MAY + JUNE 2020
bestofheights.com
WORTHWHILE CONVERSATIONS
WHEN CAN WE UNBUCKLE THE SEATBELTS?
J. Harold Williams, CPA/PFS, CFP®, and the L&W professional team discuss the Fiduciary Standard and placing the client’s best interest first. THE LAST 4-5 MONTHS WERE FULL OF TURMOIL IN FINANCIAL MARKETS. IS THIS UNUSUAL COMPARED TO OTHER MARKETS L&W HAS OBSERVED OVER 49 YEARS? In our 49-year history, we’ve seen a lot of markets that created financial uncertainty, which makes planning difficult. The “flavor” of each dish offered up by a market is always distinct, but the basic ingredients are the same. The key to a successful outcome in personal financial health is not unlike following a healthy diet – get sound ongoing advice from someone who has your best interest at heart.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN, “…YOUR BEST INTEREST AT HEART”? Linscomb & Williams has a longtenured executive client who was recently and unexpectedly forced to retire early from the hospitality industry. We explained it this way:
Ask someone, “What should I eat?” and you likely won’t get the same recommendation from your neighborhood butcher as from a Registered Dietician. Your butcher might recommend the pork spareribs that just arrived, knowing you’ll find that recommendation appealing. The dietician, on the other hand, insists on a balanced program that will achieve your ultimate health goal, though it includes items you might not like.
WHERE’S THE CONNECTION TO FINANCIAL ADVICE DURING MARKET TURMOIL? Much of what passes for financial “advice” today is equivalent to the butcher selling you the pork spareribs. The pork spareribs are what he has on hand to sell; he thinks they will work OK for you and that you’ll be happy. He’s not that concerned whether it is the best option for your long-term health. The majority of financial advisors today still operate outside a pure fiduciary standard, and are under
no legal obligation to put your best interest above their own.
PRESUMABLY, L&W FOLLOWS A DIFFERENT APPROACH? At Linscomb & Williams, we are like that Registered Dietician. Following the fiduciary standard, we are obligated to put your interest ahead of our own. This is always important, but most especially, in times of market turmoil -- times when it makes sense to get a second opinion from an experienced firm with no products to sell. We have an experienced team to deliver that second opinion right here, right now. For more information, or a copy of our Form ADV, Part II, with all of our disclosures, call Grant Williams at 713 840 1000 or visit www.linscomb-williams.com.
Linscomb & Williams is located at 1400 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 1000 in Houston, TX For more information call 713 840 1000 or visit www.linscomb-williams.com. Linscomb & Williams is not an accounting firm.
Covid-19 captured through the lens of a photographer ather than words to fill this space, Intown decided that pictures tell a better story. Houstonian and professional photographer Barbara Perlick is using this time in quarantine to capture incredible images around Houston. A picture is worth a thousand words, holds true especially during times of struggle and uncertainty.
A few questions for Barbara Perlick Int: What were you looking for in telling your Covid-19 story through your camera lens? BP: I’ve been really touched by the images of healthcare workers selflessly helping others. It shows Houston’s strength and sense of community. My desire was to capture a different side of the story. I wanted to show the effects of COVID-19 on the city from the average person’s perspective. I wanted to point out that to experience the full impact of these black and white photographs, it is imperative to know that they were taken mid-day during the week. Int: Why were so many of your photos in black and white? BP: Black and white is my signature style. I am drawn to it because I believe it creates a stronger emotional connection and lends itself to timelessness. The black and white images reflect the serious and somber emotions during COVID-19. Int: What did you feel or learn during your many days of shooting this remarkable collection of Houston photos?
