Get Independent Updates Below-

See:

http://myfortbend.net/ (formerly FortBendWeb.com)

Get full county election results below!

Click here: http://www.co.fort-bend.tx.us/upload/images/elections_administration/election_results/er101102_01.pdf

FBN: Online candidates forum for TXHD27

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/10/26/48587

FBN: Local Corruption & A Free Press

Follow this link for more: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/10/18/48438

Get More On Early Voting & Election Day Locations--click below--

http://www.co.fort-bend.tx.us/getsitepage.asp?sitepage=3230

FBN: Carreon Seeking Counties Top Spot!

Carreon Announces He Is Seeking To Replace Bob Hebert As Chief County Judge!

Rodrigo Carreon is seeking the office of Chief County Judge this November 2nd held currently by heavily developer backed incumbent Bob Hebert. He won his parties nomination in March of this year by sweeping the primaries.

Mr. Carreon is a community activist and former candidate for commissioners court precinct 1 during the 2008 campaign season. He regularly attends and speaks at commissioners court on issues from over taxation and the public desire for appraisal and rate caps to the need for greater county-wide ordinances on ethics to limit the influences of special interest on the court, as has been the case for many years now.

In 2006 Rodrigo initiated a challenge through the county court system involving the appraisal district process, which often over-values property owners on the "wrong-side" (rural) of development as well above the state legal limits. He won this case in 2009 and continues his activism for the middle class through his current appeals on related matters. He is a staunch opponent of the TTC project, landfill expansion to 20 stories at Blue Ridge near Missouri City and advocates for improvements to our current road system without the need for further tolling authorities.

Mr. Carreon was a member of the 2007 FBISD bond committee and has worked tirelessly as a community volunteer on numerous cross-party campaigns that work to represent local residents interests rather than the out of area special interests that so often direct our local governments. He has acted as a commissioners court and school board watch advocate for a number of years and is highly respected by many leaders for his work, service and volunteerism.

Chronicle: Reynolds Fined $11,500 By Texas Ethics Commission

http://www.ultimatefortbend.com/stories/216500-state-representative-candidate-fined-11-500

Derek Grayson is facing Mr. Reynolds in the TXHD 27 November race. Candidate Reynolds also just finished serving duel sanctions imposed by the Texas Bar Association in 2009 for conduct involving several ex-legal clients.

See this related piece (update): http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/10/14/48395

Stay Tuned As More Local Elections Approach...

Chronicle Report: Jerry Wyatt Claims City Is Under Attack By "Insurgents"....(yes he really said this)...

http://www.ultimatefortbend.com/2010/05/councilman-lashes-out-insurgents

Don Smith Returned To City Council Seat After Failed Gary Run Against Heavily Developer Backed Mayor Allen Owen...--click below--

See: http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2010/05/18/fort_bend_sun/news/sws_-_mc_selects_mayor_pro_tem.txt

UPDATE FORTBENDNOW (Wyatt calls for FBN boycott as retaliation for campaign coverage): http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/05/18/45682

MCC Comment: Don Smith was the incumbent being pushed by Mr. Owen and backed by Houston developers in the 2007 run-off election whereby reform candidate, Cynthia Gary, won in a landslide. Now the special interest appoint him back to the district "B" seat...

Jerry Wyatt 8 Day Campaign Finance Reports-

Council Preparing To Replace Duly Elected District B Council Member--see below--

http://www.ultimatefortbend.com/2010/05/missouri-city-council-vacancy-agenda-may-17

Machine Candidates Sweep In Missouri City--click the title link for full results--

FBN: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/05/08/45531

Chonicle: http://www.ultimatefortbend.com/2010/05/fort-bene-election-results


MCC comment: Although the council seats in MC can still be bought, significant improvements seen in numbers for reform candidates over the at large races of 2006 and 2008 (44-45% voted against Nguyen while Owen's numbers dropped by almost 10%). Jim Babb wins in the FBISD race on a fiscally accountable platform. Thank you for your efforts Alumbaugh with strong numbers on a very minimal campaign budget! Congratulations also go out to reformers Silhavy, Tuffly for victories in their races!

Election Day Saturday

Polling locations for Saturdays races school board and city races: http://www.co.fort-bend.tx.us/getSitePage.asp?sitePage=5660

FORT BEND SUN FINAL INTERVIEWS WITH CANDIDATES: http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2010/05/07/fort_bend_sun/news/sws__position_2_candidates.txt

Local Newspaper Publisher Has Harassment Charges Leveled Against Her

Local Newspaper Publisher Has Harassment Charges Leveled Against Her
Staff Report

In a recent twist of local politics, we have learned that harassment charges have been filed through the federal governments IC3 division, a partnership of law enforcement agencies including the FBI, NW3C & BJA (the Justice Department) against a local newspaper publisher who may have become over zealous in her work.

According to the report filed against a “Beverly Carter” of 4655 Techniplex Dr. in Stafford on Friday April 30th, the publisher was engaging in harassing activity against campaign volunteers in the Quail Valley subdivision of Missouri City, TX in an attempt to stop their lawful and federally protected efforts to inform the community of their candidates positions.

The report from the campaign volunteer stated, “Yesterday while campaigning in Quail Valley block-walking and distributing election materials, a person, later identified as Beverly Carter (a local newspaper publisher and supporter of the opposition candidates) started following myself and another campaign worker through the subdivision in an attempt to harass us and keep us from lawfully campaigning. She chased us through the neighborhood in her 3000 lb. SUV and then stopped at a friend of hers house (the Youngs) and began to take pictures of us in what I believe was an attempt to further harass us into leaving the neighborhood. Once I drove to another section of the neighborhood, she continued to follow and even cut off two lanes of traffic in front of me in an attempt to stop my forward progress and almost wrecked another vehicle coming the other direction.”

