Monday, November 23, 2009
Annise Parker Wins Houston Chronicle Endorsement
Houston, TX – Annise Parker has won the endorsement of the Houston Chronicle in her campaign for Mayor of the City of Houston.
In the early edition of the Sunday, November 22, newspaper, the Chronicle said that Parker “is clearly better equipped by experience for the job.” The editorial continued, “In her dozen years in municipal office, she has established a record as an effective fiscal conservative.”
The Chronicle outlined Parker’s experience and background that make her the best candidate for mayor and then concluded:
“In both her public and personal life, Parker has maintained high ethical standards and decorum in her years as an elected official. No scandals have occurred on her watch. As mayor she will present the city’s best face to the world, one of tolerance, diversity and compassion for all citizens.
“The Chronicle urges voters to allow Parker to take her high standards and solid record of accomplishment to the city’s highest office.”
“I am honored to have the endorsement of the Houston Chronicle,” said Parker, “and the support of thousands of Houstonians who want a no-frills approach that makes government leaner and more efficient so we can preserve vital city services in this tough economy without raising taxes.”
Friday, October 23, 2009
State Representative Garnet Coleman Endorses Annise Parker
Houston, TX – In the latest in a series of key endorsements, Texas State Representative Garnet Coleman announced his support for Annise Parker for Mayor.
“Annise Parker has the experience and vision we need to get us through these tough times,” said Coleman. “I’m supporting Annise Parker because she believes in fairness – and for the last 12 years has proven that when we call on her, she’s there for us.”
Parker said, “I am blessed to have a friend like Garnet Coleman – who works so hard for all of us. And I am especially honored by his support for my campaign.”
Coleman’s support comes on the heels of an impressive string of endorsements from a broad-based coalition of organizations and individuals. Coleman joins the tens of thousands of Houstonians supporting Annise Parker, including former State Representative and Candidate for U.S. Senate Rick Noriega, State Representatives Ellen Cohen, Jessica Farrar and Scott Hochberg, Harris County Board of Education Trustee Jim Henley, the Houston Chronicle, Semana News, Que Onda Magazine, African American News & Issues, Annie’s List, EMILY’s List, the Harris County Democrats and the Harris County Young Democrats, the Houston Federation of Teachers, the Houston Police Patrolmen’s Union, Houston Metro Police, the Harris County Afro-American Sherrif’s Deputy League, HOPE Local 123, SEIU Local 1, UNITE HERE Local 25, the Harris County AFL-CIO Council, Seafarers International Union, Plumbers Local Union No. 68, Houstonians for Responsible Growth, Houston GLBTPC PAC and a multitude of local political bloggers, to name a few. A full list of endorsements can be found at http://www.AnniseParker.com/Supporters.
Representative Coleman has served the Houston area in the Texas House of Representatives since 1991, and has built a substantial body of accomplishments at the national, state and local levels of government. His leadership is known and respected throughout Houston and his endorsement will carry substantial influence.
“Annise has strong ideas about creating jobs and making our neighborhoods safer,” said Coleman. “These choices are never easy, and I have more than one good friend in this race. I have been a longtime supporter and friend of Annise Parker. I gave my support to Annise a little less than two years ago, because of her qualifications. Please join me in voting for my good friend Annise Parker for Mayor.”
Thursday, October 1, 2009
EMILY’s List Endorses Annise Parker for Mayor of Houston
WASHINGTON, D.C. – EMILY’s List, the nation’s largest financial resource for women candidates, today announced its endorsement of Annise Parker for Mayor of Houston. In 2003, EMILY’s List endorsed Parker through the Political Opportunity Program in her successful race for City Controller of Houston.
“As a businesswoman, city councilor, and city controller, Annise Parker has made a lifelong commitment to the people of Houston,” said Ellen R. Malcolm, President of EMILY’s List. “Her strong fiscal management is helping lead Houston through these tough economic times. As mayor, Annise will continue working to keep Houston’s economy strong and creating jobs and opportunity for it’s residents. EMILY’s List is proud to endorse Annise Parker to be the next Mayor of Houston.”
