Tag Archives: City of Houston

Thoughts on Viernes – 03222024

Posted on March 22, 2024 | 1 comment

What To Do About SB4

Well, our friends at FIEL are holding a protest of the on-hold law on March 30, 11AM at Antioch Park, 554 Clay, Houston, TX. It’s time to rise up and send a message; and that goes for Democratic activists and politicians, too.

Given arguments before the 5th Circuit, there is only more confusion and uncertainty about actually enforcing the law and the people it affects. That means Abbott’s intent is working: Keep Brown and Black people living in fear and allow law enforcement to run amuck doing whatever terror they wish to do on these communities, while appeasing a bigoted base of voters. Seriously, if a fear-monger like Greg Abbott didn’t even want to listen the courts during the battle over his floating balls, do you expect him to follow the rules or enforce them on law enforcement agencies, especially constables?

And, no, we cannot wait until the November election to send a message. And the message isn’t only for Republinuts.

How Are We Paying For It?

Much like Kuff, I keep asking just how are we supposed to pay for the local mayor’s deal with the firefighters? First of all, kudos to my own CM Tiffany Thomas and District J’s guy for asking the questions of the deal that must be asked. When the guy in charge doesn’t rep one’s values, then one must rely on those that represent. In this case, I was certainly represented when they asked where the Fire Chief was involved in all of this, given his exclusion at certain events. The other questions were important, too.

Though something called judgment bonds will pay for everything up front, according to one article, it will cost $72 million per year for debt service payments. For how long? Probably longer than the 5-year union contract they whipped up. Certainly, the bond lawyers are making a load of cash faster than we can pay for it.

What are the options? Well, since the City is facing a $60 million deficit for the next budget, it’ll probably be cuts to needed programs and increases in other fees. Certainly property taxes and increasing the revenue cap should be considered. Partnering with the county on some things is another idea, but that would entail County Judge Lina Hidalgo being acknowledged by the Houston guy.

Also, a reminder to the guy in charge: Just because you say “transparency” doesn’t mean you’re being transparent.

Fascist, Election Denying Loser on the METRO Board

I think that’s all that needs to be said about this. And no, she didn’t “win” anything…again!

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Posted in Accion, City of Houston, Local Politica, Media, Sensible Immigration Reform, Texas Lege, Thoughts on Viernes

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The Stace Slate: 2023 Run-Off Edition

Posted on November 27, 2023 | Comments Off on The Stace Slate: 2023 Run-Off Edition

As I’ve mentioned previously, the voters of Houston did us a favor in picking polar opposites to choose from in the 2023 City of Houston Run-Off Election. It should be an easy election for voters as long as turn-out is energized and demanding of justice-oriented representation.

Early Voting begins on Monday, November 27 and goes on through December 5. Find your sample ballot here. Find a polling location here.

The Stace Slate is:

Mayor – Sheila Jackson Lee

City Council At-Large 1 – Melanie Miles

City Council At-Large 2 – Nick Hellyar

City Council At-Large 3 – Richard Cantu

City Council At-Large 4 – Letitia Plummer

City Controller – Chris Hollins

Races Not On My Ballot:

City Council District D – Carolyn Evans-Shabazz

City Council District H – Mario Castillo

Just a reminder that these picks are not made based on memberships, money exchanges, promises of special awards, positions, or keys to the city. I’m just a frequent brown voter who cares.

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Posted in 2023, Accion, City of Houston, Cultura, Elections, Local Politica, Media, Voting Rights

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Who’s Moving On To Round 2?

Posted on November 8, 2023 | 1 comment

Looks like we will have a pretty busy run-off season from now to December. Some of the busier races for Mayor and City Council will require a run-off election. As of 9:15pm, it seemed that voters would have clear choices between ideological opposites in those races.

Houston and Harris County voters supported the Hospital Bond and the two City propositions. In the City races, here’s how things look as of 6AM.

