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Volume X Number 19 - October 28, 2011     RSS Feed
A Periodic Newsletter for Committed Texas Conservatives


In This Issue

TCR City Election Editorial

TCR 2011 City Of Houston Election Questionnaire

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Gary Polland
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TCR 2011 City of Houston Voter Guide
Read the Voter Guide Online


TCR City Election Editorial

This is an interesting year in local politics. With the Obama economy still struggling nationally, and with the City of Houston suffering too - though not to the extent of the rest of the country - there is much political turmoil.

As we have stated previously in TCR, "all politics is local and city elections prove it." Local government is closest to its citizens and it impacts all of our daily lives more than the State of Texas and the Federal Government combined. City elections may be non-partisan, but they are definitely not non-ideological.

So for conservatives, even in a Democratic-leaning city, who wins makes a difference. The City of Houston makes decisions which give conservatives an opportunity to advance our concepts of a limited local government and a low flat tax environment so the private sector can create more wealth for our citizens.

For 2011, TCR, in consultation with key conservatives, has devised twelve yes or no questions (see list of questions below) for the candidates. Some candidates chose to answer in narrative form rather than yes or no. Where this occurred, your Editor analyzed the response and extracted a yes or no answer. Some answers had significant qualifications and those were graded as half correct. TCR awarded a letter grade based on the number of correct answers, "A" being the best and "F" being the worst, just like your school grades.

Participation matters, so if a candidate chose not to respond, they received an automatic F. The mailed edition will feature the questions/answers and grades of the Mayoral candidates, and grades only for the other races. Here, you can follow the link of the candidate's name and the document will contain everything we received from the candidates. Where appropriate in down ballot races, TCR has endorsed and when we do, it is our policy to tell you why.

Mayor's race: Since the advent of term limits, major challenges to the incumbent occur infrequently. This year a number of well-qualified conservatives passed on the race, among them Paul Bettencourt, former Secretary of Education Rod Paige, Vidal Martinez and Bill King. The actual candidates running are good people, but have limited financing for their campaign. All started with little or no name identification. despite numerous requests not all of the candidates responded.

Mayor

Fernando Herrera, Grade B. Herrera is deputy Chief of the Houston Fire Department and prior to the HFD he managed a manufacturing company for 14 years. He is running for Mayor on issues such as cleaning up the crime lab mess, the Metro mess, and streamlining city regulations.

Jack O'Connor, Grade A. O'Connor is a successful businessman in the oil business and a long time Republican activist. If elected he will bring back our lost jobs, stop reckless city hall spending and make neighborhoods safe.

Annise Parker, Grade A-. TCR was pleasantly surprised that Mayor Annise Parker scored near the top. Her answers and performance in office indicate Parker is the most fiscally conservative mayor in over a decade, and she balanced the budget in hard economic times. She is a former executive at Mosbacher Energy and has been involved in City government for 14 years.

KevIn Simms, Grade A. He is a former supervisor at the University of Houston and former district director for Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee. He is running on stopping "irresponsible city spending, which makes holding the line on taxes difficult," rehiring all laid off city employees, and helping small business with city contracts.

Amanda Ulman, Grade F. Unknown candidate and no response.

Dave Wilson, Grade A. Wilson has been a candidate numerous times, most recently he attempted to run for County Commissioner as a Democrat. He is a businessman who has experience in dealing with tough financial times, having lived through a near bankruptcy. He was a leader in the referendum against same sex partner benefits. He is running as a fiscal conservative who will cut water rates and get rid of the drainage fee.

Endorsements

District A
Brenda Stardig or Helena Brown - An "A" and "A-" respectively on the TCR questionnaire, making them ideologically evenly matched. Stardig is the incumbent, while Brown is a long-time grassroots activist. A vote for either is a solid investment in Houston’s future.

District C
Brian Cweren - The only viable conservative in the race who holds a coveted endorsement by the Harris County Republican Party. Cweren has run a strong campaign and is the conservative’s odds-on favorite.

