Get Missouri City, Texas Election Information

Site Being Archived To Allow For Searches--

2011-05-24T14:24:00.000-07:00

This site is being archived to allow open searches but will no longer be updated...it covers the Missouri City, TX political area...

Suggested sites for following some of the areas local characters & their politricks: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_195822643783611&ap=1

http://myfortbend.net/

or

http://www.facebook.com/pages/ISupportFBISDorg/119561358117796

http://stopimperialsugarmillapartments.com/

FBN: New Faces On FBISD Board

2011-05-16T13:31:00.000-07:00

See: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/05/16/51870

Major Upsets In FBISD School Board Races By Non-PAC Candidates!

2011-05-15T09:18:00.000-07:00

Updates and full election results: http://www.co.fort-bend.tx.us/upload/images/elections_administration/election_results/er110514_01.pdf

Election Day For Local City Council & School Board Races-

2011-05-14T05:21:00.000-07:00

UPDATE on voter request for state election monitors:http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/fort_bend/news/article_0ee69c23-48f0-5e89-999a-5926b6aee992.html FB Sun

http://www.fortbendstar.com/?p=2579 FB Star

Early Voting Began Today In Council & School District Races--see link below--

2011-05-02T18:37:00.000-07:00

See: http://fbisdwatch.blogspot.com/2011/05/fbisdwatch-endorses-watassek-albright.html

FBN: Who's Pulling The Strings In Missouri City--see the link below--

2011-04-21T14:48:00.000-07:00

See: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/04/20/51457

FB Sun: Candidates Forum Outcomes

2011-04-07T10:46:00.001-07:00

See: http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/fort_bend/news/article_bd4883c3-da5a-5007-9a52-8d87eb0ff4cd.html

Teacher Federation Candidates Forum At The Marriot In Sugar Land 7pm

2011-03-30T07:28:00.000-07:00

Teacher Federation Candidates Forum At The Marriot In Sugar Land 7pm (Please attend if you can)

The FBISD teacher association is sponsoring a candidates forum this Thursday evening at 7pm at the Sugar Land Marriot in the town square. Pre-event questions were sent out to all candidates. This should prove to be an interesting event and one of just a few forums available to the public prior to these all important elections. Please attend if you can...the district has been running consecutive record budget deficits under the current superintendent as well as record long-term debt. It was announced a few weeks ago that they were declaring a second financial emergency (never before in the district history have they done this) and may need to RIF another 1000 teachers/staff...

See: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/03/29/51103

FBN: Latest Updates On Local Races--

2011-03-15T19:59:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: http://www.ultimatefortbend.com/stories/237317-see-who-is-running-for-office-in-fort-bend-county

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/03/15/50877

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/03/15/50889

As filing closes down at 5p. today here is the latest...

2011-03-14T10:54:00.000-07:00

See: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/03/14/50862

Candidates Forum Announced-

2011-03-07T04:17:00.000-08:00

See: http://www.ultimatefortbend.com/stories/235785-fort-bend-chamber-to-host-school-board-city-council-candidate-forums

FBISD Candidates Begin To File For The May Election--

2011-02-18T06:42:00.000-08:00

See: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/02/17/50481

Update 2/28:

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/02/28/50637

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2011/02/28/50631

Houston Chronicle (FB section): TXHB 879 Is An Outrage

2011-02-13T13:13:00.000-08:00

http://missouricitychatter.blogspot.com/2011/02/houston-chronicle-fb-section-txhb-879.html

2011-01-13T15:49:00.000-08:00

Get Independent Updates Below-

2010-12-14T07:25:00.000-08:00

See:

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

Get full county election results below!

2010-11-02T20:06:00.000-07:00

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

FBN: Online candidates forum for TXHD27

2010-10-26T07:34:00.000-07:00

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

FBN: Local Corruption & A Free Press

2010-10-19T03:09:00.000-07:00

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

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

2010-10-14T13:24:00.001-07:00

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

FBN: Carreon Seeking Counties Top Spot!

2010-10-02T07:21:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-02T07:13:00.000-07:00

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...

2010-05-24T05:29:00.001-07:00

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

2010-05-19T06:28:00.000-07:00

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--

2010-05-18T21:47:00.001-07:00

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-

2010-05-18T21:32:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-11T13:00:00.000-07:00

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--

2010-05-08T21:06:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-06T07:33:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-06T06:38:00.000-07:00

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!--

2010-04-30T12:30:00.000-07:00

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--

2010-04-27T20:12:00.000-07:00

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)

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_w4ZIWd6q4ZY/S9IywXVoP_I/AAAAAAAAAAc/y6_GTjH9LB8/s1600/Federal-Tax-Lien-Feb-27-200.jpg

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

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_w4ZIWd6q4ZY/S9JO15FqLxI/AAAAAAAAAB4/RYxFHbSlApA/s1600/dannyletters_2pg.jpg

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

2010-04-26T06:32:00.000-07:00

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

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

2010-04-22T17:54:00.001-07:00

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

MC Candidates Forum Contentious At Times...

