment to determine if the participant’s company and its product or service could be a fit for the export market. The curriculum for each round of participants lasts one year. WIPP expects that out of the 5,000 targeted SMEs, 1,500 will prove viable candidates to export, 250 will build an export development plan, and 100 will expand their existing exporting operation to additional countries. -----------------------------------------------------------Maker Corps: Building the Next Generation of Innovators Commitment by: Maker Education Initiative Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation Intel Corporation Focus Area: Education

Introduction: In 2012, The Maker Education Initiative and its partners committed to creating the Maker Corps, which will train and employ 1,400 college aged mentors, 50 site coordinators, and 3 national staff by 2015. The Maker Corps members will be trained to serve as mentors and engage children in hands-on “Maker” projects that will help develop problem-solving skills in ways that make science and technology fun. Over the life of the commitment, the Maker Corps program will be established in a minimum of 50 locations and give a total of 140,000 children the opportunity to develop the creativity and technical skills needed to be part of the modern workforce. -----------------------------------------------------------

homeownership through rent to own arrangements. Further, rehabilitation will utilize best practices in workforce development, wage and skill standards, and responsible contracting, and will create or fill 250 local jobs. The pilot program will work with labor unions to employ PHA and other apprentices and unemployed construction workers.

ECONOMICS

Returning Home: Building Jobs through Affordable Housing Commitment by: Urban Atlantic Focus Area: Economic Empowerment

Introduction: In 2012, Urban Atlantic committed to partner with the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) to pilot a project to rehabilitate, retrofit, and reoccupying 200 single-family homes that are currently publically owned. Urban Atlantic has invited PHA to anchor this pilot project to demonstrate replicable strategies that will deliver quality rental homes at affordable prices, a suite of financial counseling and credit repair services for low-income residents, direct access to financial services and local mortgage lenders, and provide pathways to future

Transforming Foreclosed Properties into Affordable Housing Commitment by: Enterprise Community Partners Waypoint Real Estate Group Focus Area: Other

Introduction: In 2012, Enterprise Community Partners and Waypoint Home, Inc. committed to launch a two year pilot program in Oakland, CA to convert 100 single family foreclosed properties into affordable rental properties in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. The commitment will demonstrate a replicable and scalable approach for affordable scattered-site, single family rental, provide new and low or no subsidy models for affordable housing, and attract new socially motivated equity to this emerging asset class. Additionally, locally-based community organizations will provide financial management and readiness training to residents seeking homeownership, and local workforce development organizations will provide newly-trained workers with opportunities to join the construction crews deployed in home rehabilitation. Finally, this commitment announces a “first in the country” partnership

that combines the capital and expertise of a national not-for-profit organization with a large private equity real estate group. -----------------------------------------------------------Bridging the 21st Century School Readiness Gap Commitment by: The Parent-Child Home Program Focus Area: Education

Introduction: In 2012, The Parent-Child Home Program, Inc. (PCHP) committed to pilot a new curricular component that will bring technology access and literacy into the homes of young families challenged by poverty, limited educational opportunities, and language and literacy barriers. By introducing technology to these families, PCHP will not only bridge the 21st century school readiness gap, but also will empower mothers to be their children’s academic advocate and first and most important teacher. When brought to scale and rolled-out to its 110 partner agencies, this curriculum will reach 7,000 families, impacting at least 14,000 people (one child and least one parent per household). -----------------------------------------------------------Churches Investing in Microbusiness Commitment by: Criterion Ventures Focus Area: Economic Empowerment

Introduction: In 2012, Criterion Institute committed to mobilizing 1,000 churches to invest in micro-businesses by 2018. With an average microloan of $5,000 each church could support approximately 20 businesses over the course of 5 years. In aggregate, this will lead to $100 million of new capital flow-

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During the event, PriceWaterhouseCoopers announced a five-year, $160 million commitment to advance youth education and financial literacy, including $60 million in cash and one million service hours valued at $100 million. In total, dayone commitments will directly affect nearly 3.9 million people. ing to American micro-businesses. This commitment will reach 20,000 small business owners, create jobs, and secure more livelihoods. Criterion will facilitate dialogue between business, churches and micro-lenders, build an awareness campaign to demonstrate new ways churches can support micro-business models in their communities, and work with financial intermediaries, such as micro-lenders, to design models that equip them to work with churches in order to engage in micro-lending. Most importantly, Criterion will be responsible for capturing, packaging, and spreading knowledge on how to reshape relevant market systems to better engage churches in supporting microbusinesses and marginalized populations. ------------------------------------------------------------

Advanced Placement Computer Science test, throughout the student’s involvement in the program. Each year, at least 10 program participants will be hired to fill part-time summer positions as game testers, a critical early stage position that ensures video games are interesting to play and free of any programming glitches. This commitment will help leverage ability of video games to attract and entertain teenage males in order to not only provide high quality education and employment opportunities but also serve as a model for other programs that seek to broaden participation of underrepresented groups in technology careers. Growing Family Assets Through Fair Lending in Mississippi Commitment by: Mississippi Center for Justice Focus Area: Economic Empowerment

an extension of Capital One’s three-year, $4.5 million commitment to support the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative, which provides job fairs and workforce training initiatives across the United States for veterans and military spouses. This new initiative aims to create 1,500 new jobs over the next three years. -----------------------------------------------------------Optimizing Contracts for Minority and Women Owned Firms Commitment by: National Community Reinvestment Coalition Focus Area: Economic Empowerment

Introduction: In 2012, The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) committed to hire 10 business development specialists (BDS) to assist small businesses, particularly women- and minority-owned, in securing government contracts. Each BDS will be assigned to a specific agency in order to fully understand the requirements of that agency, upcoming contract opportunities, and current contractors working on various contracts. Each BDS will work with clients to secure a total of $30-100M yearly in contracts over a 5-year period. -----------------------------------------------------------

medical clinic, grocery store and other retail space, community gardens, playground, walking trail and police office. Access to these resources will be available to all 30,000 residents of the neighborhood, resulting in a healthier, safer community. This commitment will also create or fill 420 full time, part time and consultant jobs. -----------------------------------------------------------Green Button initiative, EnerNOC Commitment by: EnerNOC, Inc. Focus Area: Environment & Energy

Introduction: In 2012, EnerNOC committed to join the Green Button initiative. The Green Button initiative is an industry-led effort that responds to a White House call-toaction to provide consumers with secure, easy-to-understand data about their energy use to help them take better control of their energy bills. EnerNOC commits to adopt the Green Button Standard at each one of its 12,500 customer sites whose utility companies support Green Button to support comparison of real-time metering data with billed utility usage. EnerNOC commits to the announcement of additional value-added software implementations (e.g., creation of a demand response eligibility tool for prospective customers, built using Green Button data). Green Button standardizes the utility data that customers can access-but EnerNOC will take this visibility a step further by helping customers derive value from the data. Specifically, EnerNOC will use Green Button data to identify actionable energy efficiency opportunities.

ECONO

Impact America HBCU Venture Catalyst Commitment by: Jalia Ventures United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Focus Area: Economic Empowerment Introduction: In 2012, Jalia Ventures and the United Negro College Fund committed to launch a venture competition to promote the development of minority-owned businesses that have a social or environmental mission. This partnership will raise $3.5 million over two years to expose historically black college and university students and alumni to social entrepreneurship and impact investing, and provide select entrepreneurs with seed financing and technical assistance to launch or scale up their enterprises. Those applicants who are selected to receive funding will have access to ongoing mentoring, training, and professional development opportunities. ----------------------------------------------------------Financial Security Has No Age Limits Commitment by: National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions Focus Area: Economic Empowerment

Introduction: In 2012, the National Federation for Community Development Credit Unions (NFCDCU) committed to expanding its Better Directions program from eight to 16 sites to reach an additional 1,600 seniors with financial products and educational tools. The program brings together community-based financial institutions (CDCUs) and networks of advocates for the aging to deliver products and services, including, savings products, affordable loans, debt reduction loans and pre-retirement investment products, while disseminating financial education and financial management tools that address the specific economic needs of low-income seniors. ------------------------------------------------------------

Using Video Games to Increase Learning Computer Science Commitment by: Glitch Game Testers Focus Area: Education

Introduction: In 2012, Glitch Game Testers and its partners committed to increasing the number of African-American teenage males interested in pursuing computer science degrees and careers. Over a five-year period, 125 low-income 16-year-old African-American males enrolled in high school in Atlanta will be given the opportunity to enroll in an intensive two-week introductory computer science learning program provided by the College of Computing at Georgia Tech. This initial training course will be complimented by ongoing computer science classes, including preparation for the

Introduction: In 2012, The Mississippi Center for Justice committed to launch a state-wide campaign initiative to address predatory lending in America’s poorest state by dramatically expanding the availability of fair lending financial products and opportunities for asset creation. The Center will forge partnerships with employers, banks, credit unions, labor unions, schools and universities, funders and nonprofits by developing and disseminate educational resource materials; creating a sub-site of the Center’s website to provide information for consumers and participants about small dollar fair lending products. Additionally, The Center’s communications staff will support the working group in developing a media campaign to promote the initiative. ----------------------------------------------------------Empowering Women Entrepreneurs to Create U.S. Jobs Commitment by: Women’s Initiative for Self Employment Focus Area: Economic Empowerment

Introduction: In 2012, Women’s Initiative for Self Employment committed to provide women with the training and resources needed to start and grow 1,153 businesses and create and retain 3,701 jobs in three years. With this new commitment, Empowering Women Entrepreneurs to Create U.S. Jobs, Women’s Initiative will build on partnerships with major corporations, local businesses and community organization. By building on these partnerships, Women’s Initiative will expand its successful model of providing services to low-income women in new markets, while increasing their services in existing ones. These new markets, to be located in Chicago and New York, will replicate the successes of Women’s Initiative by offering entrepreneurship trainings, financing and support services. -----------------------------------------------------------

Integrated Tax Services for Low-Income Business Owners Commitment by: Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED) Focus Area: Economic Empowerment

Introduction: In 2012, Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED) committed to operate Integrated Tax Services for LowIncome Business Owners by partnering with 60 local programs to build their capacity to serve a minimum of 250 low-income business owners per Local Partner. This commitment will enable 30,000 business owners over three tax years to have improved access to capital and financial services and receive an average $1,000 in Earned Income Tax Credits and other tax credits. CFED also committed to work with three to five Local Partners to identify problematic client behaviors that impede programmatic success and implement behaviorally-informed program improvements; and reach 100,000 people through a media campaign to make the case that low-income businesses need access to integrated tax and businesses services, and that these business can become important engines of job creation and economic growth. ------------------------------------------------------------

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Empowering Women Veteran-Owned Small Businesses Commitment by: Capital One Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence Focus Area: Economic Empowerment

Introduction: In 2012, Capital One Financial Corporation committed to partnering with Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence to launch a new business training program designed for small businesses owned by women veterans. This program is

Sustainable Housing and Community Building - Kansas City, MO Commitment by: Make It Right Foundation Focus Area: Economic Empowerment

Introduction: In 2012, Make It Right committed to the redevelopment and construction of 50 LEED Platinum affordable housing units and a community center in the Manheim Park neighborhood of Kansas City, MO. This commitment builds on Make It Right’s existing work to make sustainable homes affordable for families in need, and is the result of a yearlong discussion with local residents and community leaders. Over the next year, Make It Right will redevelop and convert a vacant and abandoned school into LEED Platinum housing and a community center featuring an auditorium, gymnasium, locker rooms, technology lab, job training center,

Nearsourcing in San Diego: Reviving US Prosperity Commitment by: CONNECT Focus Area: Economic Empowerment

Introduction: In 2012, CONNECT committed to expanding their “Nearsourcing Roundtable” program to attract and retain local manufacturing businesses in San Diego. CONNECT’s matchmaking sessions help San Diego entrepreneurs and designers identify and contract with local manufacturers along the supply chain, and prevent new businesses from looking overseas for production needs. Over one and a half years, CONNECT hosted six sessions, matching 6 firms with local suppliers and resulting in business growth. Through this Commitment to Action, CONNECT will increase the number of these matchmaking session to four or five-per month, resulting in at least fifty matches per year by 2015. CONNECT will begin to convene the workshops by industry cluster (life sciences, defense, biotechnology and medical devices) for more effective networking and matching. Further, CONNECT will launch a marketing campaign to educate local and international businesses about the benefits of contracting with local San Diego firms. -----------------------------------------------------------Small Business Education: Access to Capital & Credibility Commitment by: Dun & Bradstreet Credibility Corp. Focus Area: Economic Empowerment

Introduction: In 2012, Dun & Bradstreet Credibility Corp. committed to empowering five hundred Dun & Bradstreet Credit Advisors to each identify one struggling small business in their respective community or region per month over the course of one year. These Credit Advisors will provide a free educational credit consultation to at least 3,000 small business owners. They will also pro-

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vide a free one-year subscription to one of Dun & Bradstreet Credibility Corp.’s credit monitoring or credit building products to help them in their efforts to access capital, negotiate better payment terms, and build their business credit and credibility. -----------------------------------------------------------Elevating Entrepreneurs: UBS Small Business Advisory Program Commitment by: UBS AG Focus Area: Economic Empowerment

Introduction: In 2012, building off the success of a New York City pilot, UBS committed to expand its Small Business Advisory Program to 20 additional small businesses in Los Angeles and Chicago. A mentorship team of a UBS Financial Advisor and a UBS client will meet at least six times with a small business owner over six months to identify goals and plans to grow and strengthen the business in areas such as revenue growth, expansion, and capital access. As a new component of the Advisory Program, UBS will be offering loans-between $50,000 and $250,000-to small business in these two metro areas. Specifically, $10 million has been earmarked for Los Angeles and $5 million for Chicago. To strengthen the success of the commitment, UBS is partnering with Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and the Mayor’s office in Los Angeles, who will help identify mentee businesses and help provide additional technical assistance to these growing enterprises. -----------------------------------------------------------

Crowdfunding Association (NLCFA) committed to launch the CAV Campaign: Crowdfunding for American Veterans to facilitate the use of investment crowdfunding so veterans can finance 1,000 start-up or existing veteran-owned businesses each year. NLCFA will provide education, partners, and access to investment for veterans wishing to start a new business. Interested veterans can sign up on NLFCA’s website. -----------------------------------------------------------Impact Newark Commitment by: City of Newark Focus Area: Economic Empowerment

Introduction: In 2012, Impact Newark committed to create an ecosystem of social enterprise through the launch of a cooperative workspace, employing three full time employees and developing 15 companies employing up to 45 people. This incubator will offer assistance with development and deal flow, create curricula and work with experts to teach entrepreneurs best practices. It will combine strategic philanthropic giving with economic development to cultivate unique opportunities and partnerships. ------------------------------------------------------------

terventions, and a shared data platform and systems to braid multiple funding streams. GHHI will target unemployed and low skilled incumbent workers for employment training that will enable them to perform the comprehensive GHHI intervention. GHHI has established an initial goal to have at least 20 percent of the contracting pool include women or women-owned businesses. -----------------------------------------------------------Library Makerspaces: Supporting STEM Education Commitment by: Fayetteville Free Library Focus Area: Education

Introduction: In 2012, the Fayetteville Free Library committed to building the first “makerspace” in a public library and creating a template and resources to enable other public libraries throughout the United States to replicate the program. Makerspaces are centers equipped with creation and digital fabrication technology, like 3D printers, as well as the software necessary to use the technology. These centers encourage an interest in computer programming and design, and directly support STEM learning in an informal, rewarding environment. By basing a makerspace in a public library and giving other communities the tools to replicate this commitment, it will increase the number of Americans developing the skills needed to be part of the 21st Century Workforce. ------------------------------------------------------------

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services. The goal of the challenge is to motivate and to develop an ecosystem of American innovators, software developers, the public, and students to foster continued innovation and a greater volume of high-quality, next-generation mobile tools to help underserved consumers control and shape their financial futures. ----------------------------------------------------------Restoring Neighborhood Demand Commitment by: NeighborWorks America Focus Area: Economic Empowerment

Introduction: In 2012, NeighborWorks America committed to developing a hybrid planning model of neighborhood marketing and community branding that will produce strategies to reposition a neighborhood’s image with residents and outside stakeholders, retain current residents, and attract strong homebuyers and renters. Over the next year, the model will be rolled out to seven to ten NeighborWorks Organizations that will be chosen from a diverse group of urban, suburban and rural communities across the nation. Through this initiative, NeighborWorks will build the community stabilization capacity of participating communities, as well as provide platforms and peer exchange tools to convey the best practices and outcomes of the pilot sites to community stakeholders across the country. ------------------------------------------------------------