District E
Mike Sullivan - Leading conservative on Houston City Council.

District G
Oliver Pennington - Pennington brings a much needed expertise in evaluating and executing public projects, thoughtful leadership and a statesmanlike quality to Houston City Council. He has been an effective leader and a strong supporter of conservative issues.

At Large Position 1
Stephen Costello - A visionary conservative leader who has innovative ideas on how to save the city budget and still get essential services to citizens.

At Large Position 2
Andrew Burks Jr. - Amongst a diverse multicandidate field, Reverend Burks brings an interesting perspective to the race and earned a perfect TCR score.

At Large Position 4
C. O. "Brad" Bradford - This incumbent and former HPD Chief of Police has a conservative voting record and is an emerging leader on council. With the only "A" grade, Bradford is the obvious choice.

At Large Position 5
Jack Christie or Laurie Robinson - Two great options to replace the ethically challenged incumbent. Both are personable and scored A’s on the TCR questionnaire indicating a commitment to conservative ideals.

Cy-Fair ISD Trustee Position 1
Kelly Horsley - School Board positions are very important. When TCR discovers an outstanding conservative candidate like Kelly Horsley, we must call her to your attention. Kelly is a long-time conservative leader who will make Cy-Fair a "destination district."

TCR 2011 City Of Houston Election Questionnaire

  1. Do you support capping residential property tax appraisals at a maximum 5% increase per year?

  2. Do you support a requirement that the city not raise taxes without a supermajority of at least 60% of City Council?

  3. Do you support a spending cap limiting the increase in city spending to the rate of growth of population plus inflation?

  4. Do you support establishing a "GRACE" type commission to identify ways for the city to eliminate fraud, waste, abuse, incompetence and suggested operating efficiencies?

  5. Do you support the consolidation of city functions with Harris County where it is practical?

  6. Do you support ending race and gender based affirmative action programs to be replaced by a need based system?

  7. Do you support the right of City Council members to add items to the City Council Agenda if approved by a majority of members?

  8. Do you believe that government should take private property from individuals or corporations for the "good of the community" without paying fair compensation?

  9. Do you support dedicating a part of city revenue to infrastructure and flood control projects?

  10. Do you support expansion or reorganization of the police department so that officers patrol with a partner, at least during night hours?

  11. Do you support privatizing city business type functions like the Convention and Visitors Bureau?

  12. Do you support letting voters decide if they want to have a first responders fee dedicated to enhancing the Houston Police and Fire Departments?
TCR 2011 City Of Houston Elections Questionnaire
Question Numbers
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Grade
OFFICE TCR POSITIONS Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y 100%

Click on candidate names to view questionnaire which may contain extended remarks and comments.

