PETITION FOR TEXAS

THE FOLLOWING IS THE PETITION THAT I PROPOSE FOR ALL TEXANS WHO WISH TO IMPROVE THEIR STATE (IT WILL ALSO WORK FOR OTHER STATES):


DEAR SENATOR/REPRESENTATIVE____________________,

I, (NAME)__________________________________,
RESIDING AT THE ADDRESS OF , (ADDRESS)__________________________________,
ATTEST THAT I AM YOUR CONSTITUENT.

I AM SIGNING THIS PETITION TO IMPRESS UPON YOU MY CONVICTION THAT PERSONS BELONGING TO THE GAY, LESBIAN, BI-SEXUAL, AND TRANS-GENDER COMMUNITY, HENCEFORTH REFERRED TO AS THE GLBT COMMUNITY, ARE DESERVING OF ALL THE RIGHTS THAT SHOULD BE RESPECTED UNIVERSALLY.

I SUPPORT, GENERALLY, LEGISLATION THAT WOULD ENSURE GLBT INDIVIDUALS ARE NOT DISCRIMINATED AGAINST IN SUCH THINGS AS EMPLOYMENT, HOUSING, HEALTH CARE, VISITATION, MARRIAGE AND ADOPTION RIGHTS.

MORE BROADLY, I AM OF THE CONVICTION THAT RIGHTS THAT ARE ENJOYED BY SOME, SHOULD BE ENSURED FOR ALL. AND THAT NO GROUP SHOULD BE UNDULY EXCLUDED FROM THE RIGHTS NECESSARY TO ALLOW FOR THE PARTICIPATION IN SOCIETY, THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS, AND THE BETTERMENT OF ONE'S FAMILY (USING THE BROADER DEFINITION OF THE WORD).

MY SIGNATURE AFFIXED HERE:________________________
DATE:_______________


THE GLBT PETITION FACE BOOK PAGE.

American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Texas

P.O. Box 12905, Austin, TX 78711-2905, T 512.478.7300 F 512.478.7303 www.aclutx.org

Monday, June 29, 2009

From Equality Texas

Equality Texas Calls on Fort Worth Members and Supporters to contact Mayor Moncrief and Fort Worth City Members for Immediate Investigation of Rainbow Lounge Raid on Saturday, June 26th.

Late Saturday evening, June 26th, Fort Worth Police Officers and Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) officers entered into the Rainbow Lounge in Fort Worth for an alcoholic beverage code inspection. What resulted was the arrest of seven (7) patrons, one being critically injured during the raid.

With the raid happening on the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall, we are reminded that we need to advocate for the equal treatment of all citizens and this case, we call for an immediate and public investigation into the circumstances surrounding this raid, including the apparent large number of police and TABC officers and paddy wagon. With one patron currently in ICU as a result of injuries sustained during the raid and arrest, the investigation needs to cover the use of excessive force and whether these injuries were the result of excessive force or were incidental to the arrest.

We ask Mayor Moncrief and all Fort Worth City Council Members to request a Public Investigation and to make a public statement. City Council member Joel Burns, District 9, has already issued a joint statement requesting an investigation. Statement on Equality Texas Blog HERE and next column. Equality Texas is in contact with Representative Lon Burnam's and Senator Wendy Davis' offices, and they have scheduled meetings with TABC to address these issues as well.

YOU make equality happen!

Equality Texas has called on its North Texas members and supporters to contact Mayor Moncrief and the Fort Worth City Council Members to demand an immediate and public investigation.

We will continue to update our members. Please visit our website and blog at www.equalitytexas.org.

We thank all of the activists and supporters in North Texas that are on the ground making demanding action! Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Chad Gibson who is in ICU after sustaining injuries in the raid.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

The Lone Star Project

http://www.lonestarproject.net/TXVictoryChallenge.html

Competitive Democratic Candidates Identified.

Lane Lewis

http://www.texastravelandleisure.com/houston.html

See my new page with info about a Lane Lewis Fund Raiser.

Endorsed by Young Stonewall Democrats:

http://en-gb.facebook.com/pages/Lane-Lewis/103133550774?v=feed&story_fbid=94685663276&ref=mf

Lane Lewis

Ginny (2008 D nominee) and Mark (2006 D nominee) McDavid, who have carried the battle flag against Republican Dwayne Bohac in District 138, have graciously endorsed LANE LEWIS for Houston City Council District A. Most all of District 138 which is within the Houston City limits also encompasses District A so the McDavid's are accutely aware of the problems the citizen of the area face. To mark their endorsement of their neighbor and friend, LANE LEWIS, Ginny and Mark are having an old fashioned backyard cookout and invite ALL to attend. Date (June 28 5:30-7:30) and details (cost and the McDavid's home is near the intersection of Ella Boulevard and West 43rd in the heart of Oak Forest and smack dab in District A) are listed below. Please join with Ginny and Mark and their friends and supporters as they introduce the next City Councilmember from District A - LANE LEWIS - and grab some old time family fun and food.





Ginny and Mark McDavid Host Cookout for Lane Lewis, Candidate for City Council District A

Come meet District A's next City Council Member!


