2014 Voter s Guide Make an informed Decision. E verything that impacts our daily lives is, in some way, influenced by a legislator or an elected official. One or more of these elected officials will impact our lives in some way or another and these elected officials have an influence that Black people should not ignore or take lightly. Whether we believe our vote will matter or not (and it most assuredly will), we will have to adhere to the laws enacted by those who will be elected this November and making the right decision to cast our vote is the only way we can ensure we have a say in who represents us. This November, there are no excuses. The African American community must help influence public policy and not take our precious voting rights for granted. We must pay it forward for our future generation of leaders by resurrecting the same spirit of unified strength that helped us overcome the atrocities of the past. Time will tell This November to be exact. Early voting begins October 20th. Election Day is November 4th. See you at the polls.
2B houston Forward Times October 2014 Important Dates October 20-31 - Early Voting November 4 - General Election *Voter i.d. required Register To Vote To vote in Texas, you must be registered. Simply pick up a voter registration application, fill it out, and mail it at least 30 days before the election date. You are eligible to register to vote if: You are a United States citizen; You are a resident of the county where you submit the application; You are at least 18 years old on Election Day; You are not a convicted felon (you may be eligible to vote if you have completed your sentence, probation, and parole); and You have not been declared by a court exercising probate jurisdiction to be either totally mentally incapacitated or partially mentally incapacitated without the right to vote. Are you already registered? To confirm your voter registration status, you may select one of three methods to perform a search: Your Texas driver s license number, if you provided it when you applied for voter registration; Your Voter Unique Identifier (VUID), which appears on your voter registration certificate; Your first and last name. Where to Get an Application You can register in person at your county Voter Registrar s office. (In most Texas counties, the Tax Assessor-Collector is also the Voter Registrar. In some counties, the County Clerk or Elections Administrator registers voters.) Or you can register by mail by obtaining an application from your county Voter Registrar s office or the Secretary of State s office. You can also pick up applications at libraries, government offices, or high schools. Required Identification (Voting in Person) Don t have a photo ID for voting? Election Identification Certificates are available from DPS driver license offices during regular business hours. Find mobile station locations here. Frequently Asked Questions In 2011, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 14 (SB 14) creating a new requirement for voters to show photo identification when voting in person. While pending review within the judicial system, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its opinion in Shelby County v. Holder, which effectively ended all pending litigation. As a result, voters are now required to present an approved form of photo identification in order to vote in all Texas Elections. This requirement is effective immediately. Here is a list of the acceptable forms of photo ID: Texas driver license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS Texas personal identification card issued by DPS Texas concealed handgun license issued by DPS United States military identification card containing the person s photograph United States citizenship certificate containing the person s photograph United States passport With the exception of the U.S. citizenship certificate, the identification must be current or have expired no more than 60 days before being presented for voter qualification at the polling place. Procedures for Voting When a voter arrives at a polling location, the voter will be asked to present one of the seven (7) acceptable forms of photo ID. Election officials will now be required by State law to determine whether the voter s name on the identification provided matches the name on the official list of registered voters ( OLRV ). After a voter presents their ID, the election worker will compare it to the OLRV. If the name on the ID matches the name on the list of registered voters, the voter will follow the regular procedures for voting. If the name does not match exactly but is substantially similar to the name on the OLRV, the voter will be permitted to vote as long as the voter signs an affidavit stating that the voter is the same person on the list of registered voters. If a voter does not have proper identification, the voter will still be permitted to vote provisionally. The voter will have (six) 6 days to present proper identification to the county voter registrar, or the voter s ballot will be rejected. Exemption/Exceptions: Voters with a disability may apply with the county voter registrar for a permanent exemption. The application must contain written documentation from either the U.S. Social Security Administration evidencing he or she has been determined to have a disability, or from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs evidencing a disability rating of at least 50 percent. In addition, the applicant must state that he or she has no valid form of photo identification. Those who obtain a disability exemption will be allowed to vote by presenting a voter registration certificate reflecting the exemption. Please contact your voter registrar for more details. Voters who have a consistent religious objection to being photographed and voters who do not have any valid form of photo identification as a result of certain natural disasters as declared by the President of the United States or the Texas Governor, may vote a provisional ballot, appear at the voter registrar s office within six (6) calendar days after election day, and sign an affidavit swearing to the religious objection or natural disaster, in order for your ballot to be counted. Please contact your county voter registrar for more details. Frequently Asked Questions 1. When does the new photo identification law go into effect? The new photo identification requirement is effective immediately. 