As expected, in the race for Mayor, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee will be in a run-off with John Whitmire. SJL earned almost 80% of the vote in Fort Bend County, but can she overcome a big gap in Houston? Predictions from local experts say it will be a nasty race. But while the Mayoral race will be the big draw, there will be enough run-offs in our various districts and at-large posts to add to peoples’ interest.

In At-Large 1, Melanie Miles was assisted by Fort Bend to be the top vote-getter but will be in a run-off with republican Julian Ramirez. In At-Large 2, republican-supported pastor Willie Davis will be in a run-off with Nick Hellyar. DC has supported Hellyar in the past. At-Large 3, Richard Cantu bested Twila Carter by thousands of votes, but will be heading to the run-off. In At-Large 4, incumbent Letitia Plummer came close to an outright win, but will now need to beat a republinut piece of furniture. And in At-Large 5, incumbent Sallie Alcorn cruised to a second term. ‘

In the race for City Controller, Chris Hollins went as high as 48% in Houston before coming down to 44%. The Fort Bend numbers added a bit but were not enough to avoid a run-off with perennial loser republinut Orlando Sanchez, who took the wind out of Dave Martin’s more bipartisan, yet still republican, sails.

In District B, Tarsha Jackson was re-elected overwhelmingly. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz of District D will be in a run-off with Travis McGee. One run-off I did not want was the one in District G between two republicans whose base I’d rather they stay home. In District H, Mario Castillo and Cynthia Reyes Revilla will face off. All other district reps were easily re-elected.

And in District I, big congrats to Joaquin Martinez on a big win. I’ve been following Joaquin’s path for a while and there is no doubt in my mind that he will serve with the people in mind.

And a thought on District J: This should have been a better challenge of an overfunded incumbent with other aspirations who cannot seem to excite the voters in this district to show up on election day. There’s always 2027 when the incumbent is term-limited.

Overall, I agree with Kuff’s assessment and hope that republicans have reached their ceiling, though, enough of them can and will put Whitmire in office which explains my concern about turnout in District G.

Still, I have some worry regarding some of these races and how demographics can win the day for the wrong people. More on that as we move forward…quickly. Otherwise, it seems our County Clerk ran the election well with only a few technical problems. I expect things to be even better for the run-off.

Oh, and Congrats to Kentucky, Ohio, and Virginia on their big wins for the good side.

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Posted in 2023, City of Houston, Cultura, Elections, Harris County, History, Local Politica, Media, Republinuttiness

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The Stace Slate – November 2023 Election

Posted on October 23, 2023 | 1 comment

Well, it’s that time again. It’s time to vote. Early voting begins October 23 and ends on November 3. And Election Day is on November 7. You may vote at any of the county’s Vote Centers. Find yours here.

So, here are the choices on my own ballot:

  • State of Texas Prop 1 – NO
  • State of Texas Prop 2 – YES
  • State of Texas Prop 3 – NO
  • State of Texas Prop 4 – NO
  • State of Texas Prop 5 – YES
  • State of Texas Prop 6 – YES
  • State of Texas Prop 7 – NO
  • State of Texas Prop 8 – YES
  • State of Texas Prop 9 – YES
  • State of Texas Prop 10 – NO
  • State of Texas Prop 11 – YES
  • State of Texas Prop 12 – YES
  • State of Texas Prop 13 – NO
  • State of Texas Prop 14 – YES
  • Harris County Hospital District Prop A – YES
  • City of Houston Mayor – Sheila Jackson Lee
  • City Council At Large 1 – Leah Wolfthal
  • City Council At Large 2 – Holly Flynn Vilaseca
  • City Council At Large 3 – Richard Cantu
  • City Council At Large 4 – Letitia Plummer
  • City Council At Large 5 – Sally Alcorn
  • City Controller – Chris Hollins
  • City of Houston District F – NO PICK
  • City of Houston Prop A – YES
  • City of Houston Prop B – YES

Explanation

My first choice for Mayor would have been Robert Gallegos because of his experience at City Hall and his willingness to stand up for what is right. Unfortunately for Gallegos, I know I really do not want Whitmire in office and I am a definite NO for most everyone else on the ballot for various reasons, except SJL. Whatever polling has been done tells us that a run-off will be between Sheila Jackson Lee and Whitmire. A message needs to be sent early on that Jackson Lee is the best choice because she has a track record of standing up for the people and will always have them in mind. SJL says it best, “Tell me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you who you are,” and there is much to be said about some of Whitmire’s right-wing supporters.

