Category Archives: Las Mujeres

Molly Cook Wins SD15; HCAD Results

Posted on May 5, 2024 | Leave a comment

I woke up to the news that ER Nurse and community organizer Molly Cook is my new State Senator after the special election to fill the SD15 vacancy. Running a disciplined and issues-driven campaign, Cook won handily with 57% of the vote. But it’s not over as we still have the Democratic run-off to elect our State Senator to a new term on May 28.

After living in SD13 for quite a while, the last round of redistricting had me forced into SD15 with a state senator I wasn’t too thrilled to have. Once that guy moved to city hall, the vacancy opened up a great opportunity to elect a candidate with an organizer’s mindset who will keep people energized for the 2024 elections.

Cook’s work on organizing I-45 expansion opponents and the Fair for Houston campaign, as well as a challenge to the SD15 incumbent in 2022, put her on the political map. And she hasn’t stopped. Cook will be the first woman elected to SD15–and it’s about time!

HCAD Win and Run-Offs

Place 1 will be filled by Kathy Blueford-Daniels who outlasted a right-winger without need for a run-off. Melissa Noriega will be out candidate in the Place 2 run-off. And a late surge by Pelumi Adeleke ensured her spot in the Place 3 run-off.

So, looks like we have the Democratic Primary run-off on May 28, and one more run-off for HCAD in June.

Keep on voting!

Leave a comment

Posted in 2024, Accion, Cultura, Democratic Stuff, Education - K12, Elections, Environmental, Harris County, Health Care, Higher Education, History, Las Mujeres, Local Politica, Media, Sensible Immigration Reform, Texas Lege

Tagged , , , ,

Thoughts on Viernes – 05032024

Posted on May 3, 2024 | 1 comment

Special Election Saturday

Remember to vote in the Special and Uniform election on Saturday, May 4. Vote at any voting center. Vote the Stace Slate. Vote for Molly Cook for Texas Senate District 15. Vote for Bluford-Daniels, Noriega, and Adeleke in the HCAD races. Click here for a sample ballot. Kuff has more and more.

The Democratic Run-off is on May 28. I’ll have a Stace Slate for that one, too, next week.

First Flood Disaster of 2024

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo acted quickly to call for a mandatory evacuation of areas in Northeast Harris County who are experiencing some massive flooding. She signed a disaster declaration to ensure resources are readily available to help evacuees with their needs and officials to deal with the situation effectively.

Thursday’s rains certainly exacerbated conditions. It doesn’t help when the guy at city hall calls a performative and actionless press conference and the press tries to make it about the elected officials and not the flood victims. It doesn’t help the situation that the guy Judge Hidalgo beat in 2018 is given a platform to mouth off about the woman he lost to in the middle of a disaster. (Dude, you lost! “Hunker down” and watch! And, people, stop trying to give Ed Emmett relevance.) And it doesn’t help that someone who didn’t run against the losing guy because she didn’t want to offend him in 2018 now wants to run in 2026 and is getting press for it. All while disaster is afoot!

Meanwhile, Judge Hidalgo is doing the job. Hopefully, we won’t have too many of these disasters over Hurricane season. Thankfully, we have a County Judge who does the job and a friendly federal government (for now) who won’t mind helping us out in the event of these kind of disasters. You know, without trying to make a show of it at a fire station.

Still Seeking Leadership

Where are all the local and state Democratic elected officials who continue to fail in calling out the police attacks on college campuses? Our college students aren’t only in Texas but they go everywhere. After Biden’s weak “I support you, but…” statement yesterday, it would seem the electeds are just following along, instead of showing us what they’re worth.

I will say that Senator Bernie Sanders is so right when he reminds us that while we are sending out armed officers to attack students expressing themselves as is their right, the attack on Palestinian children and people continues with no end in sight. Someone needs to stand up and speak out against these atrocities, since our leaders are too busy giving out and receiving medals.

Students–Stand your ground!

1 Comment

Posted in 2024, Accion, City of Houston, Cultura, Elections, Harris County, History, Las Mujeres, Local Politica, Media

Tagged , , , ,

Thoughts on Viernes – 04262024

Posted on April 26, 2024 | 4 comments

Ogg Keeps Ogg’n

In her usual vindictive way, the local DA gave the case in which she is railroading some county staffers to someone even more vindictive, Texas AG Paxton. Apparently, she couldn’t finish the job, so why not give it to someone who hates local control, is constantly suing Harris County, and hates Judge Lina Hidalgo as much as she does?