Host:
Ginny & Mark McDavid
Type:
Party - Barbecue
Network:
Global
Date:
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Time:
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Location:
The Home of Mark & Ginny McDavid
Street:
1342 Cheshire Lane (in Oak Forest near Ella & 43rd)
Phone:
832-922-0362
Email:
ginnysmcdavid@yahoo.com

Lane is a neighbor of ours in Oak Forest and is running for Houston City Council District A. An educator and community activist, he has the vision and drive that Houston needs to become a better place. We support Lane to be the next Councilmember from District A because we think that he has the knowledge and experience needed. So, join us for some drinks & hot dogs and meet Lane while you are at it. The suggested minimum donation is $ 20, and you can pay at the door, or pay earlier at www.lanelewis.com. We are also seeking Co-Hosts who want to help sponsor the Event at the $ 100, $ 250, or up level. Co-Hosts will be recognized at the Event. Please RSVP at 832/922-0362 or ginnysmcdavid@yahoo.com. Hope to see everyone there!




^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Carl E Whitmarsh
When I die, let it be said
He loved, he laughed, he was loyal
and he did his damndest, but first and
foremost, HE WAS A DEMOCRAT.
Houston, Harris County, Texas

If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded.
— Maya Angelou

From Carl Whitmarsh

This message was e-mailed to me.
I am sharing it with you.
******************************************************************************

I am presently in Tucson undergoing medical treatment and had this sent to me. Normally I don't respond, but this is so absolutely absurd as to do nothing but cause damage to the credibility and effectiveness of the Caucus. Folks, get your facts right. If this "protection" is true in Houston, Texas or Harris County, why have we spent so much time, effort and money over the past twenty five years fighting this or that proposed ordinance? The HGBT Caucus has chosen terrific new talent in Kris Banks, why allow this kind of nonsense to undermine his and the Caucus' effectiveness in the future.....Personally, as bad as this is, as someone who lost many friends to AIDS during the epidemic, it is an affront to call this period a horrifying illness and it is a dishonor to those who lost their life because so many didn't care during this period.

We have three former presidents seeking election in November - Annise Parker, Sue Lovell and Lane Lewis - the Caucus should show leadership in what can and should be done. What does it do for hese candidates, former Caucus Presidents, that the organization doen't even know what the laws of the city are?





It is always welcome to see new thoughts expressed in new forums. This was just sent to me and I wanted to share this as an example of just being flat out wrong. Maybe the writer should understand that a blog is a place where you state a view of things and give your opinion. I'm not sure what it is called when you just out and out state false facts. A very simple check of past history and statutes and ordinances would prove that there is no protection from anything in Houston, Harris County or Texas. None.....zippo.....If the writer were aware of the world around him/her, he should know this, but for the writer to come from and supposedly represent the Houston Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender Political Caucus is inexcuseaable if not down right criminal. I suppose I should expect nothing more from someon who sloughs off the HIV/AIDS epidemic as nothing more than a horrifying illness.

Let's talk turkey here, the under 30 group of Gays and Lesbians have no institutional knowledge of the struggles and personalities in the fight for equality over the years. They are more concerned with appearance and demanding than doing the long hard work to bring about change. For those who have been involved over the years, this has been a long struggle with more setbacks than advances. Folk who have done the legwork over the years know things don't just happen, they are made to happen and you don't just demand, you learn to work with people and you learn the parameters within which you can accomplish things. Success does not magically appear, more often disappointment is what the movement experiences....both in change of policies and laws but also in the elected officials, candidates and opinion makers who claim to be allies. Most of all it takes time to change puplic perception of anything. Ask a Black, Ask a Mexican...Chicano..Hispanic...Ask Asian Americans who came to this country. The leadership of the Gay movement both in political terms but also in service terms to the community did not suddenly appear one night. They learned to work together and formed alliances with those who were sympathetic to their plight. That sort of effort cannot be accomplished over night and the under 30 "leader" cannot just appear overnight and expect to inherit all the work done previously and take credit if they are not willing to work with all people almost full time.

The Gay movement, just like the women's movement, the Black movement, the Hispanic movement, the Asian movemment. cannot operate and be successful in a vacuum - it must reach out and bring others in if it is truly to be successful in changing laws and winning the hearts and minds of people. It takes work - it takes knowledge of what is and what has been - it takes more than what America and in this case Houston - sees as stereotypical behavior of GLBT's - it takes serious thought, planning and execution with behavior that is not alien to the majority.

Finally, change will come, but it wil not come because of the under 30 crowd if they continue as they are now. Telling the masses you can rent or feel safe in your job regardless of being Gay or not is just a flat out lie in Houston Texas today - unless your mommy or daddy owns your place and rents it to you or you work for a business owned by a relative who feels obligated to you. There are no protections in Houston, Harris County, Texas today. Yesterday's leadership well knows that with all their hard work, the movement has still not achieved all it can or should. Unfortunately, today, we seem to have to many folks who think they are the next Harvey Milk, yet they expect a title, they expect praise, they expect "leadership" and they don't know what needs to be done or how to do it and many seem unwilling to do the heavy lifting...instead it's lets go for drinks and talk about who we are going to outmaneuver next.

Election of openly GLBT candidates is not the answer to all the problems. Once they are elected, what is it they are supposed to work towards? Who is going to hold them accountable? Look at the history of Houston GLBT's and find your answer. To be a leader, you must earn that distinction and the first qualification is to have people follow you and the second qualification is to actually accomplish something. New bllod is great and it is essential, but to quote my momma, "you don't throw the baby out with the bathwater" and you damn sure don't discard or disregard the old.

