Houston is the first large American city to elect an openly LGBT person Mayor. This fact is pointed out in publications such as The Economist. Why shouldn't Gays and Lesbians and Transgenders be accepted in leadership roles?
This mayoral campaign was won despite an attack by the religious right a-la Hotze, and despite the fact that Annise had less money than the other candidates. But she had enthusiastic volunteers in spades. This store of psychic energy did the trick.
Annise Parker's inauguration will be held January 4th, 2009. Voter turnout was low, but, the people who cared about any or all of the candidates or issues showed up at the polls. (This was a stealth campaign. Apathy is the norm in the US.)
Parker's sexuality did not become an issue until it was brought up during the runoff election. This was a non-issue for over 50% of the voters who cast their ballot for Annise Parker.
Now all we need is protection against employment discrimination, the end of plebiscite ballot initiatives that strip us of our rights, and a supreme court in California with integrity.
-Jim
Friday, December 25, 2009
Musings About Hotze
hotze aims for moving targets... Click on the previous link to read about how this arch conservative is targeting Democrats that are too liberal. Steven Hotze is sending out e-mails to recruit conservative Republicans. (Conservative is a misnomer.) I can quote this blog article, by John Cobarruvius and Martha Griffin, as saying that the Democrats that are endorsed by this coalition of the religious right all have the following points in common:
* anti-gay
* anti-affirmative action
* anti-choice
* anti-public education
The Democrats endorsed by Hotze are old-school Blue Dog Democrats. Not the kind you take home to mother, not the kind with ideals. They don't believe in much of anything other than getting elected. Texas needs leadership with vision now more than ever.
Steven M. Hotze, M.D., president of Conservative Republicans of Texas, personifies what is the worst in Texas politics today. Their agenda is one of destroying the results of other people's hard work: making Texas more livable for all of us. These are the politics of destruction.
The Conservative Republicans of Texas are inserting themselves into the Houston Runoff election in December, the runoff election between Costello and Derr, and future statewide races. Their goal is to pick off the weaker candidates like an oportunistic gazel.
The success of Annise Parker is like blood in the water for the hungry sharks. Lukily, Annise is an avid swimmer. Annise is swimming against the current. But the tide of politics is changing in Texas.
Read this Texas Monthly Blog about The Hotze Offensive.
Like the moon's effect on the oceans, the antipathy for Obama can be felt here in Texas. It is a downward tug for an exhausted swimmer to fight against. There is a politics that feeds on negative energy. And it is swirling around like Ike near Galveston.
* anti-gay
* anti-affirmative action
* anti-choice
* anti-public education
The Democrats endorsed by Hotze are old-school Blue Dog Democrats. Not the kind you take home to mother, not the kind with ideals. They don't believe in much of anything other than getting elected. Texas needs leadership with vision now more than ever.
Steven M. Hotze, M.D., president of Conservative Republicans of Texas, personifies what is the worst in Texas politics today. Their agenda is one of destroying the results of other people's hard work: making Texas more livable for all of us. These are the politics of destruction.
The Conservative Republicans of Texas are inserting themselves into the Houston Runoff election in December, the runoff election between Costello and Derr, and future statewide races. Their goal is to pick off the weaker candidates like an oportunistic gazel.
The success of Annise Parker is like blood in the water for the hungry sharks. Lukily, Annise is an avid swimmer. Annise is swimming against the current. But the tide of politics is changing in Texas.
Read this Texas Monthly Blog about The Hotze Offensive.
Like the moon's effect on the oceans, the antipathy for Obama can be felt here in Texas. It is a downward tug for an exhausted swimmer to fight against. There is a politics that feeds on negative energy. And it is swirling around like Ike near Galveston.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Important Political Developments
Read this Off the Kuff article on anti-gay rhetoric being directed at Annise Parker, who would be the first openly lesbian mayor of a large American City.