I expected this after overwhelming winner of the DA’s race Sean Teare stated he would hand the case to a DA in another county to attempt to achieve some fairness. Obviously, Ogg wanted to get ahead of this since her days in office are numbered and continually ineffective.

I grow more and more disappointed in those “popular” Dems who continue to stand with Ogg. They have continually propped up an awful elected official. One only wonders why.

Speaking of Assholes

The story still continues of the local Mayor avoiding and snubbing County Judge Lina Hidalgo. What is it with gringo Dems and their sycophants treating our county judge with such disrespect when there is work to be done?

According to the Chron, Whitmire will meet “when it’s time.” What the hell does that mean? Whitmire has been making decisions on streets and infrastructure without any input–even from citizens, but a “team” has been meeting with the County on disaster preparedness as if he doesn’t get a final word on the city’s participation.

Hidalgo said the rebuff could endanger Harris County residents as hurricane season approaches and the two offices start to coordinate emergency preparedness plans.

“Harris County has many millions of people,” Hidalgo said Monday. “We can’t have the relationship between two people imperil the safety of all the other millions.”

We have a petty Mayor in this city. Those who hang off his hind side aren’t looking good at the moment.

Where’s The Leadership?

Thus far, I’ve seen a few responses from local electeds regarding Greg Abbott’s DPS attacking college students calling for peace in Gaza. This is the same DPS that the local mayor supports taking to our streets to “enforce” the law in their own way.

Where is everybody? Or do you support Greg Abbott? Or are you under orders from some other entity? Some of us just want to know where you stand.

Thanks to State Rep Ron Reynolds for speaking up.

As representatives of the people, we stand in solidarity with the students and activists who are bravely advocating for justice and accountability. Their courage and determination remind us of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in our society. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and work towards ensuring that all Texans can exercise their constitutional rights without fear or intimidation.”

4 Comments

Posted in 2024, Accion, City of Houston, Cultura, Democratic Stuff, Elections, Harris County, Las Mujeres, Local Politica, Texas Lege

Early Voting Begins for May 4 Election

Posted on April 22, 2024 | Comments Off on Early Voting Begins for May 4 Election

In case you didn’t know, we have two elections in May. While the Democratic Primary run-offs will be decided later this month, today is the first day of EARLY VOTING for the May 4 Uniform and Special Election, which includes the Senate District 15 race to replace the guy that left to move to city hall.

Added to this is the election to elect three individual to the all-new Harris Central Appraisal District board of directors.

Early voting is 4/22/24 thru 4/30/24, with election day falling on May 4. Find a polling location here. Find your sample ballot here. Kuff has more on the HCAD election and more on the SD15 race.

Is there a Stace Slate? Of course! Here are my picks.

Senate District 15 – Molly Cook

HCAD Place 1 – Kathy Blueford-Daniels

HCAD Place 2 – Melissa Noriega

HCAD Place 3 – Pelumi Adeleke

Comments Off on Early Voting Begins for May 4 Election

Posted in 2024, Accion, Cultura, Democratic Stuff, Elections, Harris County, Historia, History, Las Mujeres, Local Politica, Media, Texas Lege

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Thoughts on 19 Years, Harris County, and SD15

Posted on April 19, 2024 | Comments Off on Thoughts on 19 Years, Harris County, and SD15

A Short Break

Every now and then the reality of politics, whether it’s international, national, state, or local, just gets to me and I take a break from writing anything. Sometimes, I even ignore the news–as much as one can in this world. I was on another mental health break this month when I realized that I started DosCentavos.net 19 years ago this month. So, I thought I’d better write something to commemorate this as I begin to head toward year 20.

I really don’t know what to expect during this next year. We have several elections, starting in May and ending in November, that will be very consequential at various levels. Personally, I have some things going on that will be very consequential, too. So, continual writing–a la Kuff–is still not in my plans, but it is hard not to have an opinion with so much going on. So, I hope you will still hang out with me on the DC and enjoy my writings, whether they be about politics, music, or culture.

A Need for Accountability at the County

Judge Lina Hidalgo’s recent revelation of the outcome of an audit by the independently run County Auditor’s office is huge news that should change the way business is conducted in Harris County. And it’s about time.

…the county doesn’t produce a rigorous paper trail when choosing the winners of contracts. The engineering department, which oversees major infrastructure projects along with commissioners’ offices, did not have consistent records available until as recently as July 2023. 

Judge Hidalgo is proposing that the decision on contracts be given to an independent purchasing department, rather than it be ruled by Commissioner’s Court. It should be added that the Judge does not accept political contributions from vendors, while Commissioner’s campaigns–both parties–are heavily funded by vendor donations.