BP: When I first became interested in photography, my goal was to document where I was so I could always look back and remember how I felt in a specific moment. My first photoshoot was difficult for me to digest. There was emptiness where there is typically congestion, and lines where they never existed. It was overwhelmingly sad, and this new reality hit me hard. Houston is an amazing city. I’ve always found that difficult times can bring out the best in people, which is why I felt it was necessary to show the positive outcomes of this experience as well. I began to photograph these situations in color because I wanted to demonstrate that there is a bright side to this seemingly grim time. I’ve been so impressed by the ingenuity of both children and adults as they have developed creative ways to still celebrate life’s important moments and help others. For more go to www.houstonintown.com or www.barbaraperlickphotography.com
Intown Magazine is published bi-monthly by SNS Media. Articles are welcome and will be given careful consideration for possible publication. Intown magazine does not assume any responsibility for unsolicited materials. Materials submitted will be returned if accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Box 980757 Houston, TX 77098. You can also e-mail intownmagazine@gmail.com or call 713.525.8607. Copyright 2020 by Intown magazine. All rights reserved. Content may not be reprinted or reproduced without permission from Intown Magazine.
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HOUSTON HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2020 A tribute to your sacrifice
||for a PDF of this||tribute 10us May at++intownmagazine@gmail.com June 24 March April2020 2020 Email
HEIGHTS HEIGHTS
Beverly Smith
CLHMS Lake Conroe Specialist
Coldwell Banker Realty
(713) 569-2113 www.lakeconroebeverlysmith.com
10 Magnolia Woods Drive | Deer Ridge Estates
254 Pinerock Lane
Grand 12,708 SF estate on 3.85 acre lot in guard gated Deer Ridge Estates with guest house and pool house. Backyard playground features a large pool, secluded hot hub, many covered patios, 2 outdoor kitchens, fountains, fire pits, palapas and walking trail through the woods. David M. Young | Douglas Elliman Real Estate | 713-320-6453
Must see to believe home in a private enclave on a corner lot in Bentwater! Open floor plan with a sleek chef ’s dream kitchen with an Oriental jade glass overlooking a gorgeous pool. Stunning custom art niches. Master retreat has its own private veranda. Stunning home built for privacy. Beverly Smith | Coldwell Banker Realty | 713-569-2113
List Price $3,750,000 | MLS #50130592
List Price $1,495,000 | MLS #10538526
Moira Holden
Realtor, MSc, LHMS, GRI, MCNE Certified Relocation Specialist
BHGRE Gary Greene Realtors (281) 460 9402 www.moiraholden.com
516 W. 9th Street | Heights
List Price $899,000 | MLS #31427356
Mediterranean stunner in the heart of the Heights, walking distance to renowned shops & dining. This gem stands out from the rest with sky-high ceilings, 8 ft wooden doors, and striking archway details. The inviting front porch opens through rustic double doors to a luxurious layout designed for entertaining. Formal dining, chef 's kitchen & 2-story living centered by a gorgeous wrought iron spiral staircase. Michelle Hinton | Compass Real Estate | 832-795-2246
845 E. Friar Tuck Ln | Sherwood Forest List Price $1,999,000 | MLS #68603547
Classic 4 bedroom home with on fully fenced interior ¾ acre lot in Sherwood Forest, which has 24/7 security patrol. Outdoor entertainer’s paradise with resort style swimming pool, multiple covered lounge & dining areas, water features, sound system, mosquito misting system. David M. Young | Douglas Elliman Real Estate | 713-320-6453
CHUBB • PURE • AIG • CINCINNATI
Luxury Home Insurance . . .Discover the Difference! LUXURY HOMES - VALUABLES - VEHICLES - UMBRELLA LIABILITY
CARRIE OUSLEY | 832.681.5020
BUSINESS FOCUS
CORONAVIRUS Business Impacts Understanding Business Loss Insurance - - What business owners should consider when they are told their losses are not covered
B
eing a business owner right now is difficult. Between Coronavirus damage and orders from state and local governments, most businesses have shut down. While businesses are closed, fixed expenses (e.g. rent, utilities, insurance) drain cash reserves. As commerce in many sectors of our nation’s economy has ground to a halt, most businesses have been forced to close, and for some, the only option has been to furlough employees. Many business owners were diligent, purchased insurance, and paid premiums for years in order to have coverage for business losses. Often insurance agents and brokers promoted the insurance by describing the policy as a “safety net” in case there was a business interruption. But now when the coverage is needed the most, insurance companies and agents are telling businesses that their losses are not covered. One thing is certain: when it comes to protecting policyholders against business losses associated with the Coronavirus Pandemic, business owners are finding out 12 | HEIGHTS | May + June 2020
By Rob Ammons The Ammons Law Firm that the insurance industry is not a good neighbor and not on their side. Despite what businesses are being told, there may be insurance coverage for losses associated with the Coronavirus Pandemic. Whether a business is covered for the current interruption in its activities is a question that requires an analysis of the specific language of the insurance policy including all exclusions, a review of the government order closing local businesses, and knowledge
of the legal precedent interpreting insurance policies. When it comes to insurance coverage, the specific language of the policy makes a difference. While some policies have formidable exclusions that arguably eliminate coverage, there are many variations in the policy language and some policies may not exclude coverage. In connection with most business loss claims associated with the Coronavirus Pandemic, three things that to look for in a commercial property insurance policy are (1) business interruption coverage, (2) civil authority coverage, and (3) microorganism coverage or exclusion.