OMICS Joining Forces for Women Veterans and Military Spouses Commitment by: Business and Professional Women’s Foundation Focus Area: Economic Empowerment

Introduction: In 2012, Business and Professional Women’s Foundation committed to scaling up Joining Forces for Women Veterans and Military Spouses Mentoring Plus™, pairing 1,000 women veterans and military spouses with working women mentors to guide them in finding jobs and careers. BPW will work with small and larger companies to define their commitments to leadership and to providing mentors, expertise, resources, and jobs for women veterans and military spouses. ----------------------------------------------------------Building Public-Private Partnerships for Redevelopment Commitment by: Metropolitan Planning Council Focus Area: Other

Introduction: In 2012, the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) committed to expand and strengthen public-private collaborations specifically around employer-assisted housing and the broader commute options menu. Within the Chicago metropolitan region, MPC seeks over the next 18 months to secure five employers committing to Employer-Assisted Housing or Commute Options each quarter and have 125 employees referred to counseling or benefiting from housing or energy efficiency renovation assistance and 25 new commute options participants per quarter. Through this commitment MPC strengthens its work with interjurisdictional collaboratives to unleash the benefits of working together across governmental borders to tackle shared challenges. MPC will further deepen and expand its outreach to current and prospective employer partners and help employers design and implement employer-assisted housing and commute options benefits that target strategic redevelopment, energy efficiency, interjurisdictional coordination, and live-near-transit. ----------------------------------------------------------CAValry Campaign Crowdfunding for American Veterans Commitment by: National Crowdfunding Association Focus Area: Economic Empowerment

Introduction: In 2012, the National

LearningCounts.org for Employers Commitment by: The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) Focus Area: Economic Empowerment

Introduction: In 2012, CAEL committed to educate the business community about Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). Within this education process, CAEL will partner with 5 to 8 companies to include the coverage of PLA in their tuition assistance policies, meaning that they will change their tuition assistance programs to include funding for PLA. CAEL plans to reach a total of 3,000 learners through LearningCounts.org overall. ------------------------------------------------------------

Lifting Men and Women Out of Homelessness and Poverty Commitment by: The Cara Program Focus Area: Economic Empowerment

Introduction: In 2012, The Cara Program committed to strengthening communities in Illinois by 2015 and forging paths to real and lasting success, by creating and securing 2,000 transitional and permanent jobs (in health care, financial services, manufacturing, office services, facilities management, and food service among other industries); positioning 1,000 individuals to achieve economic self-sufficiency (measured by the Living Wage Calculator derived by Pennsylvania State University); supporting at least 70% of those individuals in achieving one year job retention; advancing 500 of those individuals to a sustainable, living wage within three years of placement. -----------------------------------------------------------Green & Healthy Homes Initiative (GHHI) Commitment by: Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning Focus Area: Environment & Energy

Introduction: In 2012, the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning committed to scaling its Green & Healthy Homes Initiative (GHHI) to 25 new cities in the next three years. This $11.82 million commitment will leverage $250 million in public and private investments, create 25,000 Green & Healthy Homes and 1,550 green construction jobs. GHHI is a high quality, high impact approach to housing rehabilitation that drives public and private sector collaboration, streamlines service delivery, integrates energy and healthy housing interventions and develops new community-based green and healthy homes contractors. This commitment builds on GHHI’s initial 15 pilot cities that have successfully enrolled 7,000 housing units. To achieve this scale-up, GHHI will provide sites with a comprehensive tool-kit, integrated in-

Teachers at Dassault Systemes Commitment by: Dassault Systèmes Focus Area: Education

Introduction: In 2012, Dassault Systemes committed to launching the Teachers at Dassault Systemes (TADS) program. TADS will seek to improve STEM education in four communities in the United States (Los Angeles, Detroit, Providence, and Waltham, MA) by providing selected high school STEM teachers an opportunity to work at Dassault Systemes each summer and gain valuable insight on the day-to-day experiences of STEM field practitioners, affording them a first hand, real-world understanding that will allow them to better inform and encourage their students about STEM careers. -----------------------------------------------------------Changing Youth Perceptions of STEM Through Creative Writing Commitment by: Time Warner Cable Inc. Focus Area: Education

Introduction: In 2012, Time Warner Cable and its partners, 826 National and the Coalition for Science Afterschool, committed to launch a pilot of a STEM-based creative writing workshop in Los Angeles, New York City and San Francisco. The program will engage 90 students in science themed creative writing classes which will serve as a springboard to explore STEM subjects for students that otherwise may not ever be exposed to them, potentially increasing the number of students that choose to pursue STEM field studies and increase the number of scientifically literate and engaged Americans. ----------------------------------------------------------Mobile Application Competition to Build Financial Inclusion Commitment by: Center for Financial Services Innovation Doorways to Dreams Fund, Inc. Focus Area: Economic Empowerment

Introduction: In 2012, Doorways to Dreams Fund, Inc. (D2D) and the Center for Financial Services Innovation (CFSI) committed to launch and administer the Mobile Applications Competition to Build Financial Inclusion, a challenge that will offer cash prizes and recognition to individuals, teams of individuals, corporations, and nonprofit organizations with the best mobile applications (apps) that help Americans make smart financial choices and better access financial

HR Policy Association Veterans Employment Initiative Commitment by: HR Policy Association Focus Area: Economic Empowerment

Introduction: In 2012, the HR Policy Association committed to joining with its Fortune 500 member companies as well as Challenger, Gray & Christmas and its members to help approximately 3,000 Navy veterans find employment when they are released from the service this year. HR Policy Association will do this by recruiting member companies to this initiative that will attempt to hire these veterans. Challenger, Gray & Christmas, who has a partnership with the U.S. Navy, is meeting individually with these veterans in person and/or over the phone to identify the skills and abilities each has to offer. Leveraging its expertise in placement services, Challenger, Gray & Christmas will prescreen each candidate to help them translate their military experience into labor market currency and find the best match with company openings. -----------------------------------------------------------Helping Cleantech Startups Succeed with Low-Cost Design Commitment by: Greenstart Focus Area: Environment & Energy

Introduction: In 2012, Greenstart committed to funding, accelerating, and offering high caliber design services for 55 digital cleantech startups over the next five years. Specifically, Greenstart is launching a Design Practice to offer extended design services to the startups they work with. Greenstart’s Design Practice will be a Tier-1-caliber design firm available exclusively for the digital cleantech startups who have graduated from the Greenstart Accelerator program. This is the first Design Practice directly embedded in an Accelerator, and presents a new opportunity for digital cleantech startups to differentiate and flourish through access to low-cost, high-caliber design work. -----------------------------------------------------------Helping Low-Income Families Become Financially Stable Commitment by: Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Focus Area: Economic Empowerment

Introduction: In 2012, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) committed to opening an additional 10 Financial Opportunity Centers (FOCs) in four to five cities by the end of 2013. Local Initiatives Support Corporation provides management support to a national network of community-based groups, community college, public housing

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Sponsored by the Joyce, Peter G. Peterson, and J.B. & M.K. Pritzker Family foundations, as well as Allstate, Dow Chemical, ExxonMobil, and APCO Worldwide, the two-day event, held June 7-8, convened nearly a thousand leaders representing Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, foundations, and government agencies at the state and local level around a wide range of topics, from job creation, to stimulating economic growth, to fostering innovation, to supporting workforce development in the United States.

agencies, and other organizations that effectively run FOCS to help low to moderate income families become financially stable by providing them with skills that allow them to find and sustain employment by learning to budget, save, build credit and make careful use of conventional financial products and services. Once all 10 centers are up and running, LISC expects that over 2500 people will be impacted. -----------------------------------------------------------Expanding 21st Century Career Technical Education Commitment by: WireNET Focus Area: Education

Introduction: In 2012, WIRE-Net committed to expanding the “To The Max” partnership to facilitate the enrollment of 630 students in quality technical education at New Max Hayes High School in Cleveland, Ohio, and the placement of students in 701 part-time jobs within high-tech fields of manufacturing, transportation, IT and construction. WIRE-Net recognizes that the 45% of young Americans who are not college-bound require an educational system with a stronger focus on career-oriented programs and occupational credentials. WIRE-Net will partner with a coalition of community and business organizations and the school district, to develop a plan to transform the Max Hayes public high school into a model of 21st century career technical education. Within four years, the board will leverage industry partnerships to place an average of 200 students per year in high-tech part time jobs. -----------------------------------------------------------Doubling of Make An Impact Program Commitment by: Center for Climate and Energy Solutions Focus Area: Environment & Energy

Introduction: In 2012, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) committed to the expansion of the Make it Right program, a unique employee-focused energy efficiency program to educate and empower individuals to understand and reduce their personal carbon footprint. C2ES committed to achieving an aggregate reduction of 6 million pounds of carbon dioxide through the actions and commitments of 16,000 individuals. C2ES engages individuals through its website and workshops (measured by website visits, workshop attendance, use of the carbon calculator, and signatures on the pledge list).

Got Your Six Campaign Commitment by: Service Nation Focus Area: Economic Empowerment

Introduction: In January 2012, ServiceNation and the Got Your 6 Consortium committed to lead a multi-year awareness and activation campaign to change the conversation in America about veterans and military families. Got Your 6 is a campaign led by the entertainment industry to connect Americans with veterans and military families in order to build relationships that will aid transition, foster leadership, and reinvigorate American communities. In order to better enable military veterans to succeed in civilian life, the Got Your 6 campaign will focus on the six pillars of reintegration: jobs, housing, education, health, family, and leadership. Area-focused activation partners will help civilians identify opportunities to better un-

derstand veterans and increase opportunities for veterans to lead here at home. This campaign strives to bridge the growing civilian-military divide. ----------------------------------------------------------Green Button initiative, Johnson Controls Commitment by: Johnson Controls, Inc. Focus Area: Environment & Energy

Introduction: In 2012, Johnson Controls committed to join the Green Button Initiative. The Green Button initiative is an industry-led effort that responds to a White House call-toaction to provide consumers with secure, easy-to-understand data about their energy use to help them take better control of their energy bills. Johnson Controls’ commitment to the Green Button initiative is to implement the Green Button data standard and on-line interface within its Panoptix™ Building Efficiency Information Management Platform. The implementation of the Green Button data standard into Johnson Controls’ platform will help provide commercial building owners and tenants with standardized, on-line access to interval energy meter information from a large number of utility energy providers across the country. It will also enable the development and widespread deployment of innovative new building measurement, analysis and control applications. ------------------------------------------------------------

professional development training. The Saylor Foundation will implement this commitment by contracting with professors and subject matter experts to develop quality and relevant course content. These courses will target youth and adult learners, with the goal of providing opportunities for skills development and career strategy. ----------------------------------------------------------Building Chicago’s Civic Council to Improve Youth Success Commitment by: Robert R. McCormick Foundation Chicago Allies for Youth Success Focus Area: Education

Introduction: In 2012, the McCormick Foundation, with Chicago Allies for Youth Success, committed to establishing the Civic Council for Youth Success. This Council will bring together cross-sector stakeholders invested in afterschool programs in Chicago with the goal of increasing the access, reach and quality of expanded learning opportunities for young people in Chicago. The Civic Council work will be “powered” by the Chicago Youth Program DataBank, which will draw on data on more than 220,000 young people engaged in more than 28,000 activities across Chicago to determine how to drive impact. ----------------------------------------------------------

ECONOMICS

Creating the Impact Infrastructure Commodity Exchange IICX Commitment by: Impact Infrastructure, LLC Focus Area: Environment & Energy

Introduction: In 2012, Impact Infrastructure, LLC committed to the creation of the Impact Infrastructure Commodities Exchange (IICX) which will serve as a marketplace for infrastructure project sponsors and investors. Through this marketplace, projects will be valued and linked to their full impacts, including jobs, social, environmental and economic benefits, contributions to community resilience, and competitive advantages associated with regional solutions. The marketplace will provide industry accepted standards for infrastructure performance analysis, a venue through which project sponsors and investors can interact, rules to govern transactions, transactional support and servicing, and post investment performance reporting. The Exchange will support the existing capital deployment sector including investment advisors and banks currently working in the field by providing a concentrated market and expanding their due diligence capacity in service to the entire U.S. infrastructure market. ------------------------------------------------------------Saylor Foundation Workplace and Job Search Skills Program Commitment by: Saylor Foundation Focus Area: Education

Introduction: In 2012, the Saylor Foundation committed to building and providing at least twelve online courses comprising a Workplace Skills, Job Search and Career Development curricula, online and free of charge. These will cover a range of competencies, progressing from basic job skills such as writing and basic computing abilities, to skills directly related to finding a job, to

Supporting Youth Development through Mentoring and Sport Commitment by: Beat the Streets Philadelphia Focus Area: Education

Introduction: In 2012, Beat the Streets (BTS) Philadelphia committed to expand its mentoring program to 1,000 students, and to offer social and emotional learning, and academic support in Philadelphia and surrounding urban areas. Currently, nearly 100 percent of students participating in Beat the Streets Philadelphia’s programs have earned their high school diploma and matriculated to postsecondary education or entered the military. The addition of an enhanced mentoring program to a larger group of students has the potential of altering the trajectory of the lives of children from underprivileged environments. ---------------------------------------------------------Expanding and Implementing the Mentor Pledge Commitment by: iMentor Focus Area: Education

Introduction: In 2012, iMentor and Morgan Stanley committed to expanding their Mentor Pledge. iMentor launched the Mentor Pledge in January 2012 in partnership with 10 leading companies, including Morgan Stanley, that each pledged to recruit 100 of their employees to serve as mentors to students in high schools in low-income communities throughout New York City. Through this commitment, Morgan Stanley is now doubling its pledge from 100 to 200 mentors. To implement this commitment, iMentor will work with Morgan Stanley, and all the founding pledge companies, to organize mentor recruitment and training events for employees and promote the initiative to all staff. iMentor will match these volunteers with students from its

partner public high schools in one-to-one mentoring relationships that last up to four years. ----------------------------------------------------------DO ONE THING: A Neighborhood HIV & HCV Testing Campaign Commitment by: Brown University Focus Area: Global Health

Introduction: In 2012, Brown University’s Global Health Initiative committed to developing a comprehensive, neighborhood-based approach to HIV and HCV testing and prevention in a highly impacted, underserved neighborhood in Philadelphia, PA that will test 12,000 individuals for HIV and HCV. The primary goal of DO ONE THING is to diagnose and link as many individuals as possible to care services in order to address racial disparities in HIV and HCV diagnoses and care. Local engagement and program sustainability will be promoted by hiring 30 local field staff members, mobilizing local institutions to promote and destigmatize testing, widespread HIV and HCV testing by 100 trained health profession students in clinical and non-clinical settings across the entire neighborhood, and reporting on the results of this campaign in scientific, peer-reviewed literature. ------------------------------------------------------------

Building Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in America’s Heartland Commitment by: The Entrepreneur Center Focus Area: Economic Empowerment

Introduction: In 2012, the Entrepreneur Center committed to expand its successful rural entrepreneurship program throughout America’s heartland and South via a threephase plan. The commitment will begin with the July 2012 publication of a white paper detailing lessons learned on building rural entrepreneurial ecosystems, based on the Center’s successful work in Tennessee. Following publication, the Entrepreneur Center will begin broadcasting monthly webcasts which will include resources and materials to help rural startups grow and strengthen entrepreneurial activity in their communities. Finally, a conference called “American Dreamweavers” will be held in 2013 to share rural start-up stories and successes. Based on its experience in Tennessee, the Center expects this commitment to help create over 3,000 jobs. -----------------------------------------------------------Community College Student Success in School and Beyond Commitment by: Illinois Education Foundation Focus Area: Education

Introduction: In 2012, the Illinois Education Foundation (IEF) committed to scale nationally its successful, cost-effective program which provides academic, personal, professional and financial supports to low-income community college students in the Chicagoland area. IEF will expand from serving several hundred students annually to over a thousand, and will open new satellite locations in Illinois and three additional states to be identified. Over the three years of the commitment, 1,200 community college students, a population that has been historically underserved by non-profit education programs, will receive services. IEF’s model utilizes social entrepreneurs in high need communities to launch new chapters with financial and technical support from the IEF headquarters.