MAYOR
Kevin Simms Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y A
Amanda Ulman
Did Not Respond
F
Dave Wilson Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y A
Fernando Herrera Y Y Y Y Y ½ Y N ½ Y Y N B
Annise Parker Y Y Y Y Y ½ ½ N Y Y Y Y A-
Jack O'Connor Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y A
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT A
Brenda Stardig Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y A
Helena Brown Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N Y Y Y A-
Bob Schoellkopf
Did Not Respond
F
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT B
Kenneth Perkins
Did Not Respond
F
James Joseph
Did Not Respond
F
Kathy Blueford-Daniels
Did Not Respond
F
Philip Bryant
Did Not Respond
F
Alvin Byrd
Did Not Respond
F
Jerry Davis
Did Not Respond
F
Charles Ingram
Did Not Respond
F
Bryan Smart
Did Not Respond
F
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT C
Randy Locke Y Y N Y Y Y Y N Y N ½ N C
Josh Verde
Did Not Respond
F
Ellen Cohen Y N N Y Y N N N Y Y N N D
Karen Derr
Did Not Respond
F
Brian Cweren Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y A
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT D
Larry McKinzie
Did Not Respond
F
Wanda Adams
Did Not Respond
F
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT E
Mike Sullivan
Did Not Respond
F
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT F
Al Hoang
Did Not Respond
F
Hoc Thai Nguyen
Did Not Respond
F
Peter 'Lyn' Rene
Did Not Respond
F
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT G
Clyde Bryan
Did Not Respond
F
Oliver Pennington Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y A
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT H
Patricia Rodriguez
Did Not Respond
F
Edward Gonzalez
Did Not Respond
F
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT I
Leticia Ablaza
Did Not Respond
F
James Rodriguez
Did Not Respond
F
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT J
Mike Laster
Did Not Respond
F
Rodrigo Cañedo Y Y N Y Y N Y N Y Y Y Y B
Criselda Romero
Did Not Respond
F
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT K
Pat Frazier
Did Not Respond
F
Larry Green
Did Not Respond
F
Alex Gonik
Did Not Respond
F
CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE POSITION 1
Stephen C. Costello Y Y Y Y Y Y N N Y Y Y Y A-
James Partsch-Galvan
Did Not Respond
F
Scott Boates Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N Y Y Y A-
Don Cook
Did Not Respond
F
CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE POSITION 2
Kristi Thibaut
Did Not Respond
F
Elizabeth C. Perez Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N - Y Y Y A-
Andrew C Burks Jr Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y A
Gordon R. Goss
Did Not Respond
F
Bolivar Fraga Y Y Y Y Y - Y N Y Y - Y B
Eric B. Dick Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y A
Jenifer Rene Pool Y N - - Y - Y N Y Y - - D
M. Griff Griffin
Did Not Respond
F
David W. Robinson N N N Y Y N Y N Y Y Y Y D
Roslyn 'Rozzy' Shorter
Did Not Respond
F
CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE POSITION 3
Melissa Noriega
Did Not Respond
F
Chris Carmona Y Y Y N Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y A-
J. Brad Batteau
Did Not Respond
F
CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE POSITION 4
Louis Molnar
Did Not Respond
F
Amy Price
Did Not Respond
F
C.O. 'Brad' Bradford Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y A
CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE POSITION 5
Laurie Robinson Y Y Y Y Y N Y N Y Y Y Y A-
Jolanda Jones
Did Not Respond
F
Jack Christie Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y Y A
Bob Ryan
Did Not Respond
F
CITY CONTROLLER
Ronald Green
Did Not Respond
F

Check your mailbox for the City of Houston Edition of the Texas Conservative Review Election Guide with all the information you need to cast an informed ballot.


TCR on the Air

Red, White & Blue featuring TCR Editor Gary Polland and liberal commentator David Jones, Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and replaying Sundays at 5:00 p.m. on PBS Houston Channel 8 and on the web at www.houstonpbs.org.

Upcoming shows on City of Houston municipal races:
10/28/11: City of Houston Mayoral Race with guests Nancy Sims, Orlando Sanchez and Jacob Monty.

For a fun feature go to www.houstonpbs.org and under Red White and Blue, you can see commentary about the show and its guests by Gary and David each week. The current show as well as past shows are also available on YouTube.

About Your Editor

Gary Polland is a long-time conservative and Republican spokesman, fund-raiser, and leader who completed three terms as the Harris County Republican Chairman. During his three terms, Gary was described as the most successful county Chairman in America by Human Events - The National Conservative Weekly. He is in his thirteenth year of editing a newsletter dealing with key conservative and Republican issues. The last ten years he has edited Texas Conservative Review. As a public service for the last 6 years, Gary has published election guides for the GOP primary, general elections and city elections, all with the purpose of assisting conservative candidates. Gary is also in his ninth year of co-hosting Red, White and Blue on PBS Houston. Gary is a practicing attorney and strategic consultant. He can be reached at (713) 621-6335.

© 2011 Texas Conservative Review
The Texas Conservative Review is published as a public service by Gary Polland
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