2. What kind of identification will be required to qualify to vote in person under the new program? A voter will be required to show one of the following forms of photo identification at the polling location before the voter will be permitted to cast a vote. Texas driver license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS Texas personal identification card issued by DPS Texas concealed handgun license issued by DPS United States military identification card containing the person s photograph United States citizenship certificate containing the person s photograph United States passport 3. My ID is expired. Will it still work? With the exception of the U.S. citizenship certificate, the identification must be current or have expired no more than 60 days before being presented for voter qualification at the polling place. 4. But what if a voter does not have any of these forms of photo ID? Are there any exceptions? If a voter does not have a permanent disability exemption (addressed below) indicated on his or her voter registration certificate AND the voter does not have any of the photo identifications indicated above at the time of voting, the voter may cast a provisional ballot at the polls. However, in order to have the provisional ballot counted, the voter will be required to visit the voter registrar s office within six calendar days of the date of the election to either present one of the above forms of photo ID OR submit one of the temporary affidavits addressed below (e.g., religious objection or natural disaster) in the presence of the county voter registrar while attesting to the fact that he or she does not have any of the required photo IDs. A permanent exemption is available for voters with documented disabilities. Voters with a disability may apply with the county voter registrar for a permanent exemption. The application must contain written documentation from either the U.S. Social Security Administration evidencing the applicant s disability, or from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs evidencing a disability rating of at least 50 percent. In addition, the applicant must state that he or she has no valid form of photo identification. Those who obtain a disability exemption will be allowed to vote by presenting a voter registration certificate reflecting the exemption. Affidavits are available for voters who have a consistent religious objection to being photographed and for voters who do not have any photo identification as a result of certain natural disasters as declared by the President of the United States or the Texas Governor within 45 days of the day the ballot was cast. 5. If I have a government-issued ID that contains my photo and it is not on the list above, may I use it? If you do not have one of the forms of photo IDs listed above and your voter registration certificate does not have a disability exemption noted, you will only be eligible to cast a provisional ballot. 6. My name on my approved photo ID does not exactly match my name on my voter registration card. Can I still vote? Election officials will review the ID and if a name is substantially similar to the name on their list of registered voters, you will still be able to vote, but you will also have to submit an affidavit stating that you are the same person on the list of registered voters. 7. What does substantially similar mean? A voter s name is considered substantially similar if one or more of the following circumstances applies: The name on the ID is slightly different from one or more of the name fields on the official list of registered voters. The name on the voter s ID or on list of registered voters is a customary variation of the voter s formal name. For example, Bill for William, or Beto for Alberto. The voter s name contains an initial, middle name, or former name that is either not on the official list of registered voters or on the voter s ID. A first name, middle name, former name or initial of the voter s name occupies a different field on the presented ID document than it does on the list of registered voters. In considering whether a name is substantially similar, election officials will also look at whether information on the presented ID matches elements of the voter s information on the official list of registered voters such as the voter s residence address or date of birth. 8. Does the new photo ID requirement apply to voting by mail? The new requirement does not change the process for voting by mail. 9. Does the address on my photo identification have to match my address on the official list of registered voters at the time of voting? The new requirement makes no determination on voter address matching criteria; therefore, there is no address matching requirement. 10. When is the DPS Election Identification Certificate going to be available? The Election Identification Certificate is now available. Information regarding how to obtain an election identification certificate can be found at www.dps.texas.gov. You may also contact DPS by telephone at (512) 424-2600 for more information. 11. What happens if I refuse to show proof of identity? Voters who refuse to show proof of identity will be allowed to vote by provisional ballot. However, please be advised that a refusal to show ID is not a valid ground for casting a provisional ballot, and it is likely that the voter s ballot will be rejected by the ballot board. We hope you have found this information helpful. Should you need additional information, please contact our office via telephone at 1-800-252-VOTE (8683) or via email at elections@sos. state.tx.us. Your Voter Registration Card After you apply, a voter registration certificate (your proof of registration) will be mailed to you within 30 days. Check your certificate to be sure all information is correct. If there is a mistake, make corrections and return it to the Voter Registrar immediately. On your registration certificate, you will see a precinct number. Your residence is located in a specific precinct, or area within the county where you will vote on Election Day. In some cases, precincts may be combined to accommodate joint local elections, so always consult your County Clerk or Elections Administrator in the days before an election for the address of the polling place where you re to vote. If your county has supplied us with polling place information, you can find that information here: County Precincts and Polling Place Addresses When you go to the polls to vote, present one of the seven (7) approved forms of photo ID and election officials will match your name to the official list of registered voters. For voters that applied for and received the permanent exemption from showing a photo ID based in their disability status, this status will be notated on their voter registration certificate. These voters are required to present their voter registration certificate when they go to the polls to vote. If you lose your certificate, notify your county Voter Registrar in writing to receive a new one. You will automatically receive a new certificate every two years if you haven t moved from the address at which you are registered. Did You Change Something? Are you still registered to vote if you moved or changed your