GREG PARKER PROTECTING TEXANS I PROTECTING TEXAS ENERGY

REPUBLICAN

FOR TEXAS

RAILROAD COMMISSIONER -

2012

-Primary RunoffJuly 31st

Commissioner Greg Parker Needs Your Support Again On Tuesday, July 31, 2012 Dear Fellow Texan (Patriot),

First I want to thank you for coming out to the polls and supporting my campaign. While we didn't capture a majority of the vote to win the race outright, we did force the incumbent into a runoff election. We are confident that the numbers are trending away from the business as usual crowd and shifting the balance of power back to "We the People." I am asking all those who supported the other Tea Party candidates to join our cause to move us one step closer to taking our government back. The time for division within our ranks must end if we have any hope of rescuing our representative republic from the political elite. It is clear that over 60% of Texans are not happy with the incumbent or the current course of the Railroad Commission. I would like to thank Elisabeth Murray-Kolb and Al Lee for their efforts in this race and congratulate them on an excellent campaign. They were successful in drawing attention to the issues that will shape Texas's future. We can defeat the incumbent, but only if we band together and speak with one voice.

GregParker Thank you for your help and support.

Commissioner Greg Parker Republican Candidate for Railroad Commissioner July 31, 2012 Republican Runoff Election

--------------------------------------------------------------------Pastor Stephen Broden Endorses Commissioner Greg Parker for Texas Railroad Commissioner Dear Fellow Texan (Patriot),

“I am very proud to have the endorsement of Pastor Stephen Broden. Pastor Broden is an exceptional patriot and strong voice for grassroots conservative values.” -- Commissioner Greg Parker

“I need your vote on Tuesday, July 31, 2012.” -- Commissioner Greg Parker, Republican for Railroad Commissioner Pol. Adv. Paid for by Greg Parker for texas railroad commissioner Campaign • 3044 Pine Valley, New Braunfels, TX 78130 • Nancy Barker, Treasurer.

Have You Heard Yet?

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Texas Based Mega-Ministries Are Impacting Lives Around the World

and today, they pastor the 20,000+ member Abundant Living Faith Center and oversee the ever-expanding Charles Nieman Ministries. An internationally known pastor, conference speaker and author, Charles is passionate about teaching people how to have a better life, and how to share that with others. “For me it’s simple,” says Charles, “the thief comes to steal, kill and to destroy, but Jesus came to give us a better life; an abundant life; a life where the free favors of God profusely abound. If Jesus said it, that settles it for me.” Charles, a native El Pasoan, grew up in a military family and lived in cities all over the United States and overseas. His parents taught him the incredible values of discipline and faithfulness. As a high school student, his family returned to El Paso, Texas, where he graduated and went on to attend the University of Texas at El Paso. It was there that he met his wife, Rochelle, who led him to know the Lord. Charles and Rochelle have been happily married since 1970 and have two children, Shannon and Jared, who have also dedicated their lives to working in the ministry. Source: This information was gathered from the Abundant Living Faith Center website. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONTINUED FROM P.5

ST. JOHN BAPTIST CHURCH Pastor: Denny D. Davis 1701 West Jefferson Grand Prairie, TX 75051 Phone: (972) 264-1483

DAVIS

www.sjcfamily.org

Pastor Davis, was born to Almeda and Andrew Davis and was reared as an only child in the rural city of Champaign, Illinois. At 12 years old, Pastor Davis gave his life to Christ, by the tender age of 14, he knew he was called to the ministry and began handwriting sermons in his bedroom. It was at his home church, The Mount Olive Baptist Church pastored by Rev. Lundy Savage, that Pastor Davis announced his call to preach in 1976. Rev. Savage continued to encourage and nurture Pastor Davis’ gift and allowed him to preach his first sermon February 17, 1977. Pastor Davis knew he needed to cultivate his gift further through formal education and with the support and encouragement of his mother, after high school, he moved to Dallas, Texas to pursue a Bachelors degree in Religion with a minor in Business Administration from Bishop College. During his college years, Pastor Davis was the President of the Minister’s Lyceum and was heavily involved with many churches in the Dallas community. His gift and calling was continually nurtured and developed under the watch of many of Dallas’ veteran pastors and preachers, including the late Rev. S.M. Wright of The People’s Baptist Church. It was with the support of these pastors, that Rev. Davis learned what it truly meant to shepherd and lead a people. In 1983, Pastor Davis married his high school love, Wanda Bolton-Davis, the two made there home in Dallas. In August 1984, Pastor Davis accepted his first pastoral position at the Mount Rose Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas and just one year later, the Davis’ had their first child. Pastor Davis continued his educational pursuit and received his Masters in Theology from Brite School of Divinity at Texas Christian University. The Davis’ then gave birth to their second child and three years later, in 1991, Pastor Davis was called to pastor the St. John Church in Grand Prairie, Texas. Since assuming the pastorate position, St. John has grown exponentially both spiritually and physically. The Lord has blessed and added more than 12,000 new members, and more than 80 ministries within the church. In 1995, one year before the Davis’ third child was born, the St. John Church was able to retire a half million-dollar mortgage note, within 26 months. This allowed the ministry to work towards Vision 2000, a 3.5 million dollar, much-needed expansion project, which was completed debt free in 2000. Shortly after the completion of Vision 2000, Pastor Davis, felt the Lord sending him into uncharted territory, Southlake, Texas. Recognizing the need to develop a church in a growing community where few churches existed, Pastor Davis started the St. John North Family Fellowship Church (now named, St. John Southlake Campus). The church began as a small group of Christians meeting in various home-based settings. The meeting locations soon began meeting in a single office suite and later expanded to multiple office suites. In 2004, St.

John Church broke ground on the capital plan to build a full church facility to better serve the Southlake community. In December 2007, the St. John Southlake Campus, an 80,000 square foot facility that supports 2400 worshippers, was completed. Under Pastor Davis’ guidance, St. John Church has become one church in multiple locations offering four Sunday worship services and three mid-week Bible studies every week. Source: This information was gathered from the lightsource.com website. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE CHURCH WITHOUT WALLS Pastor: Ralph D. West 5725 Queenston Blvd Houston, TX 77084-6409 Phone: (281) 649-6800

www.churchwithoutwalls.org

Ralph Douglas West is Pastor/Founder of the Church Without Walls, 5725 Queenston Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77084. He accepted his call to the ministry at the age of 16. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1981 from Bishop College in Dallas, Texas, attended Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey, and received a Master of Divinity and Biblical Languages Degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Ft. Worth, Texas in 1994 and is currently in the Doctorate of Ministry program at Beason Divinity School, Birmingham, Alabama. Pastor West was inducted in to the Martin Luther King, Jr., Board of Preachers as a “Distinguished Preacher”, Morehouse College, Atlanta Georgia, and March 1998 and received the Texas Youth Commission’s “Outstanding Contribution to Youth” Award, University, Houston, Texas and the Interdenominational Theological Center, Morehouse College, Atlanta Georgia. He has lectured at ITC, Morehouse College, Atlanta Georgia; Baylor College, Waco, Texas; and Princeton Theological Seminary, Priceton, New Jersey. He was the youngest ever conference preacher for the 1999 Hampton University Ministries Conference and was the conference preacher again for 2000. Pastor West has served as Pastor of Zion Hill Baptist Church, Brookshire, Texas (1982-1984) and Greater Mt.Zion Baptist Church, Houston, Texas (19841987). In 1987, he became the founding pastor of Brookhollow Baptist Church (The Church without Walls). Under his leadership, the congregation has grown from 32 members to well over 10,000 members. The Church launched its “Together We Build” Stewardship Campaign in March 1994 and after acquiring its 40-acre site in west Houston, began construction on 27 February 1996. The church moved in to its “state of the art”, almost 100,000 square foot multi-use facility, 18 May 1997. In a spirit of rejoicing the church entered its three-year “God Is Doing It Again!” capital stewardship campaign, Palm Sunday, 28 March 1999 to retire the debt on the current facility and start design and construction on its 4,000 seat cathedral, new administrative offices and conference center. Source: This information was gathered from the angelfire.com website. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------WEST

MINISTRY

WINDSOR VILLAGE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

CALDWELL

Pastor Kibyjon Caldwell 6011 West Orem, Houston, Texas 77085 Phone: 713-723-8187

www.kingdomexperience.com

Kirbyjon Caldwell is Senior Pastor of Windsor Village United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas, the largest and fastest growing Methodist church in America. Under his leadership since 1982, the Windsor Village Church Family has grown from 25 members to a congregation of 15,000 Kingdombuilders. A native Houstonian, Pastor Caldwell was educated in the Houston public schools. He has earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics from Carleton College; a Masters Degree in Business Administration in Finance from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business; a Masters Degree in Theology from Southern Methodist University-

Perkins School of Theology; and two honorary Doctor of Law Degrees, one from Huston-Tillotson College and the other from Carleton College.Pastor Caldwell’s visionary leadership is driven by the belief that the church must embrace theology, identify societal problems, and deliver solutions holistically. With a mandate to take the sanctuary to the streets, the Kingdom building ministry has resulted in the growth of close to 100 ministries that serve the community seven days a week and a proven track record of successful community development – all aimed at improving the lives of individuals and families. Nine independently operated nonprofits have been birthed out of the church’s ministry efforts to address the unmet needs of persons of all ages. Pastor Caldwell is author of the bestseller The Gospel of Good Success (recently revised as Be In It To Win It!) and the co-author of Entrepreneurial Faith. He is a member of The Century Club, NEWSWEEK’s list of 100 people to watch in the new millennium and, according to the New York Times, one of five pastors in the nation that President Obama turns to for private prayer sessions and religious discussions. He is married to Suzette Caldwell, Associate Pastor of Windsor Village United Methodist Church and has three children. The Living the Kingdom Experience television ministry expands the reach of Pastor Caldwell’s unique vision to add value (e.g., improve marriages, increase parenting skills, address tough times and beyond) to the lives of a greater number of individuals and families with relevant messages and information that can be immediately applied to everyday living. This information was gathered from the kingdomexperience.com website. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WHEELER AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH Pastor: Dr. Marcus D. Cosby 3826 Wheeler Avenue Houston, Texas 77004 Phone: (713)748-5240

COSBY

www.wheeleravebc.org

Reverend Dr. Marcus D. Cosby serves as the Senior Pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. He holds the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion and English from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee; the Master of Divinity Degree in Homiletics and Christian Education from Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in Atlanta, Georgia; and the Doctor of Ministry Degree in Homiletics from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary of the Associated Chicago Theological Schools (ACTS). Dr. Cosby is as a member of the Board of the Samuel Dewitt Proctor Conference; the African American Pulpit, a scholarly journal that highlights the preaching prowess of African-American preachers across the country; the Home Mission Board of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. and the Houston Area Urban League. He has served on the Board of Directors of Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, the Texas Commission for Community Service and Volunteerism, and as an Advisory Board Member of The Gardner C. Taylor Preaching Archives and Listening Room in Atlanta, Georgia. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity and the NAACP. Among the gifts and talents with which God has blessed Pastor Cosby, none are more meaningful to him than preaching and teaching. He has been blessed to carry his ministry across the country and seeks to uplift all humanity through the life-changing, uncompromising Word of God. Dr. Cosby is married to his high school sweetheart, Mrs. Audrey Marie Cosby, and they have been blessed with three beautiful daughters, Adrienne Marie, Ashley Marie and Aliyah Marie and two sons, Marcus D., II and Matthew D. Cosby. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Erica Lee

DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY

Why I am the best candidate for Harris County School Board Trustee Position 6 Precinct #1 in the 2012 Democratic Primary Runoff

by Erica Lee For Your Thought Matters Readers

I seek to serve as a Trustee on the Harris County Board of Education because I believe all children deserve a quality education. I am committed to bringing quality education to Harris County Precinct 1 and plan to use my experiences within local, state, and federal levels of government to do so. I am committed to improving the education quality for students in Harris County. I truly believe that none of our children are throwaways and they all deserve opportunity. If elected to serve as a Trustee on the Harris County Board of Education, I plan to ensure that our system focuses on: • Quality professional development and support for our teachers and school leaders in Harris County. • Quality implementation of educational services and enrichment programs for students. • Quality management of the community’s financial resources. • Quality outreach to and partnerships throughout our communities including the 26 ISDs and charter schools in Harris County. In addition to being a former HISD teacher, I have worked for the state government finance contributing to the development of a $21 Billion education budget and navigated the complex federal legislative process. My educational background includes a Masters of Public Policy, Duke University, Terry Sanford School of Public Policy and B.A. with Honors, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I have expertise in the legislative process and how the state and federal government work with local school boards like the County Board to institute education policy. As Trustee, I will apply all of this expertise and know-how to improve the delivery of education services for our children. For those who are unfamiliar with the board, the Harris County Board of Education Board ensures accountability for our public tax dollars. The Department saves districts money through sharing resources, improved efficiency and collaborating on best practices. Students benefit from high quality services like early intervention, after schooling and continued education. As a Trustee, it would be my mission to expand the outreach, accessibility and quality service delivery of the Harris County Department of Education beyond its traditional targets to ensure our highest needs communities benefit from its services and resources. I believe I am the most qualified candidate because I combine high-level policy-making and budget expertise with a deep passion for changing education outcomes for our children. I am the only candidate with federal, state and local policy-making experience. I have worked as a budget analyst for one of the nation’s largest democratic states- New York. In this role, I created complex budget formulas for the state’s public schools and supported the drafting of key legislation to expand pre-kindergarten and protect high needs districts. I am a passionate advocate for children who will bring my skills, expertise and democratic values to my role as a Harris County Board of Education Trustee.

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Vote Tuesday, July 31, 2012

OPINIONS 14

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Pastor Jamal Bryant “Jilted” By Obama, But Still Believes In President

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In this exclusive opinion piece, noted Baltimore-based minister Rev. Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant responds to President Obama’s recent declaration of support for same-sex marriages.

By Rev. Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant

he African American community has beamed with tremendous pride at the work of the first Black President, Barack Obama, in his first term: Bringing the troops home; creating jobs.; doubling the amount of Pell Grants available for college students; saving the automotive industry; appointing a record number of women & Latinos to strategic positions; stopping Osama Bin Laden; standing up for Trayvon Martin; acknowledging the Occupy Movement; addressing predatory lending; passing historic health care reform… amongst so many other accomplishments.

Given this, I was taken aback by President Obama’s public endorsement of same sex marriage on Tuesday. My feelings of disappointment arise not only from the fact that I don’t agree with the President, but also because his announcement came so suddenly, and without any warning to the Black church community. The church at its core is to be a refuge for all of God’s children, including homosexuals. There is a gay community within the Black church. We can’t ignore them or bash them. However, the church has no shades of gray when it comes to marriage. Our faith reserves marriage for a man and a woman. President Obama, as a product of the Black church, is fully aware of that. Knowing this, the President made this endorsement without calling or preparing any of us. For many of us, it felt like a betrayal. The Black church has been there for him from the start. As a 3rd generation member the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the oldest African American Protestant denomination in the country, I remember in 2008 when then-Senator Obama came to our general conference, the day after we unanimously passed legislation against same sex marriages. The Bishops of the church took him in private quarters and surrounded him, covering him in prayer. The photo of this moment soon went viral. After the inauguration, the President was met with an onslaught of disrespect, opposition and attack. But he has always been covered in prayer and supported in large measure by the Black church community. Even when national evangelical Franklin Graham openly questioned the President’s Christianity, the NAACP went with national religious leaders from different denominations to demand an apology.

Given this history, it’s not hard to understand why many Black pastors feel jilted. Many have hastened to declare that they will no longer support the President. But when I reflect about this current impasse with Barack Obama, I am reminded of a recent challenge I had as a father. My oldest daughter is navigating her way through her first year of high school. A complete culture shock in her change of environment. New friends, new teachers, new building, new challenges and new expectations. By and large she is a finalist in her own teenage reality show, unofficially entitled “Survivor”. Recently, and with great trepidation, she handed me her report card. She excelled in language arts, science, music, and history. But algebra remained an albatross around her adolescent neck. It looks like she will have to follow her father’s footsteps and serve a stint in summer school. We are extremely proud of the strides she has made in every other area, but disappointed in her performance in math. But despite our dismay, as her chief supporters, there’s one thing we cannot do: give up on her or abandon her. We are committed to find her a tutor and to remain encouraging. She’s got a great future and this shortcoming will not stop her dreams of graduating, going to college and becoming the greatest journalist the world has ever seen. Just as I believe in my daughter, I still believe in the President. It’s has to be about more than our feelings and our differences. While my disagreement with the President on this issue is severe, I have to look at other issues at stake that are critical to our community: improving

public education, investing in HBCUs, addressing Social Security, creating jobs, endorsing entrepreneurship, and leveling the paying field so that everybody gets a fair shot. While I am uncomfortable with the President on this position, I am more uncomfortable with the alternative: an agenda that does not include the poor and platform that has not engaged minorities or the Black church. This is not the time for us to become disengaged. We cannot afford apathy. This decision is not a reason to leave the political process. We have too much to lose. Our community must participate. That’s why I’m committed to registering a million new voters for November and to challenging vote suppression and voter intimidation. There are people who want to know now, “What’s the point?” There are many who wonder, “Does it matter?” There are congregations and clergy that are trying to remain confident. I am reminded of the words of a writer whose name now escapes me, who once said we must have the “audacity of hope.” ----------------------------------------------

REPRINT

Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant is the pastor of the Empowerment Temple AME Church in Baltimore, Md.

