Peter Brown Endorses Annise Parker for Houston Mayor

November 10, 2009 · Leave a Comment

City Hall was very festive on a beautiful Tuesday as a crowd of Peter Brown and Annise Parker supporters came together to hear what had been rumored through Twitter and Facebook: Peter was endorsing Annise. And, so it was. Said the At-Large Position 1 Councilman, “On Dec. 12, my family and I will be voting for Annise Parker.”

When questioned about his support, Brown also added that he was proud to have already voted for Annise Parker six times.

Asked about stadiums and museums, Parker reiterated that her commitment is to ensuring that the City’s basic services–trash, flood control, HPD/HFD–are effectively provided. Obviously, this is what Houstonians worry about most.

Parker released this statement:

As you can imagine, this is incredibly exciting news for our campaign! I’m honored by his endorsement – Councilmember Brown has dedicated his life to improving the quality of life in Houston and I look forward to working together with him to lead Houston forward.

This endorsement provides Parker an expanded base to tap for volunteers, individual donors, and especially votes. Personally, I’m glad that the endorsement came a week after the election as it also provides Parker’s campaign with added fuel in this race to the finish.

And for all my Annise Parker readers, you’re invited to join the Hispanic Leadership Council.

→ Leave a CommentCategories: Houston Politica · HoustonVotes 09

Breaking: Peter Brown To Endorse on Tuesday!

November 10, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Just received this from the Peter Brown Campaign:

MEDIA ADVISORY: PETER BROWN ANNOUNCES ENDORSEMENT IN MAYORAL RUNOFF

Peter Brown will host a press conference, joined by family, friends and supporters, announcing his endorsement in the mayoral runoff.

WHO: Houston City Council Member and former Candidate for Mayor Peter Brown

WHAT: Peter Brown makes an official endorsement in the mayoral runoff

WHEN: Tuesday, November 10^th at 1:30 PM

WHERE: Steps of City Hall, 901 Bagby St., facing the reflection pool

DosCentavos.net will be there to cover the press conference. Expect photos and quite possibly some video.

→ Leave a CommentCategories: Houston Politica · HoustonVotes 09

Chron: Secure Communities a Sensible Solution

November 9, 2009 · Leave a Comment

The Chronicle editorial board took the opportunity to skewer Toni Lawrence, Pam Holm and Mike Sullivan for what DosCentavos termed the Sideshow–their attempt to gain votes from the multi-failed immigration policy pronouncements of the GOP.

The council member pushing the effort, District A’s outgoing Toni Lawrence, has been organizing for a possible challenge to Harris County Commissioner Jerry Eversole. Many political observers saw the move as an attempt to gain support in Eversole’s conservative North Harris County precinct by talking tough on immigration.

Of course, Eversole is running and Pam Holm came in 3rd place in her race for Controller, while we have yet to hear if Mike Sullivan will be announcing for yet another seat.

According to the Chron:

White unveils the city’s involvement in the Secure Communities effort. When the necessary computer links are operational early next month, it will allow city jailers to screen every prisoner for serious offenses using enhanced fingerprinting that’s run through ICE’s Homeland Security database. Houston will have access to the federal computer system through the Texas Department of Public Safety. It will not be available nationwide to local law enforcement until 2013 due to the demand on ICE personnel and computer capabilities.

According to Mayor White, the program will eliminate the cost and commitment of dozens of officers to the training required by 287(g).

“The Secure Communities program is faster and more automated because ICE computers make the identification instead of relying on local resources and the interview process,” says the mayor. “We want something fast and complete that does not require us to take officers off the street who could be solving crimes.”

Most serious violators arrested by HPD are processed through the Harris County jail, which already participates in 287(g). Rather than shifting the burden of enforcing immigration laws to the city, Secure Communities will allow Houston police to quickly access federal databases to determine whether any prisoner has a criminal record.

Sure, it will hopefully be a cheaper program, but for the pro-Migrant community, the work of serving as racial profiling watchdogs continues.

One thing is for sure, Mayoral candidates who are talking about using both programs, as if it is a solution to anything, should basically stop. Although DC does not support either 287(g), nor Secure Communities, at the very least a more responsible approach was taken when it comes to the tight budgets the City is currently experiencing, and Mayor Bill White deserves that much credit.

