I had gotten some emails from concerned folks wondering if I was supporting President Obama, since he wasn’t on the first slate card. Then I figured, I may as well seek out some more complaints and add a few more DC-nods. So, here goes.
Apologies for running out of room, but I think I resolved the situation. Click to enlarge.
One had to have been there to truly feel the success of what was the first Tacos and Votes voter engagement program. A group of community leaders reached into history to launch a program which provided a forum for family fun, discussion, and ultimately, voting–and it was about time.
For a few weeks, the leaders had been canvassing the surrounding neighborhoods, but on Saturday, they used an effective tool to bring people to their doors without much need for knocking–a serenata-playing Mariachi. The effect was great attendance to the event and a noted increase in voting at the Bayland Park early voting location, an engaged community, and the birth of a notion that will continue to be developed.
Proving that tacos are just as American as burgers and dogs, hundreds of guests enjoyed dozens of pounds of beef, chicken and even veggie fajitas with all the fixin’s. A few candidates from both parties took advantage of the opportunity to visit with voters face-to-face, and activists, such as myself, enjoyed speaking to voters about choices on the ballot–trying to be as nonpolitical as possible so that they could choose whom they wanted to represent them in November.
Voter education was a major part of this event. And let me tell you, dozens of those League of Women Voters-Houston guides were read, marked up, and taken to the polls. And I lost a lot of cell phone battery looking up folks on the County voter registration site to see if they were updated, or advise them of their options.
Let me tell you, it seemed to me that those candidates who attended were rewarded with a vote. I’ve always said, Latinos really enjoy their retail politics. We like to meet or see a candidate engaging the community. And Saturday provided a bit of proof to my observation. Folks like James Cargas for Congress-7, Traci Jensen for State Board of Education, Cindy Vara-Leija for Constable-1, Gene Wu for HD-137, Diane Trautman for County School Trustee-At Large, Ann Harris Bennett for Tax Assessor, Erica Lee for County School Trustee-6, and Judge Steven Kirkland for the 215th (and volunteers for other campaigns) worked the crowd, engaged them, answered questions, and left voters feeling a sense of truly being part of the process. City Council members Mike Laster and Melissa Noriega were also in attendance and meeting many of their constituents. It was also great to see former candidate for US Senate Rick Noriega meeting with folks.
One of the most engaging moments was when a discussion circle was formed. Folks discussed some of the obstacles they felt (not what the politicians felt) the community needed to overcome. Topics within the realm of education, economics, and family were written on post-it-notes, then attached to a piñata which was then busted up by participants and their kids. It was very therapeutic for the participants and even for those of us who are always writing about these topics.
Then there was the rally, with various community leaders pumping up the crowd. Christina Sanders with the League of Young Voters stated the event was something big, “Young people live in a different America. It is important that we vote and that we hold people accountable and teach young people how to stand up against injustices.”
Mario Salinas of Latino Giving added some powerful remarks as a 4th generation Houstonian. “The days are over when we are made to feel like we do not belong here, because I belong here. I’m here to urge everyone of you to claim your voice, claim your right, and it starts right here. Politicians are never saviors, they are always servants and the question is whom do they serve. It is up to us to hold them accountable.”
Then came what we were there for: to vote. Dozens of folks who had not yet voted lined up and marched their way to the Bayland Park polling location. The greeters and workers were ecstatic to see them, according to reports from inside. And why not? They were exercising their right, despite attempts to erect obstacles to voting.
As a good friend of mine would probably describe it, “And it was grand!”
Congrats to the Tacos and Votes crew–all the organizations involved, all the volunteers, and to all the voters who enjoyed this “new” way of engaging the community.
I wish the Chron had written more about the voter engagement aspect of this event. People do respond to hot-button issues, but in the case of Tacos and Votes it was about voter education, and not about 30-second ads of little substance which promote the politics of destruction, rather than sell the candidates. And the candidates in attendance got the message about what voters want to see from them.
One of my favorite moments was when a group of neighborhood skater kids rolled in as folks were setting up for the event. They engaged us with a concern: The neighborhood lacks a skate park, like in other areas of the city. Skate parks have been built to keep kids active and out of trouble or danger on the streets, and it’s about time SW Houston had one, no? I was even prouder of these kids when they stuck around and helped set-up. Very respectful and very helpful.