And the local fish wrap must learn that playing for both teams in some vain attempt at bipartisanship doesn’t get us anywhere as a community, especially when one team is filled with fascist election deniers who never have the people in mind. Whitmire has been deadset on playing that game–a game in which the people lose and politicians gain–for most of his 50 years in office. So, I’m with Sheila Jackson Lee.

Whatever their reason for walking lock-step with Whitmire, I must say I’m disappointed with some in the local Latino establishment for looking away from Whitmire’s connections to election deniers. These are the same election deniers who constantly attack County Judge Lina Hidalgo and our Democratic judges. Latino elected officials and their influencers must do better than just aim for political opportunism and expediency.

My picks for AL2 and AL3 were obvious ones. Both Holly Flynn Vilaseca and Richard Cantu have been elected policymakers and have led on important issues that affect us every day. Plummer in AL4 has taken stands in favor of police reform and rent reform, so my enthusiasm for her hasn’t waned. In AL5, I have not been impressed with the incumbent like some of my friends in politics, but the opposition isn’t even on the radar. In AL1, Leah Wolfthal seems to have made more of an effort in her communications to address the diverse community that is Houston on issues that matter–infrastructure and illegal dumping. And in my own district, the incumbent is unopposed, so it doesn’t matter what I say. The obvious choice for City Controller is Chris Hollins.

Whatever you do, VOTE EARLY!

Other Races not on my ballot:

  • District I – Joaquin Martinez
  • District H – Mario Castillo
  • District J – As a former resident, I can say that more choices are needed–at the very least one progressive candidate. The incumbent is an overfunded political opportunist with right-wing tendencies in a dismally low turnout district. Playing the fear game against him will not work as a strategy, but there was a lot to work with to point out the incumbent’s weaknesses that the opponent avoided in favor of social media shouting matches. Unfortunately, this is a lost opportunity to defeat an incumbent with an obviously large price tag hanging from him.
  • District B – Tarsha Jackson

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Posted in 2023, Accion, City of Houston, Cultura, Elections, Local Politica, Media, Voting Rights

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Thoughts on Viernes – 09282023

Posted on September 29, 2023 | Comments Off on Thoughts on Viernes – 09282023

The COVID Report

Trying to decipher the dashboard regarding COVID-19 in the wastewater seems to be getting easier for me. The last measure reported was for September 18 and that tells us that the viral load was at 166% compared to the baseline from 2020. There doesn’t seem to be a recent percentage of positivity. Despite the downward trends in the wastewater and hospitalizations, COVID-19 is still out there.

The updated COVID-19 vaccine is out there; unfortunately, one has to look for it; especially if one is uninsured. Vaccines.gov is a bit of a dud–or maybe vaccines aren’t all that accessible yet. According to the CDC, Walgreens and CVS are participating in the Bridge Access Program, which is being paid for with leftover pandemic funds so the 25 to 30 million uninsured can have access to the shot–at least through December of 2024.

At least one uninsured person I know was turned away from a CVS (when they showed up) because of shortages that made them prioritize what they had for insured individuals. Considering that Bridge Access Program is a public-private venture, this shouldn’t be happening. Luckily, that person has become more of a fan of Walgreens, who provided the shot no questions asked.

I also heard through the grapevine that the County may not be providing them just yet, or they have shortages, too. And neither them nor the city health department seems to have a portal with which to register. So, this roll-out isn’t all that great. But at least money is being exchanged, right? Note: The shot is $150 if one is uninsured or denied by CVS.