The social conservatives are mobilizing resentment, to take a phrase from Jean Hardisty and her excellent book of the same title.
The Off the Kuff article by Charles Kuffner talks about the socially conservative Houstonians. "...planning a campaign to discourage voters from choosing City Controller Annise Parker in the December mayoral runoff because she is a lesbian, according to multiple ministers and conservatives involved in the effort."
Be an informed voter and help the advancement of Houston.
The social conservatives are mobilizing resentment, to take a phrase from Jean Hardisty and her excellent book of the same title.
The Off the Kuff article by Charles Kuffner talks about the socially conservative Houstonians. "...planning a campaign to discourage voters from choosing City Controller Annise Parker in the December mayoral runoff because she is a lesbian, according to multiple ministers and conservatives involved in the effort."
Be an informed voter and help the advancement of Houston.
Monday, November 2, 2009
CAUCUS STATEMENT ON THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN NEW AND ISSUES ARTICLE
Houston GLBT Political Caucus President Kris Banks made the following
comments regarding a recent article in the African-American News and
Issues:
“In an article in the African-American News and Issues leveling baseless attacks against City Council Member Sue Lovell, publisher Roy Douglas Malonson made multiple statements that were untrue, including some about the Houston GLBT Political Caucus. If the intent of the piece was in any way related to journalism, Mr. Malonson could have easily gotten the facts straight with a simple phone call or e-mail. Mr. Malonson made no such attempt, and it is my understanding that none was made for others mentioned in the article, including the subject.'
>>>
"It is unfortunate that Mr. Malonson and his cohorts are attempting to create a rift between Council Member Lovell and the African American community, though I am sure the Council Member's work in the community will render the poisonous efforts of these few unsuccessful. We are also disappointed that Mr. Molanson and his cohorts have chosen to write this fictional account about the Caucus and use it in the attack piece, but we will continue to do the work of fighting for equality for all and not allow such invidious mistruths get in our way."
>>>
The Houston GLBT Political Caucus is the oldest organization in the South advocating for the civil rights of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans-gender community.
>>>
>>>
>>> Kristopher Banks
>>> President
>>> Houston GLBT Political Caucus
>>>
>>> Mailing: PO Box 66664 | Houston TX 77266-6664
>>> Office: 1915 Commonwealth @ Welch, Suite 104 |
>>> Houston TX 77006-1841
>>> 713-521-1000 | fax: 309-423-7531 | theCaucus.org
>>>
Houston GLBT Political Caucus President Kris Banks made the following
comments regarding a recent article in the African-American News and
Issues:
“In an article in the African-American News and Issues leveling baseless attacks against City Council Member Sue Lovell, publisher Roy Douglas Malonson made multiple statements that were untrue, including some about the Houston GLBT Political Caucus. If the intent of the piece was in any way related to journalism, Mr. Malonson could have easily gotten the facts straight with a simple phone call or e-mail. Mr. Malonson made no such attempt, and it is my understanding that none was made for others mentioned in the article, including the subject.'
>>>
"It is unfortunate that Mr. Malonson and his cohorts are attempting to create a rift between Council Member Lovell and the African American community, though I am sure the Council Member's work in the community will render the poisonous efforts of these few unsuccessful. We are also disappointed that Mr. Molanson and his cohorts have chosen to write this fictional account about the Caucus and use it in the attack piece, but we will continue to do the work of fighting for equality for all and not allow such invidious mistruths get in our way."
>>>
The Houston GLBT Political Caucus is the oldest organization in the South advocating for the civil rights of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans-gender community.
>>>
>>>
>>> Kristopher Banks
>>> President
>>> Houston GLBT Political Caucus
>>>
>>> Mailing: PO Box 66664 | Houston TX 77266-6664
>>> Office: 1915 Commonwealth @ Welch, Suite 104 |
>>> Houston TX 77006-1841
>>> 713-521-1000 | fax: 309-423-7531 | theCaucus.org
>>>
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Final TV Debate
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: October 25, 2009
Contact: Sue Davis
713-392-6011 | sue@suedavis.net
Annise Parker Wins Final TV Debate
Houston, TX – Annise Parker completed her string of debate victories last night by decisively winning the fourth and final mayoral candidate TV debate.