Following a twenty year career in business, Parker was elected to the Houston City Council in 1997. After six years as an at-large member of the city council, she was elected city controller, the second-highest ranking position in Houston. Parker’s fiscal responsibility and strong guidance during the economic downturn has helped Houston avoid a major financial crisis.
Upon winning in November 2009, Parker will be mayor of the largest city in Texas and the fourth largest city in the United States.
“I’m thrilled to once again earn the support EMILY’s List. Their commitment to women and enthusiastic endorsement is exactly what will help us win this election,” said Parker.
In addition to serving as the city controller, Parker is a board member of the Holocaust Museum Houston and an advisory board member of the Houston Zoo. Parker has been named, “Councilmember of the Year” by the Houston Police Officers Union. In 2008, Houston Women Magazine named her one of Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women. Parker is a life long resident of Houston where she lives with her life partner, Kathy Hubbard and their two children.
EMILY’s List is the nation’s largest financial resource for women candidates. The Political Opportunity Program (POP) helps pro-choice Democratic women run and win for state and local office. POP has helped elect hundreds of women across the country since the program started in 2001.
In the 2007-2008 cycle, EMILY’s List raised more than $43 million to support its mission of recruiting and supporting women candidates, helping them build strong campaigns, and mobilizing women voters to turn out and vote. With more than 100,000 members across the country, EMILY’s List is one of the largest political action committees in the nation. Since its founding in 1985, EMILY’s List has worked to elect 80 pro-choice Democratic women to the U.S. House, 15 to the U.S. Senate, nine governors, and hundreds of women to the state legislatures, state constitutional offices, and other key local offices.
For more information on EMILY’s List, please visit www.emilyslist.org.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Annise Parker Wins Law Enforcement Endorsements
Annise Parker has received the endorsement of two law enforcement organizations: the Houston Police Patrolmen’s Union and the Houston Metro Police. Both groups are members of the Fraternal Order of Police, the nation’s oldest and largest police organization.
“Annise Parker brings a lot of experience with police to the table,” said Dean Goodrick, President of HPPU. “She understands that Houstonians need to feel safe and she has innovative ideas to put more officers on the street and get the public involved in public safety.”
“What impressed me about Annise Parker was her plan for cooperation among all the law enforcement agencies,” President Robert Lozano of Houston Metro said. “If the different agencies work together, we can make Houston a safer community. Annise has obviously done her homework. She’s already involved and she understands the inner workings of law enforcement. This is no time to bring in someone who has to be educated about our issues.”
“I am proud to accept these endorsements today,” Parker said. “Public safety is the number one concern of Houstonians. Everyone needs to feel safe in their homes, communities, schools and workplaces.
“If you are in trouble, you don’t care what uniform an officer is wearing; you just want someone with a badge and a gun to protect you. That is why I will bring together the dozens of law enforcement agencies around the area so they can work cooperatively to make you safer.”
To learn more about Annise Parker’s public safety plans, please visit her website at http://www.anniseparker.com and read “Safe Streets, Tough Choices.
###
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce PAC Endorse Locke for Mayor
The Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce PAC today announced that they are to endorsing Gene Locke for Mayor of the City of Houston.
“Gene Locke’s story is just like many of the Hispanic families who live and work in Houston. He came to Houston seeking opportunity with a strong belief in faith, family and hard work. He worked his way up from working in an oil refinery to becoming our City Attorney under Mayor Bob Lanier,” says Edgardo Colon, Chairman of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce PAC.
“Gene is the only candidate with the leadership skills and business experience we need to represent all Houstonians. Gene Locke will be a great mayor for our community and that is why we chose to endorse Gene Locke.”
“I am extremely pleased to receive the endorsement of one of the largest business organizations in the city,” said Gene Locke. “I am proud that my clear and bold vision for Houston resonates with folks in every corner of the city.”
The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce PAC represents over 3,000 members and continues to grow in the all sectors of the Houston economy.
Locke’s support in the Latino community continues to grow. In addition to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Locke has also received the endorsements of the Harris County Tejano Democrats, Latino Labor Leadership Council of Southeast Texas, Senator Mario Gallegos, State Representative Carol Alvarado, Constable Victor Trevino, HCC Board Member Abel Davila, HCC Board Member Diane Olmos, HISD Board Member Diana Davila, Former State Representative Ramon Martinez, Former mayor Pro Tem Gracie Saenz, Former HISD Board Member Esther Campos, and Retired Fire Chief Eddie Corral.