The City Elections

As an avid voter, I feel so untargeted by candidates running for Mayor and City Council. Or I feel targeted by candidates for which I have no intention of voting. Perhaps money is being spent on the ground by those candidates I like, but the ads from people for whom I have no intention of voting are on the air and in my mailbox. Bottom line: This is one boring election in which one (if one is paying attention at social media) only sees selfies and event photos on Facebook; and, most of the time, it’s the same people in the photos. Certainly, it seems like the same people in the direct mail pieces.

With so much talk about democracy being threatened, our side doesn’t seem to be making much effort to improve the democracy we have. We cannot be content with lower voter turnouts and calling it “democracy.” But I’m at a point where I’m not sure it can be fixed. Or if those in charge ever want to fix it. People seem to care less; at least, until something happens to them.

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Posted in 2023, Cultura, DC Promo, Harris County, Health Care, History, Local Politica, Media

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Holly Flynn Vilaseca for At-Large #2

Posted on September 21, 2023 | Comments Off on Holly Flynn Vilaseca for At-Large #2

Once again, a big thank you to Off the Kuff for all of the hard work of herding candidates and interviewing them for the upcoming local elections. With so many forums and meetings, it gets to a point where it’s just the same people in attendance and the people at-large get little information on candidates, other than post cards and maybe a door knock and TV ad. Kuff is doing us a real service with these interviews.

That said, Kuff interviewed my friend Holly Flynn Vilaseca who is running for City Council At-Large #2.

I’ve known Holly for over a decade and have witnessed her growth from community advocate to elected official, while also working as a private sector professional and parent. Her multi-faceted experience is what we need at City Council–someone who knows the reality of living in an ever-changing Houston and is ready to respond to those realities. She has proved this much during her tenure on the Houston ISD school board, as an educator, and in the private sector. Holly is more than ready to serve the entire city of Houston.

But don’t take it from me. Listen to the interview! It’s a really good 21 minutes of what we can expect from her. Also, read about her campaign.

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Posted in 2023, Accion, Cultura, Education - K12, Elections, Harris County, Health Care, Las Mujeres, Local Politica, Media, Voting Rights

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Thoughts on Viernes – 07282023

Posted on July 28, 2023 | Comments Off on Thoughts on Viernes – 07282023

A Shorter Pipeline

Kudos to Mayor Sylvester Turner for calling out Greg Abbott’s HISD puppet after the latest “gimmick” to turn school libraries into “discipline centers.” And for rejecting the photo op.

In an intense speech during a city council meeting Wednesday, Turner slammed Miles’ plans to turn some school libraries into discipline areas, where misbehaving students will be sent to learn virtually. He said the change targets “selected communities.” All of the campuses that will undergo the change serve large percentages of students from lower-income families.

Definitely a shorter school-to-prison pipeline being put in place by Greg Abbott. Some of my friends, good ones, think we need to let this takeover work because it has to work, or else. But personnel changes are already affecting livelihoods and now this? We’re talking about affecting futures. I agree with the Mayor:

“The state may have put him in, but he shouldn’t assume that people are just gonna be quiet and not respond,” Turner said. “When you start closing libraries, you have crossed the line. You’ve certainly crossed the line with me.”

Public Higher Education is Going to Shit

The various debacles at Texas A&M are showing us that public higher education in Texas is under threat. Whether its upper level and external supporter involvement in getting rid of a highly qualified Black prospective educator or suspending a professor because a snowflake politician was offended by their work, these are activities that could happen at any state university.

Most coverage regarding faculty fear for their jobs concentrates on A&M, but I’ve heard from a few faculty of color around the state who definitely worry about retribution from bigoted administration and government officials who don’t necessarily like what they teach. Any whiny complaint from a snowflake accusing one of being “woke” can cost someone their job and the respect earned from their research.