These charges have been reported and are forwarded to the local law enforcement entities. In this case, the Fort Bend County Sheriffs Office for further investigation. One eyewitness of the alleged harassment, by Ms. Carter, later stated in a local blog that, “I was talking with the voters and handing out voter information with one Dr. Calvin on the day Bev Carter made many obscenely untrue claims in her paper. No one was running, stealing, going inside houses, or doing anything illegal, bizarre or slanderous except Ms. Carter. I was there, and I know this empirically. It is frightening that when people get involved in the political process, as more people desperately NEED to do, they are targeted, lied about publicly, marginalized by some in our news media.”

This report will be updated as needed…

Chronicle Report: Nguyen Rebuffed For American Legion Membership Claims!--

See: http://www.ultimatefortbend.com/2010/04/american-legion-reference-removed#comment-3089

Nguyen Campaign Offering Excuses Rather Than Apologies--click the link below for more--

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/04/27/45339#comment-12441

http://myfortbend.net/news/local/politics/1317-fbn-nguyen-campaign-in-missouri-city-offers-excuses-rather-than-apologies-for-continued-distortions

Related:

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/04/21/45256 (Over 330 comments from the public since this story broke)

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDj9Qf98uBU9HlAmW3CKPrVPPWgGLUWbxkrIZF0SfUbN6q8XvLjS3SJxEGQDVuM1jTDC13m2Nnlygz6Nkq_yoAz7GPqWdprirYEdwI4zs8UHFFbzJFrzOUYY2z-3LWPWWaZlea1Xt444/s1600/Federal-Tax-Lien-Feb-27-200.jpg

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/04/08/45052

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-oQPwuwf49KXjp4i0tym1kwOL87C1T76ccNhoZJijfc62ThNVIMtySs7T2JfBB2VBcon1TZxfVpog9IH6VI1LzVGdi8vritMgJ29ZfN170CGIbfFMK5RNwc9C-QHpQBmftCIzNZAptE/s1600/dannyletters_2pg.jpg

Early Voting Starts Today (Ap. 26th-May 4th; Election day May 8th)

Locations: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/04/26/45302

FB Star Reports MC Candidates Positions--see below--

http://www.fortbendstar.com/042110/n_missouricityincumbents.htm

MC Candidates Forum Contentious At Times...

The Missouri City candidates forum went off without a hitch Wednesday night, at least for the first few minutes of meet and greet. The event was sponsored by a coalition of concerned citizens of Fort Bend and a students group. Once the introductions had concluded the gloves were off. One candidate was conspicuously absent from the event. A fairly large group of protestors showed up from a coalition of Asian-Americans protesting Danny Nguyen's candidacy for numerous reasons. Two of the incumbents in attendance, Allen Owen and Jerry Wyatt, who have openly endorsed and supported Mr. Nguyen's campaign were criticized by members of the group and some in the general audience for their continued pushing of a "slate of candidates" that include developer Nguyen.

During the Q&A session one audience member asked before the packed house if Jerry Wyatt or Allen Owen were aware of Mr. Nguyens business and tax liens from multiple entities including a federal lien. Mayor Owen did not respond and Wyatt claimed to have no knowledge of such problems with Mr. Nguyen. Following another query from audience members, all the candidates in attendance, with the exception of the mayor and Mr. Wyatt, agreed that taking campaign financing from companies doing business with the city and then voting on those projects was something they would not do. Mr. Wyatt made the usual "politicians denial" that he had always followed the law with regard to campaign finance but he would not condemn the practice often called "political cronyism"...

We will update this release at intervals.

Background:

http://myfortbend.net/news/local/politics/1315-fbn-asian-american-community-protests-candidate-danny-nguyen-for-qpro-communistq-activity

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/04/21/45256

Vietnamese American Community Planning To Protest Danny Nguyen, Missouri City council candidate for being a "communist sympathizer"--See link below--

FORTBENDNOW: Vietnamese Americans Planning Protest At MoCity Council Candidate’s Fundraiser
By: Jamie Mock on Wed, Apr 21, 2010News

A group of Vietnamese Americans are planning to protest a fundraiser today for Missouri City council candidate Danny Nguyen, who is running for At-large Position 2. The protestors are various members of 20 Vietnamese American groups that are in opposition to Nguyen for a variety of reasons, one being their belief that he supports the socialist regime in Vietnam.

The issue originated more than two years ago, when Nguyen, as President of the Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce in Houston, spoke at a Greater Houston Partnership meeting in support of doing business with Vietnam....(click above for the full story)

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/04/21/45256

Candidates Forums This Week At New Territory, Missouri City Library (Near the city hall) & Stafford Center!

Three candidates forums are coming up Tues evening at the Stafford Center from 7p-9p & Weds at the Missouri City library across the street from city hall from 6:30p to 8:00p and the New Territory forum at their clubhouse starting at 7p on Thursday evening. The MC forum will host school board candidates and city council candidates while the New Territory forum will be for FBISD board candidates only.

Please attend if you can this week. Elections are April 26th thru May 4th for early voting with election day May 8th!

MCC: Schaefer Falls Short In Nail Biter To Deseat Machine Incumbent In DAs Run-off (51% to 48%)

See: http://www.co.fort-bend.tx.us/upload/images/elections_administration/election_results/er100413_04.pdf

MCC: Nina Schaefer Takes Early Lead In District Attorney's Race 3,852 to 3,572!