Ultimately, unless all Democrats running for major offices walk the same line on the immigration issue, we will continue to be in the same political situation. It is time for all candidates to support sensible Comprehensive Immigration Reform that ensures the economic and workforce viability of our City and that ensures family unity. When we have CIR, then we can talk about enforcement.

Heck, if Chuck Norris is coming around…

→ Leave a CommentCategories: Chicano Politics · DREAM Act · Houston Politica · HoustonVotes 09 · Immigration · Texas Dems 2010

Locke’s DynaTino Strategy

November 9, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Or is it the LatiNamo Strategy?

According to the Chron Political Blog, Gene Locke has a new Latino strategy.

Now the stadium, if not the proposed Hispanic museum, is surfacing again as Parker’s runoff opponent, former City Attorney Gene Locke, spreads the message that voters who want a new stadium for Houston’s professional soccer team should support him.

Blogger David Ortez reports that representatives of Locke’s campaign were at Sunday’s Dynamo game against the Seattle Sounders, passing out flyers suggesting that Parker opposed a new stadium for the team while Locke supported the idea.

The Locke campaign’s Twitter account also sent out messages in the days leading up to last Tuesday’s election noting the candidate’s support for the stadium. The tactic seems intended to reach Latino voters whose support Locke needs to help overcome certainadvantages Parker enjoys in the runoff.

Wait, wait, hold your horses! What about the Museum? Am I losing my statue?

I guess it’s not a “new” strategy, but just a strategy that has been scaled back. Maybe he finally recognized the budget issue behind the costs of such an endeavor? Who knows!

I guess my strategy on reaching Latinos and other constituencies just didn’t make their radar:

I have always said that while we may have different constituencies to turn out, each one wants the same things from City leaders: Better and Efficient Services. Some neighborhoods need this more than most, and it is more than “OK” to recognize that fact, but let’s not get carried away with promising the world just for votes…

That this continues to be the supposed carrot for Latinos continues to disgust me. It didn’t work the first round, so now passing out flyers at a game is the new outreach plan? Latinos were smarter that that in round one!

→ Leave a CommentCategories: Chicano Politics · Houston Politica · HoustonVotes 09

Latinos Aren’t Into Names Only in 2009

November 8, 2009 · 4 Comments

Soon after Tuesday’s election, a local expert pinned Roy Morales’ “surprise” good performance on Latinos voting for the name. The Chron reported some stats today that basically refuted the expert.

Among Latino voters, 31 percent chose Brown, 26 percent Morales, 28 percent voted for Parker and 13 percent Locke.

So, you’re telling me that 72% of Latinos voted for Parker, Brown and Locke? Morales’ Latino percentage was much less than the percentage of Latinos who voted for McCain locally. Perhaps that 26% were actual conservatives who easily buy into the “anti-tax” language of Republibaggers (new name for far right Republicans).

Needless to say, these numbers will be important in the run-off. Obviously, many Latinos had an affinity for Peter Brown. I will give Brown some credit that he would go beyond just the regular rubbing of elbows with “big name” Latinos. Given dismal turnout in the districts that some of these Latino electeds represent, it is safe to say that they have not cornered the market on the Latino vote. There’s a lot to be said about the 13% of the Latino vote that Gene Locke received with the support of all these electeds and Hispanic Chamber folks.

For Parker and Locke, I think the main goal during these five weeks is to remain on message while actually taking their message to actual voters. A tight message. Not multiple messages for multiple constituencies. Parker was much more effective in this regard in the first round, and I have always said that while we may have different constituencies to turn out, each one wants the same things from City leaders: Better and Efficient Services. Some neighborhoods need this more than most, and it is more than “OK” to recognize that fact, but let’s not get carried away with promising the world just for votes; especially to the conservatives.

The bigger question is: What are the Council candidates going to do to make sure Latinos get their message?

Kuff has numbers and comments.

→ 4 CommentsCategories: Chicano Politics · Houston Politica · HoustonVotes 09 · Kingwood Politics

Thoughts on Viernes…Saturday From Austin Edition 110709

November 7, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Note: Apologies for the late hour. I am in Austin going through some trainings, meeting some cool people, and resting for a long, long Saturday of more.