name since the last time you voted? Simply follow the guidelines below to find out. Did you move within your county? If you moved from one place to another in the same county, you ll need to notify the Voter Registrar in your county in writing of your new address. (In most Texas counties, the Tax Assessor-Collector is also the Voter Registrar. In some counties, the County Clerk or Elections Administrator registers voters.) There are several ways to do this: Correct your current voter registration certificate on the back and return it to the Voter Registrar. Fill out a new voter registration application form and check the change box. When you apply for or change your Texas driver s license, change your voter information at the same time. As long as you reside in the same county, you can change your information online at thesecretary of State s Voter Registration Name/Address Change website. The screen will prompt you through the process and the changes that you make will be forwarded to your county Voter Registrar for processing. You will be mailed a new certificate with your new address and be able to vote in your new precinct 30 days after you submitted your change. If you miss the 30-day deadline to change information on your voter registration certificate, you may vote in your former precinct as long as you still reside in the political subdivision conducting the election. Did you move to another county? If you moved to another county, YOU MUST RE-REGISTER! Fill out and mail a new application, or take it in person, to the Voter Registrar of your new county. (In most Texas counties, the Tax Assessor-Collector is also the Voter Registrar. In some counties, the County Clerk or Elections Administrator registers voters.) You will receive a new voter registration certificate 30 days after your application is submitted and accepted. If you are late to register in your new county, you may be able to vote a limited ballot on candidates or issues common between your old and new counties. You may only vote this limited ballot after you have moved to your new residence, during the early voting period by mail or personal appearance (not on Election Day) and if: You are a current registered voter in your former county; You would be eligible to vote in your former county on Election Day, if you were still living in that county; You have not re-registered in the new county, or, if you have re-registered, the effective date of the new registration will not be effective on or before Election day. Did you change your name? Promptly notify your county Voter Registrar in writing of the change. There are several ways to do this: Correct your current voter registration certificate on the back and return it to the Voter Registrar; Fill out a new voter registration application form and check the change box; When you apply for or change your Texas driver s license, change your voter information at the same time; or As long as you reside in the same county, you can change your information online at thesecretary of State s Voter Registration Name/Address Change website. The screen will prompt you through the process, and the changes that you make will be forwarded to your county Voter Registrar for processing. Information courtesy of www.votetexas.gov
houston Forward Times October 2014 3B United States Senator David M. Alameel - D 5310 Harvest Hill Rd.Mail Box 109 Dallas, TX 75230 info@alameelforsenate.com John Cornyn - R 5300 Memorial Drive Suite 980 Houston, TX 77007 713-572-3337 Fax: 713-572-3777 U.S. Representative-District 2 Niko Letsos - D 11152 Westheimer RD #650 Houston, TX 77042 npletsos@nikoletsos.com Ted Poe - R 710 N. Post Oak Road Suite 510 Houston, TX 77024 (713) 681-8763 (TPOE) (713) 681-1150 fax (877) 218-1997 toll free U.S. Representative-District 7 James Cargas - D 2450 Louisiana #400-777 Houston, TX 77065 (713) 581 0072 www.jamescargas.com John Culberson - R 10000 Memorial Drive Suite 620 Houston, TX 77024 Phone:(713) 682-8828 Fax:(713) 680-8070 culberson.house.gov U.S. Representative-District 8 Kevin Brady - R 200 River Pointe, Ste 304 Conroe, TX 77304 Ph:(936)441-5700 Fax: (936)441-5757 kevinbrady.house.gov U.S. Representative-District 9 Al Green - D 3003 South Loop West, Suite 460 Houston, TX 77054 Ph:713-383-9234 Fax: 713-383-9202 algreen.house.gov U.S. Representative-District 10 Tawana Walter-Cadien - D P.O. Box 1713 Cypress, Texas 77410 tawanacadienforcongress.com Michael McCaul - R 1773 Westborough Drive, Suite 223 Katy Commerce Center Katy, TX 77449 Phone: (281) 398-1247 mccaul.house.gov U.S. Representative-District 18 Sheila Jackson Lee - D 1919 Smith Street Suite 1180 Houston, TX 77002 ph: (713) 655-0050 fax: (713) 655-1612 jacksonlee.house.gov Sean Seibert - R PO Box 31758 Houston, TX 77231 seanseibert.com U.S. Representative-District 22 Frank Briscoe - D briscoeforcongress.com Pete Olson - R 6302 W. Broadway St, Ste 220 Pearland, TX 77581 ph: 281-485-4855 fax: 281-485-4850 olson.house.gov U.S. Representative-District 29 Gene Green - D 256 N. Sam Houston Pkwy East, Suite 29 Houston, TX 77060 Ph: (281) 999-5879 Fax: (281) 999-5716 green.house.gov U.S. Representative-District 36 Michael K. Cole - D PO Box 1486 Orange Tx 77631. michaelcole.us Brian Babin - R P. O. BOX 159 Woodville, TX 75979 409-377-2495 babinforcongress.com GOVERNOR Wendy R. Davis - D 1111 Holman Street Houston, TX 77004 817-886-8863 wendydavistexas.com Greg Abbott - R PO Box 308 Austin, TX 78767 512.477.2002 gregabbott.com Lieutenant Governor Leticia Van de Putte - D P.O. Box 8490 San Antonio, TX 78208 210-737-2626 leticiavandeputte.com Dan Patrick - R PO Box 685085 Austin, Texas 78768 danpatrick.org Attorney General Sam Houston - D 1302 Waugh, #323 Houston, TX 77019 (832) 917-9221 samhoustonfortexas.com Ken Paxton - R P.O. Box 3476 McKinney, Texas 75070 (469) 247-2360 kenpaxton.com Comptroller of Public Accounts Mike Collier - D P.O. Box 14648 Humble, TX 77347 collierfortexas.com Glenn Hegar - R 815-A Brazos Street, #389 Austin, TX 78701 glennhegar.com Commissioner of General Land Office John Cook - D 109 North Oregon Street Suite 1106 E El Paso, TX 79901 915-351-0923 cookfortexas.org George P. Bush - R P.O. Box 26677, Austin, Texas 78755 (855) 472-4456 georgepfortexas.org Commissioner of Agriculture Jim Hogan - D 2917 CR423 Cleburne, TX 76031 (817) 487-7965 Sid Miller - R 6407 S US Hwy 377 Stephenville, TX 76401 (254)968-3535 www.millerfortexas.com Railroad Commissioner Steve Brown - D www.electstevebrown.com Ryan Sitton - R PO Box 341566 Austin, TX 78734 www.ryansitton.com Chief Justice, Supreme Court William Moody - D 500 E. San Antonio Suite 905 El Paso, Texas 79901 Phone (915) 546-2101 Nathan Hecht - R P.O. Box 776 Austin, Texas 78767 www.justicenathanhecht.com Justice, Supreme Court, Place 6 Lawrence Edward Meyers - D P.O. Box 12308 Austin, TX 78711 512-463-1551 Jeff Brown - R 2726 Bissonnet Street, Suite 240-14 Houston, Texas 77005 (512) 330-4146 www.justicejeffbrown.com Justice, Supreme Court, Place 7 Gina Benavides - D 817 E. Esperanza McAllen, TX 78501-1403 (956) 821-4476 www.justiceginabenavides.com Jeff Boyd - R 815-A Brazos Street PMB 694 Austin, TX 78701 justicejeffboyd.org