Facing three of her opponents on Channel 11, KHOU-TV, Parker demonstrated her superior knowledge and experience as the only candidate with clear, concise answers to questions from the panel of four reporters.
On the question of adding police cadet classes, Parker said she would bring into the department state-certified graduates of other programs, such as those at Houston Community College.
Asked how the candidates would increase recycling, Parker pointed to programs she’s helped create that have already increased recycling: single-stream recycling, separate pick up for green organic heavy trash and recycling programs at Houston’s sports stadiums.
On the issue of flooding in Houston, Parker explained she would do a watershed by watershed analysis of drainage problems and begin tackling the problem.
To the question of what have been current Mayor Bill White’s biggest mistakes and what would you do differently, Parker said White should not have used borrowed money to pay current pension obligations, he should have brought more stakeholders into his decision-making and he should have used more economic incentives to bring businesses to Houston, which Parker said she would do.
Asked about the Metropolitan Transit Authority, Parker said she would clean house with a new Board and new administration, have her transition team look closely at Metro’s books and require Metro to post its budget and meetings online.
On the question of solving problems women have in the Houston Fire Department, Parker said she would resolve the current harassment case, recruit more women and establish mentoring programs.
None of the other three candidates could match Parker for specific answers to the tough questions. As with the previous three TV debates, Parker was the clear winner – capping a week of events that demonstrates her momentum moving into the final week of the campaign. The day before the debate, Parker announced the endorsement of State Representative Garnet Coleman – a powerful voice in national, state and local government and a particularly key endorsement in the Houston mayor’s race. And the Houston Chronicle reported that Parker is outspending her opponent Gene Locke on television and is winning the social media campaign with more supporters than all her opponents combined.
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 police, 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.
*******
Thanks to Car Whitmarsh for sending this to me. Annise Parker is the best candidate for the job. What we need to do is to simply tell people about it!
Jim Legare
For Immediate Release: October 25, 2009
Contact: Sue Davis
713-392-6011 | sue@suedavis.net
Annise Parker Wins Final TV Debate
Houston, TX – Annise Parker completed her string of debate victories last night by decisively winning the fourth and final mayoral candidate TV debate.
Facing three of her opponents on Channel 11, KHOU-TV, Parker demonstrated her superior knowledge and experience as the only candidate with clear, concise answers to questions from the panel of four reporters.
On the question of adding police cadet classes, Parker said she would bring into the department state-certified graduates of other programs, such as those at Houston Community College.
Asked how the candidates would increase recycling, Parker pointed to programs she’s helped create that have already increased recycling: single-stream recycling, separate pick up for green organic heavy trash and recycling programs at Houston’s sports stadiums.
On the issue of flooding in Houston, Parker explained she would do a watershed by watershed analysis of drainage problems and begin tackling the problem.
To the question of what have been current Mayor Bill White’s biggest mistakes and what would you do differently, Parker said White should not have used borrowed money to pay current pension obligations, he should have brought more stakeholders into his decision-making and he should have used more economic incentives to bring businesses to Houston, which Parker said she would do.
Asked about the Metropolitan Transit Authority, Parker said she would clean house with a new Board and new administration, have her transition team look closely at Metro’s books and require Metro to post its budget and meetings online.
On the question of solving problems women have in the Houston Fire Department, Parker said she would resolve the current harassment case, recruit more women and establish mentoring programs.
