Category Archives: Kingwood Politics

DC on Prop 1: Vote For!

Posted on September 24, 2010 | Comments Off on DC on Prop 1: Vote For!

At the risk of being attacked as not being Democrat enough, I come out in support of Proposition 1–the proposition on the ballot which creates a dedicated fund for drainage and streets.

There have been some e-mails flying about from good Democrats questioning the involvement of some, others wanting more studies regarding “greener” fixes, among other ideas. The problem? They didn’t develop a proposition to be voted on by us, and the Renew Houston folks did.

This is a once in a decade opportunity to improve our aging infrastructure, improve public safety, and improve the way we pay for these needs–which currently is based on debt.  I agree that it is a sensible approach, and it is a lot more than anyone else is offering. Simply put, we cannot wait for the next notion to be put on the ballot.

Of even more importance is the creation of jobs to get this work done. During these challenging times, we have a responsibility to create solutions to our infrastructural challenges which save the taxpayers money while creating the fixes and providing Houstonians with a visible return on our investment.  Prop. 1 provides this opportunity at this time.

Harris County AFL/CIO is among its biggest supporters, and with the addition of Mayor Annise Parker and Council Member Melissa Noriega to the support list, I feel comfortable in supporting Proposition 1.

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Posted in City of Houston, Kingwood Politics, LatinoVote '10, Mayor Parker, Para La Gente, Texas Dems 2010, Viva La Union, Your Wallet

Riddle Can’t Back Up Her Lies

Posted on August 11, 2010 | 3 comments

So, there was a debate on Anderson Cooper last night between State Rep. Rafael Anchia and conspiracy-theorist Debbie Riddle.

Riddle seems to be falling apart as she describes the anti-immigrant lies she spouts and I have to hand it to Anderson–he nailed her by demanding facts that she just couldn’t provide. Republicans rely on concocted data–mostly from “think tanks” tied to white supremacy organizations–and attempt to spread fear.

Although she may have earned a few votes from her “Border Watch” friends in Spring, her demeanor and mean-spirited commentary surely woke up Latinos and independents who finally realized what the Republican Party is all about–hate.

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Posted in DREAM Act, Immigration, Kingwood Politics, LatinoVote '10, National Democrats, Republinutiness, Texas Dems 2010, Texas Lege, U.S. Ethnic Relations, Violence Against Latinos

DosCentavos Talks Immigration in Kingwood

Posted on August 9, 2010 | 1 comment

…and I lived to tell about it!  Actually, the Kingwood Tribune tells about it here. The Kingwood Observer provides a bit more expanded take on the forum here, although I do have one correction.

The group was mostly friendlies from Kingwood Area Democrats; although, a few did ask some tough questions.

Whether it’s the Tribune or the Observer, the letters to the editor section of both papers has seen much right-wing vitriol–mostly from the same 3 divisive nuts–being tossed about. I hadn’t answered the letters because, as my mom tells me, “Mejor que haiga un pendejo y no dos.”  Instead, I commend both newspapers for reporting on the forum and for basically being the vehicle to respond to those letters.

Here’s my favorite quote of mine:

“No matter what side of the issue you are on, the immigration system is broken,” said Medellin. “What part of the system is the question…without a strong and vibrant legal immigration system, undocumented people will keep coming.”

Medellin said that Republicans are not focusing on the big picture.

“Republicans make it more about border control than reform – piecemeal solutions – this will continue to fail,” he said. “Because the Republicans are keeping the issue out there it is like political football. This year the Republicans obviously have decided to make it an issue for this election – they have decided that immigrants are the bogey-man and are campaigning this with the tea party, but it’s been a loser for them so far, because Latino voters have been escaping the Republican party since 2006.”

The above quote is correct, we need a better legal immigration system.  Corey Turner misquoted me and used “a vibrant illegal immigration system…” and never did I say that. Thanks to Ann McIlhany from the Tribune for not misquoting me.

Yes, because we are in the midst of campaigns, I chose to take the political route because it is a loser for Republicans nationally.  2006 was the start of Latinos leaving the Republican Party in droves, and 2008’s continued GOP vitriol basically made Latinos self-deport to their home-the Democratic Party.

The Texas Governor’s Race and The Border

Rick Perry has been playing both sides of the issue, kind of. One point I brought up was the fact that the term “border security” is being tossed around by Rick Perry.