DR.JAMAL-HARRISON BRYANT PASTOR

- VOTE EARLY FOR CARL PITTMAN July 23rd - 27th, 2012

- ELECTION DAY -

Tuesday, July 31st, 2012

YOU CAN STILL VOTE IN THE REPUBLICAN RUNOFF EVEN IF YOU DID NOT VOTE IN THE PRIMARY Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Maricopa County AZ

“Carl came to Phoenix to visit with me and take a tour of our facility. I like what I saw (in Carl). He has a good business and law enforcement background, and when he asked for my endorsement I gave it to him and I’m coming to Houston on June 4th to support him.”

Sheriff Micah Harmon, Lavaca County, Texas

“ I have know Carl for over 30 years. I grew up with Carl and we went to school together. Carl comes from humble beginnings but has always been a goal oriented kind of guy. Whenever Carl sets his sights on something, he achieves it. Carl has paid his dues in the military, business and law enforcement world. Carl is not running for sheriff to serve himself. He is running because he wants to serve the people of Harris County and make it a better place. There is no doubt in my mind that if you elect Carl Pittman as Sheriff of Harris County, you will not be disappointed.”

ARPAIO

“While I have been building my legal practice, I have not been actively supporting political campaigns. I now write to you in full support of Carl Pittman for Harris County Sheriff. I know Carl and his wife Kristi. He’s a good man with nearly 20 years of experience in law enforcement. He is also a conservative Republican with a compelling life story....Carl is not running for Sheriff as a stepping stone to other office. He’s running because he’s the right man for the job. I particularly support his goals of reducing the Sheriff bureaucracy while increasing on-the-beat policing. He will be accessible and accountable to the voters....I urge you to consider supporting his campaign, as I am doing. The more money he raises now the better his chances of victory in November 2012.”

HARMON

Edwin Sullivan, Oberti Sullivan LLP

SULLIVAN

VOTE for CARL PITTMAN ON TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012 Carl Pittman is Committed to Establishing Conservative Fiscal Policy

A zero-based budget policy will justify the expenses of the organization line by line. A zero-based budget policy will identify areas of waste within the organization. As a businessman I could never have used the practices commonly used in government today, and kept my doors open. The option to simply print more money was never at my disposal. Most administrators steer clear of zero-based budgeting quite honestly because it is labor intensive. In times of economic distress or prosperity we should remain fiscally conservative. For example: Spending hundreds of thousands of dollars for marketing and media personnel is not a responsible expenditure of tax dollars. A zero-based budget will help to identify areas that need additional attention within the organization. I will implement this policy to zero out and start again with the budget in odd calendar years beginning in 2013. I will be diligent in the pursuit of grant funds to complete our various missions. I will build a strong reserve force to supplement our law enforcement mission. As a Real Estate Broker I owed a fiduciary responsibility to my clients. Simply put, I had to place my client’s interest ahead of even my own. I will bring this as a fiscal concept to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

Carl Pittman is Committed to Taking A Tough Stand Against Illegal Immigration Harris County has become a haven for illegal immigration. The Houston Chronicle reports nearly 10 percent of all arrests in Harris County are of illegal immigrants costing taxpayers millions of dollars each year. The Sheriff’s Department spends more than 15 percent of its budget investigating, arresting, incarcerating and providing medical care to illegal immigrants. Across the state, Senator Patrick estimates 25 percent

of our state budget is spent on services for illegal immigration - $45,000,000,000.00 per year. Illegal immigration impacts both public safety and our economic bottom line adversely. The tragic death of HPD officer Kevin Will reminds us of the criminal element illegal immigration brings to our communities. We can no longer take a reactionary stance toward this level disregard for human life. As sheriff, Carl Pittman will work to expand 287(g) certification to Harris County and enforce the law. Carl Pittman will stop ignoring this large problem plaguing our county and return the Sheriff’s Office into an organization focused on law enforcement, not petty politics.

Carl Pittman is Committed to Accountability

I will follow the law – this is not optional and should not have to be negotiated with the sheriff. I believe this is the primary duty of any law enforcement officer and particularly the chief law enforcement officer of the county. I will seek to identify the best practices from around the country and the world, that can effectively work within the sheriff’s office. “This is how we’ve always done it” will be discarded from the Sheriff’s Office vocabulary. A request for information under a properly filed Freedom of Information request will not require the Texas Attorney General to force compliance as long as the release of the information is not otherwise protected by law.

Carl Pittman Is Committed to Public Work Programs For Eligible Inmates Serving Sentences In The Harris County Jail

I will identify tasks that eligible inmates can complete in an attempt to save the public funds and allow those inmates the ability to “work off” custody time, further reducing the burden on our jails. There are many public projects that could be accomplished by in-

mate labor, and many inmates look forward to the opportunity to do something productive to pass the time. For some who will argue that this practice is about race – I say it is about responsibility. To simply house inmates without any return on the taxpayers’ investment is irresponsible. Inmate labor should be used for the care and maintenance of our parks, cleanup of abated properties and cleaning of our roadways. This serves two primary goals – provides a sense of responsibility for the inmate to get up and go to work and also saves tax dollars.

Carl Pittman is Committed to Finding Less Costly Detention Housing Options

I will seek, with the assistance and approval of Commissioner’s Court, the development of portable detention facilities. I will do all things within my authority and in accordance with the law to identify and implement less expensive housing options for inmates. As a young infantry marine I spent a great deal of time in tents. It was not always comfortable, but I was serving my country and I was proud to do it. If it is good enough for our men and women serving this nation why is it not good enough for an inmate serving a jail term? This will be done in a responsible manner in full compliance with applicable rules.

My Oath To You

As a United States Marine and as a Law Enforcement Officer I took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America. This is included in the oath of office

taken by every law enforcement officer in the country before assuming their duties. In essence as Sheriff I must be a protector of the Constitution against all enemies both foreign and domestic. I must obey the law, it is not optional. No individual or group will ever have the need to negotiate with me to accomplish this. I will work hard to earn the trust of the employees of the sheriff’s office and will treat them with respect. The Sheriff cannot violate the law against his employees while promoting himself to be the “chief law enforcement officer of the county”. The unwritten but obvious first mandate to be sheriff or any peace officer is to obey the law. The Sheriff does not and should not make the law, but enforce the law. As Sheriff I can then demand that the citizens are treated with the same dignity and respect. When setting policy we must take the time to consider the “unexpected consequences” of those actions before implementation. No one is above the law, this is a nation of laws and that fine line of law and order allows this all to work. As Sheriff I will continually look for the best practices in law enforcement around the country and the globe. If it works well we should consider it. I will absolutely demand that we vacate the thinking of “that’s how we’ve always done it.” Carl Pittman That thinking may work well with an old family recipe, but in law enforcement we must constantly evolve in order to keep pace with the ever changing criminal element. --------------------------------------------------------------“Paid Political Ad: Carl Pittman for Sheriff Campaign,

Charles T. Forgarty, Treasurer.

VOTE FOR DON SELF

IN THE 2012 REPUBLICAN PRIMARY RUNOFF

- JULY 31, 2012 -

Don Self is a native Texan, married to Kimberly, and father of three children: Morgan 11, Logan 9 and Peyton 8

Why I am the best candidate for Harris County District Judge for the 152nd District in the July 31, 2012 Republican Primary Runoff

tiff and defendant clients on a local and national basis. My diverse and broad-based practice provides experience in depositions, pre-trial motions, trial, mediations, arbitrations and settlements in simple to complex, multi-party litigation including class actions. I am a Leadership Houston member class XXV. I served on the Leadership Houston Board of Directors (2007-2009), Leadership Houston, Vice-Chairman, Business Development Committee (2007-2009). I am a member of the Houston Bar Association, Pasadena Bar Association, Republican Party, Memorial Drive Baptist Church, Boy Scouts of America, Neighborhood Centers, Inc. I served on the City of Houston Building and Standards Commission, Commissioner, Panel 3, (2006 – 2009). I am a member of the by Don Self College of the State Bar of For Your Thought Matters Readers Texas, International Ombudsman Association, BBB – MeMy name is Don Self, and I am a Republican diator and Ford Motor candidate for the 152nd Civil District Court. I am Company Autoline Arbitrator, a fourth-generation Texan and Houston native. I EEOC – volunteer mediator, graduated from Westbury High School in HousADR Section – Texas State ton. I am married to Kimberly Self and we have Bar, Construction Law Section three children; two daughters and a son. After – Texas State Bar, Association high school, I joined the U.S. Navy where I of Conflict Resolution, Texas served for six years. I was awarded a Navy Mediator Credentialing AssoCommendation, two Navy Citations and an honciation, Texas Association of orable discharge for my service. Mediators (TAM), NAA-NaI hold a JD degree and a Masters of Law tional Apartment Association, degree in health law from the University of Houston Realty Business Houston. I am a certified mediator/arCoalition. DON SELF bitrator. I am a certified attorney ad My volunteer comlitem and guardian ad litem. I have munity involvement inbeen practicing law for more than 16 cludes Leadership years in civil litigation representing inHouston, Neighborhood dividuals and businesses. My practice Centers, Inc., Arbor AND A COMMENDATION areas are diverse and broad-based, School, Boy Scouts, Girl ranging from simple to complex, multiScouts, and Girls Inc. I party litigation, including, but not limited to business, am the head of the men’s ministry at Memorial Drive commercial disputes, commercial real estate, aviation Baptist Church. I am a volunteer mediator in healthcare law, personal injury, elder law, health-care law, nursing and elder care, family and employment disputes for the home abuse and class actions. I have handled cases Better Business Bureau, EEOC. I do pro bono mediain state and federal courts in Texas representing plaintion, counseling and ombudsman assignments involving

U.S. Navy Veteran

* TWO NAVY CITATIONS

nursing home conflicts. I am the most qualified candidate for the 152nd District Court because of my advanced education, certifications, military leadership, depth and breadth of my legal experience and my community service. I continue to update my education and stay involved in the community in a leadership position.

About Don Self

• Hard working, common sense Texan who stands for conservative values and fairness • Will follow the law and not legislate from the bench • Attorney and small business owner with practical hands-on experience • Masters of Law Degree in health law from the University of Houston

Experience

• 16 years of private practice experience • A certified mediator/arbitrator • United States Navy Veteran, earned a Navy Commendation, Two Citations and honorable discharge • Republican Leadership Council Member • Board of Directors, Leadership Houston • Involved in the Boy Scouts of America

Vote for Don Self on Tuesday, July 31st

• Don Self has a true understanding of what it takes to be successful in law, business and the military. As a leader in the community, he has what it takes to become the Judge of the 152nd District Court • Native Texan, married to Kimberly, and father of three children: Morgan 11, Logan 9 and Peyton 8

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Pol. ad paid for by the Don Self Campaign in compliance with the voluteer limits of the Juducial Campaign Fairness Act, Janice Latham, Treasurer.

WWW.DONSELFFORJUDGE.COM

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These People Are Answering The Call To Service; Asking For Your Vote of Confidence in their Respective Democratic and Republican Runoff Races To Be Held On Tuesday, July 31, 2012 Why I am the best candidate for United States Senate by David Dewhurst For Your Thought Matters Readers

Texas today is an economic powerhouse and the envy of the nation. For the past nine years, I have had the privilege of serving as Lieutenant Governor of Texas and working hard with fine Republican men and women to make Texas the strongest state economy

religious liberties. I will stand up and help stop the radical Obama agenda before it destroys America. Here is my plan: 1. In the U.S. Senate my first priority will be to repeal Obamacare 2. I will help cut federal spending and taxes and balance the budget 3. I will fight outrageous overregulation and get America working again. 4. I will fight to secure our borders and strengthen our military. 5. I will continue to fight to defend religious liberties. As a native Texan, rancher, businessman and military veteran, I believe I am the candidate best suited to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate. I am a lifelong businessman who knows what it is like to make a payroll, build a business and create jobs. I have consistently fought for conservative values as Lieutenant Governor of Texas and will continue to do so in the U.S. Senate. I ask for your vote in the runoff election on July 31st.

PUBLIC SERVICE

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David Dewhurst

REPUBLICAN PRIMARY

in America and the leader in job creation. In my capacity as Lt. Governor, I’ve fought liberals each step of the way to achieve historic conservative victories. • I have worked with pro-life conservatives to defund Planned Parenthood. • I have worked with the Texas Senate to pass a Photo Voter ID to stop rampant voter fraud across Texas. • I have helped cut taxes 51 times to save taxpayers $14.5 billion. • I helped cut state spending by over $14 billion last year. • I helped pass the most comprehensive tort reform bills in America, making the liberal trial lawyer agenda obsolete in Texas. • I helped passed the Sonogram Bill, which will save thousands of lives. • I have stood strong for the 10th Amendment, knowing that the federal government is never the solution. • I have killed all liberal proposals for a state income tax. • I have consistently defended religious freedoms. • I have helped protect the sanctity of marriage by passing the Defense of Marriage Act. In Washington today, the American Dream is under attack. I have fought successfully to defend conservative values in Texas just as I will fight to defend them in the U.S. Senate. I will help stop President Obama’s trampling on our family values and

and defend liberty, free-market principles, and the U.S. Constitution. I think voters in Texas and across the country are tired of the same establishment incumbents. And 2010 showed they were looking for new leaders who have the courage of their convictions and are strong, principled conservatives who are willing to fight to defend limited government. For the past decade, over and over again, I have been standing up for conservative principles and winning on the national level. Serving under Attorney General Greg Abbott, I was proud to successfully defend the Pledge of Allegiance, the Ten Commandments, the Second Amendment, and U.S. sovereignty from the World Court and the UN—all of which we won before the U.S. Supreme Court. I am the only proven conservative in the race with a demonstrated record of standing up for conservative values and winning on a national level: • As the head of the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Center for Tenth Amendment Studies, took a leading national role in fighting for States’ rights and against excessive federal regulation. • Successfully represented Texas before the U.S. Supreme Court in Medellin v. Texas, which upheld U.S. sovereignty and held that the World Court cannot bind the U.S. justice system and the President cannot order the state courts to obey the World Court. • Under the leadership of Attorney General Greg Abbott, repeatedly defended the right to free speech and religious expression, including in a landmark decision protecting the Texas Ten Commandments monument. • Played a leading role in several important pro-life cases, including defense of the partial-birth abortion ban, parental consent laws, and prohibiting state funds from going to abortion. • Led a coalition of 31 states protecting the 2nd Amendment by challenging the unconstitutional ban on gun rights in Washington, D.C. • Worked to strengthen border security and help ensure that America remains a nation of laws. Among other efforts, worked on efforts to increase penalties for felons who enter the country illegally. • Defended the landmark lawsuit reform legislation implemented in Texas in 2003, protecting the constitutionality of that effort, which has led to greater access to health care and expanded economic opportunity. • Successfully represented over 3 million veterans before the U.S. Supreme Court, de-

Why I am the best candidate for United States Senate by Ted Cruz For Your Thought Matters Readers

I’m running for Senate because in my judgment, America is at a crossroads. Barack Obama is the most radical president this nation has ever seen and we are facing the epic battle of our generation — a battle of whether this nation remains a free-market

Ted Cruz

REPUBLICAN PRIMARY

nation. The size, power, and spending of the federal government has increased faster in the past three years than ever before. And we desperately need leadership to stand up

fending the constitutionality of the Mojave Desert Veterans Memorial, which was erected in 1934 to honor WWI veterans. • Fought on the federal level to defend marriage between one man and one woman as the fundamental building block of society.