The Houston Chronicle reported on July 19, 2009 that Locke came out on top at the first mayoral debate of the campaign, the Latino Summit Debate held in July.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Houstonians for Responsible Growth PAC Endorses Two Mayoral Candidates
Houstonians for Responsible Growth PAC (HRG PAC), the political arm of a prominent local real estate advocacy group, today announced an unusual dual endorsement of two candidates in the Houston mayoral race–giving their nod to both Gene Locke and Annise Parker. Extensive interviews with each candidate led to the group’s support. “Both Ms. Parker and Mr. Locke would bring considerable expertise and experience to the job,” said Kendall Miller, the group’s President. “While it may be unusual to endorse two competing candidates, they have each earned the respect and support of our group,” he added.
“We are endorsing two mayoral candidates who believe growth is healthy for Houston and who agree that our low cost of living and outstanding real estate values are a direct consequence of city policies that let the consumer come first,” said Miller. “Each candidate understands and supports responsible growth that has helped make us economically healthier than any other major US city,” he added.
“On the other hand, another candidate, Peter Brown, has vowed to spend a considerable amount of his personal wealth on the race and says he believes that ‘runaway growth’ is bad for Houston. Remarkably, he seems to find very little that is positive in Houston,” he said. “His support of the very centralized land controls that have inflated home prices and driven low and moderate-income citizens out of the housing market in many US cities is troubling,” said Joshua Sanders, the group’s Executive Director. “He has simply ignored the clear record that such policies have backfired on almost every city and that they especially hurt low-income consumers,” said Sanders.
“We have an almost unique approach to growth that is now being hailed by experts the world over as the model that has best resisted the economic downturn,” said Miller. “While other cities created artificial barriers to growth that resulted in wildly inflated home prices, Houston has carefully resisted measures that both work against affordability and which almost always introduce political corruption into the development process,” he said.
Each endorsed candidate supports HRG’s position that improvements in the deed restriction process are needed. HRG strongly supports these reforms as the best way and most local way to empower neighborhoods and has called on candidates to support city legal help and other measures for neighborhoods that want to improve and update deed restrictions.
“We are now hailed as the city that ‘got it right’ and the leading “opportunity city’ in the nation,” said Miller. “Both Mr. Locke and Ms. Parker understand that record of success and deserve public support,” he concluded.
Joshua Sanders
Executive Director
Houstonians for Responsible Growth
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Annise Parker today proudly announces her endorsement by former St. Representative and National Guard Colonel Rick Noriega
“My friend Annise Parker is the person who possesses the vision, competence and compassion to lead our city to the next level,” said Noriega. “Houston is at a crossroads, whether we will grow as a vibrant international city where our families and future generations can work, love and prosper or whether we will be relegated to mediocrity.
“Annise has not only been a long-time friend and supporter of our family,” Noriega continued, “she has demonstrated through her experience in business, as a council member and as city controller, that she is not only qualified but clearly prepared and ready to lead the city into the future that we all want for Houston. That is why my parents and I are supporting Annise Parker for Mayor.”
“I am honored to have as a supporter someone with Rick’s record of service to our community,” said Parker. “Rick served in both the U.S. Army and the Texas National Guard. After spending a year in Afghanistan, he returned to Houston only to be called to service again, managing the city’s Hurricane Katrina relief effort at the George R. Brown Convention Center. I am proud to be a friend of Rick Noriega and prouder still of his endorsement in the mayor’s race.”
Noriega joins the many thousands of Houstonians who support Annise Parker, including Annie’s List, Seafarers International Union, HOPE Local 123, SEIU Local 1, UNITE HERE Local 25, Harris County Democrats, Oak Forest Democrats, Spring Branch Democrats, the Harris County AFL-CIO Council, Harris County Afro-American Sheriff’s Deputy League, the Houston GLBT Caucus and Harris County Young Democrats.