I can’t wait for the next one!
More photos here.
Contact: Rebecca Acuña (512) 478-9800, (956) 206-5853
***Advisory for Rally and Forum Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 11:00 AM***
TDP’s Promesa Project: Rally and Forum in Support of the DREAM Act
Houston – As part of its Latino engagement program known as the Promesa Project, the Texas Democratic Party is holding events across the state on National DREAM Act day of action in support of the DREAM Act. The TDP’s Promesa Project Fellow will participate in a DREAM Act rally and urge voters to support the referendum in favor of the DREAM Act on the Democratic Primary ballot. In the evening, Promesa Project Fellows will host a forum in support of the DREAM Act. The DREAM Act would allow immigrant students who were brought here as children and have stayed out of trouble earn a path to legalization through a higher education or military service.
WHAT: Rally in support of the DREAM Act on the Democratic Primary ballot AND Forum in support of the DREAM Act
WHO: -Maria Virginia Ivañez, Promesa Project Fellow from the University of Houston
-DREAM Act Students
WHERE: Rally: University of Houston Downtown Campus, South Deck
FORUM: Harris County Democratic Party Headquarters, 1445 North Loop W # 110 Houston, TX 77008
WHEN: Rally: Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 11:00 A.M.
Forum: Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 7:30 P.M.
The referendum (#1) reads as follows:
Any graduate of a Texas high school, who has lived in the state for at least three years and lived here continuously for the last year, should be eligible for in-state tuition at state supported colleges and universities and given the opportunity to earn legal status through a higher education or military service.
The DREAM Act would help an estimated 2.1 million young people in the country earn a path to legalization through a higher education or military service. An estimated 258,000 – or 12 percent – of total DREAM Act beneficiaries live in Texas.
The Texas Democratic Party’s Promesa Project will hold events today in Austin, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, El Paso, Houston, Brownsville and El Paso in support of the DREAM Act and in support of the referendum in favor of the DREAM Act on the Democratic Primary ballot.
Austin has a press conference, too.
WHAT: Press Conference urging voters to support the referendum in support of the DREAM Act on the Democratic Primary ballot
WHO: -Representative Rafael Anchia (D-Dallas)
-Julieta Garibay, a DREAM Act beneficiary who holds a Masters in Science of Nursing with a focus on Public Health from the University of Texas at Austin
-Justin Perez, Promesa Project Fellow from the University of Texas at Austin
WHERE: TDP Headquarters, 505 W. 12th St. Ste 200
WHEN: Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 10:00 A.M.
And Laredo, too, along with a phone bank!
WHAT: Press Conference and Phone Bank urging voters to support the referendum in support of the DREAM Act on the Democratic Primary ballot
WHO: -Arnoldo Alonso, Promesa Project Fellow at TAMIU
-Several Democratic Party candidates
WHERE: Press Conference: Outside the Webb County Courthouse, 1000 Houston St., Laredo, TX 79902
Phone Bank: 1019 San Bernardo, Laredo, Texas 78401
WHEN: Press Conference: Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 9:00 A.M.
Phone Bank: Thursday, May 17, 2012 from 1:00PM-4:00PM.
Trying to find ways to ensure the city’s budget is leaner, yet effective, Houston City Council voted to approve spending $4.3 million on a sobering center–an 84-bed detox facility for folks arrested for public intoxication.
Police officers who detain people whose only crime is being drunk in public will have the option of dropping them off at the so-called sobering center for at least a four-hour stay without an arrest on their record. Because the drop-offs are much quicker than jail bookings, police would return to patrol sooner.
Although this is a big victory for Mayor Parker, CM Ed Gonzalez was the lead member of Council on driving home the need for this center.
“We do not guarantee outcomes here. There’s nothing to say that we’re going to rehabilitate anyone,” said Councilman Ed Gonzalez, a former Houston police officer and the chief council champion for the center, “but the chances of removing them from the criminal justice system into a different model is more likely to be much, much more effective and likely to save taxpayers millions and millions of dollars over the course of the next few years.”
Gonzalez’s press release gives us a bigger picture regarding the savings.
Roughly 20% of Houston’s $25 million a year jail operation cost is attributed to public intoxication cases. The sobering center will not only provide citizens with the treatment they need and provide law enforcement officers more time to patrol against more violent crimes, it will save our city money.