Currently, companies are chosen by engineering department staff, as well as staff from the four commissioner’s offices. There were no conflict of interest certifications on file for those employees and no written policies requiring staff to document their conflicts, according to the audit.

I think I heard that 90+% of vendors make political contributions to curry favor. As things stand with Commissioners having the ultimate say, we have what amounts to four fiefdoms with a lot of power over tax dollars without much accountability as to who gets the money among the vendors. Or why they got the money. While Commissioner Rodney Ellis offered “tepid” support, the other three seem to be against it.

I think there is room for compromise. Perhaps each Commissioner and their staff should still manage the infrastructure in their respective precincts, but there must be more control and accountability regarding awarding contracts. You never know when an awful DA may try to railroad you, right?

The idea of “centralizing” things isn’t new, but that would mess with a commissioner’s political accountability and their ability to serve immediate needs–like the jagged potholes that always appear on Queenston in NW Harris County. Besides, the only truly centralized thing I’d like to see is to get rid of vendors and have public employees do all of the work so that there is better accountability and better treatment of workers overseen by the County. But that’s just the socialist in me.

Anyway, I have a feeling this all points to what is to come in Harris County politics in the near future. I saw so many things–even from my perch in front of my laptop–that just didn’t sit well with me. Given the last mayoral election and the sycophantic behavior among many, it’s safe to say that my dislike list has grown while local battles between Dems are going to become a thing.

SD15 is Jumping!

I’ve been checking my mail frequently and I am really impressed with Molly Cook‘s messaging, especially her calling out opponent, Jarvis Johnson and his funders and bad votes he has taken. She has a particularly good digital ad, too. While Johnson runs on what he calls experience of being a long-time insider, Cook brings a fresh approach to legislation backed up by experience in organizing voters on the ground. On top of this, she works as an ER nurse. Talk about being among the people. If I were Jarvis, I wouldn’t be beating this “experience” thing too hard. Being on the inside is really getting old, no matter what Party one belongs to.

We have two elections for SD 15. May 4 is the special election to replace the last guy and May 24 the the Democratic Primary run-off. More on this in another post soon. For now, check out this ad!

Comments Off on Thoughts on 19 Years, Harris County, and SD15

Posted in 2024, Accion, Cultura, DC Promo, Democratic Stuff, Elections, Harris County, Las Mujeres, Local Politica, Media, Thoughts on Viernes

Tagged , , , , , ,

Big Dem Night In So Many Ways

Posted on March 6, 2024 | 1 comment

The Stace Slate had mixed results last night, some amazingly good, others heartbreakingly bad. The numbers were slow in coming, but I don’t blame our County Clerk. This is a huge county and it takes a long time to close down a precinct and get the machines delivered to a rally point then delivering results to central counting. It was a well-run election.

First of all, a huge congrats to Sean Teare on a decisive victory over the incumbent DA. Though one local poll had him winning easily, I didn’t think it would be this easy, but her record alone called for massive change and the voters responded. The bigger losers were PACs and past leaders who so publicly endorsed Kim Ogg or tried to play both sides, but I guess it’s time for unity, right? Congrats to Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and Christian Menefee on equally decisive victories over their opponents. Teare, Gonzalez, and Menefee will definitely be strong leaders on the countywide part of the ballot.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee achieved a huge victory herself over Amanda Edwards. There were many doubters of Jackson Lee after her loss in the race for Houston Mayor. Many of those doubters endorsed her opponent. But voters enjoy having an incumbent that works for them and fights for them and it would be hard to lose her given a choice. Congrats to SJL! Likewise, CD7 voters will send Lizzie Fletcher back to DC, as expected. As I stated, she and her staff do the work of the district and the voters like that sort of thing in my neck of the ‘hood. This voter will continue to press her on a need for a ceasefire in Gaza and leadership on immigration reform.

No surprise, Colin Allred will be our candidate to take on Cancun Ted. Let’s hope he leads the ballot with a mix of media and ground that will help the entire ballot.

In the race for Texas Senate District 15, it is no surprise that there will be a run-off. Outgoing State Rep. Jarvis Johnson earned 36% of the vote, with Molly Cook holding steady at 20% in second place the rest of the evening. Given lower turn-outs in round 2, it’ll be all about the ground game. Cook was impressive on Election Day.