4B houston Forward Times October 2014 Justice, Supreme Court, Place 8 Phil Johnson - R PO Box 12248 Austin, Texas 78711 (512) 463-1312 www.supreme.courts.state.tx.us Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3 John Granberg - D 310 N Mesa St Ste 424 El Paso, TX 79901 Office: 915-543-9000 Bert Richardson - R 126 La Vaca San Antonio, TX 78210 www.electjudgerichardson.com Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 4 Kevin Patrick Yeary - R PO Box 591694 San Antonio, Texas 78259 (210) 387-1767 www.yearyforjudge.com Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 9 David C. Newell - R P.O. Box 33 Richmond, TX 77406 (713) 204-7292 david@newellforjudge.com Member, State Board of Education, District 4 Lawrence A. Allen, Jr. - D 2130 Vermillion Oak St. Fresno, Texas 77545 (713) 203-1355 sboesupport@tea.state.tx.us Dorothy Olmos - R 6678 Sylvan Road Houston, TX 77023-4829. 281-636-1058 info@votedorothyolmos.com Joan Huffman - R PO Box 541774 Houston, Texas 77254 281-980-3500 office www.electjoanhuffman.com District 126 Patricia Harless - R 6630 Cypresswood, #275 Spring, Texas 77379 (281) 376-4114 patriciaharless.com District 127 Dan Huberty - R 1 E. Greenway Plaza, Ste 225, Houston, TX 77046 www.danhuberty.com District 128 Wayne Smith - R 909 Decker Drive, Suite 104 Baytown, TX 77520 (832) 556-2002 waynesmithcampaign.com District 129 John Gay - D 4818 East Ben White Blvd., Suite 104 Austin, TX 78741 (512) 478-9800 www.txdemocrats.org Dennis Paul - R (281)-280-9972 email: dennis@dennispaul.com dennispaul.com District 130 Allen Fletcher- R 25222 NW Frwy. Bldg 9, Ste 199 Cypress, Texas 77429 (281) 373-5454 fletcherfortexas.com District 134 Alison Ruff - D 4818 East Ben White Blvd., Suite 104 Austin, TX 78741 (512) 478-9800 www.txdemocrats.org Sarah Davis- R 4203 Tennyson Street Houston, TX 77005 www.sarahdavis134.com 134campaign@gmail.com District 135 Moiz Abbas - D 4818 East Ben White Blvd., Suite 104 Austin, TX 78741 (512) 478-9800 www.txdemocrats.org Gary Elkins - R 9601 Jones Road Suite 215 Houston, TX 77065 (832) 912-8380 www.garyelkins.com District 137 Gene Wu - D 6500 Rookin, Bldg C Houston, TX 77074 (713) 271.3900 genefortexas.com Morad Fiki - R P.O. Box 19711 Houston, TX 77224 Fikifortexas@gmail.com www.fikifortexas.com District 138 Fred R. Vernon - D 6500 Rookin, Bldg C Houston, TX 77074 (713) 271.3900 genefortexas.com Dwayne Bohac - R P.O. Box 926093, Houston, Texas 77292-6093 campaign@bohac.com State Senator, District 7 Jim Davis - D 4818 East Ben White Blvd., Suite 104 Austin, TX 78741 (512) 478-9800 www.txdemocrats.org Paul Bettencourt - R 1 E Greenway Plaza Ste 225 (713) 554-9208 www.paulbettencourt.com State Senator, District 15 John Whitmire - D 803 Yale Street Houston, Texas 77007 (713) 864-8701 www.whitmire.senate.state.tx.us Ron Hale - R 6602 Underhill St. Houston, Texas 77092 (281) 501.2899 ronhalefortexas.com State Senator, District 17 Rita Lucido - D PO Box 540412 Houston, TX 77254 www.ritalucido.com District 131 Alma Allen - D 10101 Fondren Road, Suite 500 Houston, TX 77096 (713) 776-0505 almaallen.org District 132 Luis Lopez - D 1445 North Loop West, Suite 110I Houston, Texas 77008 (713)-802-0085 www.harrisdemocrats.com Mike Schofield - R 1 E Greenway Plaza Ste 225 Houston, TX 77046 (713)-554-9232. www.mikeschofield.com District 133 Laura Nicol - D 12500 Memorial Dr Houston, TX 77024 (281) 920-9002 www.lauranicol.com Jim Murphy - R 1 E. Greenway Plaza, Suite 225 Houston, TX 77046 (713)278.7796 www.votejimmurphy.com District 139 Sylvester Turner - D P.O. Box 310806 Houston, TX 77231 (832) 291-2015 District 140 Armando Lucio Walle - D 150 West Parker Road, Suite 700 Houston, TX 77076 (713) 694-8620 District 141 Senfronia Thompson - D 10527 Homestead Road Houston, TX 77016 (713) 633-3390 District 142 Harold V. Dutton, Jr. - D 8799 N. Loop East, Suite 305 Houston, TX 77029 (713) 692-9192
houston Forward Times October 2014 5B District 143 Ana Hernandez - D 1233 Mercury Drive Houston, TX 77029 (713) 675-8596 District 144 Mary Ann Perez - D 101 S. Richey Suite F Pasadena, TX 77506 (713)274-2170 Gilbert Pena - R P.O.Box 3113 Pasadena, TX 77501 info@takeback144.com www.takeback144.com District 145 Carol Alvarado - D P.O. Box 230842 Houston, Texas 77223 (713) 861.2244 repalvarado145@hotmail.com www.carolalvarado.com District 146 Borris L. Miles - D 5302 Almeda, Suite A Houston, TX 77004 713-665-8322 District 147 Garnet F. Coleman - D 5445 Almeda, Suite 501 Houston, TX 77004 (713) 520-5355 District 148 Jessica Cristina Farrar - D P.O. Box 30099 Houston, TX 77249 (713) 691-6912 www.jessicafarrar.org Chris Carmona - R PO Box 7137 Houston, TX 77248 chris@chriscarmona.com www.chriscarmona.com District 149 Hubert Vo - D 7474 South Kirkwood #106 Houston, TX 77072 (281) 988-0212 hubertvo.com Al Hoang - R P.O. Box 41964, Houston, TX 77241 info@votealhoang.com www.votealhoang.com District 150 Amy Perez - D P.O. Box 90044 Houston, TX 77290 www.voteamyperez.com Debbie Riddle - R 17207 Kuykendahl, Suite 108 Spring, TX 77379 281-257-4222 Chief Justice, 14th Court of Appeals Kyle Carter - D 1811 Southmore Houston, TX 77004 (713) 227-0042 www.judgecarter.com Kem Thompson Frost - R 301 Fannin, Suite 245 Houston, TX 77002 (713) 274-2800 www.14thcoa.courts.state.tx.us Justice, 1st Court of Appeals District, Place 3 Jim Sharp - D 301 Fannin Houston, TX 77002-2066 (713) 274-2700 www.1stcoa.courts.state.tx.us Russell Lloyd - R P.O. Box 130482 Houston, Texas 77219 www.lloydforjustice.com Justice, 1st Court of Appeals District, Place 5 Laura Carter Higley - R 1 E Greenway Plaza Ste 225 Houston, Texas 77219 (713) 526-3399 info@lauracarterhigley.com www.lauracarterhigley.com Justice, 14th Court of Appeals District, Place 4 Marc Brown - R P.O. Box 20508 Houston, Texas 77025 beta.justicemarcbrown.com Justice, 14th Court of Appeals District, Place 7 Gordon Goodman - D P.O. Box 56386 Houston, TX 77256-6386 (713)-942-5816 info@goodmanforjustice.com Ken Wise - R P.O. Box 684281 Austin, Texas 78768 (512) 330-4146 www.judgekenwise.com District Attorney Kim Ogg - D 2500 West Loop South Suite 318 Houston, Texas 77056 (713) 961-0521 kim-ogg.com Devon Anderson - R 1 Greenway Plaza 225 Houston TX 77046 (713)-526-3399 www.andersonda.com 55th Judicial District Kay Morgan - D (713)-557-4293 (713)-861-6616 morgan4judge.com kkmorgan@mostynlaw.com Jeff Shadwick - R 201 Caroline, 9th Fl. Houston, TX 77002 www.jeffshadwick.com jeffshadwick@att.net 113th Judicial District Steven E. Kirkland - D P.O. Box 70111 Houston, TX 77270 832-372-2888 www.judgestevenkirkland.com Michael Landrum - R 713-961-5100 mikellandrum@gmail.com www.michaellandrumforjudge.net 157th Judicial District Jim Peacock - D 112 E 4th Street Houston, TX 77007-2502 (713) 225-6500 www.jimlpeacock.com Randy Wilson - R 201 Caroline, 11th Floor randywwilson@aol.com 180th Judicial District Randy Roll - D 713.869.7933 judgeroll@judgerandyroll.com reroll@comcast.net judgerandyroll.com Catherine Evans - R P.O. Box 1581 Houston, TX 77251 catherine@catherineevans.org catherineevans.org 182nd Judicial District Jeannine Barr - R 1201 Franklin St. Houston, TX 77002 (713) 755-5000 jeanninebarr@gmail.com 183rd Judicial District Vanessa Velasquez - R 1201 Franklin, 18th Floor 713-755-6354 vangela350@aol.com 184th Judicial District Mark Thering - D 1305 Prairie #300 Houston, TX 77002 (713) 224-7996 lawring@yahoo.com Jan Krocker - R 1201 Franklin, 17th Floor (713) 755-5000 www.judgejankrocker.com 185th Judicial District Mack McInnis - D P. O. BOX 131724 Houston, Texas 77219-1724 (713)521-1180 mail@mackmcinnis.com Susan Brown - R 1201 Franklin, 17th Floor sb185@comcast.net 189th Judicial District Ursula A. Hall - D PO Box 2103 Houston, Texas 77252 (281)-216-1704 judgeursulahall.com
6B houston Forward Times October 2014 Bill Burke - R 201 Caroline, 12th Floor (713) 368-6540 190th Judicial District Farrah Martinez - D 832.798.1575 FarrahforJudge@gmail.com farrahforjudge.com Patricia J. Kerrigan - R 201 Caroline St. Houston, TX 77002 (713) 368-6310 judgepatriciajkerrigan@yahoo.com 208th Judicial District Chuck Silverman - D no public contact information provided by this candidate. Denise Collins - R 1201 Franklin, 17th Floor (713) 755-6374 www.judgedenisecollins.com 209th Judicial District Michael T. McSpadden- R 1201 Franklin, 17th Floor (713) 755-6378 228th Judicial District Marc Carter - R 1201 Franklin, 16th Floor (713) 755-6650 Sandra Peake - D P.O. Box, 14226 Houston, TX 77221 (713) 723-5082 www.sandrapeakecampaign.com 247th Judicial District Clinton Chip Wells - D cew2009@gmail.com www.chipwells.com 248th Judicial District Shawna L. Reagin - D www.reagin4judge.com Katherine Cabaniss - R 1 E Greenway Plaza Ste 225 (713) 526-3399 www.judgecabaniss.com 257th Judicial District Judy Warne - R 201 Caroline, 16th Floor (713)-755-6950 judywarne@earthlink.net 262nd Judicial District Jules Johnson - D 7804 SCOTT ST. HOUSTON TX 77051 (832) 260-1001 www.julesjohnsonforjudge.com Denise Bradley - R P.O. Box 3002 Houston, Texas 77253 contact@electdenisebradley.com 280th Judicial District Barbara J. Stalder - D www.barbarastalder.com Lynn Bradshaw Hull - R 201 Caroline, 15th Floor judgebradshawhull@live.com 281st Judicial District Tanner Garth - D 1722 Heights Boulevard Houston, TX 77008 (713) 862-7750 www.tannergarthforjudge.com Sylvia Matthews - R 1 E Greenway Plaza, Suite 225-0106 (713)526-3399 www.sylviamatthews.com 295th Judicial District Latosha Lewis - D P.O. Box 14113 Houston, Texas 77221-4113 (713) 370-2749 www.latoshalewisforjudge.com Caroline E. Baker - R 201 Caroline, 14th Floor (713) 368-6450 Baker1@gmail.com 334th Judicial District, Unexpired Term Daryl Moore - D 1445 North Loop West, Suite 110 Houston, Texas 77008 (713) 802-0085 230th Judicial District Greg Glass- D 1744 Norfolk Houston, Texas 77098 (713)-521-0867 gregglass4judge.com Brad Hart - R 4830 Wilson Rd., #300, PMB 179 Humble, TX 77396 bradhartforjudge.com 263rd Judicial District Herb Ritchie - D 1744 Norfolk St. Houston, Texas 77098-4408 (713) 521-2055 HRitchie4Judge@aol.com Jim Wallace- R 1201 Franklin, 15th Floor (713) 755-6944 Eagle151@att.net Grant Dorfman - R 201 Caroline, 14th Floor (713) 368-6500 grant_dorfman@att.net Family 245th Judicial District Roy L. Moore - R 2920 Virginia Street Houston, TX 77098 royal621@att.net 232nd Judicial District Mary Lou Keel - R 1201 Franklin, 16th Floor (713) 755-6778 mlkeel@earthlink.net 234th Judicial District Barbara Gardner - D 1415 South Voss Road #110-262 Houston, TX 77057 (832) 506-0142 gardnerforjudge.info Wesley Ward - R P.O. Box 1581 Houston, TX 77251 (713) 523-3330 wesleyward.com 246th Judicial District District 132 George H. Arnold - D georgearnoldcampaign.com Dan Hinde - R 1609 Shoal Creek, Suite 203 Austin, Texas 78701 (512) 583-7131 www.judgedanhinde.org 270th Judicial District James Hippard, Jr. - D 713-568-6728 www.jameshippard270.com Brent Gamble - R 713-526-3399 www.judgegamble.com Brent_Gamble@sbcglobal.net Family 246th Judicial District Charley Prine - R 1 E Greenway Plaza Ste 225 charleyprine@gmail.com www.charleyprine.com Family 247th Judicial District John Schmude - R PO Box 11932 Spring, TX 77391-1932 (832) 592-1113 www.johnschmude4judge.com Family 308th Judicial District Jim Evans - D (713) 289-9872 info@jimevans4judge.com www.jimevans4judge.com
houston Forward Times October 2014 7B James Lombardino - R P.O. Box 3893 Houston, TX 77253-3893 (713) 574-2209 www.lombardino4judge.com Family 309th Judicial District Kathy Vossler - D 2209 Union Street Houston, Texas 77007 www.kathyvosslerforjudge.com Sheri Y. Dean - R 2437 Bay Area Blvd., #235 Houston, Texas 77058 (713) 755-6234 www.dean4judge.com Family 310th Judicial District Lisa Millard - R 201 Caroline, 15th Floor judgemillard@gmail.com Family 311th Judicial District Sherri Cothrun - D 917 Franklin Street, Suite 220 (713) 228-2857 cothrunforjudge.com Alicia Fanklin - R 405 Main St, Suite 401 Houston tx 77002 AliciaforJudge@gmail.com www.aliciafranklin.com Family 312th Judicial District David Farr - R 201 Caroline, 16th Floor (713) 274-4540 Family 313th Judicial District Tracy D. Good - D tracydgoodforjudge.com Glen Devlin - R 3 Beavertail Pt. Houston, TX 77024 ghdevlin4@aol.com www.glenndevlin.com Ed Emmett - R 2726 Bissonnet, Suite 240-144 Houston, TX 77005 (713) 858-8740 www.edemmett.com Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. 1 Debra Ibarra Mayfield - R 4617 Montrose Blvd., Suite C202 Houston, TX 77006 (713) 861-1117 www.debramayfield.com Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. 2 Scot Dolli Dollinger - D 700 Gemini Suite 120 Houston, Texas 77058 281-488-4600 www.dolli4judge.com Theresa Chang - R P. O. Box 19643 Houston, Texas 77224-9643 (713) 526-3399 www.judgechang.com Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. 