2010-04-22T05:46:00.000-07:00

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--

2010-04-21T14:21:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-04-21T10:45:00.001-07:00

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%)

2010-04-13T21:00:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-04-13T19:20:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-04-13T08:58:00.000-07:00

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--

2010-04-12T05:50:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-08T11:26:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-04-08T07:19:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-04-08T03:50:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-04-02T15:20:00.000-07:00

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

FBI: Incumbents face keen challenge in Missouri City!

2010-03-27T20:50:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-22T13:36:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-03-22T04:11:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-03-20T09:08:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-03-18T04:55:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-03-15T07:24:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-12T13:47:00.001-08:00

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

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

2010-03-12T09:48:00.001-08:00

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!

2010-03-12T09:40:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-03-09T05:06:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-03-02T20:46:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-27T14:39:00.000-08:00

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...

2010-02-25T13:59:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-02-19T14:08:00.001-08:00

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--

2010-02-17T06:53:00.000-08:00

...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--

2010-02-12T13:58:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-02-09T12:33:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-02-09T09:11:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-01-29T06:31:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-01-29T03:58:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-01-22T06:46:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-01-21T14:56:00.001-08:00

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

FBN: District Attorneys 2nd Debate (Sparks Fly)

2010-01-18T07:47:00.000-08:00

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-

2010-01-17T06:03:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-13T14:10:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-11T19:32:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-07T06:34:00.000-08:00

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 )

FB Independent Release: Missouri City Resident, Richard Raymond Files For DA Position!

2009-12-12T10:11:00.000-08:00

Attorney Richard Raymond joins the DA race
Richard Raymond, attorney and business owner, is running for Fort Bend County District Attorney in the Republican Party primary on March 2, 2010.

A lifelong Republican, Raymond has been proud to call Fort Bend County his home for over 23 years.

Raymond intends to bring accountability and distinction back to the Fort Bend County DA’s office.

Raymond, a loving father of three daughters and a dedicated husband, is active in his church and several clubs and civic groups across the county.

His legal, business and accounting experience will allow him to marshal the manpower of the DA’s office in the most effective manner possible on behalf of Fort Bend County taxpayers, Raymond said in a statement.

Raymond, age 51, graduated from Baylor University in Waco, Texas in 1985 with a BBA in Accounting and Management, and received a Jurist Doctorate degree from the University of Houston Law Center in 1989. Raymond is both a highly trained attorney and a Certified Public Accountant.

Raymond married his high school sweetheart, Melissa, 28 years ago. They have lived in Fort Bend County since 1986 and have raised three daughters here; Brandyn, 25, Lauryn, 20, and Lexi, 12.

Melissa is a Fort Bend ISD special education teacher at Holly Elementary School.

Raymond and family worship at Holy Cross Church and are long-time supporters of the Christian Children’s Fund.

Raymond is a member of the Texas State Bar Association, and licensed by all Texas State Courts as well as the United States District Court, Southern District of Texas; the United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit; and the United States Tax Courts. Raymond currently practices both civil and criminal law.

Raymond is a member of the Exchange Club of Sugar Land, and the Holy Cross Men’s Bible Study Group and is active in the Fort Bend County Republican Party.

Raymond is a practicing attorney and partner at Cohen & Raymond, Attorneys at Law, L.C., as well as the president of Gulf Scientific, Inc. Raymond also serves as an officer for Access Chemicals & Services, LLC.

Raymond says he will serve as a dedicated and conservative District Attorney, ensuring justice and accountability for all Fort Bend County residents.

Raymond is committed to saving the taxpayers’ money and achieving tough punishments for criminals.

Raymond said: “If elected, as your next District Attorney, I pledge to make Fort Bend County a better place for families to live, work and raise children. As District Attorney, you can be assured that Fort Bend County will not tolerate drug dealers and criminals. I believe in seeking long prison sentences and punishing criminals to the fullest extent of the law.”

Additionally, as an attorney, CPA and business man, Raymond seeks to restore fiscal conservatism and accountability to the District Attorney’s office.

“I will, within the budget, stop the waste of tax dollars, eliminate questionable prosecutions, frivolous investigations, and mismanagement. I will ensure the efforts and resources of the District Attorney’s office are re-dedicated to the business of convicting criminals.”