Business Interruption Coverage Business interruption coverage ensures a business for losses caused when its normal business operations are disrupted. This coverage is usually bundled with other types of coverage under a business owner’s policy, but some businesses may have separate policies that cover business-interruption losses. A feature of business interruption coverage you will want to be aware of
Your Advocates
During the Coronavirus Crisis and Beyond H DEDICATED TASK FORCE H LAWYERS WITH EXPERTISE H EXPERIENCE WITH SIMILAR CASES
LET US HELP YOU WITH YOUR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION CLAIM Contact: THE AMMONS LAW FIRM Covidclaim@ammonslaw. com (866)-808-0690 www. ammonslaw. com
HOUSTON I DALLAS I CORPUS CHRISTI I McALLEN
is the standard policy language in most policies that limits coverage to losses caused by “direct physical loss of or damage to property.” Based on the claim denial letters business owners are receiving, it appears that the insurance industry is taking the position that a virus in a business that attaches to surfaces, lives for days, is highly contagious and potentially deadly does not constitute any damage to the business owner’s property. While no Court has yet ruled on whether the Coronavirus causes property loss or damage in a COVID -19 case, there are comparable situations where Courts have found the requisite property damage to invoke business interruption coverage. The language of the Harris County Judge’s Order that closed businesses should also be helpful to businesses when they challenge the denial of their insurance claims. Specifically, Harris County Judge Hidalgo’s Order states: Whereas the COVID-19 virus is contagious and spreads through person-to-person contact, especially in group settings; and Whereas the COVID-19 virus causes property loss or damage due to its ability to attach to surfaces for prolonged periods of time; and https://www.readyharris.org/Stay-Home
Based on this declaration, it can be argued that all businesses that are normally open to the public have suffered the type of property loss or damage necessary to trigger coverage under standard business interruption policy language.
Civil Authority Coverage Many businesses have insurance policies that include “civil authority” coverage—a type of coverage for lost business income that should be available when your business is closed by order of a government entity. Seems clear. However, when it comes to insurance coverage issues, very little is black and white. Insurance companies and their armies of lawyers are very creative when 14 | HEIGHTS | May + June 2020
it comes to finding ways to deny coverage to businesses and policyholders. For example, after September 11, 2001, airspace was closed by the government. Airlines, hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality businesses were devastated by the loss of business they suffered due to the lack of airline travelers. Even though these businesses had civil authority coverage, insurers denied their claims, arguing that the government orders did not order that those businesses close. The same thing happened to businesses in Louisiana after hurricane Katrina. In those cases, the Courts sided with the insurance company claiming that the businesses were never actually ordered to close. But Coronavirus is different. The position that the insurance companies took in the wake of these past disasters can be used against them now! The same court decisions that favored insurance carriers in these past disasters can be used to make a strong case that civil authority coverage directly applies for business losses caused by government-ordered business closures due to the coronavirus.
Microorganisms Since the outbreak of SARS in 2003, some insurance policies explicitly exclude damages caused by microorganisms. A standard insurance clause excludes payment “for loss or damage caused by or resulting from any virus, bacterium or other microorganism that induces or is capable of inducing physical distress, illness or disease.” Other policies, however, only exclude from coverage losses caused by bacteria, but not viruses like Coronavirus. Here again, a careful reading of the policy is crucial. Insurers will likely also argue that standard policy language that bars coverage for damages caused by “pollution” or other exclusionary language applies to business losses caused by Coronavirus, and different courts have interpreted these provisions differently. So it is important that the specific policy language be reviewed by a lawyer familiar with the court decisions interpreting these provisions of the business insurance policy.