3 Gloria Cantu Minnick - D 5811 Irvington Blvd Houston, TX 77009 (713) 695-3396 www.minnick4judge.com Linda Storey - R 201 Caroline - 5th Floor storey.linda@gmail.com Judge, County Civil Court at Law No. 4 Damon Crenshaw - D 3730 Kirby Drive, Suite 1200, #186 Houston, Texas 77098 damoncrenshawforjudge.com Roberta Lloyd - R P.O. Box 4055 Houston, Texas 77210 info@judgelloyd.com judgelloyd.com No. 1 Paula Goodhart - R paulagoodhart@yahoo.com Nikita Niki Harmon - D P.O.Box 14329 Houston, TX 77221-4329 (713) 223-4433 harmon4judge.com John Clinton - R judge@judgeclinton.com No. 5 Ramona Franklin - D www.ramonafranklinforjudge.com Margaret Stewart Harris - R 8524 Highway 6 North, Box 515 Houston, TX 77095 judgemargaretharris@gmail.com www.judgemargaretharris.com No. 6 Linda Geffin - D P.O. Box 550806 Houston, Texas 77255 geffinforjudge.com Larry Standley - R Robert.Flanagan@gophq.com No. 7 Sheila Acosta - D no public contact information provided by this candidate Pamela Derbyshire - R judgepamderbyshire@gmail.com No. 8 Kelli Johnson - D johnsonforjudge.nationbuilder.com Jay Karahan - R PO Box 130824 Houston TX 77219 info@judgejaykarahan.com judgejaykarahan.com Family 314th Judicial District Natalia Oakes - D 5773 Woodway Drive, Suite 173 Houston, Texas 77057 (713) 364-2897 nataliaforjudge.com John Phillips - R 1200 Congress, 5th Floor (713) 222-4910 www.judgejohnfphillips.com Family 315th Judicial District Michael Mike Schneider - R P.O. Box 4202 Houston, Texas 77201-4202 info@mikeschneider.org www.mikeschneider.org No. 2 Harold J. Landreneau - D PO Box 701246 Houston, Texas 77270-1246 harold4judge.com Bill Harmon - R harmonbilly@yahoo.com No. 3 Natalie C. Fleming - R judgenataliefleming@gmail.com No. 9 Analia Wilkerson - R judgeanalia@gmail.com No. 10 George Barnstone - D no public contact information provided by this candidate Dan Spjut - R 1 E Greenway Plaza Suite 225 www.danforjudge.com County Judge No. 4 No. 11
8B houston Forward Times October 2014 Diane Bull - R judgedianebull@yahoo.com Rory Robert Olsen - R 1 E Greenway Plaza Ste 225 seanriley239@gmail.com roryolsen.com Jack Morman - R 1001 Preston, Rm. 924 (713) 755-6220 harriscountytx.gov No. 12 Robin Brown - R stephanie_spears@ccl.hctx.net No. 13 Jason Luong - D P.O. Box 572073 Houston, TX 77257 jasonluong.nationbuilder.com Don Smyth - R 2306 Albans Rd. Houston, TX 77005 ds2010@donsmythforjudge.com donsmythforjudge.com No. 14 David L. Singer - D 1001 Texas St Ste 1400 Houston, TX 77002-3194 (713) 521-2618 Michael Fields - R judgefields@msn.com No. 15 Raul Rodriguez - D 3801 Barnett St. Houston, Texas 77017 (713) 641-4477 raulforjudge.nationbuilder.com Jean Spradling Hughes - R Judge, County Probate Court No. 1 Kim Bohannon Hoesl - D 14510 Backenberry Dr Friendswood, Texas 77546 kimforjudge.nationbuilder.com Loyd Wright - R 1303 Briarmead Dr. Houston, Texas 77057 (713) 248-6757 loydwright.vpweb.com Judge, County Probate Court No. 2 Josefina Rendon - D P.O. Box 56386 Houston, TX 77256-6386 (713) 942-5816 judgejosefinarendon.com Mike Wood - R 201 Caroline, Ste. 680 Houston TX, 77002 (713) 368-6710 judgeprob@aol.com Judge, County Probate Court No. 3 Jerry Simoneaux - D 12 Greenway Plaza, Suite 1100 jerryforjudge.nationbuilder.com Judge, County Probate Court No. 4 James Horwitz - D 4109 Caroline Houston, Texas 77004 (713) 521-0373 votehorwitz.com Christine Riddle Butts - R 4201 Cypress Creek Parkway, Suite 550 Houston, Texas 77068 butts@buttsjudge.com buttsforjudge.com District Clerk Judith Snively - D (832) 463-2857 judithsnivelyfordistrictclerk.com Chris Daniel - R 1 E Greenway Plaza, Ste 225 (713) 526-3399 chrisdaniel.org County Clerk Ann Harris Bennett - D 440 Louisiana, suite 1200 (713) 224-6774 Stan Stanart - R 346 Champions Colony III Houston, TX 77069 (281) 606-5611 www.stanstanart.com County Treasurer David Rosen - D campaign@voterosen.com voterosen.com Orlando Sanchez - R Po Box 130853 Houston TX 77219 0853 (713) 429 4169 orlandosanchez.com County School Trustee, Position 5, At Large Debra Debby Kerner - D 4807 Omeara Drive Houston, Texas 77035 (713) 816-5387 debrakerner4education.blogspot.com Mike Wolfe - R P.O. Box 41622 Houston, TX 77241 (713) 907-0326 County School Trustee, Position 7, At Large Melissa Noriega - D no public contact information provided by this candidate Don Sumners - R donsumners@yahoo.com County Commissioner, Precinct 2 County Commissioner, Precinct 4 M.I. Badat - D P.O.Box: 273217 Houston, Texas 77277 (713) 805-3511 voteforbadat.com R. Jack Cagle - R P. O. Box 325 Houston, Texas 77001 (713) 838-8553 commissionerjackcagle.com Precinct 1, Place 2 David M. Patronella - D 1302 Preston www.jp.hctx.net Precinct 2, Place 2 George E. Risner - D P.O Box 6528 Pasadena, Texas 77506-0528 judgerisner.com Leonila Olivares-Salazar - R PO BOX 752947 Houston, Texas 77275 leonilaforjudge.com Precinct 3, Place 2 Don Coffey - D 4009 Stoneybrook St. Baytown, TX 77521 (281) 787-0002 coffeyforjudge.com Precinct 4, Place 2 Laryssa Korduba - R 211 Florence Tomball, Texas 77375 laryssa@judgelaryssaforjp.com judgelaryssaforjp.com Precinct 5, Place 2 Jeff Williams - R P.O. Box 440443 Houston, TX 77244-0443 MyJP52@JP.HCTX.net judgejeffwilliams.com Precinct 6, Place 2 Armando V. Rodriguez - D 1001 S Sgt Macario Garcia Dr. Houston, TX 77011 (713) 921-6141 Precinct 7, Place 2 Zinetta Burney - D 5300 Griggs Road Houston, Texas 77021-3715 MyJP72@jp.hctx.net zinettaburney.com Precinct 8, Place 2 Louie Ditta - R 16603 Buccaneer Houston, Texas 77062 (281) 488-8780 louie_ditta@jp.hctx.net
houston Forward Times October 2014 9B One of many Freedom Summer activities, where hundreds of civil rights activists gathered in June 1964 to train for voter registration of Blacks in Mississippi. Mobilizing Key Groups can change Politics of the Deep South By Freddie Allen NNPA Columnist As voters rights advocates and civil rights leaders commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1964 Freedom Summer in Mississippi, a new study by the Center for American Progress finds that shifting demographics in the South can help to accelerate meaningful social and political change. The report titled, True South: Unleashing Democracy in the Black Belt 50 Years After Freedom Summer, defined the Black Belt, a region known for its rich soil and history of plantation slavery, as regions in the following: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. According to the report, between 2000 and 2010, the non-hispanic White population in the South grew at a rate of 4 percent, while the so-called minority population in the region experienced a 34 percent growth, the greatest out of any region in the country. Nearly 60 percent of Blacks live below the Mason-Dixon line and Blacks account for about 20 percent of the total population in the South. The report also noted that 40 percent of the Blacks that relocated to the South since 2000 were between the ages of 21 and 40 years old and researchers said this group will likely settle and start families, increasing the number of Blacks living in the region. The report continued: These trends could have a major effect on the region s politics because voters of color tend to be more progressive and vote overwhelmingly for progressive candidates. Changing demographics, frustration with right-wing extremists and the growing number of young voters will play a role in the growing progressive electorate pushing back on a long history of polarization in the Black Belt. Republican state lawmakers in the Black Belt, who may feel threatened by the growing