As Houston City Controller, Annise Parker directs Houston’s financial investments and manages billions of tax dollars. Her independent audits of city departments and programs have rooted out waste and saved the city money that can be used for priorities such as public safety, after-school programs and economic development. A businesswoman and neighborhood leader, Parker served on City Council for six years. She spent 20 years in the oil and gas industry before entering public service.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
IN HONOR OF LABOR DAY, LOCAL UNIONS MAKE THEIR PICK
AFSCME, IBEW and the Carpenters Endorse Locke for Mayor
Houston, TX – The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 1550 (AFSCME Local 1550) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 66 (IBEW Local 66) on Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2009, announced their endorsement of Gene Locke for Mayor of the City of Houston.
The Texas Carpenters Millwrights Regional Council Locals 551, 724 and 2232 (Carpenters Locals 551, 724 and 2232) today endorsed Locke for mayor.
AFSCME Local 1550, IBEW Local 66 and Carpenters Locals 551, 724 and 2232 join the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Locals 968 and 988, the International Longshoremen’s Association Locals 24 and 28, Communication Workers of America Local 6222, the Houston Police Officers Union and the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 341 in supporting Locke in his campaign for mayor.
“AFSCME Local 1550 is proud to endorse Gene Locke for Mayor of Houston,” said Avery Cooper, Business Manager of AFSCME Local 1550. “Gene Locke has the leadership skills, business and labor background to make sure that Houston remains a city of opportunity!”
“We are proud to endorse Gene Locke for Mayor of Houston. He has the ability to lead the City of Houston and keep it a city of opportunity for all its citizens,” said Mike Mosteit, Business Representative for IBEW Local 66. “He has been a member of the labor community, understands the working person’s point of view and has a business plan to bring jobs to our city.”
“We believe Gene Locke is the best candidate for mayor and our 1500 members and their families are behind him 100%,” said Donnie Hooper, Business Representative Texas Carpenters Millwrights Regional Council Local 551.
“I am so pleased to have the support of the working men and women of ASCFME and IBEW, especially on a day when our country recognizes and honors their hard work and sacrifice to make America and Houston great,” said Locke. “I have been a union member and I am honored and humbled to have the endorsement of these great Houstonians.”
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Most of the groups and organizations that make municipal endorsements have picked a side in the Houston mayor’s race. Here’s a list of who has sided with whom:
• Gene Locke : Houston Police Officers Union, Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 341, Communication Workers Association Local 6222, International Brotherhood of Teamsters 968 and 988, International Electrical Contractors, International Longshoreman’s Association 24 and 28, African Coalition PAC, Harris County Tejano Democrats, Houston Association of Realtors, The C Club, Houston Apartment Association, Greater Houston Builder’s Association HOME-PAC, Houston Realty Business Coalition
• Annise Parker: Houston Organization of Public Employees, SEIU Local 1, UNITE HERE Local 25, Annie’s List, Harris County Democrats, Harris County Young Democrats, Oak Forest Democrats, Houston GLBT Political Caucus PAC, Houston Area Stonewall Democrats, Houston Stonewall Young Democrats
• Peter Brown: More than 100 African-American preachers, Texas Society of Architects
• Roy Morales: Houston Professional Towing Association
SOURCE: Each campaign, Bradley Olsen of the Houston Chronicle
Monday, August 24, 2009
HOUSTON POLICE OFFICERS ENDORSE LOCKE FOR MAYOR
“Help Houston police officers help you by joining us to support Gene Locke”
The Houston Police Officers’ Union (HPOU) today announced their endorsement for Gene Locke for mayor of Houston and his 7-Point Plan to Keep Houston Safe.
Several members of HPOU in t-shirts that read “Support Houston Police Officers, Elect Gene Locke Mayor of Houston,” as well as many of Locke’s supporters joined in the press conference. In addition Senator John Whitmire, “Dean of the Texas Senate,” also spoke at the press conference. Whitmire announced his endorsement of Locke in May.
“We are confident that Gene Locke is the candidate who has a realistic and clear-cut plan to improve and modernize public safety services in our city,” said Gary Blankinship, President of HPOU. “He has developed a multi-pronged plan of attack to help our members fight crime more efficiently and effectively.”
Blankinship continued, “It is our firm and unwavering belief that Gene Locke is the best candidate to lead our city for the next six years.”