Meanwhile, Helena Brown thinks private industry should fund such a facility and, apparently, feels that more cops on the street and more money in city coffers is bad.
“This will be like a slow cancer that will contribute to the death of a city.”
Are you listening (or reading), District A?
Kudos to the rest of the City Council, anyway.
Side-Note: Now that we will have a sobering center, I would like to remind you that some of our early voting centers have earned the name “So Boring Centers,” because you all aren’t voting. Get out there and vote today in the Democratic Primary!
It is great to see the Tacos and Votes event come to fruition. A great team of civic leaders has gotten together to develop this program for this upcoming Early Voting Saturday in Southwest Houston.
Growing up in South Texas, voting and BBQ rallies went hand-in-hand–good food and great and empowering speeches before sending folks to the ballot box. I’m sure glad these folks have targeted my part of town because there is a great need to empower folks over here. I’m looking forward to being there on Saturday.
Here’s the press release:
HOUSTON, TEXAS – A coalition of new, professional Latino civic leaders from established non-profits organizations have united to celebrate the right to vote by organizing Tacos & Votes, a free community gathering and march to the ballot on Saturday, May 19, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Bayland Park located at 6400 Bissonnet Street.
Organizers are motivated by concerns over low voter turnout, the voter ID/voter suppression controversy, and lack of community access to information. It is necessary to bring our community together to fully participate in the American political process to make our voices heard at the polls and develop a vibrant culture of Latino voting.
Bayland Park serves as a family-friendly setting in the “Latino opportunity” City Council District J, as well as a polling location for early voting in the May primary elections. Deputy voter registrars will be present to register citizens eligible to vote and distribute bilingual voter guides. Demonstrations on how to use the E-Slate voting machines will be done by volunteers. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided along with mariachis and activities for kids. Strictly a non-partisan effort, voters and candidates of all affiliations in Harris County are encouraged to attend.
Event Schedule
10:00 a.m. – Get Out the Vote (GOTV) Neighborhood Canvassing
12:00 p.m. – Family GOTV Barbeque
12:30 p.m. – Community Dialogue
1:00 p.m. – Piñata with a Purpose
1:15 p.m. – Press Conference
1:45 p.m. – March to the Ballot
2 – 3:00 p.m. – Voting and Wrap-upIncreased Latino population has not translated into proportional voting or political representation; however, a new and vibrant Latino culture of civic engagement is emerging to affirm its presence in the political process. This targeted effort will raise awareness and get out the vote.
Participants in the consortium of non-partisan groups and individuals: Familias Inmigrantes y Estudiantes en la Lucha (FIEL), Greater Houston Civic Coalition, Houston Area League of Women Voters Education Fund, Latino Giving Houston, Texas League of Young Voters Education Fund, Mi Familia Vota, NALEO Educational Fund, National Hispanic Professional Organization (NHPO), NHPO Leadership Institute and The UNO Project (Uniendo Nuestras Organizaciones).
AND FYI: VOTER ID IS NOT IN EFFECT. You can vote with your voter registration certificate or another acceptable form of ID:
Acceptable identification includes:
It wasn’t a surprise when Zack Fertitta was endorsed by the Chronicle to be the Democratic nominee for District Attorney. After seeing him in action at an event in Kingwood, where he exhibited a commitment to public safety and common sense criminal justice reform, little doubt was left that Democrats could have a strong candidate in November, as long as we give him our vote on May 29th in the Democratic Primary.
I caught a second speech of his at the Sharpstown Democrats club recently and put it on tape. I’m sure you’ll come to the same realization that he’s a great candidate deserving of our vote in May and November.
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Posted in 2012 Profiles, Chicano Politics, Criminal Justice, Houston Dems '12, Houston Politica, LatinoVote '12, President 2012, TDP Convention 2012, Texas Dems 2012
This is my 4400th post and I figured it should go to the future of Texas; the young leaders who will be working hard to increase the Latino youth vote in 2012, the Promesa Project Inaugural Fellows.
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Posted in Chicano Politics, Chicanos on Screen, Houston Dems '12, Houston Politica, LatinoVote '12, President 2012, TDP Convention 2012, Texas Dems 2012
Sean Hubbard, Democratic candidate for US Senate, stopped in Kingwood last night to introduce himself to the activists and Dem leaders in the ‘burbs. I had heard some great stuff about him, so, I was glad to finally meet him.