Finally, at least some policies that target the restaurant, gym, movie, healthcare, and similar industries industry explicitly provide coverage for losses caused by “communicable or infectious diseases,” without the need to show that the loss was the result of actual physical damage to property.
Conclusion When business pay premiums for business interruption coverage, they expect to be covered if they are unable to continue normal operations. Business losses caused by Coronavirus are staggering. Business owners can expect the insurance industry to use every imaginable excuse to avoid covering these losses. A prudent business owner should not rely on an insurance company or anyone beholden to the insurance industry to interpret the policy language or to tell them whether their business loss claim is covered. At the same time, it makes little sense for struggling business owners to incur more expense paying lawyers hourly fees to review their insurance policy language. The Ammons Law Firm is currently reviewing business insurance policies under a contingency fee arrangement that requires payment only if a recovery is ultimately obtained for the business owner. This means that a business which has already lost revenue due to the shut down does not have to incur any out-ofpocket expense. Given the hefty premiums that business owners have paid for business loss insurance and the uniform way in which insurance companies are denying the claims, it cannot hurt to have a qualified lawyer review the policy language to determine whether payment may be owed for Coronavirus-related losses.
Rob Ammons is a business owner and the Founder of The Ammons Law Firm. He has been representing business owners and consumers in claims against insurance companies for over thirty years.
BAYOU ISLAND PARK
The Hidden Gem of Memorial 1130 Bayou Island Drive Just south of Buffalo Bayou and within the Spring Branch school district, (Frostwood Elementary, Memorial Middle and High Schools) Bayou Island Park is an exclusive gated community which has never flooded and offers significant value for those seeking a home in the Memorial area. Bayou Island Park homes average 25 years newer and $250,000 less than their 77024 neighbors.
$1,100,000 1135 Bayou Island Drive Stunning, recently updated home in the prestigious Bayou Island Park gated community. Zoned to Spring Branch ISD's acclaimed Memorial High School, Memorial Middle School and Frostwood Elementary, this is the place to live. From the beautiful curb appeal to the open kitchen and living space, this home has it all. Recent updates include new roof (March 2020), new lighting, new paint throughout, new flooring, updated kitchen and landscaping.
$750,000 J. Christopher Cantele Westside REALTORSÂŽ
281.925.3035
ccantele@remax.net March + April 2020 | HEIGHTS |21
M E DICAL
PE R SON
‘20
OF
T H E
YEA R
CEO in The Trenches of A Pandemic Houston Methodist’s Dr. Marc Boom 2020 Medical Person of The Year
By Virginia Billeaud Anderson
A
pestilence out of the mouth of Hell had strangled hospital operations, and forced Dr. Marc Boom, President, and CEO of Houston Methodist, to scramble to save patients and protect the lives of employees. A critical administrative duty was to construct Highly Infectious Disease Units for COVID-19 patients. Far more difficult was to restrict family visits, which caused Richard Steubinger to die without his children and grandchildren present. Richard’s nurse, Tabatha Ketner, however, filled in and acted like family. Wearing personal protective gear that required shouting through a face shield, Ketner flashed family pictures, and transmitted messages of love. Boom began every day with a 7 am conference call to the CEOs of the other Texas Medical Center institutions, he told Intown. Their war room sessions hashed out strategies like finding ventilators. At every turn, his attention shifted with new mandates. In mid-April, Governor Abbott green-lighted diagnostic surgeries such as biopsies, with elective surgeries soon to come off lockdown. Boom didn’t need his Wharton School MBA to know the importance of revving up services. Days before, Methodist began administering the antiviral drug Remdesivir in clinical trials, and several weeks previously led the nation in transfusing blood plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients into sick COVID-19 patients. Further, Methodist hooked up with VGXI Corporation to develop a COVID-19 vaccine. But Boom’s most fundamental duty was to inspire the beleaguered staff, which he did in a video message. 16 | HEIGHTS | May + June 2020
In it, Boom framed the virus era as historical. “Future generations will look back at this point in history and recognize it as one of our finest hours.” And emphasized duty. “Like other first responders, health care professionals have chosen these bedside roles with the understanding that they come with certain risks. Throughout history, whether during wartime or natural disasters, physicians, nurses, and other clinical personnel, and the teams who support them have recognized their profound duty to do what is necessary to care for patients. We all must now be ready to act. It’s hard work, but the rewards are priceless, as we are all given the sacred
privilege of caring for patients in their most dire hour.” A colleague told Boom he looked tired on video, so he fessed up to it in an email. Yes, tired, Boom wrote, but he wasn’t complaining or looking for sympathy, it was a blessing and a privilege to lead the organization, and his employees were tired. “I wish I could promise you that this will be over soon and that things will be back to normal. But I can’t. What I can promise you is that I will continue to pray for guidance and strength. And I will continue to come to work every day and strive to be unparalleled at my job so that you can be unparalleled at yours. Never forget that we are all in this together.”