Why I am the best candidate for United States Congress for the 36th Congressional District

by Stephen Takach For Your Thought Matters Readers

I believe that I am the better choice for this district, because I have lived here for the past 35 years. I understand the concerns of the people in the district because it is my home. I believe that I am the best choice for this district, because I am not a career politician – I am a concerned citizen. I never had any in-

Stephen Takach

REPUBLICAN PRIMARY

tention of running for public office up until the past few years. I’m a strong believer that knowing a person’s past greatly helps you to understand who they are. I spent 13 years in Liberty, which gave me the perspective of real life in small town east Texas. That’s where I graduated from High School, started my first business, and lived during college. After my wife, Holly, and I were married, we made the transition into the more heavily populated area of Harris County. My residency in Baytown exposed me to the ever-present struggles that citizens in our area face. My personal life experience has allowed me to understand the needs of the people, and they can relate to my story. I

YOURTHOUGHTMATTERS.COM -- REAL PEOPLE. REAL OPINIONS. REAL THOUGHTS THAT MATTER. - CALL (832)212-8735 TO BE INCLUDED!

“YOUR THOUGHT MATTERS NEWSPAPER IS A PLACE THAT’S BEEN CREATED FOR YOUR TO HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD!” -- SEND COMMENTS TO: aubreyrtaylor@gmail.com have spent my life doing what most Americans strive to do; raise a family, build a home, and find a way to make ends meet. I learned the value of a hard days work as an employee of National Pipe and Tube; I have started and ran two successful businesses, married my sweetheart, and have two beautiful children. I have had the opportunity to live the “American Dream”. As an accountant, I see that the government has saddled future generations with a mountain of debt and I think that their future is unclear. Each person in this country now owes the Federal Government almost $50,000, due to the accumulated debt. This is not right or fair, and we need to change the course our country is on while we still have time. I believe that the voters understand this as well as I do. I am pro-life, pro-gun, pro smaller government, pro border security, and pro religious freedom. I have the backbone and viability to let the people’s voice from this district be distinctly heard. My background as a financial advisor for Edward Jones has given me personal insight into how real people deal with the problems created by the government and the debt crisis. Each day I help my clients create a budget that will help them with their future plans. I believe that this kind of real world, hands on experience is what is needed in Congress today.

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Why I am the best candidate for U.S. Congress for the 7th Congressional District by James Cargas For Your Thought Matters Readers

I am the only challenger to the Tea Party’s Culberson who has previously worked in the U.S. Congress or held any public service positions. I am also the only life-long Democrat with decades of campaign experience in the July 31st runoff

Congress for Rep. David Bonior (D-MI) as a Deputy Press Secretary. 3. During law school in DC, I served as a law clerk at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and learned the vital importance of affordable and reliable energy to our economy. 4. After law school and a few years in the private sector, I worked in the Clinton White House advancing solar and wind power, sustainable building practices and hybrid vehicles. Subsequently, I served in his administration at the U.S. Department of Energy under Gov. Bill Richardson. 5. Today, I am the Senior Assistant City Attorney for Energy for Mayor Annise Parker, a position I also was appointed to and held under Mayor Bill White. 6. My campaign experience reaches back to the Dukakis, Clinton, Gore, Edwards and Kerry campaigns. For Gore 2000, I was a paid staffer traveling across this beautiful nation – and filing tax returns in four states that I lived in. For Obama in 2008, I was asked to go the critical Columbus, Ohio area. 7. Given the importance of energy to our community, I joined with others to form the Oil Patch Democrats as a means of promoting Democratic energy policy alternatives. I also serve on the board of Green Door, Inc., a non-profit organization linking under-served communities to opportunities in the Green Economy. 8. My many endorsements can be viewed at: www.jamescargas.com/supporters. They include: AFL-CIO, Houston Federation of Teachers, Teamsters, CWA, IBEW, Tejano Democrats, and the Houston Black American Democrats. 9. If elected, I will proudly represent Houston’s Energy Corridor. I will also work to cancel the Bush tax cuts and return to a balanced budget like Clinton’s. I will not support the Ryan Budget or any of the shameful cuts to Medicare and Social Security it contains. ----------------------------------------------------------

jobs have prepared me well to sit on the Supreme Court where we hear civil cases of every kind. I have received the endorsement of Governor Rick Perry, Texas Alliance for Life, Texas Right to Life, Texans for Law Suit Reform, Texas Farm and Ranch Bureau as well as many other business and socially conservative groups. I would be honored to have your endorsement in the July 31 Republican Runoff election. Thank you. ----------------------------------------------------------

Why I am the best candidate for Texas Supreme Court Justice Place 4 by John Devine For Your Thought Matters Readers

For nearly 18 years I have served in various forms of judicial capacities in the state of Texas either as a special judge or a district judge. I believe I have the perquisite

John Devine

REPUBLICAN PRIMARY

qualities necessary to serve in the highest court in Texas. These attributes are: personal restraint, moral integrity, academic excellence, self-sacrifice, spirit of service, firm reliance on God, humble nature, and undying respect for the Constitution. You might know me as the “10 Commandments Judge.” Where I received national acclaim for refusing to remove a painting of the Ten Commandments from his courtroom and defeated a related lawsuit by liberal activists.

Why I am the best candidate for Texas Supreme Court Justice Place 4 Why I am the best candidate for Texas Railroad Commissioner

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by Justice David Medina For Your Thought Matters Readers

I have served six years on the Texas Supreme Court and am asking for your vote as I seek re-election to Texas’ highest civil court. I am a conservative jurist who believes firmly in the rule of law. My work and my opinions are guided by the Texas Constitution and the laws of the State of Texas. Prior to my service on the court, I served as

James Cargas

DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY

election. If elected, I will hit the ground running on January 20th serving all people of Texas’ 7th Congressional District. 1. My earliest memory of public service was at age 12, when I served as Democratic page in the Illinois Senate. My uncle was an Illinois Senator from Chicago and I spent the summer with him advancing Democratic principles of fairness, equality and responsibility. The highlight was coming close to seeing him pass the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. If elected, I will honor his memory by continuing his efforts to protect women from hostile legislation, education budget cuts, and unequal pay. 2. After college, I worked in the U.S.

Justice David Medina

REPUBLICAN PRIMARY

General Counsel to Governor George W. Bush and as an elected District Court Judge in Harris County. I have also worked for Cooper Industries in Houston. These varied

by Greg Parker For Your Thought Matters Readers

I believe I am the best candidate because I am a consistent conservative that has fought to keep taxes low — one of the lowest in the Alamo region. I have fought diligently to protect Texans’ individual private property rights, by passing a resolution on commissioners’ court that restricts the use of eminent domain. Further, as a former US Army veteran and tech professional I have pushed hard for new technology on our commissioners’ court as I will on the railroad commission. The oil and gas treasure beneath our feet can power Texas for generations to come, provide prosperity and good jobs, but only if we elect individuals who believe in the promise of Texas energy; and not fall for the renewable energy fad. I hold a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration, a Masters of Public Administration, and I am all but dissertation on my Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administra-

Greg Parker

REPUBLICAN PRIMARY

tion with my dissertation research on “The Correlation between Urban Natural Gas Exploration and Economic Growth” I have also completed open courseware from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in: Energy Economics, Econometrics, Public Economics, Environmental Economics and Government Responses to Market Failure. In 2009, I was inducted into Pi Alpha Alpha National Honors Society for Public Administration. I have also authored several energy articles and a book dispelling the myth of man-made global warming entitled: “Global warming… Really?” Contrast that with my opponent in this race who is the anointed darling of the Texas Republican establishment. My opponent has used his time as an appointed official to take Texans for a ride on his Green Energy Boondoggle train. Promoting “green” energy to the tune of $300 million tax dollars, mandating smart meters for all Texans, worked with the liberal group “environmental defense fund” to promote the Chevy Volt. All this while Texans still face rolling blackouts, and higher electric bill because of his push for CREZ power lines that will cost Texans $6.8billion dollars. On Tuesday, July 31st you’ll have a choice; a choice between remaining stuck in the past with the business as usual political establishment; or the chance to move into the future with a candidate whose unique qualifications, passion and drive making me the obvious choice. My mission is to return government back to “We the People” and I am asking you for your help. My name is Greg Parker and I am asking for your confidence and for your vote in the race for Texas Railroad Commissioner.

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Why I am the best candidate for Harris County Judge District #129

by Michael Landrum For Your Thought Matters Readers

My name is Michael Landrum and I am a Republican candidate for Judge of the 129th Civil District Court. The incumbent is a Democrat named Michael Gomez, who de-

Michael Landrum

REPUBLICAN PRIMARY

feated Grant Dorfman in the 2008 “Obama sweep”. Judge Dorfman has graciously endorsed me in this race. I am also honored to have the endorsements of Sen. Dan Patrick,

YOURTHOUGHTMATTERS.COM -- REAL PEOPLE. REAL OPINIONS. REAL THOUGHTS THAT MATTER. - CALL (832)212-8735 TO BE INCLUDED!

“YOUR THOUGHT MATTERS NEWSPAPER IS A PLACE THAT’S BEEN CREATED FOR YOUR TO HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD!” -- SEND COMMENTS TO: aubreyrtaylor@gmail.com Rep. Dwayne Bohac, Rep. Allen Fletcher, Paul Bettencourt and many others.

I believe in our civil justice system. I believe that impartial courts and competent judges are essential to the success of free market capitalism, as business depends on the consistent and fair application of known and understood legal principles. You and your neighbors are more likely to be personally affected by a judge’s rulings than by the actions of any other elected official. I understand and believe that an independent and efficient judiciary will always be the last bastion of democracy. I am the most qualified candidate, and not only because I have been representing businesses and business people longer and in a more diversified variety of cases than my opponent. I have worked hard to obtain specialty certification in two fields of legal specialty relating to the matters heard in a civil district court: my Civil Trial Law certification was awarded in 1989 and my Civil Appellate Law certification was awarded in 1995 by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. My opponent has not been awarded a specialty in any area of law. For fourteen years, I presided in the Harris County tax court. In that part-time role I was responsible for a busy docket and for keeping a dozen sitting judges satisfied that cases were properly and expeditiously decided. For over 20 years, I have been an arbitrator member of the American Arbitration Association. As an arbitrator, I have received evidence and rendered final awards in more than 200 cases involving a variety of issues. Some have involved relatively small consumer claims, and some were complex commercial matters involving millions of dollars. I realize that no case is trivial to the parties involved, and every case is entitled to a fair hearing and careful deliberation. I am proud to be ranked “Well Qualified” over my opponent by two-to-one in the Houston Bar Association’s Judicial Qualification Poll. I am a life-long conservative. I have supported conservative causes and candidates with my time and financial contributions for many years. I volunteer my time serving as counsel to Crossroads School, a private school that specializes in educating children with special needs. I have lectured in continuing legal education seminars, including presentations to Harris County judges. I volunteer as a judge in student competitions at South Texas College of Law. My wife, Mary Grace, and I have been active in local schools, the Spring Branch Education Foundation, our church, and other community activities. In years past, I coached little league basketball and soccer.

Janet Townsley

REPUBLICAN PRIMARY

equally to everyone. A good Judge works hard and ensures that every litigant receives a prompt resolution of their case, either by pre-trial disposition or a trial, should it become necessary. I will be that Judge. I have the experience to do the job right. I am honored to have the vote of confidence from so many of our Republican leaders and organizations, including Hon. Paul Bettencourt, Hon. Levi Benton, former Judge 215th Civil Court, Don Elder, Jr., Mayor of Katy, Texas, Hon. Paul Pressler, Hon. Bill Yeoman, United Republicans, Katy Christian Magazine, The Link Letter, Texas Right to Life PAC and many, many others. I would be honored for you to join these in casting your vote of confidence for me in the Republican run-off election.

mercial real estate, aviation law, personal injury, elder law, health-care law, nursing home abuse and class actions. I have handled cases in state and federal courts in Texas representing plaintiff and defendant clients on a local and national basis. My diverse and broad-based practice provides experience in depositions, pre-trial motions, trial, mediations, arbitrations and settlements in simple to complex, multi-party litigation including class actions. I am a Leadership Houston member class XXV. I served on the Leadership Houston Board of Directors (2007-2009), Leadership Houston, Vice-Chairman, Business Development Committee (2007-2009). I am a member of the Houston Bar Association, Pasadena Bar Association, Republican Party, Memorial Drive Baptist Church, Boy Scouts of America, Neighborhood Centers, Inc. I served on the City of Houston Building and Standards Commission, Commissioner, Panel 3, (2006 – 2009). I am a member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, International Ombudsman Association, BBB – Mediator and Ford Motor Company Autoline Arbitrator, EEOC – volunteer mediator, ADR Section – Texas State Bar, Construction Law Section – Texas State Bar, Association of Conflict Resolution, Texas Mediator Credentialing Association, Texas Association of Mediators (TAM), NAA-National Apartment Association, Houston Realty Business Coalition. My volunteer community involvement includes Leadership Houston, Neighborhood Centers, Inc., Arbor School, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Girls Inc. I am the head of the men’s ministry at Memorial Drive Baptist Church. I am a volunteer mediator in healthcare and elder care, family and employment disputes for the Better Business Bureau, EEOC. I do pro bono mediation, counseling and ombudsman assignments involving nursing home conflicts. I am the most qualified candidate for the 152nd District Court because of my advanced education, certifications, military leadership, depth and breadth of my legal experience and my community service. I continue to update my education and stay involved in the community in a leadership position.

PUBLIC SERVICE

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Why I am the best candidate for Harris County District Judge for the 152nd District by Don Self For Your Thought Matters Readers

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Why I am the best candidate for Harris County Constable for Precinct #1

managing criminal warrants, fugitive warrants, the child predator apprehension team, sex offender tracking team and the. Tactical Medical Team (Tac Medics), an elite team of Emergency Room Physicians and Paramedics who all have police and S.W.A.T. training. Under Alan’s leadership the Harris County developed and instituted the Child Predator Apprehension Team, and warrant apprehension rates have increased 161% and capture rates for the increased by impressive numbers. Currently, the Child Predator Apprehension Team (CPAT) maintains an 84% capture rate. As Commander of the Sex Offender Registration Tracking Team (SORT), Alan and his subordinates ensure that registered sex offenders are where they are supposed to be while conducting field interviews and surveying the entire home and work place during visits. Alan began his law enforcement as a

Alan Rosen

DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY

deputy sheriff. Working in the jail operations, he became well acquainted with policy issues and detention process, as well as the penal side of the job. Later, transferring to Harris County Law Enforcement, his experience and knowledge of the law expanded. Rather than allowing his work in the county to harden him, instead it helped Alan gain insight, and compassion into the depth and tragedy of the issues facing the incarcerated including mental illness and other problems. Transferring to the Patrol Division, Alan learned to solve crimes by listening to what people said… and what they didn’t say, “We were able talk with members of the community, witness what was happening, then go in and make the arrest.” Working in narcotics, Alan was assigned to work on an Undercover Narcotics Street Task Force, purchasing narcotics on the street in an effort to track down the major traffickers supplying the street dealers. Alan Rosen resides in the Constable Precinct One with his wife of 20 years and their three children. He is deeply committed to keeping families safe, addressing environmental issues and improving the quality of life for all residents of Harris County Constable District Precinct One.

POLITICS My name is Don Self, and I am a Republican candidate for the 152nd Civil Dis-

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Why I am the best candidate for Harris County District Judge for the 152nd District by Janet Townsley For Your Thought Matters Readers

I am the best candidate for Judge of the 152nd Civil District Court because experience matters. My law practice of the last 25 years in Harris County includes taking cases both for defendants and plaintiffs all the way through jury verdicts. In my practice, I have also handled numerous matters on appeal. A good Judge is fair. I believe in giving every party an opportunity to be fully heard. Even if a party may disagree with any particular ruling, it is important for them to feel as if they were given their fair day in Court. A good Judge knows the law and applies it

Don Self

REPUBLICAN PRIMARY

trict Court. I am a fourth-generation Texan and Houston native. I graduated from Westbury High School in Houston. I am married to Kimberly Self and we have three children; two daughters and a son. After high school, I joined the U.S. Navy where I served for six years. I was awarded a Navy Commendation, two Navy Citations and an honorable discharge for my service. I hold a JD degree and a Masters of Law degree in health law from the University of Houston. I am a certified mediator/arbitrator. I am a certified attorney ad litem and guardian ad litem. I have been practicing law for more than 16 years in civil litigation representing individuals and businesses. My practice areas are diverse and broadbased, ranging from simple to complex, multi-party litigation, including, but not limited to business, commercial disputes, com-

by Alan Rosen For Your Thought Matters Readers

“My experience at the jail gave me a better understanding of how law enforcement can make a difference in the lives of those at a critical crossroads. In addition to seeing people who needed detention, I saw people who needed help not just punishment.” — Allen Rosen The citizens of Precinct 1 deserve a Constable with the proven law enforcement, management and community experience to move the Constable’s Office to a higher level of service and accountability. That is why Major Alan Rosen is the best choice for Precinct 1 Constable. Major Alan Rosen is a 21- year law enforcement veteran with the Harris County Sheriff’s Department. Rosen is an honors graduate in Criminal Justice from the University of Houston. He is the only candidate in the run-off with direct patrol, management and budgetary experience. Alan currently serves as a Major and Commander of the Special Operations Bureau for the Harris County Sheriff’s Office

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Why I am the best candidate for Harris County Constable for Precinct #1

by Cindy Vara-Leija For Your Thought Matters Readers

I seek the office of Constable, Precinct 1 because I am the most veteran, full-time law enforcement professional in this race. I have the experience, skills, and professionalism needed to take Precinct 1 into the future, and to make it a place where integrity, respect, and, most importantly, the needs of the community are held in the highest regard possible.