When Perry talks about it (say, in a press conference or to President Obama), he’s careful to not get down to specifics or sound like Jan Brewer. In fact, he’ll talk about border violence and the cartels. Here’s a sample from his speech to a right-wing group today:

“Washington’s lackadaisical efforts have left the door open to a cadre of criminal organizations, including transnational gangs, who readily
engage very brazen violence in pursuit of their sordid efforts.”

Now, to someone who actually worries about cartel violence and how demand from OUR side of the border (ignored by Perry) has allowed these cartels to enlist street and prison gangs to open up distribution channels around the U.S., this sounds like a strong statement.

But if you pair it up with, say:

“Bottomline, an unsecure US-Mexico border is a serious national security threat and the federal government is obligated to secure that border. Unfortunately Washington has been an abject failure to date.”

“[U]nsecure …border” just gets the right-wing juices flowing, and then compare the situation to “… back to the 1930s in Europe, the South Pacific in late 1941, or even the United States in early September of 2001…” and you’ve just compared Latinos and Muslims to the Japanese American citizens which were rounded up and placed in concentration camps without any due process.

If you haven’t gotten it yet, think HUTTO and GUANTANAMO. Get it, now?

Rick Perry is quite artful at appeasing his right-wingers while appearing to be nice to Texas Hispanics by “opposing” Arizona-type laws at Hispanic conventions. Well, one’s artfulness is easily another’s two-faced strategy.

Bill White pointed out some of Rick Perry’s freak-outs on the Border.

Perry’s border crime stats wildly inaccurate
In numerous public appearances and on both publicly-funded and campaign websites, Governor Perry has falsely claimed 60-65% drops in border crime or crime rates. In fact, total crime rates in the 14 Texas counties bordering Mexico dropped 3.1% between 2005 and 2008.

and

Perry distracts attention from his border failure by falsely claiming that bombs are exploding in El Paso on national television
“You’ve got bullets hitting City Hall in El Paso. You’ve got bombs exploding in El Paso,” Rick Perry told Fox News. “Perry later made a similar statement in Laredo, saying a car bomb went off in El Paso, according to Pro8News.” “Perry did harm to the name and the goals of El Paso by trying to make a point to the nation that the federal government isn’t doing its job of protecting our southern border.”

The bottom line–Rick Perry’s Border problem is one that is concocted for his own political purposes. Whilef handing envelopes to President Obama and making up stories, Rick Perry failed to lead.

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Posted in Bigots and Liars, DREAM Act, Immigration, Kingwood Politics, LatinoVote '10, Texas Dems 2010, Texas Lege, U.S. Ethnic Relations

Local and Texas Reaction to SB1070 Decision

Posted on July 28, 2010 | 1 comment

State Rep. Carol Alvarado, District 145:

“I agree with today’s ruling by District Judge Susan Bolton, temporarily striking down the most controversial parts of Arizona’s anti-immigrant law. This injunction is precisely what the checks and balances system of our government is supposed to accomplish.

I hope today’s ruling serves as a clear indication that all legislators should join together to push for Federal Comprehensive Immigration Reform. It is time for Congress to step up and face the difficult decisions we sent them to Washington to make. Other states, particularly Texas, cannot afford to make the same knee-jerk reactionary laws as Arizona did.

We need Comprehensive Immigration Reform that includes strengthened border security, and a fair, reasonable and affordable pathway to citizenship. This is not an issue that can be solved by individual states creating a patchwork of laws – there must be a federal response to the broken immigration system.”

Joe Montemayor, candidate for State Rep.-District 127

“With over a quarter-century of experience as a federal immigration agent, I agree with the federal government when it states that immigration enforcement is their job. And I agree with Judge Susan Bolton’s ruling which states that local law enforcement would be overburdened by attempting to do the job of the federal government. Congress needs to do its job and enact Comprehensive Immigration Reform so that Texas can avoid debating frivolous and burdensome laws.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio and Gov. Jan Brewer have set a low standard for crime-fighting in Arizona:  increasing crime rates, low-rate of felony warrant arrests–all because they choose to play politics, rather than keep constituents safe. Texas Gov. Rick Perry and his Republican legislators will lower the bar again by throwing money at the crime problem, rather than developing effective solutions such as increasing our human intelligence capabilities to take down crime and smuggling organizations.