10 Magnolia Woods Dr/Kingwood $3,750,000 MLS# 50130592
845 E Friar Tuck Ln/Sherwood Forest $1,999,000 MLS# 68603547
11406 Chartreuse Court/Royal Oaks CC $1,495,000 MLS# 23495530
2619 Newman St/Upper Kirby $849,000 MLS# 63293249
4019 Driscoll St/Montrose $819,900 MLS# 66254848
608 W Saulnier St/Montrose $599,000 MLS# 19570947
14510 Tivoli Dr/Terraces on Memorial $599,000 MLS# 66293976
4010 Childress St/West University $489,000 MLS# 7161863
5718 Winsome Ln/Galleria Area $469,000 MLS# 3073589
2316 Beall St/Shady Acres $379,000 MLS# 79964966
3814 Center St/Washington Corridor $319,000 MLS# 18208693
10902 Memorial Dr/Hunters Creek $1,995,000 MLS# 46885169
Proven Performance – Year After Year
Over 17 years experience working with buyers and sellers of residential real estate in the Greater Houston Area.
David Michael Young
713-320-6453 david.young@elliman.com www.youngrealtyhouston.com
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18 | HEIGHTS | May + June 2020
Boom’s email revealed he had been blindsided. “Our battle against COVID-19 is something I’ve never experienced before as a physician or administrator.” A telling admission for a guy who watched Tropical Storm Allison wallop the most significant medical complex in the world. Unfamiliar terrain, yet Methodist was favorably positioned. Early in his career, Boom developed a hankering to work in the business side of medicine, so as CEO, he championed tech innovations that served patients and reduced costs. During the virus, telemedicine and virtual care helped operations to continue. “We must all be ready to sacrifice,” he said on the video. Indisputably, the CEO included himself. “I felt the need to speak from the heart to acknowledge the difficult situation we were about to face and to let everyone know I would be right there with them fighting day in and day out,” Boom told us. Aware that long hours and the stress of disrupted child care from school closures compound the threat to those in the virus trenches, we asked Boom about his situation. Boom’s wife Julie is a pediatrician at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s, and school closures have their three children home, Kathryn and John from universities, and Janie from eighth grade. The entire family worries about “both Mom and Dad in a health care setting each day.” How does he stay healthy during the virus? He walks two miles every evening with Tessa and Major. His hounds are bouviers. For reinforcement, a morning walk too. “Tessa and Major think they’ve died and gone to heaven!” Dr. Marc Boom (b.1966) has been the CEO for nine years. He administers eight hospitals, outpatient facilities, emergency, imaging and orthopedic annexes, a research institute, residency program, and affiliated, and specialty and primary care physicians. Boom also helps to reign in gifts such as the $21 million by the Jerold Katz Foundation for medical research. Surprisingly, he also sees patients. Last year, Houston Methodist celebrated 100 years.