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Cindy Vara-Leija

DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY

After rising up through the ranks at the Constable’s Office, last year I retired as a captain who supervised over 60 deputies. Over the course of my career, I had the opportunity to work in almost every division in Precinct 1, including Mental Warrants, Criminal Warrants, Civil Division, Juvenile Division, and Courthouse Security. I also had the opportunity to serve as a liaison to civic associations and community organizations, which allowed me to form relationships with residents that continue to this day. In order to take the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office into the future, I plan to raise the standard of professionalism across the board by: • Conducting a top to bottom review of the precinct • Creating an Office of Professional Responsibility • Requiring law enforcement management and ethics training for the entire staff • Establishing a mentorship program for deputies • Improving communication with other law enforcement agencies • Implementing a non-discriminatory policy that protects both employees and the public • Addressing law enforcement’s ever-increasing role in mental health issues In addition, I want to make the community an integral part of Precinct 1’s work, something that has been missing for too long. It is an honor to be in the Runoff Election for the position of Constable, Precinct 1. I would be grateful for your support on July 31st. Together, we can move the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office forward and once again focus on serving our community.

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tive Director for Phoenix Outreach Youth Center for 12-years, where we served over 30,000 men, women and children in our After School Enrichment Programs. I was also the coordinator for the D.A.R.E. program which served, for 15-years, the Independent School Districts of Spring, Humble, Houston, North Forrest and in many Houston parks. Also, I have owned Child Care Centers, for 10-years, across Texas, providing Early Childhood Development Care. These experiences have guided my return to my roots of being involved with the education of our children. As your Trustee, it will be my charge and focus, to work with School Districts across Harris County to return Vocation Education into our schools. When I was in public school, students could take wood shop, metal shop, auto-mechanics, and cosmetology. These classes taught young people the skills to be employable upon graduation. Today, many of our youth have no employable skill to enter the workforce; they

in Harris County. • Quality implementation of educational services and enrichment programs for students. • Quality management of the community’s financial resources. • Quality outreach to and partnerships throughout our communities including the 26 ISDs and charter schools in Harris County. In addition to being a former HISD teacher, I have worked for the state government finance contributing to the development of a $21 Billion education budget and navigated the complex federal legislative process. My educational background includes a Masters of Public Policy, Duke University, Terry Sanford School of Public Policy and B.A. with Honors, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I have expertise in the legislative process and how the state and federal government work with local school boards like the County Board to institute education policy. As Trustee, I will apply all of this expertise and know-how to improve the delivery of education services for our children. For those who are unfamiliar with the board, the Harris County Board of Education Board ensures accountability for our public tax dollars. The Department saves districts money through sharing resources, improved efficiency and collaborating on best practices. Students benefit from high quality services like early intervention, after schooling and continued education. As a Trustee, it would be my mission to expand the outreach, accessibility and quality service delivery of the Harris County Department of Education beyond its traditional targets to ensure our highest needs communities benefit from its services and resources. I believe I am the most qualified candidate because I combine high-level policymaking and budget expertise with a deep passion for changing education outcomes for our children. I am the only candidate with federal, state and local policy-making experience. I have worked as a budget analyst for one of the nation’s largest democratic statesNew York. In this role, I created complex

PUBLIC SERVICE

Jarvis Johnson

DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY

find themselves either under-employed or unemployed. And, because we have eliminated Vocational Education from our schools, we see a rise in the dropout rate in Texas. We must prepare our children today, to be our productive citizens of tomorrow. Therefore, I, Jarvis Johnson, seek your support as a husband of Charlene, a father of two school-age children—Nalyah, age 14, and Jarvis II, age 11, a graduate of Texas Southern University, and a business owner. Our community needs strong, committed, intelligent and un-compromised leadership. Our children need you to vote, and when you do, Vote for Jarvis Johnson. Our sons and daughters must graduate High School with employable skills, to be a productive citizen; or, risk becoming another student dropout statistic, which leads to jail. Because we must Invest in Education, not Incarceration.

Why I am the best candidate for Harris County School Board Trustee Why I am the best candidate Pos. 6 Pct #1 for Harris County School Board Trustee Pos. 6 Pct #1

the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and have since promoted through the ranks to Watch Commander and eventually Director of Special Crimes and Narcotics. Over my career, I have gained Supervisory and Command experience in almost every area of Law Enforcement. Many of you are already familiar with my conservative law and order style of policing as well as my lobbying for safer communities, better immigration policies, and voter accountability processes in Harris County. I am actively engaged with Texas Legislators, having travelled to Austin many times in past legislative session to offer advice and

Louis Guthrie

REPUBLICAN PRIMARY

opinions on Law Enforcement and Public Safety issues. I have always stood for:

Constitutional Rights – State Rights – American Sovereignty – Less Bureaucracy – Less Taxes – More Personal Property Rights – The War on Terrorism.

Having been appointed by Commissioners Court to the Harris County CEFFC, I understand the need to have the smallest impact on Harris County tax payers. Serving as Vice President, I authorized over $700 million dollars for Hospitals and Health Care Facilities in Harris County; all with NO TAXPAYER EXPENSE. Through my years of public service, I have earned the trust and support of most leaders in the community and have gained overwhelming support from the law enforcement professional organizations. I will continue to work with Commissioners Court to revitalize the Sheriff’s Office, restore fiscal sanity and return integrity to the office. As your next Sheriff, I will make it a priority to REDUCE CRIME, CUT UNNECESSARY SPENDING, and put more Deputies on the street. Being actively involved in civic and political issues since the age of eighteen, I have worked in many Republican Campaigns in Harris County and throughout Texas with the hope of giving Texans strong conservative choices. In this election cycle, we, as Conservatives, have a duty to elect not only the most qualified candidates, but also those candidates who have consistently shared our values and have an identifiable, reliable Republican track record. Through my 21 years as a Peace Officer I have demonstrated the Integrity and Courage this job demands. As a public servant and leader I have developed the Vision and Judgment required to run Texas’s largest Sheriff’s Office. Together, these make me the best candidate for Harris County Sheriff and the most qualified candidate to represent you.

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by Jarvis Johnson For Your Thought Matters Readers

Much has been said about Jarvis Johnson’s candidacy for the Harris County Board of Education, Precinct 1, Position 6. Things have been said by many of the elected officials and political pundits, like: “you should not run for this seat because, this is a starter position”, “this is an insignificant position”, or “this seat does not have prestige”. Now, I ask those people one simple question, “If our children are our future—if they are our most precious commodity; then, how dare you say this education position is insignificant?” I say to all, “This is the most important position that Harris County has to offer!” Our children and families no longer need politicians who use their constituents to gain political positions which will financially and politically benefit the politician. I am a candidate for this position, because of my unique experience and qualifications. Prior to becoming the Houston City Councilman for District B, I was the Execu-

by Erica Lee For Your Thought Matters Readers

Erica Lee

DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY

budget formulas for the state’s public schools and supported the drafting of key legislation to expand pre-kindergarten and protect high needs districts. I am a passionate advocate for children who will bring my skills, expertise and democratic values to my role as a Harris County Board of Education Trustee. --------------------------------------------------------

Why I am the best candidate Why I am the for Harris best candidate County Sheriff for Harris County Sheriff

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by Louis Guthrie For Your Thought Matters Readers

The position of Sheriff is extremely important; effecting the safety and quality of life of every citizen. As we have learned from the current Democratic Sheriff, lack of experience, especially leadership experience, can have devastating consequences. I began my career in 1991 as a jailer with

by Carl Pittman For Your Thought Matters Readers

As Sheriff of Harris County I will work with and serve the entire community. From Katy to Clear Lake, from Sunnyside to Acres Home, your zip code will not be a factor

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“YOUR THOUGHT MATTERS NEWSPAPER IS A PLACE THAT’S BEEN CREATED FOR YOUR TO HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD!” -- SEND COMMENTS TO: aubreyrtaylor@gmail.com when it comes to being served under a Sheriff Pittman led Sheriff’s office. I will obey the law, therefore gaining the public’s trust to enforce it. No one will be above the law. As the highest elected law enforcement official in the county the sheriff needs a blend of experience. As a United States Marine, successful businessman and Master Texas Peace Officer with 19 years of law enforcement exCarl Pittman perience I have the temperaREPUBLICAN PRIMARY ment discipline, professional management knowledge and law enforcement experience needed to guide the third largest sheriff’s office in the United States. An operation with approximately a $400 million dollar budget requires fiscal discipline and planning. I will implement a Zero-Based Budget policy to identify wasteful spending and cut it. This will allow the sheriff’s office to operate efficiently without losing our effectiveness while having the fiscal resources to accomplish our primary mission which is keeping the community safe. My experience within the Sheriff’s Office gives me a distinct advantage over my opponent, as my assignments have included, Detentions, Human Resources as a Background Investigator, Executive Bureau experience as an Internal Affairs Investigator and now currently as a member of the Criminal Investigations Bureau. My previous law enforcement in San Diego County, California during the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles gave me valuable insight as to why law enforcement must be trained for every imaginable scenario. My experience as a Narcotics and Gang Detective has prepared me to address the growing cartel threat under which Houston/Harris County finds itself. I will bring all available resources to combat the ongoing human trafficking threat and other issues related to illegal immigrations. The Sheriff is not only responsible for putting people in jail. As Sheriff of Harris County I will bring attention to those young people most at risk to help keep them from coming to jail. I believe every child that can avoid jail because of proper involvement from the community is a success story for us all. As Sheriff I will solicit input from the community to make sure that we are working together in a partnership to keep the community safe. I will bring a tough on crime, common sense style leadership to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Finally, I will bring a proven track record of sound, professional decision making to the office.-

Why I am the best candidate for Harris County Constable Precinct #2 by Zerick Guinn For Your Thought Matters Readers

I am the best candidate for Harris County Constable for Precinct 2 for many reasons, I am the most experienced and qualified candidate. I am the only candidate in the Democratic runoff for Precinct 2 to supervise deputy Constable’s — which is the primary job of the Constable. I have over 9 years experience as a supervisor for the current Harris County Precinct 2 Constable’s Office — holding the current rank of Sergeant. As a 16 year veteran of the Precinct 2 Constable’s Office I have worked in all aspects of the agency; which include: communications, warrants, civil process, patrol, and building security. I currently hold a Bachelors Degree from University of Houston Downtown class of 2000, majoring in Criminal Justice. I’m also a graduate of the Constable Leadership College where I studied at Sam Houston State University. I am the only candidate to in the Harris County Precinct 2 Constable’s runoff race to hold a certification in Civil Process, which is considered by many to be the most important function within the Constable’s Office. I hold a Master Peace Officer License, the highest Zerick Guinn level within Texas law enDEMOCRATIC PRIMARY forcement; and I currently have over 1,500 training hours. I’m a field training officer and certified police instructor as well. These are the many reasons why I out qualify my opponent; but the true reason why I am the best candidate is because I care about the people of Precinct 2 — and they care about me. This was proven in the primary election when I received over 32% in a primary race that included nine other candidates. I have a connection with the community that my opponent just doesn’t have; I am the only candidate “already working” for Precinct 2; and I want to continue my service in a policy making capacity as our elected Constable.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------*The 2012 Democratic and Republican Primary runoff elections will take place on Tuesday, July 31, 2012. Early voting for the election will take place from Monday, July 23 through Friday, July 27, 2012.

PUBLIC SERVICE

Black Republican” “Appeal of a

by R.W. Bray 2012 Republican Candidate for Texas Senate District 6

n the Fall of 2005, when the air was cooling from the transition of seasons and the Gulf was warm and tremulous, one of the most devastating hurricanes in history tour to shreds the Gulf Coast and particularly, my city, the city of New Orleans. After evacuating to Baton Rouge, one day after the storm touched land, I received a call from my superior informing me the Louisiana Air National Guard had been mobilized and I would have to return back to New Orleans and report for duty. Upon my arrival, I witnessed volunteers of “would be” heroes lined up for search and rescue, I joined a number of brave, caring Americans, who, regardless of color, was ready to help their fellow man. The rest is history.

Notwithstanding, people forget history, and the stories that fill our hearts and fuel our passions, disseminate into nothing more than a lost utopia, a fiction only realized temporarily because of tragedy and the rare opportunity afforded to mankind to set aside differences in order to live. In the shelter of a frightening tent, I fell in love with an editorial written in the early 1850’s, entitled “Appeal of an Independent Democrat”; it was an editorial that had moved my hero, Frederick Douglas. I read the editorial, hoping it would move me. It was an editorial by Horace Greeley, an abolitionist, the man who christened in the Republican Party. He lived in a time where the people wanted government to take a stronger role against slavery. During Greeley’s time, the government was oppressive, it robbed men of their natural ability and responsibility to succeed, and laws were in place that catered to a certain class and race, as if they were entitled. It stole humanity, self-worth, individual achievement, social advancement, dignity, respect, and independence from one race, so that another could reap what was not sown by them. As I read the article, it was a frightening similarity to the time I lived in. A few names were changed to protect the innocent, situations were a little turned around but it was the same oppressive spirit, a spirit that had found itself nestled comfortably in my generation. Knee deep in the throes of chaos and confusion, surrounded by rape and murder, pillagement and plunder, crippled by the inability to return to my love one in order to strengthen a union, that, unbeknown to me, had already be stolen, the eerie sim-

ilarities of Greeley’s plight and mine, rang loudly. “This is slavery!” I yelled. If “We, the People”, are to be saved from oppression, our ability to stand must be a permanent constitution of our psyche. No matter how big the crutch or the aid, no power other than the will of man and the grace of God can secure our livelihood. If the Government were the answer, then why did I participate in a search and rescue effort retrieving deceased brothers and sisters that had believed the lie that Government would take care of them. My people, who had been emancipated from slavery, by a party it now hates, found themselves slaves again, enslaved by a lie, the lie of entitlement and the “I’ll take care of you” deception. My name is R.W. Bray, and if I lived in the mid1800’s they would’ve labeled me an Independent Democrat, (the initial name of the Republican Party). I am a Black Republican running for office to represent a District that has fallen prey to a lie. Consequently, the fruits of that falsity have spawned failure among my schools, made criminals of the children that live within my district, galvanized and corralled a certain race as if they were cattle and sacrificed another group, like pigs to the slaughter. I live in a District full of potential but has not lived up to its’ greatness in over a decade. The disparities of my district are incredible and it lacks growth because it is in dire need of true representation. I live in a Senate District where Republicans have been forced to settle for activities adverse to their betterment and beliefs. Democrats have had no other choice except to keep the status quo due to lack of choice and a gerrymandering masterpiece, designed to keep a representative in office based on the ignorance of a voting base. But this editorial will change all that. Much like the editorial I read years ago, the power of pen and the bravery of modern day abolitionist who truly believe in fairness and equality for all, regardless of race or party affiliations, men and women of character will join a search and rescue team politically, socially and spiritually, to bring about economic independence for my district by fostering an Entrepreneur environment, fueling our Energy resources, anchoring ourselves to a conviction that will redefine Education and success for our youth and with any luck create a party of all races and all backgrounds-Houstonian Americans. Someone once told me that my dreams were lofty, that I was a dreamer and unrealistic. I am a dreamer; an abolitionist, who believes that the city of Houston’s Economic freedom can and will be found once we embrace the three E’s mentioned above. If anyone comes across my name and wonders, “Who is this guy and what is his platform?” Know that I am a man who believes it is time men of principle sit on our most principal positions. I’m on the ballot this November, so whether you’re Republican or Democrat, now you have a choice and a chance. In the up-coming elections the readers of this editorial can either vote straight ticket, or straight principle. The victory of my campaign and the campaign of so many in the Run-Off and the General election, depend on the latter. Let’s make history. Let’s vote principle over party, person over propaganda and stir up a Hurricane of growth and change that will break apart the dividing levees of our races and our society.