We’ve been here before. When Chicanos rose up to fight for their rights in Texas, those in charge targeted them, initiated investigations, and destroyed lives with lies. And that wasn’t too long ago.

DC COVID REPORT
Well, we reached 12.6% positivity and 135% wastewater load this week. We’ve been experiencing weekly increases for the last few weeks and no one seems to be noticing–or people are just in denial. Dr. Peter Hotez was interviewed by FOX26 and reiterated the importance of N95 and KN95 masks in crowded activities, especially during the Barbie and Oppenheimer releases at theaters. While being vaccinated will help if you get COVID-19, it certainly doesn’t protect you from its long-term effects.

Those who are immunocompromised or have other ailments which could worsen an infection continue to be under threat. Nothing angers me more than a doctor’s office in the famed Texas Medical Center which refuses to mask, or at the very least take a patient’s concerns for lack of masking in the office seriously. It’s bad enough that fools go unmasked and get reinfected, but when the people some need in order to remain healthy add to the frustration, well, it leaves one with little hope.

So, mask up if you’re in a big group of people, or at a store, or at a DOCTOR’S OFFICE. It’s not that difficult.

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Posted in 2023, Accion, City of Houston, Cultura, Education - K12, Elections, Health Care, Higher Education, Local Politica, Media

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That First Mayoral Poll

Posted on July 27, 2023 | Comments Off on That First Mayoral Poll

At first glance, the first poll to come out regarding the race for Mayor sent a bit of a chill down my spine, with the revelation that Sheila Jackson Lee would fall short in a run-off. Then, Kuff calmed my fears a little with his assessment of what is only a first poll of the race.

Then, when one finds out that it is republinut voters who by far support John Whitmire, well, Sheila Jackson Lee’s path to victory seems a little clearer in a run-off. Ultimately, it’s all about turn-out.

Whitmire’s edge over Jackson Lee in a runoff came largely from his anticipated sweep of Republican votes, with a whopping 88 percent of GOP respondents favoring him over Jackson Lee.

Whitmire has earned the support of election deniers and bigots, it seems, as well as a majority of independents, at this point in time. No doubt, this poll does show that those who support Jackson Lee are strong in their support, and those who support Whitmire probably are voting against Jackson Lee more than anything. Just my guess.

Who turns out in a lower turnout run-off election is the bigger question.

While the Rice U guy seems to treat this snapshot as the end-all look at this race, considering his comments, it’s only the first poll. Frankly, I didn’t get interested until I saw the fundraising numbers, and there is so much more on the news in which people are interested. We haven’t even arrived at actual campaign messaging at this point.

So, this race for Mayor is far from over.

Besides, the more one panders and sells one’s soul to republicans, the better a view Democrats will have about a candidate.

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Posted in 2023, Accion, City of Houston, Cultura, Democratic Stuff, Elections, Las Mujeres, Media

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Houston Democracy Project Challenges COH Candidates

Posted on July 15, 2023 | Comments Off on Houston Democracy Project Challenges COH Candidates

My friend, Neil Aquino, has been hard at work, well, forever. Whether it’s blogging, organizing the weekly protest at the office of John Cornyn, volunteering on campaigns, or now, organizing the Houston Democracy Project, he is busy trying to save us from attacks on our democracy.

As he describes it: The Houston Democracy Project is committed to empowering rank & file Houstonians to fight to expand and protect democracy. Holding our candidates and elected officials accountable is an essential part of this mission. Please support the Houston Democracy Project.

And that seems to be the biggest challenge: Accountability from our candidates and elected officials when it comes to a variety of issues, especially the preservation of our democracy.

Citing wasteful republican sore-loser lawsuits against Democratic winners of elections in 2022, as well as the recent removal of elected Houston ISD school board members by Greg Abbott, the Houston Democracy Project has challenged the newest crop of local candidates for City Council to stand up against these attacks.