I will fight to keep our families and neighborhoods safe.”

State Senator Leticia Van de Putte (San Antonio)

“I am pleased that U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton blocked the most egregious parts of Arizona’s new immigration law. We must secure our borders, but not at the risk of racial profiling and the deprivation of civil rights.

Now is the time for Washington to act on comprehensive immigration reform so that we can end this era of fearful ignorance.”

State Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer (Chair, MALC)

When Debbie and I were first elected to the Texas House of Representatives, we both placed our hands on the Bible and swore to uphold the Constitution. What’s changed, Debbie? Do you only abide by your oath of office when politically convenient?
SB1070 does more harm than good and is a symbol of what can happen when people in power disregard the   Constitution in order to play partisan games. Governor Perry doesn’t want SB1070 in Texas. Neither does Speaker Straus or the rest of Debbie’s party.
It’s time to do the people’s business and not chase sound bites. Malicious, unconstitutional and fiscally irresponsible legislation, like SB 1070, is a waste of time and taxpayer dollars. In a time where the budget is $18 billion dollars light, we should be drafting legislation to solve real issues not chase our tails trying to get on Fox News.

State Rep. Armando Walle (District 140)

“Judge Bolton’s decision is a victory for opponents of S.B. 1070 who believe that it is wrong for states to highjack the federal government’s authority over immigration policy,” stated Representative Walle.  “This is a crucial first step that goes a long way to protect residents of Arizona against discrimination and unfair treatment.”

[…]

“Today’s decision is just the beginning of what will prove to be a lengthy and costly legal battle for the State of Arizona,” noted Rep. Walle.  “The cost of litigation, in addition to the devastating economic impact similar legislation would have on Texas, is an important reminder that Texas should oppose any efforts to implement such unconstitutional and discriminatory policies in our state.”

State Rep. Ana Hernandez (District 143)

“I applaud Judge Bolton’s ruling to temporarily strike down provisions of SB 1070, which would have resulted in a huge infringement of people’s civil liberties in Arizona. It is my sincere hope that today’s ruling will dissuade proponents of similar legislation from pursuing the same type of legislation in Texas. The immigrant community makes a significant positive economic impact to our state. In 2006, the Texas Comptroller’s Office reported that undocumented immigrants produce $1.58 billion in state revenue.

Our federal immigration system is broken, but implementing Arizona type legislation is not the answer. We need comprehensive immigration reform.”

Mayor Annise Parker (Houston)

“It was a bad idea in Arizona and it would be a bad idea in Texas,” she said Wednesday, in response to questions about the Arizona immigration law.

State Rep. Garnet Coleman

“It creates a stereotype not of just immigrants that may be undocumented but clearly of tax-paying, hard-working, church-going Americans,” Coleman said.

“Growing up African-American, I know what it is like to be suspect because of how you look, as opposed to having done anything wrong,” added Coleman.

Boyd Richie, Texas Democratic Party Chairman

“The Court’s decision protects the right of every American citizen to go about their daily lives without being considered a suspect simply because of the way they look or speak.

“Although Judge Bolton’s ruling blocked the provisions that would have resulted in the harassment of Hispanic–American citizens, Republican politicians and right wing commentators will escalate their efforts to use the Arizona law as an election year wedge issue.

“We won’t pass real immigration reform so long as politicians like Rick Perry keep trying to have it both ways,openly supporting the Governor of Arizona and then repudiating the Arizona bill when speaking to Hispanics. The best interests of all Americans require leaders who will put politics aside, respect the rights of all citizens and work for a real solution.”

If you have a response, please email doscentavos [at] gmail.com

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Posted in DREAM Act, Immigration, Kingwood Politics, LatinoVote '10, Texas Dems 2010, Texas Lege

SBOE–A Texas Embarrassment

Posted on May 21, 2010 | 4 comments

Well, not surprisingly, the Republican heavy State Board of Education has re-written History into a right-wing handbook for the ages.  A 9 to 5 vote approved the content for the upcoming printing of school textbooks, leaving out notable Latin@s such as UFW Founder Dolores Huerta and San Antonio Mayor Henry Cisneros.

Arne Duncan, President Obama’s Secretary of Education said it best.

“Curricula should be written by educators who know the subject matter, know the standards and know what it takes to prepare our children for college and careers in the global economy.”

Instead, intolerant and downright racist Republican politicians have white-washed History.