Challenged Judges Kyle Carter, Cheryl Elliot Thornton, and Ursula Hall get another chance to return to the bench. My good friend of over a decade, Tracy Good, defeated the incumbent in the race for the 333rd District bench. Allison Jackson Mathis was also on her way to a big win, and Vivian King and Gemayel Haynes will be in a run-off in the 486th. Fran Watson defeated two opponents to win outright her race for Judge of the County Probate Court #5.

Unfortunately, we will be losing Ravi Sandill, Mike Engelhart, Robert Schaffer, and Family Court Judge Julia Maldonado. My mind is blown on these because I was there when they were first running, but not surprised by the results. I hope for active involvement from the newbies as we head toward November.

In the race for Tax Assessor-Collector, Annette Ramirez had earned over 40% in the early vote, with a 3-way race for 2nd. There will be a run-off and hopefully, Ramirez can raise that ceiling.

In the HCDE Trustee Position 3 race, Richard Cantu defeated another challenge from Josh Wallenstein. In the race for Constable Precinct 5, Jerome Moore was close to an outright victory after the early vote, but will end up in a run-off with Jerry Rodriguez. Constable Precinct 6 Silvia Trevino cruised to another term, too

In some local Texas House races, Harold Dutton was re-elected easily to HD142, as I expected; however, as we wait for a final count in HD146, challenger Lauren Ashley Simmons is just a few votes away from winning outright, otherwise, it will be Simmons and Thierry in a run-off.

In other parts of Texas, my cousin Roberto Serna was re-elected to another term as DA in the 293rd District, which is made up of Zavala, Dimmit, and Maverick Counties. Our friend, Lupe Valdez, former Sheriff and Guv candidate, challenged Dallas County’s current Sheriff for her old job and is now in a run-off. Good luck to her. Travis County DA Jose Garza outlasted a challenge from the center and will be re-elected in November.

That’s all from me. In the near future, I’ll look at Biden’s percentages in South Texas, where voters may have been sending him a message that is cause for concern–and action. For now, we have a few run-offs in a couple of months but it’s all about November!

1 Comment

Posted in 2024, Accion, Cultura, Democratic Stuff, Elections, Harris County, History, Las Mujeres, Local Politica, Media, Texas Lege

Tagged , , , ,

My Fave Ads: Molly Cook for SD15

Posted on February 26, 2024 | Comments Off on My Fave Ads: Molly Cook for SD15

Have you seen candidate for Texas Senate District 15 Molly Cook‘s digital ad? It’s a powerful ad by the candidate who had the guts to take on an entrenched incumbent 2 years ago for the same seat. It’s an open seat, now, with multiple candidates and Molly is leading the pack in a recent poll. Molly’s running for all the right reasons. Here’s Molly’s ad, “Seconds”:

Comments Off on My Fave Ads: Molly Cook for SD15

Posted in 2024, DC Promo, Democratic Stuff, Elections, Las Mujeres, Local Politica, Media, Texas Lege

Tagged , , ,

2024 Stace Slate – Democratic Primary

Posted on February 18, 2024 | Comments Off on 2024 Stace Slate – Democratic Primary

Believe it or not, the 2024 Democratic Primary early voting period begins on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 and goes through March 1. Primary election day is on Tuesday, March 5. One may vote at any early voting center in Harris County.

I went through my sample ballot and picked those contested candidates who I feel best represent the people. Many whom I know personally have served effectively in their elected office, or as activists in the Party. Some, we just need to elect because change is needed in some offices, such as that of District Attorney and also in SD15. Others, I had to do some research, such as a few judicial races.

As much as politics has been a downer lately, this Democratic Primary is very important and we must all do our duty and VOTE. These are my suggestions. So, vote early!

US President – Joseph R. Biden (Seriously, he’s all we got!)

US Senator – Roland Gutierrez

US Rep District 7 – Lizzie Fletcher* (Left it blank)