HPOU, with its 5000-plus members, is the largest police union in the State of Texas. They have endorsed the last three mayors of the city of Houston, former Mayors Bob Lanier, Lee Brown and current Mayor Bill White.
For the first time in twelve years, HPOU joins the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association (HPFFA) in endorsing the same candidate for mayor in an open race. HPFFA announced their endorsement of Locke two weeks ago.
“This is a very proud moment for me and my campaign. The men and women of the Houston Police Department make a difference every day in the lives of Houstonians, and they will make a difference in this campaign,” said Locke at the press conference.
Locke also unveiled his 7-Point Plan to Keep Houston Safe, a blueprint to fight crime in a city as large and diverse as Houston.
“I am committed to putting more officers on the streets, something we can’t afford not to do,” said Locke. “As mayor I will execute this plan so that Houstonians will feel safer in their homes and communities.”
Statement by Gary Blankinship, President of the Houston Police Officers’ Union on the endorsement of Gene Locke for Mayor of Houston
August 24, 2009
“Over the last eight months we have visited with numerous members of our organization, as well as people in various segments of our community, regarding the type of leader we should endorse to be the candidate of working police officers in our city. We also screened the top three mayoral candidates whom we felt would be the most able to lead our city, and today, we are announcing our decision. The 5,000-plus Houston Police Officers’ Union political action committee is both proud and honored to endorse Gene Locke as law enforcement’s choice for mayor of Houston.
We are confident that Gene Locke is the candidate who has a realistic and clear-cut plan to improve and modernize public safety services in our city. He has developed a multi-pronged plan of attack to help our members fight crime more efficiently and effectively.
In our experience, we have never had a candidate for public office tell us that they were not pro-law and order. From our perspective, talk is one thing and action is another. Gene Locke had the most decisive plan of action of any of the candidates who are running for mayor. His plan to Keep Houston Safe was developed based on the input of numerous respected police officers and police managers from the Houston Police Department. Furthermore, he has clearly articulated to our members and our Board that he gets it that HPD must have a respected and field-tested leader who, on day one has the ability to help officers combat the many law enforcement challenges that confront the citizens of our community.
Finally, Gene Locke has committed to us to do whatever it takes to find the resources to staff our severely understaffed department so that we can do the job the people of Houston need us to do. Critics may say, ‘that’s nice but how are you going to pay for it?’ Gene Locke is committed to not making excuses and instead, embracing the position of a leader he says ‘we can’t afford not to protect the citizens of Houston.’
It is our firm and unwavering belief that Gene Locke is the best candidate to lead our city for the next six years. We have performed our due diligence and made our decision. Help Houston police officers help you by joining us to support Gene Locke to be elected the next mayor of the city of Houston.”
###
Scott Hochberg and Jim Henley endorse Annise Parker
Parker Announces Stronger Schools Initiative
Houston Mayoral Candidate Annise Parker was today endorsed by State Representative Scott Hochberg, the Texas Legislature’s leading education expert, and Jim Henley, Trustee for the Harris County Department of Education.
Parker also today released her education plan: Stronger Schools for a Stronger Houston. As Mayor, Parker will implement a Strong Schools Initiative that will protect our neighborhoods by supporting the schools that anchor them and will ensure a robust economy by creating a well-educated workforce.
“On the day when many children in the Houston area return to school, I want to make it clear that strong cities cannot exist without strong schools,” Parker said. “Even though city government does not run the schools, we have a responsibility to do all we can to help the schools and their students.”
Parker’s approach to supporting our schools has won the praise and support of State Representative Scott Hochberg, the acknowledged education expert in the Texas Legislature.
“Annise is a parent with a child in the public school system,” said Hochberg, “and she won’t take ‘no’ for an answer when it comes to improving our education system.”
Henley echoed that sentiment: “Annise Parker has the experience and a clear plan of action to unite our community to improve our schools and give every child an opportunity to succeed.”
Parker’s initiative begins with a Strong Schools Partnership, reaching out to the 17 school districts within the City of Houston. This will result in the city leveraging existing resources to expedite infrastructure projects, such as sidewalks and street lights, targeting anti-gang programs and sharing resources, including parks, libraries and health clinics. Parker will appoint a Chief Education Officer – essentially a cabinet-level position in the mayor’s office – as her point person in this effort.