Click the link below to follow up on the latest results...

http://www.co.fort-bend.tx.us/upload/images/elections_administration/election_results/er100413_04.pdf

Related:

http://www.slide.com/r/dPwVVOz37T-T9bWP9thMFMhjigQAlSB9?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original

FBW: Raymond Endorses Gary For Mayor of Missouri City!

Exclusive: Raymond Endorses Gary For Mayor of Missouri City!

Local - Politics
Written by MCCnews
Tuesday, 13 April 2010

Richard Raymond Endorses Missouri City Council-member Cynthia Lenton-Gary For Mayor of Missouri City!

Former candidate for district attorney and long-time Missouri City resident, Richard Raymond, announced today that he is formerly endorsing Cynthia Lenton-Gary for Mayor of the city. He said he has met with Council-member Gary on several occasions and discussed her goals for the future of the community and he believes her plan will take us in a positive and balanced direction. That combined with her energy and proactive beliefs in people gives me a great deal of hope for her administration. She is courteous and always polite in her dealings with others and was a joy to be around...

Full release at: http://myfortbend.net/news/local/politics/1314-exclusive-raymond-endorses-gary-for-mayor-of-missouri-city

Run-off Election Day Tuesday!--DON'T FORGET TO VOTE--

Related: http://www.fbherald.com/articles/2010/01/15/opinion/doc4b5089e42d67c902261192.txt

http://www.ethics.state.tx.us/sworncomp/2007/270333.pdf

FB Sun: Spouse of MC Mayoral Candidate disavows endorsement of at-large-council candidate

http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2010/04/08/fort_bend_sun/news/sws_-_endorsement_claim_48.txt

Spouse of MC Mayoral Candidate disavows endorsement of at-large-council candidate

From staff reports
Updated: 04.08.10

EJ Gary, husband of Missouri City mayoral candidate and District B City Councilmember, Cynthia Lenton-Gary, has issued a public statement disavowing the use of his name on the campaign endorsement literature of at-large-council candidate Danny Nguyen. "At no time have I given Mr. Nguyen permission or signed any releases to utilize my name for his campaign. Additionally, my wife and I have decided not to endorse any candidate during this election cycle and made it known to our campaign team. Furthermore, I am not in a position to endorse a candidate who has publicly endorsed my wife's opponent,” EJ Gary said.

"We have been working hard to keep our campaign open and transparent. Unlike my opponent, we are not running a slate and have been very encouraged by the many responses we are receiving during our public meetings, forums and block-walking efforts,” Cynthia Lenton-Gary said.

EJ Gary described the allegations as "an unfortunate incident that all to often happens in our local elections and thought that drawing attention to it would help remedy possible future problems. We don't need anymore confusion and thought clarification was needed....We are looking forward to the month ahead and continued service to our community and all of Missouri City."

FBN: Campaign Tricks Hit Missouri City Races Again!

http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2010/04/08/fort_bend_sun/news/sws_-_endorsement_claim_48.txt

Related: http://www.dncommercial.net/associates/burtlevine/

MCC: Gary Campaign Addresses Misinformation By Danny Nguyen Campaign In Missouri City!

For Immediate Release:

EJ Gary, husband of Missouri City mayoral candidate and District B City Councilmember, Cynthia Lenton-Gary, has issued a public statement disavowing the use of his name on the campaign endorsement literature of at large council candidate Danny Nguyen. He states, "At no time have I given Mr. Nguyen permission or signed any releases to utilize my name for his campaign. Additionally, my wife and I have decided not to endorse any candidate during this election cycle and made it known to our campaign team. Furthermore, I am not in a position to endorse a candidate who has publicly endorsed my wife's opponent."

Cynthia Lenton-Gary, candidate in the mayoral race added, "We have been working hard to keep our campaign open and transparent. Unlike my opponent, we are not running a slate and have been very encouraged by the many responses we are receiving during our public meetings, forums and block-walking efforts."

EJ went on to say, "this is an unfortunate incident that all to often happens in our local elections and thought that drawing attention to it would help remedy possible future problems. We don't need anymore confusion and thought clarification was needed....We are looking forward to the month ahead and continued service to our community and all of Missouri City."

FBH: Early Voting Starts Monday!

See: http://www.fbherald.com/articles/2010/04/02/news/doc4bb639509b7da872448381.txt

FBI: Incumbents face keen challenge in Missouri City!

Incumbents face keen challenge in Missouri City
SESHADRI KUMAR

Sugar Land Mayor Jimmy Thompson and two at-large council members Tom Abraham and Jacquie Chaumette have been elected unopposed, but their counterparts in Missouri City are facing a contest in the May city council elections.

Sitting councilmember Cynthia Lenton-Gary has filed to run against incumbent Mayor Allen Owen.

Owen has been Missouri City mayor since 1994 and he was a council member for eight years prior to that.

Cynthia Gary is in the middle of her second two-year term and she won the District B council seat in 2007, defeating the then incumbent Don Smith.

Similarly, Wyatt has been a councilmember from 1981 to 1994 and again an at-large councilmember since 1998.

Wyatt is director of occupational health and safety at the Memorial Hermann Hospital.

Wyatt is opposed by Anthony G. Maroulis...

...The at-large position 2 is an open seat as incumbent Buddy Jimerson is not seeking re-election.

Four candidates Kevin Tunstall, healthcare admininstrator, Danny Nguyen, business owner, Yolanda Ford, planner, and Judith Neil Dupre, insurance executive, have filed for this position.