Connected for you. Connected to you. At Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, we have a forward thinking, interlinking approach to healthcare. Our medical staff works closely together on your behalf to deliver the most personalized treatment. Isn’t it nice to know you have connections?
kelsey-seybold.com/cares
3 Common Risk Tolerances:
E
by Jessica Banitt, CPA, CFP®
Wealth Advisor, Linscomb & Williams
20 | HEIGHTS | May + June 2020
verything in life has risks. For example, when you go to an interview, you risk not getting the job. When you ask someone on a date, you risk rejection. Exploring a new business venture brings the risk of failure. When it comes to investing, risk is not a “one size fits all”. Just because you may consider yourself a risk-taker, your financial future may not be an area where you want to gamble. The best way to find your true investment risk tolerance is to assess your situation, so let’s take a look at the types of risk tolerance and how they guide your decision-making process. First, what is risk tolerance? “Risk tolerance” represents the variability an investor is willing and able to take in their portfolio. The answer drives how you should invest. Your risk tolerance is highly personal and is likely influenced by several key inputs: • Age: When you’re young, you may be willing to shoulder more risk because
you have more time to ride out any volatile market “waves”. Retirees may want to be more conservative. • Goals. Calculate how much you need to reach your financial goals. Then, find an investment strategy that has potential to produce the needed returns to attain the goal. • Timeline. How soon will you need your money? What could cause you to need it sooner than expected? • Comfort level. How does stock market volatility make you feel? Simplistically, risk tolerance can be: low, medium or high. Those with a low risk tolerance tend to have a conservative investment strategy. They shy away from stock market volatility and favor investments with predictable yields. An example of a conservative portfolio might be 20 percent stocks and 80 percent bonds. Historically speaking, you might expect an average return of around 6.1 percent, or a bit less than 3 percent after inflation. A $100,000 investment is worth $234,284 after 30 years in this portfolio.
Where Do You Fall?
Investors with a medium risk tolerance may split their money into 50 percent large-company stock mutual funds and 50 percent bonds. Such a balanced portfolio historically has returned 8.2 percent, or about 5 percent after inflation. $100,000 would be worth $429,731 after 30 years. Finally, investors with a higher risk tolerance tend to be more aggressive and hopefully remain steady through inevitable swings in the market. An aggressive portfolio for this type of investor may be 80 percent stocks and 20 percent bonds, returning on average 9.4 percent, or about 6 percent after inflation. $100,000 in an aggressive portfolio would be worth $604,340 after 30 years. Important as well, though, is to determine what can change your risk tolerance. Merely walking through life can call for changes to investment philosophy and risk tolerance for most of us.
FINANCIAL FOCUS
For example, marriage and combining finances can be tricky. You and your spouse may likely have different financial goals as a married couple than you did when you were single. Does one of you have a higher risk tolerance than the other? Do you plan to start a family or build a home? When buying a home, how you invest your down payment money depends on when you plan to buy. For a purchase in three years, you may need to be more conservative than you would if you were buying in ten years. Determining this timeline is the first step to figuring out your risk tolerance with those savings. When you have a baby, it may be important to increase your cash reserves, buy a bigger life insurance policy and start a college fund. Start with a discussion with your financial advisor surrounding what your goals are for your family.
When your kids are grown, your income is likely at its highest, and your expenses may be lower than they were with children on the payroll. In this phase of life, focus on maxing out your retirement account contributions each year and saving as much as you can each month. Approaching retirement, around age 50-55, can be a good time to see if you’re on track for your retirement goals. If you’re way off the mark, consider what changes you need to make to get on track. Again, discussion around your objectives is the first step. Linscomb & Williams is a Houstonbased wealth management firm established in 1971.
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| HEIGHTS | 21
INTERVIEW WITH HARRIS COUNTY JUDGE
I
Lina Hidalgo
n 2018 elections voters determined it was an out with the old and in with the new. Many newly elected officials were surprisingly young and female. Nowhere was this more evident than in Houston, Texas, when 27-year-old Lina Hidalgo defeated longtime Republican Judge Ed Emmett for Harris County Judge. The margin was a paltry 13,000 votes, and many attributed it to the Beto effect. Still, also it was an uncanny strategy devised by Hidalgo and her supporters that targeted a group of “atrisk” voters who they determined may not vote a straight ticket. Her smarts are traced back to high school, where she was encouraged to attend accelerated classes, which enabled her to attend and graduate from Stanford. Rather than attend Harvard and NYU to pursue a joint degree, she decided to put that idea on hold and run for County Judge. Before being elected as the CEO of Harris County’s 3 billion-plus budget Judge Hidalgo held positions as an interpreter at Texas Children’s, the Internews Network in Asia, and the Texas Civil Rights Project as a volunteer on criminal justice reform. Our interviewers caught up with the Judge during the height of the coronavirus response. John Granato: We appreciate you joining us, Judge. How are you? Lina Hidalgo: Doing great. Thank you for having me.