Minority members could not get support for an amendment that would have focused on discrimination for the creation of two Hispanic civil rights groups — the League of United Latin American Citizens and the GI Forum.

Over the Democrats’ objections, the majority adopted a standard calling for high school students to study “instances of institutional racism in American society.” Cargill said not all Americans should be linked to discrimination.

Democrat for Texas Governor, Bill White responded strongly to the SBOE’s vote.

When people see Texas as a place with political agendas in schools, it hurts our ability to attract entrepreneurs and new businesses.

Instead of politicians spending their time editing textbooks, we need leaders who will push electronic textbooks forward to save money and create a better variety of courses for Texas students.

Fort Bend County’s new Democratic Chair  Steve Brown had this to say.

“Our students aren’t robots, and they should be granted every opportunity to explore history from every point of view. That includes those points of view that may not fit neatly into their particular political prism.”

Joe Montemayor, Democrat for Texas House – District 127 had this to say.

” The SBOE has played politics with the knowledge base needed by our students to succeed in a global and multicultural economy. The Texas House needs leadership in 2011 which will undo this insult to education.”

More reactions will come, I’m sure.

4 Comments

Posted in Bigots and Liars, Chicano Politics, Higher Education, Houston Politica, K-12 Education, Kingwood Politics, National Democrats, Texas Dems 2010, Texas Lege, U.S. Ethnic Relations

Election Results – My Neck of the Woods

Posted on May 8, 2010 | 1 comment

Lone Star College District FINAL

Position 5 In: 100%
David Branham 2513 25.9
Gail Stanart 2866 29.5
David Vogt (I) 3253 33.5
Glenn Ware 1089 11.2
Position 6 In: 100%
Margaret L. Cox 2894 31.5
Rick Diaz 835 9.1
Elizabeth Jensen 2,341 25.5
Bob Wolfe (I) 3117 33.9
Position 7 In: 100%
Richard Campbell (I) 3674 37.1
Linda S. Good 5229 52.9
Vernon Reed 987 10.0

Humble ISD Position 4 FINAL

Position 4 Early Voting City Hall NBE OE FE KMS CMS TALLY
Cunningham 425 41 60 74 37 53 59 749
Flickinger 97 1 10 9 10 20 43 190
Leopold 66 2 1 5 10 6 42 132
Position 5 Early Voting City Hall NBE OE FE KMS CMS TALLY
Engelage 452 29 50 59 39 51 101 781

Charles Cunningham soundly defeats two pro-voucher (and one pro-outsourcing of Janitors) candidates with 70% of vote.

For Galvestor Mayor Results, check out Muse!

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Posted in Kingwood Politics, Kingwood Stuff

Celebrate Joe’s 55th Birthday!

Posted on April 22, 2010 | Comments Off on Celebrate Joe’s 55th Birthday!

Happy Birthday to Joe Montemayor, Democratic candidate for State Representative – District 127.  Joe doesn’t need socks or ties for his birthday, he needs your contribution to take on the politics of obstruction and fear.

Friends,

On April 13, the Republicans decided that Dan Huberty should be our opponent in November.  What they don’t seem to realize is that we have known who our opponent is all along–the same old politics of Rick Perry, Joe Crabb and the Tea Party.

Right before they went to the polls, both Republicans in the run-off sold their souls to the Tea Party, promising to make this election an all-out attack on President Obama.  I say, Enough!

The people of District 127 deserve a representative in Austin who fights for them and not for a short-sighted political agenda that will set us back decades.  And they deserve a representative who is committed to finding the resources to fully fund our schools, to make college affordable, to ensure our small businesses are in a position to create jobs, and to ensure that the children of Texas have access to basic health care services.

I am committed to campaigning from now until November; in fact, I have never stopped since 2008.  Your contribution to my campaign will provide us the opportunity to reach the thousands of Democrats and independents we will need to win in November.  We can do this!

Let’s Celebrate Joe’s 55th Birthday! Contribute $5, $55, $555 or anything in between to help send Joe to Austin.

Thank you for your continued support. See you on the trail!