I must say I agree with him on most of his issues, and he has the drive and the knowledge-base to serve Texans well. What was refreshing about Hubbard is that we have a candidate who knows what he is up against, yet, wants to utilize his campaign as a blueprint for the future, rather than running the same old tired and oft-defeated (and word-played) stances on issues.
Here’s his speech from last night. It’s just five-minutes.
Now, as Liberal as he may be selling himself, I will say he’s not perfect, especially on immigration reform. Some of his ideas regarding “temporary” visas need to be improved, and his notion that the DREAM Act should be passed without providing New Americans the privilege of sponsoring “new immigrants” bothers me. Family unity has always been part of the immigration process and Hubbard needs to recognize this fact. Comprehensive immigration reform is the way to go, rather than adding little “visa” notions to an already broken process. We need bold steps on CIR, as well as a defender of a community that is often used as a political piñata.
Afterthought: Or maybe it’s just that the word “temporary” reminds me of the old Bracero Program which Bush and his buddies wanted to reinstate?
On the other hand, his opponent Paul Sadler has used the oft-stated and weak “secure the border but find a pathway to citizenship” line. That type of stance gives the candidate a chance to whack at the piñata when the moment is right and that turns voters off.
Still, as I’m not a single issue voter, I can say that I like that Hubbard is willing to take a progressive stance on most issues.
I’ll be voting for Sean Hubbard in the Democratic Primary.
An economic study commissioned by TPJ concludes that federal spending through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) saved or created at least 264,459 Texas jobs by the end of 2010. The economic modeling study generally confirms the Texas job creation figures reported directly to the federal government by ARRA grant recipients (243,814). The study refutes Governor Rick Perry’s pronouncement that the stimulus “created zero jobs.”
This is not surprising; however, the Rick Perry’s Republican mantra that this money was a giveaway that produced nothing took hold of the Texas media. And this really speaks to my disgust at the Texas media’s continued love affair with Rick Perry–even after a failed presidential campaign and a failed tenure as governor.
Thanks to Texans for Public Justice for this comprehensive report.
Without $7.7 billion in federal stimulus funds, Texas employment would have taken a dive, the study finds, imposing far more pain on hundreds of thousands of Texas families.
Could you imagine how many more jobs Texas could have saved if it had not cut off education, public health and more from Texans?
Well, we know exactly why he was here. To make sure our 1% and his 1% stay the 1%.
Mexican President Felipe Calderón, in Houston on Wednesday as part of his U.S. visit, emphasized the importance of the trade relationship between Mexico and Texas, saying 35 percent of Texas exports, representing more than $86 billion, went to Mexico in 2011.
Meeting with more than 160 business leaders from the Greater Houston Partnership, Calderón stressed the significance of that relationship to Mexico’s growing economy. Mexico is Houston’s largest trading partner, with the two exchanging $31.4 billion in imports and exports annually. Mexico is the largest U.S. export market after Canada, and in 2011, U.S. exports to Mexico grew by $34 billion.
I would hope that these business leaders, or at the very least, our key-to-the-city wielding Mayor Parker questioned the economic impact of all of the trade agreements on Mexico and other Latin American countries.
Mexico is still fraught with poverty and 600,000 jobs, as mentioned by Calderon, is hardly a drop in the bucket to improve Mexico. According to the CIA Factbook, 18.2% of Mexican citizens live in poverty if we go by the food-based definition. But if we go by the asset-based definition (in other words, wealth), we’re talking about almost half of Mexican citizens. Other studies are comparable, with the number of those in poverty being at around 50,000,000–which shows how “drop in the bucket” those 600,000 jobs Calderon mentioned really are. So, someone is getting rich and the people of Mexico aren’t seeing much improvement.
Since it wasn’t reported, I would like to know if the Mayor, council members present, or the so-called business leaders who charge $100+ to see the guy speak ever questioned Calderon about this. Otherwise, this all about our 1% helping their 1% continue their shopping excursions to our Galleria with dinner at the Palm or Morton’s afterward.
And the rest of the people? Well, either they’ll stay and suffer, or they will come on over to be exploited by the 1%. And that’s a whole other discussion.
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