Please don't make everyone who has worked too had over the years for equality in this city look foolish by not knowing what you are talking about. At least spend as much time learning what has been done, by whom and what can be done in the future as writing so as to see your name in print to salve your ego - even with false facts. Sometimes it is better to stick to those things you can do well - once you figure out what that is rather than being the know it all, be all to end all. The Gay movement is too important and there are too many to honor to do things like this silly false fact spreading blog.

While I don't know who the author of this piece is, I do know my history, I do know this city and its people and I do know my facts...I have lived them for near forty years of activism and I sign my name to what I think. You might remind yourself that None are free till all are free.....Carl Whitmarsh



It has just been announced that they are now keeping the Caucus Blog updated, I pulled up one paragraph stating that gay people can freely rent apartments and can be openly gay at work. What planet or what state do they live on.
We have no protection in Houston, Harris or Texas.

http://thecaucusblog.blogspot.com/

Today we can freely rent apartments, be openly gay at work without fear of being fired, and for the most part exist free of shame and trepidation. Gay youth feel comfortable coming out at a younger age. The GLBT community has made its way into the mainstream of American culture. Gay characters commonly appear on television, though it was just twelve years ago Ellen DeGeneres’ coming out episode was banned from several stations and was preceded by a parental warning before airing. Opponents of gay rights and gay equality are fighting a losing battle. Being gay is not a divisive issue with my generation. Given that it is easier to be gay these days, it can sometimes be difficult for younger GLBT people to identify with with the struggles of the past generations of their community. Many young people may not have heard of the Stonewall riots, they may not have heard of Paul Broussard’s murder, they do not know what it is like to lose dozens of friends to a horrifying illness, and they do not know what it was like to live in fear of merely being who they are in public. Recently, this is where complacency has taken hold in the gay rights movement especially with GLBT youth. However, acceptance and toleration are not equality. The recent set backs, such as state constitutional bans on gay marriage and the Prop 8 fiasco in California, have proven that there is still a long battle ahead. There is a buzz in the community that many have not felt in a while. Many of us, who have grown up with it being acceptable to be gay, have had their eyes opened to the fact that we are still not equal, and realizing we have laws of our country, our state, and our city affirming that we are not equal. Living a life being tolerated or accepted is not the same as living as an equal member of society. The complacency is now being thrown aside.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Beat the Heat Fundraiser

I am passing this fund-raising message along.
********************************************
Dear Friends,



The air conditioner is straining, the fans are blowing and our campaign office is full of volunteers as we approach our first big fundraising deadline - this Tuesday, June 30.



Will you help us Beat the Heat? Your contribution of $50, $100, $500 or even $1,000 will never mean more than it does today.


Why? Many potential donors base their giving decisions on the strength we demonstrate in our early fundraising reports. Your gift of $100 today could inspire confidence in a potential donor to make a contribution of $250 or even $500. Everyone wants to be with a winner – and your contribution today will show Houston that we are winning this campaign.
Invitation

Please help us Beat the Heat by making a generous contribution today.



You can give at AnniseParker.com or by calling our campaign at (713) 861-6472. Your support is the reason we’ve been able to come so far. And your contribution today will help take this campaign to the next level.

I know these are tough times, and for many of us it’s a stretch to make an investment in the future leadership of our city. And that’s why I am hosting a special thank you celebration for our Beat the Heat contributors at my home on June 30:



WHAT: "Beat the Heat!" Campaign Fundraiser



WHEN: Tuesday, June 30, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM



WHERE: My home: 428 Westmoreland (map)



RSVP: (713) 861-6472 or June30@AnniseParker.com



I hope you can make a contribution today, and I hope to see you there!


Thank you,

Signature

Annise Parker

Political advertising paid for by the Annise Parker Campaign.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Annise Parker Endorsements

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: June 23, 2009
Contact: Jeri Brooks
832-287-5627 cell | jeri@anniseparker.com

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 CantĂș, Precinct 105 Judge (since 1996).
Precinct chairs endorsing Annise Parker today include:

Rey Rodriguez, Precinct 1
Vicki Bellow, Precinct 5
Mary McWhorter, Precinct 7
Gloria Moreno, Precinct 9
Scott Harbers, Precinct 32
Dennis Fetters, Precinct 34
Bill Galbraith, Precinct 37
Rose Day, Precinct 38
C. Brian Keever, Precinct 39
Lorna Joyce, Precinct 52
David Robinson, Precinct 57
Harold Landreneau, Precinct 59
Margaret Hall, Precinct 60
Richard Cantu, Precinct 105
James Robertson, Precinct 113
Catherine Tarte, Precinct 129
Jim Owens, Precinct 134
Mark Knight, Precinct 137
Tasso Triantaphyllis, Precinct 139
Sheryl Roppolo, Precinct 141
Teresa Herrin, Precinct 146
Ella Tyler, Precinct 176
Lawrence Clark, Precinct 180
Andrew Lopez, Precinct 211
Susie Moreno, Precinct 231
Pam Rea, Precinct 262
Julian Byrd, Precinct 269
Rodney E. Haper, Precinct 426
Betty Keller, Precinct 372
Ron Rea, Precinct 282
Buddy Hooper, Precinct 298
Jerry Wald, Precinct 317
John Martin, Precinct 336
Jim Porter, Precinct 356
Linda King, Precinct 391
Lois Moseley, Precinct 409
Marco Kesson, Precinct 429
Jarrett Smith, Precinct 439
Farrukh Shamsi, Precinct 441
Leif C. Hatlen, Precinct 461
Felicity Pereyra, Precinct 493
Rosana Turbay, Precinct 500
Stephanie Hrabar, Precinct 505
Melissa Rodgers, Precinct 558
Richard Cole, Precinct 577
Jacqueline Potter, Precinct 594
Kristen Capps, Precinct 631
Sylvia Medellin, Precinct 635
John Cobarruvias, Precinct 699
Sharon Messa, Precinct 710
Sherrie Matula, Precinct 721
Charlotte Coffelt, Precinct 760
Tommy Schlitzberger, Precinct 801
Robert Connor, Precinct 848
Mary Schlett, Precinct 270
Sarah Gonzales, Precinct 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: www.anniseparker.com.

###



Political advertising paid for by the Annise Parker Campaign.

From The Caucus

Volunteer for Pride...

Join the Caucus as we find new pro-equality voters at the Houston Pride Parade! We are proud to be partnering with Equality Texas and Houston Votes, talking to attendees before the parade, June 27, seeking those interested in joining us in the fight for GLBT rights.

Come to the GLBT Community Center at 401 Branard at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, for a training. If you cannot make it, please e-mail Kris Banks at kbanks@thecaucus.org. After we talk to voters, join us as we...

...March with the Annise Parker Campaign!

Annise Parker has invited to Caucus to join her campaign in the Houston Pride Parade! Join us in the fun as we support our endorsed candidate for mayor of Houston.
Houston GLBT Political Caucus
Mailing: PO Box 66664 | Houston TX 77266-6664
Office: 1915Commonwealth @ Welch, Suite 104 | Houston TX 77006-1841
713-521-1000 | fax: 309-423-7531 | theCaucus.org

Monday, June 22, 2009

Ellen Cohen Town Hall Meeting

Town Hall Meeting
Thursday, June 25, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
at Memorial Elementary

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Houston Pride Parade

Volunteers Wanted
at Houston Pride!

HRC needs you to be a part of our efforts in support of LGBT equality!

E-mail volunteer@hrchouston.org to help us out at the booth or march with HRC in the parade!

Please indicate for which shift(s) and which event(s) you would like to volunteer.

Houston Pride Festival
Saturday, June 27
Montrose Neighborhood

Volunteer shifts available:
10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Houston Pride Parade
Saturday, June 27
8:45 p.m.

For more information about HRC's presence at Prides, please visit www.hrc.org/pride.

The Federal Club of Houston
invites you and guests to

Celebrate Pride!

Join Houston Federal Club members and supporters in a jubilant celebration of recent achievements in the fight for equality and enjoy the excitement of the evening's Pride Parade!

Saturday, June 27
4:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Joe Hinojosa & John Ray
1851 Harold Street
Houston, TX 77098 map

Please RSVP by Thursday, June 25 to Ken Schroeder at kschroeder@thompsoncoe.com or 713-403-8280.

Monday, June 15, 2009

The Texas Liberal

The Texas Liberal is a blog that has an entry on the special election in district H, Houston.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Vertigo

Texas v. California

Why Texas isn’t like California.

I recently read a Truthout article on the ideological divide in California. They had a special election May 19th. There were six budget propositions on the ballot. If they didn’t all pass, it was claimed, Armageddon would ensue.

Pencil Armageddon into your day planner, California.

Five measures involving nominal tax increases (it could be argued they were more money shuffling than net increase) failed to pass.

The measure capping compensation for legislators during budgetary challenging years was enthusiastically approved by the electorate that showed up that day. It was the lowest election turnout in history.

Apathy, anger, atrophied...Armageddon.

The California budget deficit is now 21 to 24 billion (U.S. dollars), depending on who’s counting, now that the compromise, as outlined in the 6 ballot measures, has failed.

It’s a lot of hard work by the Legislators down the drain; into the San Francisco Bay as it were. This is the same bay Alfred Hitchcock’s Kim Novak throws herself into in the movie Vertigo.

Back to legislating.

There is a philosophical divide in this giant petri dish called Cali-for-ni-ahhhhhh; a word recognized in many languages worldwide.

Texas; let us behold in horror so that we do not become what we fear. We have been provided an example of what not to become. And how to not be it?

Lets channel Kim Novak; she’s two different people.

They have machismo in their gobernador, Arnold Schwarzenegger. This is the body-builder turned actor; un gran actor, el señor Schwarzenegger.

Lets look at the resumĂ© that has prepared this Schwarzenegger to lead the world’s 8th largest economy. Is this Spain before the Armada? The ships that sailed, they didn’t come back.

I hope this will serve as a cautionary tale for those who dismiss complaints regarding Sarah Palin’s slender qualifications as mud-slinging from fringe Obama supporters.