None of the other three candidates could match Parker for specific answers to the tough questions. As with the previous three TV debates, Parker was the clear winner – capping a week of events that demonstrates her momentum moving into the final week of the campaign. The day before the debate, Parker announced the endorsement of State Representative Garnet Coleman – a powerful voice in national, state and local government and a particularly key endorsement in the Houston mayor’s race. And the Houston Chronicle reported that Parker is outspending her opponent Gene Locke on television and is winning the social media campaign with more supporters than all her opponents combined.
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 police, 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.
*******
Thanks to Car Whitmarsh for sending this to me. Annise Parker is the best candidate for the job. What we need to do is to simply tell people about it!
Jim Legare
Friday, October 23, 2009
Garnet Coleman
State Representative Garnet Coleman Endorses Parker for Mayor
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: October 23, 2009
Contact: Sue Davis
713-392-6011 | sue@suedavis.net
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. Garnet Coleman
“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 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."
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 police, 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.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: October 23, 2009
Contact: Sue Davis
713-392-6011 | sue@suedavis.net
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. Garnet Coleman
“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 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."
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 police, 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.
David Ortez
David Ortez is another of our bright young bloggers - and a true breath of fresh air. Extrememly talented with a unique point of view - David has not been "affected" by his own importance and is not a name dropper or attention seeker....he just gets his opinion out there in a way that is interesting and enjoyable to read......and lets YOU decide whether his point of view merits your agreement without insulting your intelligence. Here is a great column from his daily blog today.
David Ortez
A Political/Social Thought Blog
Did Locke Copy or Steal?
By DAVID ORTEZ on October 23, 2009
"Gene Locke must have gotten the latest memo that shows him behind Annise Parker and Peter Brown even though he has managed to out raise them both and get more endorsements than all of the candidates combined … but he is stuck at the bottom just shy of being humiliated by Roy Morales."
Read more of his excellent blog.
The author then quotes the ad.
“Only one candidate for mayor has been endorsed by the Houston Chronicle (pause) and Houston’s Police and Firefighters (pause) it’s Gene Locke.”
Then he quotes the Houston Chronicle.
“Locke is the only candidate endorsed by the Houston Chronicle...and police and firefighters, much as I am the only reporter covering the mayoral race...who is at the Houston Chronicle and six feet tall.
More from this excellent author: "One can see that the Locke camp is feeling the heat and they have to go on the offensive the rest of the way if they wish to be duking it out in December. As Pablo Picasso stated, “Bad artists copy. Great artists steal!” … which did Gene Locke do?
If you liked this post, you can buy me a coffee!"
http://davidortez.com/2009/10/23/did-locke-copy-or-steal
**********************
Carl E. Whitmarsh
Democrat - no qualifications
Houston
I am sick and tired of being sick and tired
Fannie Lou Hamer
Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party
David Ortez
A Political/Social Thought Blog
Did Locke Copy or Steal?
By DAVID ORTEZ on October 23, 2009
"Gene Locke must have gotten the latest memo that shows him behind Annise Parker and Peter Brown even though he has managed to out raise them both and get more endorsements than all of the candidates combined … but he is stuck at the bottom just shy of being humiliated by Roy Morales."
Read more of his excellent blog.
The author then quotes the ad.
“Only one candidate for mayor has been endorsed by the Houston Chronicle (pause) and Houston’s Police and Firefighters (pause) it’s Gene Locke.”
Then he quotes the Houston Chronicle.
“Locke is the only candidate endorsed by the Houston Chronicle...and police and firefighters, much as I am the only reporter covering the mayoral race...who is at the Houston Chronicle and six feet tall.
More from this excellent author: "One can see that the Locke camp is feeling the heat and they have to go on the offensive the rest of the way if they wish to be duking it out in December. As Pablo Picasso stated, “Bad artists copy. Great artists steal!” … which did Gene Locke do?
If you liked this post, you can buy me a coffee!"
http://davidortez.com/2009/10/23/did-locke-copy-or-steal
**********************
Carl E. Whitmarsh
Democrat - no qualifications
Houston
I am sick and tired of being sick and tired
Fannie Lou Hamer
Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party
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