As Mayor, Parker will convene an After-School Summit to bring together the city, the county, school districts and non-profit organizations with community stakeholders to work out a roadmap to create effective after-school programs. Parker wants to have programs in every elementary and middle school in Houston.
“The ‘After School Summit’ is the anchor of Annise’s program,” said Henley. “I have seen the difference excellent after-school programs can make in the lives of children and in neighborhoods.”
For more on Parker’s Strong Schools Initiative, please visit her website at http://www.anniseparker.com/issues or download a copy here.
As Houston City Controller, Annise Parker directs Houston’s financial investments and manages billions of tax dollars. Her independent audits of city departments and programs have rooted out waste and saved the city money that can be used for priorities such as public safety, after-school programs and economic development. A businesswoman and neighborhood leader, Parker served on City Council for six years. She spent 20 years in the oil and gas industry before entering public service.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Dear Friend,
Fantastic news! Last night I earned three crucial endorsements – the 13,000-member Houston Organization of Public Employees (HOPE), the Service Employees International Union and the Harris County Democrats. And those come right on the heels of the Oak Forest Democrats endorsement I won Wednesday night.
Four endorsements in one week! This is exciting news – but it’s your support that will drive this momentum forward.
Sign up to volunteer, invite a friend to join the campaign, attend a campaign event or even make a Perfect Match contribution that will be doubled by a partner organization.
With the election just 10 weeks away, it’s your support that will turn this exciting momentum into direct action. I’m running for mayor to lead Houston forward through a full economic recovery and to keep Houston the best place to live and raise our families. But it’s only with your support and participation that I’ll win this campaign.
Sign up to volunteer or make a contribution.
These exciting endorsements come on the heels of a prominent Houston political blogger writing an article “Parker is winning Social Media Campaign.” In it, blogger David Ortez wrote: “After implementing certain items [the Annise Parker social media campaign] has gone into overdrive and left the rest of the campaigns in the smoke.” We are winning the online campaign because of you and our grassroots army of over 10,000 online supporters.
Thank you for everything you have done for this campaign.
Sincerely,
P.S. Be sure to join us for a rally and celebration next Thursday, August 27 at 11:45AM on the steps of City Hall. I’ll be making it official by filing for a place on the November ballot to become the next mayor of Houston! You can RSVP on Facebook or AnniseParker.com. I hope to see you there!
###
Community Leaders Endorse Annise Parker for Mayor of Houston
56 Houston Precinct Chairs Make Early Endorsements of Parker for Mayor
Houston TX – Today, the Annise Parker for Mayor Campaign announced endorsements from 56 Houston precinct chairs. These local leaders have stepped forward to support Parker for her leadership and experience, long-time commitment to neighborhood and community development
and ability to manage Houston’s economy during troubled economic times.
“It is critical that we have a mayor who understands city departments and finances as we work ourselves through the recession. Without question, Annise has the leadership skills, analytical ability and the right vision for the City of Houston. She is the kind of mayor we need for Houston,” said Sherrie Matula, Precinct 721 Chair and Senate District 11 Chair for Harris County.
“These endorsements are especially significant to me as they come from communities throughout Houston,” said Parker. “It will take all of us to keep our city moving forward in these tough times, and I am grateful to have the support of these local leaders.”
“Annise has represented all of Houston for nearly 12 years, first as council member at large and then as city controller. She is a forward-thinking leader with a proven track record. I appreciate her common-sense, common-ground approach to government and am confident that she is the candidate we need to move Houston forward,” stated Richard Cantú, Precinct 105 Judge (since
1996).