22 | HEIGHTS | May + June 2020
John Granato: Well, I can’t imagine the difficulty in your job, but what has happened with COVID 19, how much did that kick up the amount of what you have to do? Lina Hidalgo: You know, in some ways as we came into office about a year ago and since then, I think the second day in office, we had heavy rain. We’ve had three floods, three chemical fires. Now we’re a large community. Things are bound to happen. But this is unlike anything anybody has ever seen, you know, and we’re facing it the world over. So, of course, it’s a huge challenge. But there is also something uniting about it that all of us are empowered and have a role to play in this disaster. This is not just about the first responders and emergency management. It’s not only about the doctors, but it’s also about all of us. Due to the people in this community and because we took actions early on, our curve is flattening. We pull together just like we pull for a sports team. And it shows. Raheel Ramzanali: How hard was it to put in specific orders when it was so early, and I don’t think the public understood what was at stake. Lina Hidalgo: We knew that this was going to have dire economic consequences from the very first measures due to the stay-home order. But we knew it was the only way forward. I mean, unfortunately, in this country, we haven’t had enough testing. We finally are catching up. But early on, the only tool we had was the
blunt tool of shutting everything down. We didn’t have enough testing to isolate the folks who were sick so everybody else could go to work like they’ve done in other countries. They really left us no choice. We’re now developing these better tools as the testing is catching up, and then that will help get the economy back on track faster. Raheel Ramzanali: Now, while everyone is at home, Judge, there is a lot of free time. There’s a lot of time to do some good in the community by filling out the 2020 census. It’s crucial for funding our community programs over the next ten years. Lina Hidalgo: Yes. Look, our public health departments are supposed to be receiving allocations from this big, you know, the stimulus package, a federal package that’s gone through hundreds of millions of dollars for local governments. That money is assigned based on census tracts. And so, you know, I know I’m talking to sports fans. We’re all competitive. We’ve got a lot of community pride, and right now, there is a way for us to compete with the census because we’re a huge community. We’re a diverse community. And if we don’t count everybody in this community, we’re not going to get the money we deserve. It may be Houston’s bigger than Chicago. Let’s prove it. We’re actually, Check out that census mailer everybody’s received or go to my 2020 census dot gov. Fill it out. It takes about five minutes, ten at most.
ConCierge
SERVICE
Catherine Van Zutphen cath@cathvz.com 843-276-5271
Claudia Hellmund Chellmund@kw.com 832-309-9390
Colette Franz colettefranz@kw.com 713-416-4257
Genevieve Rowland genevieve@ rowland-properties.com 281-904-7014
James Selig james@theseliggroup.com 409-256-1274
Bell Property Team teambellsells@kw.com 214-763-2762
Jen Tran jentran@kw.com 832-646-2674
Lauren Taylor teamtaylor@kw.com 713-465-6105
Melonee Piperi mel@movinghouston.com 713-705-6029
Montse Foster Montse@kw.com 713-965-3019
Tara Kordula Anderson tarakordula@gmail.com 713-202-4101
The Property Joes joseph@diosanagroup.com 281-650-4658
Keller Williams Memorial 950 Corbindale Rd #100, Houston, TX 77024 Phone: (833) 533-6400 Fax: (713) 467-6226
WE’RE IN THE PEOPLE BUSINESS. WE JUST HAPPEN TO B E A B A N K .
Unmatched service. Sound advice. And peace of mind knowing your money is well cared for. Now, how can we help you today?
Visit us at our River Oaks Financial Center, 2443 Westheimer or call at (713) 388-1059.
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