Hopson Switches…

Are we THAT surprised? This is the same guy who stated, “Had SB 362, regarding voter identification, reached the house floor for a vote, I would have voted for it to pass without hesitation.” Sure, this makes the job of achieving a House majority a bit more challenging, but after he gets primaried out by the Tea Baggers, we’ll see what his district really wants.

BOR had a post Democratic reaction and comments.

287(g) Not a Cause?

Campos shows he’s not happy with Latino turnout. Well, hell, who is? He thinks the threat of 287(g) isn’t the reason. I think it’s part of it. Left with no alternatives who are against 287(g), those of us who did vote had to swallow the BS and pick a candidate who we thought was best, anyway. But given the fact that electeds and candidates have fallen asleep at the switch when it comes to GOTV efforts, media attacks against Latinos, etc., damn right people will become apathetic, or worse, purposely against “the system.” Campos’ solution of another “Summit” to preach to the same ol’ choir is not the solution either. We need to start listening to the people we want at the polls–and not seven days before the election, either.

Gov. Hair Fixer

Lately, Rick Perry hasn’t been looking his well-coifed self. Perhaps the solution to his hair problems is Farouk Shami. Shami thinks he’s the solution to what ails Texas and is getting ready to announce his campaign for the Democratic nomination for Governor. I met Shami at the Johnson, Rayburn, Richards dinner and I can say he’s a really personable fellow, and he gave an awesome speech at the dinner. I agree with his consultant, Robert Jara, that Shami has a great story. But are Democrats ready for a whole ‘nother ethnicity to consider?

Speaking of adding some color to the Gubernatorial election, I just joined a Facebook site to draft a better “Hank” that what we are currently being offered as Hank’s go–Henry Cisneros. Thus far, I think the only candidate who Latinos can easily embrace is Tom Schieffer because he’s already gained the support of Latino electeds in the Valley and other parts of Texas, but Henry on the ballot sure would be nice. Added: Whether or not this amounts to Latino votes is still the big question. Latino voters like to hear from candidates, not brown surrogates.

More Reasons for Me to Stay

After spending more time in Kingwood than I usually do during the day this week, I found a few more reasons to stay in my neck of the woods. First of all, I belong to a first-class group of Democrats over here that I consider family. Secondly, Kingwood keeps growing! Whenever Toni and Ben come to visit, they’ll have Courtyard by Marriott close by, we’re getting a brand new movie theatre, a few more restaurants, and pending doing a good study of how good this really is, the soon-to-be Lake Houston Area Chamber just entered into one of those health insurance co-ops we’ve been hearing about which allows small businesses some “corporate rates” to policies. Wonder if I’ll be able to afford it. Still, a few more reasons for me to stay.

Have a great weekend!

→ Leave a CommentCategories: Thoughts on Viernes

At-Large & District Numbers in Kingwood

November 6, 2009 · Leave a Comment

It looks like the big winner in Kingwood in most of the At-Large races was the undervote.

At-Large 1

Though Costello defeated Derr 2205 to 1225, there were over 3000 undervotes.

At-Large 2

Sue Lovell was the top vote-getter in Kingwood again with her closest competitor being Griffin and just behind was Burks. The undervote scored over 4,000.

At-Large 4

C.O. Bradford was the top vote-getter in Kingwood, with right-winger Curtis Garmon coming in second and Freeman running a close third. A little less than 3,000 undervotes.

At-Large 5

As I mentioned earlier about using Republicans as a means of gaining votes, it looks like Jack Christie’s mail and efforts in Kingwood paid off, defeating Jolanda Jones 4217 to 783. This was another race with less than 3,000 undervotes.

Controller

M.J. Khan edged out Pam Holm in this Republican haven, 3163-2938. Ronald Green scored 1329. The undervote was 1575.

District E

Mike Sullivan swatted away his competitor Wayne Garrison 5778 to 2629 in the 12 precincts in Kingwood.

One thing is for sure. The progressives still need every progressive voter in Kingwood they can get. While the “Democratic” precincts inside the Beltway will add up, a competitive showing in Kingwood can give them a nice boost. For progressive at-large candidates with “conservative” opponents, this is especially important.