diversity among potential voters, have enacted a number of laws that have a disproportionate impact on the quality of life of the poor, Blacks and other minorities. According to the report, nine states have passed laws requiring voters to bring photo identification to the polling booth in order to cast a traditional ballot and governors in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas refused to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, effectively denying health care to millions of their citizens, overwhelmingly the poor and people of color. The report continued: Eleven states have passed right-to-work laws, which discourage organizing by unions. They are: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. During a panel discussion about the CAP report, Derrick Johnson, president of the Mississippi NAACP State Conference and the national co-chair of the Mississippi Freedom Summer 50th Anniversary, said that there s a deficit of morality in the South, because people are not seen as people they are seen as exploitable cheap labor. Johnson added that access to the polls free of voter suppression, access to quality education, access to health care and workers rights are the primary issues that civil rights activists must focus on and organize around so that the South can progress. Sheila Jackson Lee t Re c e l -E
10B Judge Jay Karahan No. 8 I want the accused to believe that he or she will receive a fair hearing by a judge who cares deeply about the integrity of the process; I want the crime victim to know that their voice will be heard; I want lawyers to know that I will read their papers and listen to their arguments with an open mind; I want the witness to know that their testimony is necessary and that the subpoena was issued in good faith; and I want jurors to believe that they are honored and important participants in our justice system. - Judge Jay Karahan Judge Karahan was born and raised in Tampa Florida. He was very active in high school music activities and student government, and worked daily in his father s un-air conditioned warehouse to earn money for college. He attended Florida State University and graduated with an honors degree in Music Theory and a certificate in vocal performance. During college he worked at two jobs to support himself, including one working in the kitchen of a sorority house where he befriended two young women who became slaying victims of the infamous Ted Bundy. This tragic incident was a turning point for Judge Karahan, and he determined to become a lawyer in order to prosecute the perpetrators of similar crimes. He became familiar with the law first as an intern for a year at the Hillsborough County State s Attorney s Office in Tampa, and then matriculated into South Texas College of Law in Houston in 1979. Judge Karahan attended law classes at night and interned during the day at the Harris County District Attorney s Office in the intake and grand jury divisions. He graduated with a Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1983. From 1983 to 1987, Judge Karahan served as an Assistant District Attorney for Harris County, Texas. He was a member of the District Attorney s child abuse committee and specialized in child abuse prosecutions, a difficult but vital assignment. In 1987, the U.S. Attorney General appointed him an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas. As a federal prosecutor he served in the Major Offender Division, Bank Fraud Task Force, and as a district coordinator for child exploitation investigations and prosecutions. As both a state and federal prosecutor Judge Karahan tried to jury verdict over 100 serious felony cases. In 1988, Judge Karahan was certified as a Criminal Law Specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and he has maintained that certification ever since. Judge Karahan left government practice in 1991 to serve as litigation and compliance counsel for a Fortune 100 company based in Houston. He moved to private practice in 1995 to open the white-collar defense firm of Jay Karahan & Associates, where he specialized in state and federal criminal trials and appeals, mediations, and corporate compliance and investigations. As a defender he tried an additional 30 serious felony jury trials. From 1987 to 1997, Judge Karahan taught criminal trial advocacy as an Adjunct Professor of Law at South Texas College of Law. He has served as Chair of the Administration of Justice Committee, and as Chair of the Criminal Law and Procedure Section, both of the Houston Bar Association. He has also served as vicepresident and director of the Harris County Criminal Lawyer s Association. Judge Karahan speaks on criminal justice issues and concerns at CLE seminars, at colleges and universities locally and abroad, at Houston area public and private schools and in the community, with a particular emphasis on domestic violence. Judge Karahan has also lectured and published articles on the use of expert witnesses concerning the reliability of eyewitness testimony in criminal cases, as well as law practice in the Harris County Criminal-Courts-at-Law. Judge Karahan also serves as visiting judge for moot court and mock trial competitions at South Texas College of Law and at the HISD High School for Law Enforcement. He spends additional time with youthful offenders, especially 1719 year old adult probationers who meet with Judge Karahan for mentoring and compliance evaluations. Judge Karahan also serves on the DWI Court Committee that advises the County s SOBER (Saving Ourselves by Education and Rehabilitation) Courts for DWI repeat offenders and Court 8 was one of five pilot courts in Harris County to introduce this successful program. The SOBER Court program was established in January 2008 by the Harris County Criminal Courts-at-Law and the Texas Legislature to focus on intervention and rehabilitation of DWI repeat offenders with alcohol and substance abuse problems. These sentencing practices in SOBER court reduce probationer recidivism (re-offending) and increase successful probations in our courts. Judge Karahan s sentencing practices are designed to motivate and empower offenders to return to integrity with the community and to live productive, law-abiding lives. Outside of the courtroom, Judge Karahan is a member of St. Martin s Episcopal Church where he serves as an Adult Christian Education teacher, a lay reader, and is a member of the choir. Judge Karahan is active in community theatre as a member of Shakespeare in the Shade Trees, and is a frequent singer of the National Anthem at regional events. houston Forward Times October 2014 Description of Public Offices