It is more than just prop 13; that grand property tax scheme where you pay many times more in property tax than your next door neighbor whose property is worth exactly the same as yours but he had the good sense to move in 2 decades ago while you were stupid enough to buy your house last year.

You are dumb.

It is more than high sales tax rates which are regressive because the incomes of poor people largely go to buy necessities such as diapers for their babies, etc. The rich don’t go to Target, thank you very much.

Or should I say Targé?

It is a budgetary process that is tied in knots due to micro-managing by a plebiscite; the villagers who show up with pitchforks and flaming torches to scare Mary Schelly’s Frankenstein back into the castle.

How does one govern a state not quite as large as Texas?

How not to do it.

Hamstring the ability to collect property tax in a fair, impartial, systematic, and predictable way.

Á la Prop 13.

Then hard-wire (mandate) diminishing funds for pet projects.

Add a dash of extreme gerrymandering so that only the fringe of each party shows up to the primaries to place ideologically immovable and uncompromising legislators in power.

And there you have it. The state Texas does not want to become. This is a negative example to be sure, but still, we can learn from it.

James

Friday, June 12, 2009

Vote & Volunteer

Help elect this fair-minded and excellent candidate to the Houston City Council!
********************************************************************************

Vote & Volunteer THIS WEEKEND for Maverick Welsh!


"I'm supporting Maverick because Maverick’s proven results as a high school teacher and civic association president demonstrate his commitment and ability to make District H a better and safer place to live for us and our children. He worked with me and everyone else at City Hall, and he'll know how to get things done from day one."
—Hon. Sue Lovell,
Houston Vice-Mayor Pro Tem

Maverick is proudly endorsed by the Houston GLBT Political Caucus and other pro-equality groups, including the The Victory Fund, Houston Area Stonewall Democrats, and the Houston Stonewall Young Democrats.

Maverick needs your support—so he can provide real leadership, solve our problems, and move our District forward.

We endorse Maverick Welsh because we know that Maverick's experience as a high school teacher, civic & neighborhood leader, and public servant in City Hall make him the most qualified and experienced candidate to represent District H.

We're going to win this election—not because of money, endorsements, or political deals—but because of the hard work and dedication of a growing and excited group of volunteers.

Maverick has experience running a city council office, having worked with Mayor White, Controller Annise Parker, the City Council, and the Department directors. Maverick will be ready to lead District H from Day One.

Join Maverick's Team on Election Day!

For more information visit http://MaverickWelsh.com or http://theCaucus.org.

Kristopher Banks
President
Houston GLBT Political Caucus
Find us on Facebook and Twitter

The HGLBTPC is the South’s Oldest Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Civil Rights Organization. Founded in 1975, the Houston GLBT Political Caucus is dedicated to eliminating prejudice, violence, and injustice against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people through education, activism, and political advocacy.
Political Advertisment Paid For by Maverick Welsh Campaign, Daryl J. Sinkule, Treasurer.

Green Party of Texas

I am including this message so that we may benefit from a diversity of opinion.

********************************************************

The Green Party of Texas is making plans for the annual state meeting
for 2009. This year is the tenth anniversary of the Green Party of
Texas and provides an opportunity to celebrate!

Harris County has offered to host a short business meeting and a FUN
celebration in November. Details (like where and when) are still under
discussion.

Essential business includes:

Consideration of platform amendments
Elections of state officers and members of the State Executive
Committee (SEC)
Election of delegates to the National Committee (3 plus alternates)

1. Platform
The current platform of the Green Party of Texas is available at our
web site - txgreens.org http://txgreens.org/
. Please submit proposed amendments by September 15th to
sec-contact@txgreens.org
. The proposals will be circulated so that friendly amendments can be
suggested, a lively email discussion can be held and, hopefully, a
final version will be ready for a vote at the state meeting.

2. State Executive Committee
Current SEC members with terms through June 2010 are:
Co-Chair Thomas Muhammad
Secretary Christine Morshedi
At large Matthew Loughran
At Large Alan Alan Apurim
At Large Keith Sartin

Members with expired terms are:
Co-Chair Kat Swift
Treasurer David Wager
At Large Philip Snyder

Please send nominations for Co-Chair (female), Treasurer and At Large
members of the State Executive Committee to sec-contact@txgreens.org

. A short bio of nominees would be appreciated!

3. National Committee
Current NC Delegates are Esther Choi, Don Cook and Joel West. All
terms expire in 2009. Alternates with terms expiring in 2010 are
Thomas Muhammad, Diane Wood and Philip Snyder.

Please send nominations for NC Delegates to sec-contact@txgreens.org

. Again, a short bio would be appreciated!

Anyone is welcome to attend the State Meeting and 10-Year
Celebration. However, the number of voting delegates to represent each
county is limited by population and addressed below.
It will be helpful for those planning this event if they have an
early estimate of how many delegates will be attending from each
county. You can reply to the Secretary (cmorshedi@gmail.com

) or send an estimate to sec-contact@txgreens.org

.

The final list of delegates from each county should be turned in by
September 15th. (My interpretation of the bylaws is that the rules for
State Conventions are applicable every year, not just election years.)

http://txgreens.org/drupal/node/265

K) Each affiliated County Green Party shall submit to the State
Executive Committee a list of elected county delegates and alternates
and elected Green Party officials, including names, residential
addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses (where available),
no later than 30 days before a State Convention.