Texas Railroad Commissioner – Bill Burch

Justice, Supreme Court Pl 2 – Dasean Jones

Justice, Supreme Court Pl 6 – Bonnie Lee Goldstein

TXSen15 – Molly Cook

Justice, 1st CoA Pl 2 – Gordon Goodman

Justice, 1st CoA Pl 8 – Richard Hightower

Justice, 1st CoA Pl 9 – Peter Kelly

Justice, 14th CoA Pl 3 – Chuck Silverman

Justice, 14th CoA Pl 4 – Charles Spain

Justice, 14th CoA Pl 6 – Meagan Hassan

Judge, 125th District – Kyle Carter

Judge, 127th District – RK Sandill

Judge, 133rd District – Nicole Perdue

Judge, 151st District – Mike Engelhart

Judge, 152nd District – Robert Schaffer

Judge, 164th District – Cheryl Elliott Thornton

Judge, 165th – Ursula Hall

Judge, 333rd – Tracy Good

Judge 338th – Allison Jackson Mathis

Judge, 486th – Gemayel Haynes

Judge, 507th – Julia Maldonado

District Attorney – Sean Teare

Judge, Co Crim 16 – Juan Aguirre

Judge, Probate #5 – Fran Watson

County Attorney – Christian Menefee

Sheriff – Ed Gonzalez

Tax Assessor-Collector – Annette Ramirez

County School Trustee, #3 – Richard Cantu

Constable 5 – Jerry Rodriguez

Comments Off on 2024 Stace Slate – Democratic Primary

Posted in Accion, Cultura, DC Promo, Democratic Stuff, Elections, Harris County, Las Mujeres, Local Politica, Media, Voting Rights

Tagged , , , , , ,

Thoughts On Viernes – 10202023

Posted on October 20, 2023 | Comments Off on Thoughts On Viernes – 10202023

The COVID Report

Houston Health reports a decreasing trend in the wastewater virus load. 73%! That’s a good thing, but it still means COVID is still out there. I also got their note that the new COVID vaccines are now available at their clinics for the uninsured and underinsured. Health centers include:

  • La Nueva Casa De Amigos Health Center, 1809 N. Main Street,
  • Northside Health Center, 8504 Schuller Road,
  • Sharpstown Health Services, 6201 Bonhomme Road, and
  • Sunnyside Health Center, 4410 Reed Road.

The Bridge Access Program which is providing the free vaccines can also be accessed through Walgreens and CVS. Hopefully, CVS won’t deny you in favor of the insured as it happened recently.

The Stace Slate

I hadn’t really thought of doing a Stace Slate for the upcoming elections, which starts with early voting on Monday, October 23rd. I know I’m voting for Holly Flynn Vilaseca (At Large 2) and Richard Cantu (At Large 3). I’m undecided in At Large 1, and I’m left with no choice but to keep 4 and 5’s incumbents. Also, I’m forced to keep my District F representative since she is unopposed. For the Mayoral, I’m stuck between a quixotic candidate and a candidate who polls as making the runoff. But there are some state amendments and charter amendments locally, as well as hospital bonds. So, I’ll have something on Monday.

Texas SOS: Election Problems

But there is no fraud! And no evidence that there would be a change in outcome. So, that’s another loss for Sore Loser Mealer.

An audit by the Secretary of State of the 2022 election in Harris County found problems with election paperwork, ballot paper shortages, and lack of training for election day poll workers. I agree with County Clerk Tenishia Hudspeth that no election is perfect but can improve. I have confidence that she will run the upcoming election well.

While improving these issues should be a priority, I think the best way to avoid problems is to VOTE EARLY. Early voting is run by the County, while the problems seem to happen during election day where we are seeing the lack of training and other issues. So, vote early and get it done!

Comments Off on Thoughts On Viernes – 10202023

Posted in 2023, Accion, City of Houston, Cultura, Elections, Health Care, Las Mujeres, Media

Tagged , , , ,

FYC: La Marisoul and Los Texmaniacs

Posted on October 18, 2023 | 1 comment

Congrats to one of the hottest collabs ever as Corazones and Canciones is up for two Grammys for Musica Mexicana Album and Americana Performance.

As I mentioned previously, a collaboration by La Santa Cecilia’s lead vocalist La Marisoul and Tex-Mex supergroup Los Texmaniacs was a project I have been wanting for a long time. The voices and the music are just that good a combo. I also called the album “Grammy-winning material.” Thankfully, the Grammy folks think so, too.

I consider La Marisoul one of the best vocalists in the music industry, while Los Texmaniacs are, musically, the best of the best. One can experience both with the tune nominated for Americana Performance, Gritenme, Piedras Del Campo, penned by legend Cuco Sanchez.

The album includes an added collab with the King of the Brown Sound Little Joe on the classic Las Nubes. Vamonos is also a favorite, and La Marisoul’s rendition of Before the Next Teardrop Falls is lumbre!

So, give the album a listen on YouTube. And enjoy Gritenme, Piedras Del Campo below.

Congrats to La Marisoul and Los Texmaniacs. And if you’re part of NARAS, vote for this one.

1 Comment

Posted in Accion, Cultura, DC Promo, Historia, Las Mujeres, Media

Tagged , ,