The election is on May 8. Profiles of other candidates will be published in future weeks.

http://www.fbindependent.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=1&twindow=&mad=&sdetail=2402&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2531&hn=fbindependent&he=.com

FBN: It’s All Or Nothing For MoCity Mayoral Candidate Cynthia Lenton-Gary

It’s All Or Nothing For MoCity Mayoral Candidate Cynthia Lenton-Gary
By: Jamie Mock on Mon, Mar 22, 2010News

When Missouri City’s District B Councilwoman Cynthia Lenton-Gary decided to run for mayor against 16-year incumbent Allen Owen, she knew that due to city ordinance she would have to resign her seat by the election on May 8.
If she wins the election, she will be mayor. If she loses, she will be off council completely. Either way, council will appoint a replacement for her seat until the 2011 election.

Lenton-Gary said she is taking that chance because she feels her voice is ignored and her only chance to make a difference is to be in the top seat.

“I was willing to take that chance simply because as a member of council I realized that my voice is ignored, and that’s the truth,” said Lenton-Gary. “If I sit there in that district seat, they were not going to allow anything I wanted to be done in my district. I was doing a disservice to the people...”

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/03/22/44669

Missouri City Campaign Kick-off Slides From This Weekend!

Click here:

Stay tuned as we update these events during the current area elections...

Campaign Release: Cynthia Lenton-Gary Vies For Top Spot In Missouri City!

MARCH 19, 2010

MISSOURI␣CITY,␣TX␣– During candidate filing on Monday, March 8, 2010, City Councilwoman Cynthia Lenton-Gary filed her candidacy for the Mayor of Missouri City. In this year’s May 8th election, she will challenge 16-year incumbent Mayor William Allen Owen to become the first female mayor of Missouri City, since 1956. Councilwoman Gary, no stranger to Missouri City politics, has served the citizens of District B for 2 terms; running unopposed during her second term. Cynthia and husband Everette (E.J.) Gary have called Missouri City home for more than 25 years and raised their three wonderful children in the city.

Born in Houston and a product of the Houston Independent School District, Cynthia excelled in academics. Cynthia has worked as an Environmentalist, Researcher, and Forensic Chemist. She is a Professor of Sociology. Cynthia is a member of the Greater Houston Partnership, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and several other community organizations. She is also a member of the Fountain of Praise Church, where she and her husband joyfully serve in multiple ministries.

Cynthia manifests a strong passion for public service and has brought proven leadership to city government in Missouri City. She articulates:

“I am honored, humbled and extremely privileged to serve the members of District B. I have pledged my life to resolving issues that are important to members of our Missouri City community in Fort Bend County."

I am campaigning to become the citizens’ Mayor, the top job in the city, because I believe that all citizens of Missouri City deserve transparency in government. I want to revitalize the city and combat the issues that impede our economic growth. I hold true to the belief that our city is capable of being the greatest city in the quadruplex, which includes Pearland, Missouri City, Stafford and Sugarland. With many years of political experience and community advocacy, I am committed to working with citizens, public servants, fire and police as well as business owners to make Missouri City the most productive municipality in Fort Bend County. I am dedicated to being accessible and responsive to our city’s residents and business communities to protect and promote the economic and social viability of our city’s future.

Source: http://myfortbend.net/news/local/politics/1308-campaign-release-cynthia-lenton-gary-vies-for-top-spot-in-missouri-city

MC Campaign Kick-off: http://www.slide.com/r/dPwVVOz37T-T9bWP9thMFMhjigQAlSB9?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original

FBH: Raymond & Sheriff Back Nina Schaefer In FB District Attorneys Race!

http://www.fortbendherald.com/articles/2010/03/12/news/doc4b9a91c0ec83a790969369.txt
& FB Star http://www.fortbendstar.com/031710/o_DARunoff.htm

Raymond, sheriff back Schaefer

DA Healey defends his office’s record as runoff challenger gets key endorsements
BY DON MUNSCH
dmunsch@fbherald.com
Published:
Friday, March 12, 2010 1:58 PM CST

A former Republican Primary district attorney candidate announced his support for one of his former opponents Thursday.

Richard Raymond said he is endorsing former challenger Nina Schaefer in the April 13 runoff against incumbent Fort Bend County District Attorney John Healey.

Sheriff Milton Wright joined Raymond in making the endorsement.

Healey faced Raymond and Schaefer in the March 2 primary. Healey received the highest percentage of votes — 47 percent — but 53 percent of voters picked someone else, and he now takes on Schaefer in a runoff.

Wright said in a news release that the current district attorney’s “failures and lack of judgment are well-documented.”

Any failures of judgment have been dwarfed by the numerous cases that have been successfully tried not only with Wright’s agency but other law enforcement agencies in the county, Healey said Friday morning.

He said his office’s successes repudiate Wright’s claims. Healey defended the work of grand juries and his prosecutors.

Healey said he thinks the sheriff has “egg all over his face” in endorsing Raymond, which he said is embarrassing to law enforcement.

“We need a district attorney who will work with law enforcement to get the criminals who prey on our elderly off the streets,” Wright said in the release. “Nina Schaefer is that new leader we need in the district attorney’s office.”

Richard Raymond said in the release that the voters have clearly stated they want a new district attorney.

“Nina Schaefer is well-known, well-respected and has the integrity to be a district attorney of whom we can all be proud,” he said....get the full piece by following the link above...

FBW: Reitz Pulling Out Of FBISD Trustee Election!