Have fun celebrating until we see you in November!

Christine Morshedi
Secretary, Green Party of Texas

Number of voting delegates for selected counties, based on latest
census estimates:
Harris County - 18
Dallas County - 14
Bexar County - 11
Travis County - 8 (500 more residents would put them at 9 delegates!)
Burleson County - 1 (or 1/2 vote for a female and 1/2 vote for a male
delegate)
Bell County - 4
Fannin - 1 (or 1/2 vote for a female and 1/2 vote for a male
delegate)
Hays - 3
Nacogdoches - 2
Tarrant - 11 (just barely!)
Galveston - 4

Please inquire about the number of delegates for counties that aren't
listed here! I used census counts at:
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/48/48439.html
and the GPTX Bylaws to determine the numbers given above.


**********************************************************
Thank you Green Party of Texas for including me in your e-mail list!

Quality of Life and Historic Preservation

Please join hosts

Minnette Boesel • Bill Hill • Bob Nicholas

Paula Arnold • Sharie Beale • Nancy Beren • Chuck Carlberg • Betty Chapman
Tim Cisneros • Dr. John Codwell • Anne Culver • Deborah Fiorito • Charles Foster
Mary Margaret Hansen • Leif Hatlan • Jackson Hicks • Ron Kahanek • James Lagare
Chris Lindsay • Katherine Lord • Grant Martin • Anne Olson • Steven Reilley
Tracy Schulz • Barry Silverman • Carlton Smith • Gerald Smith
Patrick Scott Van Pelt • Robert Weinberger • Welcome Wilson, Sr. • Ed Wulfe
Claude Wynn

Charles Krenzler & Associates • Friends of Bill White
Houston Council of Engineering Companies • Sterling Structures LP
& Texas Travel & Leisure

at the

Heritage Society Tea Room at Sam Houston Park

for a fund-raising reception to honor Chair of the
Quality of Life Committee & Historic Preservation Subcommittee

Sue Lovell
Vice Mayor Pro Tem & Houston City Council Member

Thursday, June 18, 2009
5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
1100 Bagby Street Houston Texas, 77002
(Click for map.)

Donation Levels
Supporter $250 • Friend $500 • Patron $1,000 • Sponsor $2,500
Underwriter $5,000 • Co-Chair (PACs only) $10,000

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO RSVP
Please contact Ken Stewart at (713) 935-6050 or finance@suelovell.com.


Checks payable to "Sue Lovell Campaign" may be mailed to:

Sue Lovell Campaign
P.O. Box 667595
Houston, TX 77266

or click here to contribute online to Sue's campaign.

Political advertising paid for by Sue Lovell Campaign.
Personal and PAC contributions accepted. Corporate contributions cannot be accepted.
Donations to the Sue Lovell Campaign are not deductible for federal income-tax purposes.

**************************
I have not been paid to enter this e-mail message into my personal blog. Rather, this is an exercise of my freedom to express my political views.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Press Release: Annise Parker

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: June 11, 2009
Contact: Jeri Brooks
832-287-5627 cell | jeri@anniseparker.com

Annise Parker for Mayor Releases Plan to Modernize Houston’s Infrastructure

Parker:
“Maintaining and upgrading our aging infrastructure is more than just a problem to solve – it’s an opportunity to create good, local jobs that will power our local economy while responding to pressing needs.”

HOUSTON, TX - Today Annise Parker released her plan to modernize Houston’s infrastructure. Parker offered the plan, entitled
“Engineering a Stronger Houston and a Healthier Economy,”
as part of her campaign for Mayor of Houston.

Download the plan here.

“A failing infrastructure cannot support a healthy economy,”
Parker said, quoting Wayne Klotz, president of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and a supporter.

“In today’s economic crisis,” continued Parker, “we are seeing that maintaining and upgrading our aging infrastructure is more than just a problem to solve — it’s an opportunity to create good, local jobs that will power our local economy while responding to pressing needs.”

Parker cited a Congressional Budget Office estimate that every dollar of infrastructure spending can boost the economy by up to $2.50.

Parker’s plan calls for a dedicated funding stream to pay for upgrades and maintenance. “In this tough economy, our first goal is to work within existing levels of revenue,” said Parker.

The plan relies on federal stimulus dollars in the very near term to supplement existing funds. Over the long term, Parker wants to use tax dollars now going to tax increment refinancing zones, also known as TIRZs, once the zones complete their project plans. Those tax dollars would otherwise be returned to the city’s general fund.

Acknowledging that the numbers in the near term are modest, Parker said, “As the economy improves, we will have the financial bandwidth to consider new ideas. But today, it is important to make a downpayment on our future.”

Parker’s plan also calls for an infrastructure audit – a comprehensive needs assessment – and the creation of a long-term infrastructure plan with a five-, ten- and twenty-year horizon.

“The short-term interests of politicians who can serve only six years may not coincide with the long-term planning necessary to maintain and upgrade our infrastructure,” Parker said.

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: www.anniseparker.com.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Volunteer for Maverick Welsh

Come volunteer for Maverick Welsh!

This Saturday is Election Day for the Special Election in Houston City Council District H, and the Caucus wants you to help elect a member of our community, Maverick Welsh!