EDITORIAL

OPINIONS Impact 22

The Potential Political

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of Same-Sex “Marriage”

By Bishop K.J. Brown bishopkjbrown@gmail.com

he positions and opinions of the citizens of the United States of America are of great value to the leaders of this country. Your voice matters and it should never be taken for granted. I do not at anytime use the pulpit to endorse any candidate or party, however, I will speak out concerning issues that are the foundations of our society.

Hot Buttons:

I’ve seen how hot-button issues have been used to gauge public opinion on certain issues in the past. With all the discussion on the economy, pro-choice, pro-life and immigration it seemed inevitable that the discussions would soon lead to the bedrooms of America…because of all the recent voting on the issue of same-sex “marriage” in states across the nation. As a result, the issues of same-sex “marriage” have come to the national forefront.

dates on the national level you will see that both positions “redefined” the family in an “alternative” way other than what is recorded in scripture. President Obama has gone on record saying he supports same-sex marriage while Governor Romney has said they should:

REPRINT

Building Basics:

I believe that the fundamental core of the same-sex “marriage” issue is how “marriage” is defined and whose definition we are going to accept and use. My personal belief is that which is recorded in the book of Genesis of our holy bible. If we read the full account of both candi-

1. Be able to live together 2. Live in a loving relationship 3. Be able to adopt children.

My opinion is that the position of President Obama and that of Governor Romney is wrong. Both positions redefine the family unit contrary to what God designed in creation. I’ve had people to tell me that society has changed over the years; and that the issue of same-sex “marriage” is not a matter that pastors, preacher, or Christians should decide. But, my response is that God has not changed; and His Kingdom Law remains the same.

Beliefs:

The Church is definitely divided on the issue of same-sex marriage and the divide is causing attention to be focused on other related issues. Sexual Orientation, Sexual Behavior, and what is sexual sin. Let me give you an example of that I’m saying. I did an informal survey among Christians and I asked three (3) three questions. The three (3) three questions were: 1. Do you believe adultery is a sin? 2. Do you believe sex before marriage is a sin? 3. Do you believe homosexual and lesbian behavior is a sin?

Very quickly the answers to question 1 and 2 were yes. But the answer to question 3, they wanted to leave to God. The opinions of “the world” have swayed the positions of the church in my opinion. Marriage as created by God is threefold, moral, legal, and spiritual. Marriage is modeled as a covenant relationship sealed by intercourse in “holy matrimony”. So regardless of what it is called; true same-sex “marriage”’ can never take place in the eyes of God because it is contrary to “creation purpose” and “suitable” for covenant.

Ballot:

What does all this mean when it comes to voting?

We have a responsibility to vote

We have a responsibility to pray for our government

We have an opportunity to be heard; and every vote counts

See you at the Polls!!!!

Bishop K. J. Brown bishopkjbrown@gmail.com

Building Winning Lives……….

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INVESTING IN EDUCATION...NOT INCARCERATION TEXANS PAY YEARLY...$8,600 DOLLARS TO EDUCATE A YOUTH; OR $87,000 DOLLARS TO INCARCERATE A YOUTH

EARLY VOTING:

JULY 23, 2012 - JULY 27, 2012

ELECTION DAY:

TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

For Harris County School Board Trustee Position #6 Precinct #1 jarvis, Charlene, Nalyah, and Jarvis II

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

JARVIS JOHNSON HAS THE EXPERIENCE...HE’S READY TO CONTINUE WORKING TO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN by Jarvis Johnson For Your Thought Matters Readers

political positions which will financially and politically benefit the politician. I am a candidate for this position, because of my unique experience and qualifications. Prior to becoming the Houston City Councilman for District B, I was the Executive Director for Phoenix Outreach Youth Center for 12-years, where we served over 30,000 men, women and children in our After School Enrichment Programs. I was also the coordinator for the D.A.R.E. program which served, for 15years, the Independent School Districts of Spring, Humble, Houston, North Forrest and in many Houston parks. Also, I have owned

Child Care Centers, for 10-years, across Texas, providing Early Childhood Development Care. These experiences have guided my return to my roots of being involved with the education of our children. As your Trustee, it will be my charge and focus, to work with School Districts across Harris County to return Vocation Education into our schools. When I was in public school, students could take wood shop, metal shop, auto-mechanics, and cosmetology. These classes taught young people the skills to be employable upon graduation. Today, many of our youth have no employable skill to enter the workforce; they find themselves either under-employed or unem-

Political Ad Paid For By The Jarvis Johnson For School Board Trustee Campaign.

ployed. And, because we have eliminated Vocational Education from our schools, we see a rise in the dropout rate in Texas. We must prepare our children today, to be our productive citizens of tomorrow. Therefore, I, Jarvis Johnson, seek your support as a husband of Charlene, a father of two school-age children—Nalyah, age 14, and Jarvis II, age 11, a graduate of Texas Southern University, and a business owner. Our community needs strong, committed, intelligent and un-compromised leadership. Our children need you to vote, and when you do, Vote for Jarvis Johnson. Our sons and daughters must graduate High School with employable skills, to be a productive citizen; or, risk becoming another student dropout statistic, which leads to jail. Because we must Invest in Education, not Incarceration.

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People Using Their Facebook Network To Share Positive Thoughts, Prayers, Wisdom and Opinions 1

Cheryl Carr

Obedience To God Is Doing What Go Says To Do, When God Says To Do It

I am led to teach obedience today for those who may read this post because it is such a grey area in Christian circles these days. We have such an "all access" to God attitude that defies and denies His holiness. You cannot do/be/say any old thing with God. His word is held above all things and when we disobey we reap consequences and need mercy. Obedience is better than sacrifice people! (1 Samuel 15:22). Obedience to God is doing what God says to do, when God says to do it, and how God says to do it. It seems like such a simple concept, but how easy is it for the cares of this world to snuff out our fellowship with God! It is also a fact that God always rewards obedience to him. In the bible rewards are spoken of for the child of God in this life. There are no rewards in heaven, for heaven is by the grace of God. But in this life God rewards those who are obedient to him. Deut. 28 speaks of blessings for those who hearken diligently to the voice of the Lord, to observe and do all his commandments. It also speaks of curses to those who will not hearken nor observe to do all his commandments and his statutes. Isaiah 1:19-20 says, “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it”.

Rhino

Have You Extended Your Hand?

Joyce Adejumo

“You have no right to complain where you have not extended your hand to help." - Ed Rhino

Thank You For Being By My Side

“Father in Heaven, thank You for being by my side during the victories and storms I have faced and for those that will confront my path ahead. Your strength is more powerful than any problem, sickness or defeat I could ever encounter. You are the answer to all my needs. I praise You for Your goodness, Your faithfulness and for never leaving me alone to fight my battles. Thank You for the priceless gift of today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.” - Joyce Adejumo

VivianMartin

Have Faith And Trust God

“FAITH.....FOREVER ANTICIPATING INCREDIBLE THINGS HAPPENING! Have Faith and trust God even When you can not trace Him!!!!” - Vivian Martin

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Avery

Washington

If The Book Being Judge Was You

"Judging a book by its cover is very easy for most of us to do, but I wonder if the pages would unravel if the book being judged was you."

Apostle

Come Out And Be Free

Williams

Apostle Valencia Mashiach Williams - This is what the Lord says:“In the time of My favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you; I will keep you and will make you to be a Covenant for the people, to Restore the land and to reassign its desolate inheritances, to say to the captives, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Be free!’ -ISAIAH 49:8-9

Cleo

Jackson, Jr. There’s Something Noble In You

“God has put something noble and good into every heart His hand created.” - Cleo Jackson Jr.

Tammi

Nothing “Just Happens” In Life!

Durden

“What's your plan? What is your strategy for your life? Where are you headed? Are you just existing...living from day to day...hoping and wishing that good things happen for you? Nothing "just happens" in life. You've got to have a plan. Spend some quiet time with GOD and listen as he speaks. GOD has a great plan for your life. *KEEP WINNING IN 2012!*” - Tammi Matthews-Durden

Cheryl

His Mercies Are New Everyday

Barrett

"Praise God for His AMAZING GRACE! His mercies are new EVERYDAY and His favor rests upon those whom He has called according to HIS purpose!" - Cheryl Douglas Barrett

Noel

Pinnock, Mpa Keep Us Close To You Always

“Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of today. We choose to focus on the blessing of each moment instead of allowing the little things and worries to steal our joy. Keep us close to You always as we submit every area of our hearts and minds to You in Jesus’ name...in Jesus' name...in Jesus' name...amen.” - Noel Pinnock, Mpa

Eddie Ray

There Is A Word From The Lord

Frazier

“It’s awkward that when God is calling you to move forward in life, situations, circumstances, even some people try to hold you back. There is a word from the Lord.” -- Philippians 3: 12-14. -- 12 Not that I have already attained or am already perfected: but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended: but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

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CandCNET Associates World of Companies 26

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Enter the

WWW.CANDCWORLD.NET is the place to go: “When Safety and Security Counts”

AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

and drivers. CandCNET Associates Inc. can provide you the answers to the questions you have about where your vehicle is located at all times.

OMPANY OVERVIEW: CandCNET Associates Inc. is a Minority Business Enterprise with over 30 years of experience in the Information Technology industry. This thriving enterprise is widely known for its work in (IT) Information Technology and the Security Fire Alarm Solution providers industry. But according to its president and chief executive officer Cornell L. Johnson — CandCNET is much more that. He says, his company is thriving and well-known today because of the valuable experience they’ve gained through interactive relationships with clients across the multiple industry sectors they service.

VIDEOFIED: Videofied enhances sophisticated surveillance systems, acting as “remote sentries” that can be located anywhere, providing instant video alerts of intrusion. Videofied delivers apprehensions instead of recordings of yesterday’s crimes. Motion activates the integrated night vision camera and sends a 10 second video of what tripped the sensor to the 24x7 monitoring station and on to the site manager or property owner. Based on the Instant Eyewitness, operators dispatch police to a verified “crime in progress” instead of a standard alarm. Instant notification and priority response means apprehensions and greater security. The Instant Eyewitness means fast response to catch intruders.

SECURITY: CandCNET Associates Inc. offers security solutions for all your needs. They offer wired and wireless CCTV (Design,Installation and Maintenance), Intrusion detection and Access Controls.

ACCESS CONTROL: CandCNET Associates Inc. can help you control whose allowed to enter and exit your facilities by using a customized ID badge or hand/thumb print that is encrypted with a unique, programmable code. Electronic locks, card readers, door sensors, and exit motion detectors are devices used to insure a reliable access control system. Our systems, large or small, all serve the same purpose, to log and control people entering or exiting facilities. Through easy to use computer programs you can monitor and control every entry or exit on your system. Furthermore, anytime a badge or hand is presented to a reader, you will have complete control of the state of the doors (locked or unlocked) on your system at all times.

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES OFFERED: CandCNET Associates Inc. is a provider of services related to designing, implementing and installation of Access Control / Data / Voice / Wireless / Intrusion Video Surveillance / Network Solutions / Fire Alarm Support System and also Burglar Alarm Systems.

CAPABLE OF MEETING YOUR NEEDS

“Our experience in aerospace, commercial, energy government and telecommunications industries have been win-win for both us and our clients. And we’re committed to continuously focusing on providing our customers with quality products and services,” says Johnson. “We encourage companies out there who are in need of the services we provide to call us at: 713845-2532 today!” Johnson’s primary responsibility is to carry out the strategic objectives of his company, including the logical development of products and services that bring value to the customers and the companies’ stakeholders. In December of 2010, CandCNET was awarded and recognized as an Emerging Ten Company by the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council and Halliburton. As a practicing quality analyst, Johnson has recently received both the Lean Six Sigma, and the Lean Six Green Belt and is close to achieving the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. The attainment and implementation of these tools has had an encouraging effect on the company’s delivery of IT intrusion detection for security and fire alarm systems and other products and services offered by the company as well. But Johnson isn’t resting on past successes. “Staying active is the name of the game in this ever growing and fast paced industry,” he says. Johnson is an active member of several professional organizations and currently serves on the board of directors of the Native American Chamber of Commerce and EcoGreen Energy Solutions. Johnson’s favorite quote is by Booker T. Washington, who said “Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way.” CandCNET Associates Inc. has a strong track record of success and an impressive list of certifications and professional affiliations also. Here are a few of the company’s current certifications and affiliations: Federal HUBZONE; State HUB Certified; Security Contractor Licensed #B14934; Fire Alarm Licensed #FAL-

BUSINESSMAN CORNELL JOHNSON

NETWORK SOLUTIONS: The mission CandCNET is to develop a creative and innovative professional environment. This environment is designed to provide businesses with turn-key Quality Information Technology engineering consulting. This mission entails providing companies small and large with competitive IT products and services. These products include but are not limited to system level hardware/software development.

PROFILES 8052, #ECR-2055, #ACR 3142, #SCR T2818; City of Houston Small Business Enterprise (SBE) (MBE); Minority Business Enterprise Certified; Port of Houston Certified; Houston Minority Supplier Development Council Certified; Native American Chamber of Commerce; National Association of Minority Contractors Member; Electronic Security Association (ESA) Member Equal EcoGreen Energy Solutions Partner; Texas Association Burglar Alarm Association Member; National Association of Certified Professional Managers Member and is a Certified Quality Assurance Member as well. CandCNET Associates Inc. is also a “Value Added Reseller” for Industry Leaders of Equipment and Products like CBeyond, DSC,Tech Data, Juniper, ADI, Tri-ED, Grainger, TeleDynamics, Induction Dynamics and many more. .

SERVICES OFFERED BY THIS FINE ENTERPRISE

ENGINEERING CAD: CandCNET’s staff will take your idea from inception to market. Designers and Engineers develop complete detailed technical documentation according to customers’ specification on multiple platforms using state of the art automated engineering tools. FIRE ALARM DESIGN: CandCNET Associates Inc. offer Fire Alarm System Design, Installation, Maintenance and Inspections. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS: CandCNET Associates Inc.’s Licensed Fire Extinguisher Technicians provide professional services to include annual inspections, recharging and repair of existing extinguishers as well as installation of new fire extinguishers and fire extinguisher Cabinets custom-designed and suited for any operation.

Fire Alarm Design & Installation CandCNET Associates Inc. installs and sells fire alarm systems from various high-quality, manufacturers. The company has the expertise to inspect and repair any fire alarm system. Their technicians are continuously trained to remain current with the ever-changing technology. If your system needs replacing and/or updating, CandCNET Associates can provide the engineering, design and installation services you need.

BUSINESS PROFILE

Fire Extinguishers CandCNET Associates Inc. offers all types of portable fire extinguishers from quality manufacturers. From the standard ABC portable fire extinguisher to the cartridge operated specialty application portable fire extinguisher or the wheeled unit. CandCNET Associates Inc. has the products for almost any application. Their fire protection specialist will review your facility and make the proper recommendation of the type, size, and placement based on national fire protection standards.

Fire Sprinkler Service A properly maintained automatic fire sprinkler system can significantly reduce property damage as well as protect lives. CandCNET Associates Inc. has the knowledge and experience to expand, modify, inspect and service existing fire sprinkler systems.

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U-TRAQ GPS Vehicle Tracking Solutions: U-TRAQ provides the easiest, most convenient and affordable way to securely track your vehicles

AUDIO AND VISUAL: CandCNET Associates Inc. specializes in the design, engineering, and servicing of simple to complex integrated A/V systems.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS: CandCNET Associates Inc. maintains a core of highly qualified engineers on our Network Consulting Team with a demonstrated history of providing systems analysis and long-term strategic planning and support for public and private sector organizations. Their engineers combine their business skills with a comprehensive knowledge base of network architecture to provide the right network for the right reasons. Once a network is installed and configured, CandCNET clients are assured a responsive follow-on service. Corporate emphasis on continued education for our engineers ensures that they will bring the latest technologies, skills and abilities to every assignment. ---------------------------------------------------------

CandCNET Associates Inc is a quality project management driven organization with experienced personnel utilizing proven methodologies and techniques to design, deliver, and meet your needs. Contact them today at: 1-800502-3538 or 713-845-2532.