Follow the link below for more as another board member decides not to run for re-election while the district declares a "financial emergency"...

http://fbisdwatch.blogspot.com/2010/03/exclusive-according-to-several-reliable.html

http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2010/03/15/fort_bend_sun/news/sws_-_david_reitz_315.txt

http://fbindependent.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=1&twindow=&mad=&sdetail=2384&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2531&hn=fbindependent&he=.com

FB Star: Covers Local Municipal and School Board Elections

http://www.fortbendstar.com/031010/n_candidate.htm

Kevin Tunstall Announces Campaign Bid For Missouri City Council Position 2!

Just in>

Missouri City, Texas – March 12, 2010 - Kevin Tunstall, a local healthcare business owner and tax reform advocate, has announced his candidacy for the Missouri City council position 2 at large race. He was the only area candidate in 2008 to receive an endorsement from the Ron Paul presidential campaign and he has remained very active in local political issues over the years.

When asked why he is again seeking to serve the voters of Missouri City, Tunstall noted that the current administration has continued to raise taxes and bond debt over the years and have little to show for it. “They hire lobbyist with our tax dollars, who then act in opposition to the interests of our local businesses and families by opposing appraisal and property tax rate reforms”, Tunstall said.

“Last week the mayor pulled a ballot initiative that would have given the voters of Missouri City the option to implement a universal homestead exemption which they currently are denied. Missouri City is one of the few cities in the area that does not offer this to its residents. Why would the mayor or any city official first offer the public this choice and then remove it, all within a month or two?”

“It’s time for true fiscal responsibility and prudent actions in these tough times and to remember who placed us in office. We have a diverse and vibrant community and we need a clear direction as well as new leadership to insure a bright future”, responded Tunstall.

To volunteer or donate contact:

http://elect.kdtunstall.com

http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2010/03/12/fort_bend_sun/news/sws-_kevin_tunstall_announces312.txt

Chron: Richard Raymond Endorses Nina Schaefer In Fort Bend County District Attorneys Race!

Who are endorsing the DA candidates?

March 12, 2010
By ZEN T.C. ZHENG
HOUSTON CHRONICLE

Richmond attorney Nina Schaefer has gotten a boost in her bid to take over District Attorney John Healey’s long-held seat with endorsements from Sheriff Milton Wright and Richard Raymond, who didn’t get enough votes in the primary to make the runoff.

Wright told me Thursday morning that he made the decision out of frustration with what he said was a lack of prosecution of cases that ought to have been prosecuted.

On the other hand, Wright said, Healey's office “wasted tax dollars” pursuing cases that shouldn’t have been prosecuted.

The length of prosecution and his office’s efficiency also has been a concern to him, Wright said.

“The problems seem to have grown from year to year, and it got pretty bad the last two years," he said.

And he added, “Healey is a nice guy, and there are good people working in his office, but it’s time for new leadership.”

Schaefer said she also received a pledge from Raymond to support her.

Schaefer said people endorsing her also include Needville Mayor Delbert Wendt, Fulshear Mayor Jamie Roberts, Needville school board president Jim Kocian and former county Sheriff Tiny Gaston...

Background:

http://www.ethics.state.tx.us/sworncomp/2007/270333.pdf

http://www.fbherald.com/articles/2010/01/15/opinion/doc4b5089e42d67c902261192.txt

http://www.justicenotpolitics.com/

Chron: Shocking Number Of Last Minute Filings In Missouri City Council Race!

http://www.ultimatefortbend.com/2010/03/lenton-gary-files-against-longtime-mayor-owen-missouri-city

Mo City mayor to face opposition in election
March 9, 2010 6:47 am Karen Hastings:

Missouri City District B Councilwoman Cynthia Lenton-Gary filed Monday to challenge incumbent Mayor Allen Owen in what promises to be a busy May 8 City Council race.

By the 5 p.m. deadline, four candidates were signed up to vie for the open At Large Position 2 spot to be vacated by Councilman Buddy Jimerson.

Insurance executive Judith Dupre, 64; planner Yolanda P. Ford, 36; real estate developer Danny Nguyen, 43; and health care administrator Kevin Tunstall, 45, an unsuccessful candidate for the seat in 2008, will be on the Position 2 ballot.

Longtime At-Large Position 1 Councilman Jerry Wyatt, 62, also drew an opponent, Anthony Maroulis, 42, who listed his occupation as service manager. Wyatt is seeking his seventh term...

MCEI: Rumor has it that only a week ago Owen and city manager Frank Simpson removed the planned ballot initiative to allow voters to decide if the city should adopt a universal homeowners exemption. Owen followed up with a media statement challenging anyone who didn't like it could run for office. It looks like many heeded his call.

Related:

http://www.ultimatefortbend.com/2010/03/five-vy-two-fbisd-seats

http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2010/03/09/fort_bend_sun/news/sws_-_mc_candidate_filings_38.txt

http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2010/03/09/fort_bend_sun/news/sws_-_maroulis_files_position_2.txt

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/03/09/44402

Election Results: Healey Forced Into Runoff With Schaefer!

FB Sun update 3-3-10: http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2010/03/03/fort_bend_sun/news/sws-election_roundup.txt

FBN:Healey, Schaeffer Headed For Runoff
By: Jamie Mock on Tue, Mar 2, 2010 News

Seventeen-year Fort Bend County District Attorney John Healey is headed for a runoff with Republican opponent Nina Schaefer after Primary Election totals show Healey with 47 percent of the vote and Schaefer with 32 percent. Republican candidate Richard Raymond totaled 20 percent.

There is no Democrat challenger for the office.

Dora Olivo, 11-year incumbent for State Representative District 27, has been ousted by challenger Ron Reynolds, who garnered 57 percent of the votes to Olivo’s 42 percent.