Maverick will take on the tough issues facing District H: improving city services, protecting neighborhoods, and providing real opportunities for young people. With the Caucus' help, Maverick has an incredible opportunity to fight for every neighborhood and every person in District H.

Still, turnout has been low. This is going to be a close election. Every minute you can volunteer can make the difference!

Join us anytime after 4 p.m. Thursday or Friday at Maverick's headquarters at 902 W. Cottage, or from 9 a.m. 'til when the polls close Saturday at the Caucus HQ at 1915 Commonwealth.

Come make a difference for our community! Contact kbanks@thecaucus.org with any questions.

Houston GLBT Political Caucus
Mailing: PO Box 66664 | Houston TX 77266-6664
Office: 1915Commonwealth @ Welch, Suite 104 | Houston TX 77006-1841
713-521-1000 | fax: 309-423-7531 | theCaucus.org

Monday, June 8, 2009

Moms for Maverick Welsh

Moms for Maverick TONIGHT!

Moms across the district agree—we deserve better than business as usual and broken promises from our next leader at City Hall.

Vote Early TODAY for Maverick, and then join Moms for Maverick at our Get Out the vote Rally & House Party! The event is at 610 East 9th Street (map) from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, and features refreshments, entertainment, and rides to Early Voting locations!

As a public school teacher, Maverick was recognized for going above and beyond in his attention to under-performing and special-needs students.

Maverick worked nights and weekends on the Transformation Reagan project and the Reach Out to Droput programs. Because of Maverick's hard work and attention, his students got higher test scores, good grades, and stayed in school.

As a dedicated community organizer and hard-working civic leader, Maverick has been a highly visible participant in District H for years.

Maverick is asking for your support so he can provide real leadership, solve our problems, and move our District forward.

Go vote early today and tomorrow, and join us tonight at our Moms for Maverick get-out-the-vote rally and house party!

"Maverick, your mom would be proud." —Yolanda Navarro Flores

Thanks for your support so far—together, we can elect leadership all our moms can be proud of.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Run-off Election June 16

This Run-off Election, held June 16th, is an opportunity to help the GLBT community by electing a fair-minded candidate; Maverick Welsh. This Victory Fund endorsed candidate has the experience in public service and the ability to lead that we need on city council. Allow Maverick Welsh to improve the quality of life for everyone in the city of Houston.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Early Voting Runoff Election

Early Voting for the Runoff Election starts Monday, June 1! We urge you, your friends, and your family to vote early for Maverick Welsh!
Hours

Monday, June 1 – Friday, June 5: 8 AM to 5 PM
Saturday, June 6: 7 AM to 7 PM
Sunday, June 7: 1 PM to 6 PM
Monday, May 8 and Tuesday, May 9: 7 AM to 7 PM
Locations

* The Harris County Administrative Building, 1001 Preston St (map)
* Moody Park Recreation Center, 3725 Fulton Street (map)
* Ripley House Neighborhood Center, 4410 Navigation Blvd (map)

Voting information in PDF: click here

Sue Lovell At-large Position 2

This is taken from Sue Lovell's website.

Sue Lovell moved to Houston in 1970 from Fresno, California with 3 suitcases, $35 and two good friends. She was 19 years old.

In the 39 years since, Sue has raised a family, owned a small business, started and led nonprofit organizations, worked in the corporate world and been a leader in politics.

Ellen Cohen Town Hall Meeting

Town Hall Meeting
Thursday, June 25, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
at Memorial Elementary


Join State Representative Ellen Cohen and special guest, Paul Burka,
of Texas Monthly magazine for a Town Hall meeting.

Learn more about what happened during the 81st Legislative Session and how the outcome will affect you.

When: Thursday, June 25, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Memorial Elementary School, 6401 Arnot St.

Paul Burka joined the staff of TEXAS MONTHLY one year after the magazine's founding. He now serves as the senior executive editor and maintains the BurkaBlog. A lifelong Texan, he was born in Galveston, graduated from Rice University with a B.A. in history, and received a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law.

For a map to Memorial Elementary School, 6401 Arnot St.,

For more information, call 713.627.0134 or email info@ellencohen.org

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Immigration

This message is from The Caucus

Immigration has been a hot topic for a while, and it affects the GLBT community in sometimes unexpected ways. Just ask the former mayor of San Angelo, who had to resign and move to Mexico because of the immigration status of his partner.

Join us Wednesday, June 3, as we hear from John Nechman, a Houston attorney and expert on immigration issues as they affect the GLBT community. We meet at 7 p.m. at 1827 W. Alabama. Come at 6:30 p.m. for a reception and a bite to eat.

Help Elect Annise Parker Mayor

Please visit my personal fund-raising page: link.

Please visit: http://parker.helpmycampaign.com/SouthGate/myfundraising
and consider making a financial contribution.

Houston deserves a great mayor.
And, Annise Parker is going to win!
Visit my personal fund-raising page and help Annis Parker become the next mayor of Houston.

If you wish to mail a check to her campaign headquarters, please include the following code on the memo line:

5272510LegareJames

I support Annise Parker because a city as great as Houston deserves a person with her excellent credentials! I have lived in Houston for almost five years now. I would never want to live any place else! This is a great place to start a new business and raise a terrific family.