Precinct chairs endorsing Annise Parker today include:
Rey Rodriguez, PCT 1
Vicki Bellow, PCT 5
Mary McWhorter, PCT 7
Gloria Moreno, PCT 9
Scott Harbers, PCT 32
Dennis Fetters, PCT 34
Bill Galbraith, PCT 37
Rose Day, PCT 38
C. Brian Keever, PCT 39
Lorna Joyce, PCT 52
David Robinson, PCT 57
Harold Landreneau, PCT 59
Margaret Hall, PCT 60
Richard Cantu, PCT 105
James Robertson, PCT 113
Catherine Tarte, PCT 129
Jim Owens, PCT 134
Mark Knight, PCT 137
Tasso Triantaphyllis, PCT 139
Sheryl Roppolo, PCT 141
Teresa Herrin, PCT 146
Ella Tyler, PCT 176
Lawrence Clark, PCT 180
Andrew Lopez, PCT 211
Susie Moreno, PCT 231
Pam Rea, PCT 262
Julian Byrd, PCT 269
Rodney E. Haper, PCT 426
Betty Keller, PCT 372
Ron Rea, PCT 282
Buddy Hooper, PCT 298
Jerry Wald, PCT 317
John Martin, PCT 336
Jim Porter, PCT 356
Linda King, PCT 391
Lois Moseley, PCT 409
Marco Kesson, PCT 429
Jarrett Smith, PCT 439
Farrukh Shamsi, PCT 441
Leif C. Hatlen, PCT 461
Felicity Pereyra, PCT 493
Rosana Turbay, PCT 500
Stephanie Hrabar, PCT 505
Melissa Rodgers, PCT 558
Richard Cole, PCT 577
Jacqueline Potter, PCT 594
Kristen Capps, PCT 631
Sylvia Medellin, PCT 635
John Cobarruvias, PCT 699
Sharon Messa, PCT 710
Sherrie Matula, PCT 721
Charlotte Coffelt, PCT 760
Tommy Schlitzberger,
PCT 801
Robert Connor, PCT 848
Mary Schlett, PCT 270
Sarah Gonzales, PCT 395
As Houston’s elected City Controller, Annise Parker directs Houston’s financial investments and manages billions of tax dollars. Her record of independent audits has cut waste and saved the city money to use for priorities like public safety, after-school programs, and economic development. A businesswoman and neighborhood leader, Parker also served on Houston’s City Council. She spent 20 years in the oil and gas industry before entering public service.
Parker is a candidate for mayor of Houston in the November 3, 2009 election. Learn more on her website at: http://www.anniseparker.com.
###
Three Powerful Houston Senators Endorse Gene Locke
HOUSTON, May 20, 2009 – “At a time when Houston needs a strong, accomplished leader at City Hall, the right candidate has come forward. We are committed to seeing Gene Locke elected Mayor of Houston,” declared John Whitmire, Dean of the Texas Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice; Rodney Ellis, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Government Organization and a member of the far-reaching Committee on State Affairs; and Mario Gallegos, Chairman of the Senate Sub-committee on Flooding & Evacuations and Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Jurisprudence. The declaration came in the form of a joint statement issued from Austin where the Texas Legislature is in the final weeks of its biennial session.
“The next few years may be difficult for Houston,” said Whitmire, pointing to shortfalls in city revenues already being discussed at City Council. “We’ve seen Gene Locke in action before, bringing both sides together in complex negotiations as City Attorney under Mayor Bob Lanier. Locke has a disciplined way of solving problems, listening and focusing on producing the best outcome for citizens.”
Ellis, a Houston City Councilmember in the 1980s, believes Locke would compare well with the Mayors he has worked with during his quarter century as an elected official, “Gene was a leader stepping off the train heading for UH. He has never stopped leading. He has an enormous interest in public safety and once he is elected I would expect to see a lot of improvements in training, equipping and managing Houston law enforcement and emergency service departments.”
Senator Gallegos, a former Captain with the Houston Fire Department, agreed, “Gene Locke knows police and fire services are a priority 365 days a year. He realizes more than others that state-of-the-art communications and protective devices will save lives.”
Gene Locke responded, “Having the support of such seasoned, successful leaders sends a great message to all Houstonians. I am proud to accept the support of each of these fine elected officials with whom I have worked in the past and with whom I look forward to working in the future as Mayor of Houston. I promise to work doubly hard to earn their support and that of all voters.”
All three Senators vow to walk door-to-door with Locke in their Districts, which make up many of the precincts in the City. Click here to listen to the Senators comments about why they are endorsing Gene Locke’s candidacy. The trio were interviewed in Austin this weekend and clips from those interviews are now available on line.
Mayoral Musings with Nancy Sims 