Jeff McMeans, running for County Court at Law Number 2 Judge – a seat his father has held since its inception – earned 63 percent of the votes to Rick Forlano’s 36 percent.

In a very close race, Stephen “Steve” Brown took the seat of Democratic Party Chairman with 50. 42 percent of the votes over current chair Elaine Bishop, who totaled 49.48 percent.

Source: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/03/02/44278

FBH: DA's Race & TX HD 27 Controversy

Races to watch: DA, state rep

By Don Munsch
Published:
Saturday, February 27, 2010 11:46 AM CST

Campaigns are coming to an end and the March Primary is Tuesday for Democratic and Republican candidates in local, state and national races.

Two races of special interest — and some special drama — are those involving the Fort Bend County District Attorney and State Representative District 27.

In the district attorney’s race, incumbent John Healey faces challenges Nina Schaefer and Richard Raymond in the GOP Primary.

In the District 27 House of Representatives Race, incumbent Dora Olivo faces Ron Reynolds in the Democratic Primary.

The district attorney’s race had some public debates, including one in Katy and one in Richmond, that had candidates sparring, doling out criticisms and exchanging accusations.

Healey has served as district attorney for 17 years and has been a prosecutor for 28 years in the county.

He was appointed in 1992 — he was an assistant prosecutor for nearly full year previous to that — and has been elected four times.

He is a member of Sacred Heart Church in Richmond and is a member of the Knights of Columbus, Exchange Club of Fort Bend, Fort Bend Children’s Advocacy Center Advisory Council and Fort Bend Women’s Center Council of Resources, according to his Web site.

He also is a life member of the Fort Bend County Fair Association.

Schaefer has been a defense attorney, an associate judge in Sugar Land and a presiding judge and municipal judge in Stafford.

She has been involved in several community organizations, including Fort Bend County Fair Association, Richmond Lions Club and Fort Bend Lions Club, Fort Bend Women’s Center and Texana Center, according to her Web site.

She has served on the board of trustees and mentor committee at First United Methodist Church in Missouri City.

Raymond is an attorney who is licensed to practice in the United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit and United States Tax Courts, according to his Web site.

He has a background as a CPA and in business administration.

He belongs to the Exchange Club of Sugar Land and is a member of Holy Cross Church in Sugar Land.

Olivo, D-Rosenberg, an attorney and former school teacher, has served in the House since 1997.

Reynolds is a Missouri City attorney who has been selected as one of Houston’s top civil rights attorneys by H Texas Magazine.

Olivo defeated Reynolds in the 2008 Democratic primary and went on to defeat Republican challenger Steve Host in the 2008 general election.

Olivo said on her web site that education, childcare, economic development, mental health, senior citizen issues and workforce and job-training are some of her top issues.

Olivo was an early advocate for equal representation in Fort Bend and helped conduct voter registration efforts in Fort Bend County as well.

Reynolds also has had to grapple with a sanction by the Texas Bar in 2005. He said at a Democratic candidates forum earlier this month that what he did it was a mistake by a young lawyer.....

Get the full piece: http://www.fbherald.com/articles/2010/02/27/news/doc4b894aaf2f204312888454.txt

Chron: Carreon & Aitsebaomo Take On Machine Bob...

What's on county judge's opponents' minds?
February 25, 2010 12:47 pm Election News wrote:
By ZEN T.C. ZHENG
HOUSTON CHRONICLE

Fresno electrician Rodrigo Carreon and Meadows Place optometrist A. Philip Aitsebaomo are the two Democrats eyeing GOP County Judge Bob Hebert’s seat in the March 2 primary.

A community activist who has been in numerous races for public offices in the county over the years, Carreon has frequently publicly voiced his concerns about his infrastructure- and resource-poor east-end community and won a legal battle – without an attorney - against the Fort Bend County Central Appraisal District over appraised value of his property.

Aitsebaomo was born in Nigeria. He studied optometry and received his doctoral degrees in America and has lived in Meadows Place for 23 years.

I asked both candidates why they are running for the county’s top job. Here is what they told me.

Carreon

Carreon
Carreon said he is running for county judge for the second time to ensure “fairness and justice for all” in the county and to protect taxpayers and property owners from government abuses.

“We need to save homes, businesses and public areas being affected by county and state policies,” he said.

He said he wants to prevent county property tax rate from rising, push for road renovation and make public water and utilities available for communities without them.

Infrastructure improvement would boost local economy and help reduce home foreclosures in the county, he said...

Get the full story at: http://www.ultimatefortbend.com/2010/02/whats-county-judges-opponents-minds#comment-1347

FB Sun: District Attorneys Race Interviews!

Follow this link:

http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2010/02/19/fort_bend_sun/news/sws-fbc_das_office.txt

Richard Raymond

...The biggest challenge facing our District Attorney's office is the image of selective prosecution and severe ethical violations. Our DA's office has become a politically motivated office, wasting millions on witch hunts and political prosecutions, all while turning down valid cases from innocent crime victims.

Meeting this challenge will require new leadership. As District Attorney, I will make sure justice is blind, criminals are put behind bars where they belong and the truly innocent will be exonerated. My office will retain well trained assistant D.A.’s who will quickly respond to crime victims and act on behalf of taxpayers with the highest level of ethics and professionalism...

FBN: Reynolds Fined $10,500 By The Texas Ethics Commission!--just in--

...Reynolds also addressed the $10,500 fine levied against him by the Texas Ethics Commission, saying he will pay the fine as soon as he has the lump sum, which his treasurer told him was required.

The fines result from the failure to file two reports. Reynolds failed to file in July of 2008 his semi-annual report, the first report due after the primaries. That failure resulted in an initial $500 fine then an additional $100 per day until the maximum $10,000 was reached. That report was filed last month.