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I Am... “Bray for Texas” is about renewal, growth and freedom. It’s about taking responsibility and stepping out on faith to change the status quo. It’s past time men of principle sit on our most princippal positions. We Can ill afford to continue doing the same thing over and over, expecting a different result. Texas needs a face lift! -- R. W. Bray For Texas Senate - District 6

I’m Inspired To Make A Change! i’VE DEDICATED MY LIFE TO PROTECTING ALL AMERICANS USAF - Member of the Texas Air National Guard 147RW/JA

I’VE PREPARED MYSELF TO REPRESENT YOUR BEST INTERESTS Law Officer Manager for Ellington Field AFB Jag Corps Chief Duty Director for Houston City Council Member Helena Brown Proud Initiator of Houston’s Annual Veterans Career Expo Author & Advocate of Houston’s “Veterans Points” for City Contracts Chief LANG Drug Testing Manager during Hurricane Katrina Business Banker for Wells Fargo

i’M INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY I’M SEEKING TO SERVE Vice President of Houston’s Young Republicans Member of the United Negro College Fund Houston Inter Alumni Council Member of Frederick Douglas Foundation

HERE’S A GLIMPSE INTO MY EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND Dillard University USAF Air University Study of Advanced Legal Studies

Objective: To present with enthusiasm and confidence, a vision for the future of Texas and District 6, by advocating, promoting and fostering a constructive environment for the advancement of education, entrepreneurship, social equality, business alliances and a 21st Century approach to joining private and public sector efforts to fuel our needs -- rather than a mere coalition of government interests. *Note: So even if you vote a straight ticket on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 you can still go back and do an over-ride to vote for me!

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THE OWEN REPORT PUBLISHED BY MAYOR ALLEN OWEN

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Mayor Allen Owen Has Served Missouri City, Texas For Over 35 years

- FOR YOUR THOUGHT MATTERS READERS -

MAYOR ALLEN OWEN

Have You Heard Yet? THE OWEN REPORT -- A RECAP FOR MISSOURI CITY RESIDENTS

Here Are A Few Things You Should Know Council Connection for Monday, June 18

At its regularly scheduled meeting held on Monday, June 18, City Council Members approved the Fiscal Year 2013 General Fund Budget, recognized the award-winning Regional Water Treatment Plant and finalized amendments to the sign regulations. Here are some actions Council Members took during the meeting:

Voted unanimously to approve the $31,902,653 million Fiscal Year 2013 General Fund Budget, which takes effect July 1. In a presentation to City Council, Finance Director Wes Vela provided the following details: The budget—decreased by $230,261 over the previous year—is based on the tax rate remaining at 52.84 cents. Later this summer, the City will receive and review the final tax rolls and will approve the property tax rate at that time. General Fund revenues are estimated at $31,419,440 and expenditures are estimated to be $31,902,653 million, plus a $1.8 million contingency. The current tax rate will remain at 52.84 cents, keeping the debt service rate at the current $0.18067. The result would reduce the Debt Service Fund Balance, leaving a surplus of $3,983,926 in the fund. City Council asked that the current Fund Balance reserve of $6,047,707 or 20 percent be adjusted to $6,598,082 or 21 percent and the contingency used to provide salary increases and adjustments for staff, following a market survey. The amount falls within the long-standing policy of maintaining a 15 percent to 25 percent fund balance.

The largest expenditure line item increase was for fuel, oil and lubricants. Property tax collections are estimated to increase by $120,000 from last year.

the Comprehensive Plan that need to be met while our revenue streams are limited,” City Manager Edward Broussard explained. “Just as families sit around the table and decide how to spend their income to meet their needs, we did the same.”

New revenue sources for FY2013 will come from a “Solid Waste Fee”, 5 percent of service costs, to be assessed to all commercial and residential solid waste customers. And, an “Emergency Response Fee”, which is to be charged when Missouri City police officers and firefighters assist in responding to major accidents in the area. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------Franchise fees are estimated to increase $376,000 primarily due to the solid waste fee; sales tax income is estimated Commended the City’s Regional Water Treatment to increase $500,000 based on a steady increase in collecPlant project for winning the Texas Public Works Associations, license and permits revenues and a slight rise in fines tion’s Project of the Year Award for “Environmental Projects and forfeitures; intergovernmental revenues are estimated to $25 million but less than $75 million”. Assistant Director of grow by $261,000 due to the emergency response fee, inPublic Works Sharon Valiante shared details of the plant with creased alarm permit fees and additional fire district fees. Council Members including that it the largest capital improvePersonnel costs account for $22,119,487 or 69 percent ment project ever undertaken by Missouri City and currently of the conservative plan; a 1.9 percent increase from the produces 2 million gallons of water per day and will increase FY2012 final budget. output as the population grows. Valiante, who is Vice PresiCapital Improvement Program projects will again be a dent of TPWA state’s chapter and priority during the budget cycle and will be past president of the local branch of financed with existing funds and a prothe organization, noted that Missouri SPECIAL RECAP posed $1.4 million bond referendum to help City formed a partnership with 40 defray costs for drainage projects. Priorities government and private sector groups to benefit residents citywide will also into complete the project and those partners will pay for the faclude: sidewalk replacements, mobility projects such as cility through user fees. The premier facility was built to meet Texas Parkway intersection upgrades and replacement of the regulations set by the Fort Bend Subsidence District, which El Dorado Bridge, construction of Fire Station No. 5, beautifimandates that the groundwater withdrawals must be no cation of the City Hall Complex with landscaping, opening more than 70 percent of total water demand by the Jan. 1, the City Centre at Quail Valley, developing new programming 2014. By January of 2025, withdrawals must be reduced to for the Recreation and Tennis Center, constructing the new no more than 40 percent of water demand. Animal Shelter and continuing implementation of the EnterPresented the Police and Fire Departments with prise Resource Planning Program, a new user-friendly soft$12,000 each from donations collected at the annual Police ware system. and Fire Auxiliary fundraiser; Councilman Bobby Marshall is Treasurer of the group. Fire & Rescue Services will use its -------------------------------------------------------------------------------funds to purchase a Fire Extinguisher Trainer, which will provide first responders proper use techniques. The Police De"This has not been an easy budget to partment will review and evaluate public safety equipment develop for consideration, as there are options before making a purchase. Citizens who complete the Missouri City Police & Fire Academy are eligible to join many priorities from the Council and the Missouri City Police & Fire Auxiliary and or the Citizen’s Response Team.

“The Show Me City” is the Region’s Most Diverse City

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“YOUR THOUGHT MATTERS NEWSPAPER IS A PLACE THAT’S BEEN CREATED FOR YOUR TO HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD!” -- SEND COMMENTS TO: aubreyrtaylor@gmail.com Held a public hearing and approved an ordinance on the second and final reading for amendments to the City’s Sign Regulations, excluding the section regarding vehicle signs. The changes are designed to provide a balance between the continued promotion of quality design and materials while providing flexibility for the latest technology and changes sought by businesses. Council Members will continue to review vehicle signs regulations and consider them at a future meeting. Held a public hearing and approved an ordinance on the second and final reading for a request by PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. to allow deviations to the sign at the back of the store facing Fort Bend Toll Road. Approved amending the Fiscal Year 2012 Budget to increase revenues and increase various expenditure accounts in the General Fund. Approved an ordinance on the second and final reading continuing the current standards of care for certain elementary age recreation programs operated by the Parks & Recreation Department.

Approved the consent agenda, which included the following:

Approved the minutes of the Special City Council Meeting on May 29, the Special City Council Meeting on May 31 and the Special and Regular City Council Meetings on June 4. Awarded a one-year contract to Raven Mechanical, LP for plumbing services for municipal facilities on an asneeded basis. The company will have options to renew for two additional years. Awarded a one-year contract to American Janitorial Services, Ltd. for cleaning services at the Regional Water Treatment Plant. The company will have options to renew for two additional years. Awarded a one-year contract to Claron Building Maintenance, Inc. for janitorial services for the new Recreation and Tennis Center. The company has provided cleaning services for City Hall, Quail Valley Golf Course, the Community Center, Public Safety Headquarters, parks’ restrooms and Municipal Court. Claron will have options to renew for two additional years. Authorized the Fire & Rescue Services to donate salvaged firefighting equipment to the Texas Forest Service’s Helping Hands Program, which will distribute the supplies to agencies in need. Agreed to rescind a previous authorization for staff to purchase new furniture for an area in Public Safety Headquarters from Furniture Systems and Cubicles, Inc. for $41,004. After further review and the solicitation of additional bids, staff was able to secure the furnishings at a discounted price from Carroll’s Discount Office Furniture for $32,806.46. Council approved the purchase through the Texas TXMAS Cooperative purchasing program. Received an update on the City’s partnership with METRO. Missouri City pays 1 cent out of sales tax collections to METRO and the transit company returns a half cent to the City—proceeds that can only be used for mobility projects. In the Fall, METRO plans to seek voter approval on whether or not the transit company should cap general mobility fund revenue payments to its regional partners at 2014 levels and retain extra revenues for transit projects. Mayor Allen Owen, who is chair of the METRO Multi-City Coalition, expressed strong concern with that position, noting that it is unfair to the 14 regional cities that have contributed millions to the transit company’s budget. “If we lose our general mobility funding, it will equate to a 13 percent tax hike for residents and impact future transportation projects,” he explained. “The 14 cities have the support of Congressmen and Legislators who have petitioned METRO not to take funds away from small cities.” Past initiatives completed citywide using METRO general mobility funds include the expansion of Gessner Road, the installation of blinking yellow traffic lights in school zones, traffic signal upgrades along Highway 6 and the construction of Oyster Creek Bridge on Cartwright Road.

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The “Show Me City” Is a Hit at the Box Office

Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen went from the “big office” to the big screen on April 25, presenting his “State of the City” address to nearly 300 people who gathered at the Star Cinema Grill on Highway 6. In a unique format, the City presented a nearly 30minute movie that celebrated its rich diversity, which a recent Rice University report noted has surpassed the City of

The “Show Me City” Is a Hit at the Box Office...Mayor Allen Owen visits with “Missouri City State of the City: The Movie” guests, from left, Doug Goff, Chief Operating Officer of Sienna/Johnson Development, LP, Larry Johnson, Founder of Sienna/Johnson Development, LP, and Himesh Gandhi, a Partner with Hrbacek & Gandhi, P.C. Houston’s. The film featured the mayor and highlighted developments, ongoing projects and community leaders in the “Show Me City”—Bertha Eugene, HOA President of Quail Valley East, Stricklin Snyder, a Life Scout respected for spearheading local volunteer initiatives and Sergio Espinosa, Owner of Las Escondida.

REFLECTIONS ON THE EVENT

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“If you came to see pie charts, and you came to see graphs, then you came to the wrong show because I think you want to see what Missouri City is about,” Mayor Owen said.

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The video highlighted projects such as the new Community Center and Golf Pro Shop, which has been named the City Centre at Quail Valley. Both that multi-million dollar project and the new Recreation and Tennis Center on Cypress Point Drive should be completed in mid-Summer. City Centre will offer residents and visitors an elegant venue for family and business events. “Missouri City State of the City: The Movie” also focused on business development, featuring Ben E. Keith, a renowned food distribution company that is constructing a LEED-certified facility along the Gessner Road Corridor, bringing hundreds of jobs to the City. Mayor Owen discussed business development prior to the start of the movie, saying that $500 million worth of businesses and companies have come to Missouri City in 2011, creating hundreds of new jobs. He added that there will be an announcement soon about a $65 million major business establishing roots in the City. “Economic development is very important for this part of Fort Bend County and I think under the leadership of the Mayor and the City Council, they’ve really opened up a lot of opportunities for businesses to come out here to start a business and expand,” said Gary Pearson, a Government Relations Consultant in Houston who has business ties in Missouri City. To continue moving the City forward economically, Mayor Owen explained to guests that improving the infrastructure will require citizens to consider a bond referendum next year to pay for projects citywide. Missouri City’s fiscal stability, public safety partnerships, citizen collaborations and dynamic diversity were all highlighted on the big screen and drew applause from supporters and guests. Many reflected on the area’s strong growth and development:

EARLE

MORLES

MITCHELL

“I thought it was unique and fun…interesting and informative. Usually they’re banquet-style; so, obviously the setting was different. I enjoyed myself.” —Doug Earle, Executive Director of First Colony Community Association

“It was very unique and entertaining. As Mayor Owen said, it wasn’t a bunch of graphs. It gave me ideas on how to do mine. I have to figure out how to top it.” —Vincent Morales Jr., Mayor of Rosenberg

“It was intriguing and it was something that I think the staff should be commended for being able to put this together. Creativity is the key.” —Derrick M. Mitchell, Partner, Bracewell & Giuliani

Looking Ahead

---------------------------------------------------Moving forward, City Council’s focus will continue to be business gains, the diversification of the tax base and an increase in jobs for residents. Next year, Mayor Owen said he looks forward to welcoming guests to his State of the City address at City Centre. To view the “State of the City Movie” in its entirety, click on www.missouricitytx.gov or watch it on Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse).

“The Show Me City” is the Region’s Most Diverse City

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$11,997,000

DEFENSE COMMISSARY AGENCY

Carothers Construction, Inc., Oxford, Miss., is being awarded a firm-fixed-price contract on June 27 to build a new commissary at Coraopolis, Pa. The award amount is $11,997,000. The contract is for a 480 calendar day performance period beginning approximately June 27, 2012, through Oct.18, 2013. Offers were solicited via full and open competition and 10 offers were received. The Defense Commissary Agency, Enterprise Acquisition Division, Construction Design Branch, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, is the contracting activity.

$22,026,612 NAVY - BUSINESS CONTRACT

Raytheon Co., McKinney, Texas, is being awarded a $22,026,612 firm-fixed-price contract to standup organic depot capability for test and repair of the AN/AAS-44 Multi-spectral Targeting System-A/B at Fleet Readiness Center Southeast Jacksonville, Fla. Work will be performed in McKinney, Texas (55 percent); Jacksonville, Fla. (35 percent); and El Segundo, Calif. (10 percent). Work is expected to be completed by June 2014. The applicable Air Force Budget Program funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This sole-source contract was not competitively procured. NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N68836-12-C0020).

$10,513,927 NAVY - BUSINESS CONTRACT

DynCorp International, L.L.C., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded $10,513,927 modification under a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (N62742-08-C-1115) to exercise the fifth option period to provide services for Philippines operations support in the Republic of the Philippines for the Joint Special Operations Task Force - Philippines. The work to be performed provides for all labor, supervision, management, tools, materials, equipment, facilities, transportation, incidental engineering, and other items necessary to provide support services. After award of this option, the total cumulative contract value will be $181,775,364. Work will be performed in the Republic of the Philippines, and is expected to be completed September 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $8,910,028 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity.

$6,722,785

NAVY - BUSINESS CONTRACT

Raytheon Co., El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded a $6,722,785 cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-10-G-0006) for upgrades to the F/A-18 AN/APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar commercial depot. These upgrades will provide the depot with the capabilities to diagnose and validate repairs of the Royal Australian Air Force APG-79 AESA radar under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif. (70 percent), and Forest, Miss. (30 percent), and is expected to be completed in August 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

$10,277,563 DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Muir Copper Canyon Farms*, Salt Lake City, Utah, was awarded a fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract with a maximum $10,277,563 for fresh fruits and vegetables for non-Department of Defense customers in Idaho. There are

no other locations of performance. Using service is U.S. Department of Agriculture school and reservation customers. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2012-2013 Defense Working Capital Funds. There were two responses to the Defense Logistics Agency Internet Bid Board System solicitation. The date of performance completion is Dec. 26, 2013. The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM-300-12-D-S136).

$1,837,230,500 AIR FORCE BUSINESS CONTRACT

The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $1,837,230,500 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-reimbursable-no-fee contract to provide for Country Standard Time Compliance Technical Order (CSTCTO) development, CSTCTO integration and testing, fabrication of trial kits to support validation and verification activities, procurement of 68 F-15s to F-15SA conversion kits, and the procurement and installation of four base stand-up kits. This is a Foreign Military Sales requirement for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Will advise as to the location of the performance. Work is to be completed by Dec. 31, 2013. WRALC/GRMK, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8505-12-C-0001).

$249,000,000

AIR FORCE BUSINESS CONTRACT

Lockheed Martin Corp., Sunnyvale, Calif., is being awarded a $249,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract to purchase Space Vehicle 5/6 production electronic/antenna fabrication and flight materials. The location of the performance is Sunnyvale, Calif. Work is to be completed by Nov. 1, 2012. SMC/MC, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8808-12-C-0010 P00001).

$34,064,647

AIR FORCE BUSINESS CONTRACT

Raytheon Co., Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $34,064,647 cost-plus-fixed-fee with performance incentives contract to procure electronic protection improvement program. The location of the performance is Tucson, Ariz. Work is to be completed by Oct. 31, 2015. AAC/EBAD, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8675-12-C-0040).

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