→ Leave a CommentCategories: Houston Politica · HoustonVotes 09 · Kingwood Politics

The Mayoral Numbers in Kingwood

November 5, 2009 · 1 Comment

There are twelve (12) whole precincts, with some smaller precincts outside of Kingwood with a negligible number of votes. For purposes of this post, I will address the 12 precincts in Kingwood.

In Kingwood, the results came out:

Roy Morales 3996

Peter Brown 2115

Annise Parker 2020

Gene Locke 608

Although Roy won all of the precincts (which averaged 24% turnout), Annise came in 2nd place in 6 of them. Considering Roy had a big push on election day, the fact that the three Democrats together still had more votes than Roy put a smile on my face–for what that’s worth.

kwdcanvas (Click for the PDF).

→ 1 CommentCategories: Houston Politica · HoustonVotes 09 · Kingwood Politics

Happy Birthday Mom!!!

November 5, 2009 · 2 Comments

My youthful mom, Flora Medellin, of Denton County, TX is celebrating her 79th Birthday today. Happy Birthday Momma!

Flora has been an inspiration to her kids (Stace, Sylvia and Toni) and has beaten back that old stereotype that we tend to become “more conservative” as we get older. Mom is an avid supporter of Planned Parenthood, is a supporter of the Denton County Stonewall Democrats, a long-time member of Kingwood Area Democrats, a Jesse Jackson Democrat from 1988, and past supporter of La Raza Unida Party. Is it any wonder why her kids turned out so liberal?

Another Happy Birthday wish goes to our friend, “honorary aunt” and Dem activist Muriel Stubbs. You can find Muriel at the HCDP headquarters on Friday to wish her a belated happy birthday!

Side Note: Mom and Muriel are also supporters of Annise Parker for Mayor. As Flora has stated, “Ya es tiempo que haiga otra mujer de mayora de Houston.” (It’s about time we had another woman as mayor of Houston.)

I agree Momma!

→ 2 CommentsCategories: Houston Politica · HoustonVotes 09 · La Familia

UH Raising Standards; Increased Importance of Community Colleges

November 5, 2009 · 2 Comments

What’s the cheapest way to increase graduation rates? Slice off the unprepared ones from your enrollment!

At least that is the message that the University of Houston is sending by raising admissions standards. And if done correctly that may not be such a bad thing, as long as community colleges receive the financial support necessary to meeting the increased enrollment.

In my post in which I stated my reasons for voting against Proposition 4, I stated that graduation rates of most of the schools that Texans just approved free research money for must be increased in order to seem viable to the people who bestow Tier One status upon these institutions.

Apparently, the need for increased graduation rates was not discussed much before the Prop 4 vote. Avoidance?

The bottom line to this discussion is the increasing importance and value of community colleges.

Students who don’t meet the standards will be referred to UH-Downtown, an option Antel said would fulfill the university’s traditional mission of educating the city’s working class. UH-Downtown is open admission, meaning anyone with a high school diploma or GED can enroll. (DC NOTE: After the prospective student has taken a placement exam.)

But William Flores, who was named president last summer, said UH-Downtown will implement its own admission standards soon, although they will be more forgiving than those proposed for the flagship campus.

So while UH-Downtown prepares to accept more students turned away from the central campus, it also will be urging more of its traditional applicants to attend a community college, both for core academic classes and for remedial work.

“We do have some students who belong at community college, and we’re doing them a disservice,” Flores said.

Flores is correct. If a student is unprepared to begin studies at a University and is required to complete remedial courses prior to being allowed into core and upper-level courses, then the community colleges are the most affordable solution. Community colleges will play an integral role as universities increase standards. But, this also presents challenges:

Community Colleges are mostly funded by local property taxes, unlike Universities which are funded through the legislature. While community colleges have remained economically feasible, increased enrollment will required increased services and more infrastructure. Massive increases in community college enrollments will affect services and infrastructure availability at community colleges. Facilities are usually funded by bond elections, which, if a community college system is located in an anti-tax suburban area, may not pass. And with locally elected boards which are extremely conservative, tax increases to meet the added cost will not be supported, either.

Either the Texas legislature must increase its commitment to community colleges in order to overcome obstructionist practices of conservative community college boards, or perhaps community colleges should become a state funded initiative. Either way, if we are to close the gaps, increased investment will be required just for the bare necessities of running a community college.

→ 2 CommentsCategories: Higher Education · Texas Lege