Democratically yours,

Joe Montemayor
Democrat for Texas House-District 127

Joe Montemayor is a product of Houston’s Denver Harbor. After high school, he served in the U.S. Navy for four years then embarked on a stellar 25 year career in what is now the Department of Homeland Security’s Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  During his tenure at ICE, Joe also served as Vice President and Shop Steward for the American Federation of Government Employees. He has lived in District 127 for over 15 years, now residing in Crosby, TX with his wife of 29 years Noemi.  Joe and Noemi have three adult children and five grandchildren.

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Posted in Endorsements, Kingwood Politics, Texas Dems 2010, Texas Lege

Thoughts On Viernes…04162010

Posted on April 16, 2010 | Comments Off on Thoughts On Viernes…04162010

From Our Wise Latina Bureau…

It’s always a great night when you get to watch an activist in action and Dolores Huerta’s presentation to a packed room at Lone Star College-Kingwood (yes, Kingwood), did not disappoint.  Providing a little history on her community organizing efforts dating back to organizing Mexican Americans in L.A. with the help of organizer Fred Ross to her work with Cesar Chavez and the UFW to her present work with her own Dolores Huerta Foundation, the crowd was in awe of this woman–and they gave her a couple of standing ovations, too.

One of the most notable parts of her presentation was her ability to excite the women in the audience, urging them to become civic-minded, run for public office, and take on positions of leadership and influence. More importantly, to continue their studies because, “if a woman gets an education, the entire family becomes educated.”

A huge thank you and congratulations to LSC-Kingwood History Professor Raul Reyes for spearheading this effort, and to the folks at LSC-Kingwood for their support, too.

Magali Reyes, Dolores Huerta, and Prof. Raul Reyes

Who’s next? Congressman Luis Gutierrez? Maybe Labor Secretary Hilda Solis? Or let’s go for broke and get Justice Sonia Sotomayor! Great job, Raul!

Mine, too, Kuff!

Kuff’s “Some of my best friends are white people” post gives some more thoughts on the whole Caucasian deputies group.  I agree with Kuff’s title to the post, or else, why can’t the inner loopers take me out of Kingwood?

They Doth Protest Too Much

At Sam Houston Race Park in northwest Houston, about 6,000 tea partiers cheered and waved American flags as speakers denounced President Barack Obama and repeatedly assured the crowd that they were not racist.

And then…

No Racism? (from Chron.com)

Well, so much for that.

MORE LATER!

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Posted in Chicano Politics, Cultura Chicana, DC Chicanos, Higher Education, Houston Politica, Kingwood Politics, Kingwood Stuff, Thoughts on Viernes, U.S. Ethnic Relations, Viva La Union, Wise Latinas

Dolores Huerta to Speak at Lone Star-Kingwood

Posted on April 14, 2010 | Comments Off on Dolores Huerta to Speak at Lone Star-Kingwood

If you all recall, Lone Star College-Kingwood is fast becoming a portal for Latino/Chicano speaking engagements, as was evidenced by last year’s presentation by Jose Angel Gutierrez.  Thanks to LSC-Kingwood History Professor Raul Reyes, the college will be featuring Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers and a popular speaker on all things political and cultural.

Dolores Huerta will speak at LSC-Kingwood on Thursday, April 15th at 6:30 PM.

I invite all of my DC Readers to trek up to Kingwood, once again, for what will be an historic speech featuring one of our greatest activists and speakers.

For added information, please contact Raul Reyes at raul.r.reyes [at] lonestar [dot] edu.

Get there early!

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Posted in Chicano Politics, Cultura Chicana, DC Chicanos, DREAM Act, Immigration, Kingwood Politics, Kingwood Stuff, Viva La Union

No, The Tea Party Ain’t Racist!

Posted on April 13, 2010 | Comments Off on No, The Tea Party Ain’t Racist!

Group Response:  YES IT IS!!!

“Illegals everywhere today! So many spics makes me feel like a speck. Grrr. Wheres my gun!?” said the March 21 posting on the site managed by the group’s founder, Sonny Thomas.

Turner said the comments upset her because she and Thomas have a 6-year-old son who is part Hispanic.

“Basically, it’s like he’s saying he hates his son,” Turner said.

Yes, folks, these are the same folks that HD-127’s Dan Huberty and Susan Curling bowed down to the other day.

Whether it is Huberty or Curling, Joe Montemayor seems to be taking on Rick Perry, Joe Crabb and the Tea Party.

Go Joe!

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Posted in Endorsements, Kingwood Politics, Republinutiness, Texas Dems 2010, Texas Lege