If you live in Houston you already know this. We can make the city even better. But it doesn't happen unless we make it happen. Texans know this!

Please help me make Texas that much better!

We know it is already great. We can launch it into hyper-great! Mega-marvelous! And.. keep it a great place to start a new business!

Electing Annise Parker is key! Lets do it!

Vote for Maverick Welsh

This message was sent to me from Kris Banks, of The Caucus:

GO VOTE EARLY for Caucus-Endorsed Candidate Maverick Welsh!
Vote Early today until June 9th for Houston GLBT Caucus-Endorsed candidate Maverick Welsh in the District H runoff!

The Caucus endorses Maverick Welsh because he is by far the most qualified and capable candidate in this race.

Focused on Us. In talking with you, one thing has become very clear: you deserve better than business as usual and broken promises from your leaders in City Hall. The issues facing District H aren’t new, and they certainly won’t be solved by the same, failed approaches. Maverick Welsh is asking for your support so he can provide real leadership, solve our problems, and move our District forward.

Fighting for You. Maverick knows how to bring people together and get things done. He’ll use his experience to set up neighborhood-oriented policing, demand a fair approach by the City to lower electricity bills, and fight to get better infrastructure for our money. When you call Maverick Welsh at City Hall, you’ll get solid results, not more business as usual.
It’s Time for Real Leadership. It’s Time for Maverick Welsh. Maverick understands how the City works and how to get things done. As a dedicated community organizer and hard-working civic leader, Maverick has been a highly visible participant in District H for years. As a homeowner in the Norhill Historic District, Maverick is invested in the growth and success of District H, just like you.

Vote early for Maverick Welsh until June 9th, at these locations:

* The Harris County Administrative Building, 1001 Preston St (map)
* Moody Park Recreation Center, 3725 Fulton Street (map)
* Ripley House Neighborhood Center, 4410 Navigation Blvd (map)

Voting Hours are:

* Monday, June 1 – Friday, June 5: 8 AM to 5 PM
* Saturday, June 6: 7 AM to 7 PM
* Sunday, June 7: 1 PM to 6 PM
* Monday, May 8 and Tuesday, May 9: 7 AM to 7 PM

This is your chance to make history! For more information visit http://www.MaverickWelsh.com or http://www.theCaucus.org.

Kristopher Banks
President
Houston GLBT Political Caucus
Find us on Facebook and Twitter

The HGLBTPC is the South’s Oldest Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Civil Rights Organization. Founded in 1975, the Houston GLBT Political Caucus is dedicated to eliminating prejudice, violence, and injustice against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people through education, activism, and political advocacy.
Political Advertisment Paid For by Maverick Welsh Campaign, Daryl J. Sinkule, Treasurer.

Tea Party

"Indeed, the rightward tilt of the state's GOP electorate permitted another Tea Party insurgent to mount a respectable run without serving as a spoiler to Perry's similarly themed campaign. Debra Medina, a darling of the far right, recently made headlines for questioning the government's involvement in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, but came in with about the same 16 percent showing that polls registered prior to her gaffe. -http://news.yahoo.com/s/ynews/20100304/ts_ynews/ynews_ts1213


The rightward slant of the Republican party in Texas portends ill for its citizens and residents alike. A state already gerrymandered to the Republican's advantage, allowing a comfortable margin for incompetence, is being pulled toward a radical part of the political spectrum.

The Tea Party rejects any workable form of federalism where the Federal government plays a necessarily central role in funding large projects, such as roads and dams, and provides funding for necessary functions, such as public education.

"But by the time Republican voters went to the polls here in a primary on Tuesday, the political ground had shifted under Senator Hutchison, who lost in a three-way race to Mr. Perry." -link to NY Times Article.

The Tea Party candidates posit themselves as outsiders. But, Rick Perry has been governor for over 10 years.

http://www.billwhitefortexas.com/


If you really want change, elect someone who hasn't been governor for 10 years. Bill White handily beat several other Democratic challengers, and, Bill White doesn't have to hide under a false agenda.

The Tea Party is a mis-informed tax revolt married to a wild-eyed dream of secession. All States require federal money to complete big projects because this is the tax money not hijacked by regional petty thievery, and, back-stabbing. It provides the wealth to the communities too poor to educate their own children or pave their own streets. And it provides a necessary counterweight to local lapses in judgment.

Don't leave the future of Texas in the hands of a movement that would send us back into the Dark Ages; where a decent education is a luxury, and a decent life is a far-off dream. This is the movement that would deny you your unemployment benefits. In fact, Governor Perry already has.

Capitol Building -Austin

State Capitol Complex:
11th and Congress.
Parking at the intersection's southeast Corner, and 1500 block of Congress.
Larger than any other state capitol.

Texas Employment Law

"Texas employment law does NOT prohibit workplace discrimination and/or termination based upon sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status." -Equality Texas


"The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), federal legislation that would add sexual orientation as a protected class against discrimination, has been proposed but failed in the past few years. But it is expected that President Obama and the a stronger Democratic majority in Congress will pass and enact the law in 2009." -HRHero.com

http://www.hrhero.com/topics/sex_discrimination.html

Texas Travel and Leisure Blog

Check out my website:
Texas Travel and Leisure Blog
It has articles on travel and leisure in Texas. Also, information pertaining to equality.
Enjoy!