houston Forward Times October 2014 11B Proposition 1 (2014) Texas Transportation Funding Amendment The Texas Transportation Funding Amendment, Proposition 1 is on the November 4, 2014 general election ballot in the state of Texas as a legislatively-referred constitutional amendment. The measure would divert half of the general revenue derived from oil and gas taxes from the Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF), also known as the Rainy Day Fund, to the State Highway Fund for the purpose of providing transportation funding for repairs and maintenance of public roads. It s anticipated that this will result in approximately $1.2 billion per year going toward transportation funding instead of the Rainy Day Fund. If approved, the measure would take effect immediately, once the votes are certified, and would apply to transfers the comptroller made after September 1, 2014. Text of measure Ballot title The official ballot title will appear as follows: The constitutional amendment providing for the use and dedication of certain money transferred to the state highway fund to assist in the completion of transportation construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation projects, not to include toll roads. Ballot language The text of the measure will appear on the ballot as follows: State Representative Sylvester Turner Houston s Future Rides on Transportation By State Representative Sylvester Turner Texans who want better, safer roads with current fiscal year. That is plenty of savings. less traffic congestion and good paying jobs We need to take care of our needs now. must support Proposition 1 on the Nov. 4 election ballot. tion Institute say our state needs to spend $5 The experts at the Texas A&M Transporta- Ballot issues can sometimes be complicated as competing sides bombard voters with simply to keep our traffic congestion on current billion a year more on highway construction conflicting spin. Fortunately, that is not the case levels. Prop 1 will generate about $1.7 billion with Proposition 1. This is easy vote for a common sense idea. will move us in the right direction. The Texas a year. We have a long way to go, but Prop 1 A modern society requires solid foundations. Those foundations hinge on education, pay for new highways and road maintenance. Legislature will have to find additional ways to water, health care, a fair justice system and But right now, we need everyone to vote for transportation. We could not function without Prop 1 to help convince Texas legislators that any of those core underpinnings. Proposition Texans support highway construction and road 1 is all about our transportation system, which maintenance. helps move people and commerce. Road construction is very expensive and The State of Texas developed a transportation and highway system which, for decades, change can cost more than $300 million; Hous- takes years of planning. A single freeway inter- enjoyed the envy of the nation. We supported ton s Grand Parkway costs $3.8 billion and the our highway system with modest tax increases Highway 290 expansion will cost more than on gasoline and motor fuels. We have gone 23 $2.4 billion. years without raising the gas tax, which remains Every $100 million in construction will the single largest funding source for highway cost another $300 million to maintain over the construction and maintenance. 40-year life span of that roadway. And Texas, To take care of our transportation needs, as a whole, has approximately 200,000 lane we have built highways and maintained older miles of roadway that must be maintained. roads with borrowed money. Lots of it. We It s important that voters not leave the voting booth until after voting YES on Proposition have borrowed nearly $20 billion over the past decade and cannot borrow any more. 1. You will find it near the bottom of the ballot If Proposition 1 fails, we essentially run out after you vote for candidates. of money to build new highways in two years. If Prop 1 fails, needed highway construction projects would end up on the backburner. That is simply unacceptable. Our state and our economy are growing. Traffic congestion will take you even longer That s good. Growth will create opportunities to get where you want to go. And construction for our kids and grandkids. Our population jobs would be lost. grows by at least 1,000 people each and every We have nearly 52,000 jobs directly tied day. More people means more traffic. More to highway construction this year and another traffic congestion makes it harder to get from 98,000 indirect jobs, such as those involving Point A to Point B not only for us but for those materials used in building highways. H.E.B and Wal-Mart trucks and vehicles from Texas will lose nearly 68,000 highway other large companies. It costs us more to buy construction-related jobs when we run out of goods when they sit in traffic. A recent TRIP borrowed money within the next two years. If study indicated the average Houston motorist spends 52 hours stuck in traffic every year, proximately 39,000 of those jobs. approved by voters, Prop 1 would restore ap- costing nearly $1,100 in lost time and fuel. Coming up with a total solution for our Proposition 1 will not raise your taxes. It traffic problems will take more time and discussion. For now, Prop 1 is an easy choice for won t raise fees. The money will come from oil and gas production taxes. Education already voters. It will mean safer, better roads and keep gets 25 percent of that oil and gas tax. Prop 1 construction jobs going all without raising will not change that education allocation. Currently, the other 75 percent of the oil and gas Remember: Your job is not finished until taxes or fees. tax revenue flows into the state s Rainy Day you reach the lower portion of the ballot and Fund. Prop 1 would split that evenly between vote for Prop 1. the Rainy Day Fund and the Highway Fund. We will have approximately $8.4 billion sitting in the Rainy Day Fund at the end of the Vote YES 3Creates More Jobs 3NO New Taxes 3Reduces Congestion 3NO New Debt 3Improves Safety 3NO Toll Roads Endorsed by: Harris County Judge Ed Emmett State Representative Jessica Farrar Mayor Annise Parker, City of Houston State Representative Cecil Bell, Jr. State Representative Rick Miller State Senator John Whitmire State Representative Ron Reynolds State Senator Rodney Ellis State Representative Ed Thompson State Senator Sylvia Garcia State Representative Phil Stephenson State Senator Dan Patrick State Representative Patricia Harless State Senator Larry Taylor State Representative Wayne Smith State Senator Glenn Hegar State Representative John Davis State Senator Joan Huffman State Representative Bill Callegari State Representative Sylvester Turner State Representative Gene Wu State Representative Garnet Coleman State Representative Dwayne Bohac State Representative Carol Alvarado (listing at time of printing) www.infrastructuretexas.org Political ad paid for by Texas Infrastructure Now PAC.
12B houston Forward Times October 2014