The additional $500 resulted from Reynolds’s failure to file another semi-annual report in January of 2009.
According to the Texas ethics Commission, the account has been sent to the Attorney General’s Office for collection. Reynolds said he was unaware of that.

Source:

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/02/17/44040

FBN: Last Debate Before Early Voting Took Place Thursday--click link for coverage below--

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/02/12/43921

...This week we feature the Raymond family...

Related: http://www.ethics.state.tx.us/sworncomp/2007/270333.pdf

http://www.fbherald.com/articles/2009/04/18/opinion/letters/doc49ea1fb5e31e4913673040.txt

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2009/05/16/37907

http://www.justicenotpolitics.com/

FBN: Final District Attorney's Debate Will Be This Thursday!

DA Candidates To Face Off At Thursday Forum
February 9th, 2010 | by FortBendNow Staff | Published in News

The West Fort Bend County Republican Women’s Club will host a candidate forum at 6 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Swinging Door Restaurant, 3814 FM 359 in Richmond. The forum will feature the contested Republican Primary races for the offices of Judge County Court at Law No. 2 and Fort Bend County District Attorney...

Candidates for County Court at Law No. 2 Rick Forlano and Jeff McMeans will square off followed by Fort Bend County District Attorney John Healey and his opponents, attorneys Nina Schaefer and Richard Raymond.

Candidates will field questions from a media panel as well as written questions from the audience. Admission is free and the public is invited. A dinner buffet will be available for a nominal charge beginning at 6 p.m. This is the last scheduled forum before early voting begins. For more information contact either Janice Gillen at Janice@gillenpestcontrol.com or Susan Cannata at burgerbizinc@aol.com.

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/02/09/43854

http://www.ethics.state.tx.us/sworncomp/2007/270333.pdf

FBN: More Denials Coming From The Ron Reynolds Campaign!

FBN UPDATE 2-9-10: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/02/09/43849

Mr. Reynolds is currently seeking the TX HD 27 seat...

...Reynolds, an attorney with Brown, Brown & Reynolds, P.C., was licensed by the State Bar of Texas in May of 2000. He was sanctioned twice by the bar, and his suspensions were served consecutively. From April 1, 2005 to June 20, 2006, Reynolds was unable to practice law. From June 20, 2006, to June 30, 2009, he was on probation...

Get the full story and background on this at:

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/02/09/43842

http://myfortbend.net/news/local/politics/1294-fbw-fbisdwatch-endorses-dora-olivo-against-ron-reynolds-for-tx-hd-27

http://www.texasbar.com/Template.cfm?Section=Member_Directory&Template=/CustomSource/MemberDirectory/Result_form_client.cfm

http://capitolannex.com/2008/01/06/tx-hd-27-olivos-opponent-anything-but-responsive-reliable/

http://www.ethics.state.tx.us/dfs/COH_delinquent.htm (Reynold's on the Ethics Commission Delinquent List, $10,500)

http://dos-centavos.blogspot.com/2008/01/dora-olivo-is-at-least-responsible.html

FBISDWatch Endorses Dora Olivo For State Representative!

FBISDWatch Endorses Dora Olivo For State Representative!


Due to bar association and other legal entanglements by Ms. Olivo's challenger, Ron Reynolds, in the district 27 state house race and her long dedication to education issues locally, FBISDWatch is formerly endorsing Dora in this bid for re-election. Get more from her campaign website on her service history and supporters at:

http://www.doraolivo.com/

http://www.texasbar.com/Template.cfm?Section=Member_Directory&template=/Customsource/MemberDirectory/MemberDirectoryDetail.cfm&ContactID=203318 (Texas Bar Association Report On Challenger)

FBN: Raymond Gains More Support From Law Enforcement Agencies With HPD Endorsement!

Houston Police Union Endorses Richard Raymond Fort Bend DA’s Race
January 28th, 2010 | by John Pape, FortBendNow

The Houston Police Officers Union this week endorsed Republican candidate Richard Raymond in his bid to unseat Fort Bend County District Attorney John Healey.

Fort Bend County resident and HPOU Executive Director Mark Clark and HPOU President Gary Blankenship made the announcement.

Clark is a 31 year veteran of the Houston Police Department and has resided in Fort Bend County for 40 years.

HPOU represents all 5,092 Houston Police officers and takes an active interest in area political races.

Raymond’s endorsement by HPOU and other law enforcement leaders, including four-term Fort Bend County Sheriff Milton Wright, appears to be in response to what many law enforcement officers believe is an anti-police bias on the part of Healey and his staff.

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/01/28/43604

From MCC: Jubilation In Some Quarters Of Missouri City After The Announced Retirement Of Heavily Developer-backed Buddy Jimerson From City Council!

Click the following link for more: http://missouricitychatter.blogspot.com/2010/01/jimerson-announces-retirement.html

--Rumors fly over his replacement...

Clouser vs. Sherman, The Race Is On!

Click this link for the FB Star story: http://www.fortbendstar.com/012010/n_incumbent.htm

FBN: District Attorneys 2nd Debate (Sparks Fly)

Healey: I Am A Public Servant, I Am Not A Politician
January 18th, 2010 | by Jamie Mock, Fortbendnow

Fort Bend County District Attorney John Healey spent a large portion of a recent debate responding to accusations that he has mismanaged the office he has held for the past 17 years.

The debate, featuring Republican candidates Healey, Richard Raymond and Nina Schaefer, was sponsored by the Spirit of Freedom Republican Women’s Club and held in Missouri City Jan. 15. According to information from the Fort Bend County Democratic Party, no Democrat filed to run for district attorney, and the three Republicans will face off in the March 2 primary.