Candidates for all city offices, Mayor, Controller, City Council and the HCC board, must fully join the fight, speaking and acting. There is too much on the line in the most diverse city in America for municipal candidates to hide behind the tired and failed model of low-turnout elections often funded by special interests. Republicans don’t treat these races as non-partisan. Neither should we. 

Aquino issued the following questions of the candidates:

It is moderate and mainstream to insist freedom be protected. Without democracy, there is no public safety. It is extremist to look the other way. Here is what the Houston Democracy Project asks: 

Will you make democracy a top issue in the 2023 campaign?

Will you make clear you are a Democrat on the campaign trail and on campaign literature and websites?

​What will you do if elected to increase turnout in Houston city elections?     

Will you pledge to be active part of the 2024 Harris County Democratic campaign?

What efforts will you make to develop new Black and brown organizing strength and political talent in Houston? 

If seeking police union endorsements, did you insist that any such union stop supporting people trying to overturn our elections like Dan Patrick and Alexandra Mealer. Do you see protecting democracy as a top of issue of public safety? 

Let’s face it, from the top of the ticket to those vying for Council, some are just too chummy with supporters of those who attack our democracy and our values. Whether it’s kissing up to Fascist Mack and his anti-democratic ilk, or to bigoted organizations who support awful policing practices, or accepting the endorsements of individuals and former elected officials with a track record of anti-migrant and anti-Latino statements, the voters need to know who is willing to stand up to these groups.

Now, as a lifelong Democrat, I’ll be the first to admit that there are those in the Party who are apologists of right-wing interests. Mostly, they’ll sell the idea that both sides are needed to win an election, as if somehow one can balance supporters of democracy with sore-loser election deniers. As if those who support diversity can somehow effect a solution by working with those denying equal opportunity to people of color. It is safe to say that solutions aren’t even a goal of these politicians. The bottom line is that too many candidates are now willing to use the one side that has supported them, while appeasing the other side for the sole purpose of winning. And what is left after that? More often than not, it is those with a progressive view that are sold out by the winner because debts must be paid to those who bought them, first.

So, the Houston Democracy Project is doing us a huge favor in trying to weed out those that are against democracy. A few may be so bold as to say they are against democracy, defending bigots and election deniers. The message of those who stay silent, though, will be loud and clear. So, candidates need to answer the Houston Democracy Project’s simple questions.

Good weekend to all!

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Posted in 2023, Accion, City of Houston, Cultura, Democratic Stuff, Elections, Harris County, History, Local Politica, Media

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COVID-19 Creep-Up Continues

Posted on June 1, 2022 | 1 comment

The latest 14-day COVID-19 positivity report from Houston Health now has us at 14.5% and the viral load in the wastewater is at 242%. I’m a little confused as to whether they call this “low,” or if they are saying vaccines will keep the number low. Well, I’m still back in 2020 when 5% positivity was causing freak-outs and freaking out that people are still allowing the rate to increase by staying unvax’d and/or unmasked.

I did a couple of reportable by app at-home tests last week. I got hit hard by something last week that laid me out, at least for parts of a few days. Fatigue, low-grade fever, chills, sinusitis, but no COVID-19 positivity. Thankfully, I’m doing better and I’m glad that it wasn’t COVID-19. Still, quite a few friends and acquaintances report they’ve been hit by COVID-19. I try not to be mean and ask, “Are you still wearing masks in crowds? Because I see your partying selfies without masks.” So, I just wish them well and hope they get through it quickly.

I still mask up at stores, at restaurants while I wait for my order, or in any kind of crowd. Too many unmasked folks out there! I’ve opened my life to a few more friends in my vicinity, and while it warms the heart, I still worry. Thankfully, those I associate with are not anti-maskers, don’t get offended by masks if I wear one, and are very much vaccinated. And that’s how I keep fighting against COVID-19.

The summer is just starting and things may worsen for some. Get vax’d and boosted, and do what you can to promote mask-wearing and staying away from crowds.

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Posted in Accion, City of Houston, Cultura, Environmental, Health Care

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