While all three candidates touted “swift” justice, long sentences, no tolerance for crime in the county and the prosecution of white collar crime, Raymond and Schaefer repeatedly accused Healey of being “stagnant,” creating a backlog on the court dockets, mishandling the office’s budget and not working well with police and the courts...

Get more: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2010/01/18/43380

FBH Editorial From Hartman On DAs Race-

Column: Give Healey the boot-

GOP voters can send message to DA’s office
By Fred Hartman
Published:
Friday, January 15, 2010 12:22 PM CST

District Attorney John Healey deserves to be ousted in the March 2 Republican primary, and we were reminded again this week about why that needs to happen.

Healey faces two opponents in Nina Schaefer and Richard Raymond. Two of the central issues will be how he sanctioned wrongful prosecutions of nine men in the Holden Roofing and Jamie Roberts cases.

Essentially, Healey let “white collar crime” prosecutor Mike Elliott run amok and abuse his prosecutorial power.

When Elliott had to file multiple dismissals in both cases and failed to get any convictions, Healey fired him because he became a political liability with the election looming. Since then, Healey has offered a litany of excuses for his poor judgment and inability to control Elliott.

In a candidate forum with Schaefer and Raymond this week, Healey blamed the Fort Bend Herald’s coverage of the Holden Roofing and Roberts trials because he said we disliked Elliott. For the record, other newspapers have also been critical of Healey and Elliott, along with numerous Fort Bend and Houston lawyers.

Healey is deliberately trying to divert attention from his performance. The media’s feelings aren’t the issue. Editorial writers and columnists have a problem with arrogance, bullying tactics, withholding key evidence and general unfairness toward people who haven’t committed crimes.

We have a responsibility to hold our district attorney’s feet to the fire when he allows a prosecutor to use the grand jury as a battering ram and waste taxpayer money....get more at:

http://www.fbherald.com/articles/2010/01/15/opinion/doc4b5089e42d67c902261192.txt

http://www.ethics.state.tx.us/sworncomp/2007/270333.pdf

http://www.richarddraymond.com

FBH: District Attorney Candidates Debate

DA candidates trade punches

Three Republicans spar in first debate of political season
BY DON MUNSCH
dmunsch@fbherald.com
Published:Wednesday, January 13, 2010 11:07 AM CST

District Attorney John Healey took some jabs but punched back at his two opponents in the Republican field of district attorney candidates Tuesday during a debate at the Cinco Ranch Branch of Fort Bend County Libraries in Katy.

Healey faces lawyers Nina Schaefer and Richard Raymond in the GOP primary on March 2. The debate was sponsored by Katy Area Republicans and West Fort Bend County Republican Women’s Club. The three candidates are set to spar again at 11:30 a.m. Friday at Spring Creek Barbecue on Texas 6 in Missouri City in a debate sponsored by the Spirit of Freedom Republican Women’s Club.

After candidates introduced themselves, they took questions from reporters from two local newspapers and prepared questions from the audience and then made closing statements. Around 75 people attended the debate...

... “Justice delayed is justice denied,” she said. “You elect me, you will have swift justice. We will not tolerate criminals.”

Raymond said he was the “best man for the job” and said he was a certified public accountant in addition to be a lawyer. He said his experience in running a budget and office help make him a viable candidate.

“I currently run three budgets in excess of a million dollars; two of them alone each independently are more than the budget of the district attorney’s office now,” he said. “I know how to run a payroll, I know how to run a business and I know how to do it profitably. Unlike the incumbent, when he runs out of money, he runs to commissioners court and asks for more money. You and I both know that’s not the way to run any business or any office. We have a budget and we have to stick to it.”

Full story: http://www.fbherald.com/articles/2010/01/13/news/doc4b4df75a168d9551028901.txt

Related: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2008/07/31/32696

HCN: Sherman Runs For Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace

Tony Sherman files for Justice of Peace, Precinct 2 seat

Tony Sherman
From staff reports
Updated: 01.11.10

Tony Sherman, former Texas Arts Commissioner, announced that change is needed and is coming to Precinct 2 as he released a press release announcing his candidacy for the Justice of Peace, precinct 2 seat in Fort Bend County.

Sherman recently filed his candidacy to run for the seat, currently held by Fort Bend County JP Joel Clouser.

He is seeking the Democratic nomination in the March 2 Democratic primary election, against Clouser, an 18-year politician who has filed by petition to run for re-election.



Tony's website is http://www.tonyshermanforjp.com/

FBI: Primaries Set

Battle lines drawn for party primary elections
By SESHADRI KUMAR, Fort Bend Independent

A slew of candidates have entered the Republican and Democratic party primaries for various local political offices for which the filing deadline ended on Jan. 4.

While local Republicans have some unforeseen contests, Democrats have fielded candidates to most of the offices.

The notable primary contests in the Republican Party include Precinct 4 Commissioner, District Attorney, County Court-at-Law No.2, Justice of the Peace Pct. 1, Place 2, 268th District Court and Congressional Dist. 14.

Incumbent DA John Healey faces Nina Schaefer and Richard Raymond.

Incumbent Pct. 4 Commissioner James Patterson faces Steve Smelley.

District Judge Brady Elliott is challenged by Roxie Roll.

The County Court-at-Law No. 2 is an open seat for which Jeff McMeans and Rick Forlano have filed...(get the full story at http://fbindependent.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=1&twindow=&mad=&sdetail=2204&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2531&hn=fbindependent&he=.com )