Raymond’s campaign is endorsed by Sheriff Milton Wright. Wright’s wife, Marian Wright, is serving as Raymond’s campaign treasurer.

Incumbent DA John Healey and Attorney Nina Schaffer have already announced their candidacy for the office of Fort Bend County DA.

Source: http://fbindependent.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=1&twindow=&mad=&sdetail=2118&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2531&hn=fbindependent&he=.com

Olivo Seeks Re-election To District 27 Seat

2009-10-19T07:23:00.001-07:00

This was sent to the MCC site and we are posting it here. Ms Olivo has opposed the expansion of the Blue Ridge Landfill and the tolling of our public roads for private foreign companies. Get more below:

St. Representative Dora Olivo
Endorsed by Houston Area Legislators

State Representative Dora Olivo of Rosenberg has received the endorsement of many Houston area legislators as she seeks re-election in 2010.

Olivo, a Democrat representing part of Fort Bend County, will be running for her eighth term in the Texas House of Representatives next year.

“I am humbled by the support of so many of my colleagues in the Houston area,” said Olivo. “I look forward to returning to the House and working with them on many issues that protect the interests of our families and communities, including education and mental health.”

Endorsing Olivo for re-election are State Senator Mario Gallegos and State Representatives
Alma A. Allen, Carol Alvarado, Ellen Cohen, Garnet F. Coleman, Harold V. Dutton, Jr., Jessica Farrar, Ana E. Hernandez, Scott Hochberg, Kristi Thibaut, Senfronia Thompson, Sylvester Turner,
Hubert Vo and Armando Walle.

Olivo serves on the Public Education and Border and Intergovernmental Affairs Committees in the House.

Campaign site: http://www.doraolivo.com/

Richard Raymond Announces Run For Fort Bend County District Attorneys Office!

2009-10-15T14:51:00.001-07:00

FBN: Raymond Announces Run For Fort Bend County District Attorney

Raymond Announces Run For Fort Bend County District Attorney
October 15th, 2009 | by FortBendNow Staff

Republican Richard Raymond has officially announced his candidacy for the Fort Bend County District Attorney Republican primary on March 2. He will most likely face long-time District Attorney John Healy, although Healey has made no formal announcement that he will run again.

Raymond is a practicing attorney and partner at Cohen & Raymond, L.C., as well as the president of Gulf Scientific, Inc. Raymond serves on the board of directors for Access Chemicals & Services LLC. Raymond is a past CEO of Pritech Technologies, Inc., and a past director of Petrochem Consulting SA de CV. Raymond has also worked as a tax research analyst at Deloitte & Touche.

“As your next District Attorney, I pledge to make Fort Bend County a better place for families to live, work and raise children,” said Raymond. “As DA, you can be assured that Fort Bend County will not be a friendly place for drug dealers and career criminals. I believe in seeking strong sentences for criminals, and will make sure individuals wanting to do harm to our county’s children and senior citizens will be punished for their actions to the fullest extent of the law.”

He has been a Fort Bend County resident for almost 30 years.

Source: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2009/10/15/41442#comment-5156

"Weinmann said Raymond believes he can clean up the image of Healey's office that in recent years has been tarnished by public criticism of his office's handling of several cases as reported by the press.

"Mr. Raymond wants to provide better service to taxpayers and further his commitment to justice," Weinmann said." Chronicle

http://www.ultimatefortbend.com/2009/10/missouri-city-lawyer-eyes-das-job

This site will be updated as new local election cycles approach--

2009-07-24T10:54:00.001-07:00

This site will be updated as new local election cycles approach--

Full Election Results For FBISD, Missouri City & Arcola--follow the link below (Owen loses another city council seat to reform candidates)

2009-05-09T20:52:00.001-07:00

http://www.co.fort-bend.tx.us/upload/images/elections_administration/election_results/er090509_01.pdf

EXTRA: Vendor candidates win in local school district races after strong showing, but another Missouri City council seat falls to reform candidates. In Arcola, Tom Hilton is returned for another term!

Also see: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2009/05/09/37759

GET OUT THE VOTE FOR CITY AND SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS THIS SATURDAY!

2009-05-06T07:59:00.000-07:00

POLLING STATIONS LISTED:

http://www.co.fort-bend.tx.us/getSitePage.asp?sitePage=5660

PLEASE support these local candidates:

Rodney Griffin (District A Missouri City, TX)

Robin Elackatt (District C Missouri City, TX)

Carlos Cain for FBISD school board

Bruce Albright for FBISD school board

In Arcola city elections, please support anti-airport expansionist DeVoge, Hilton and Wark.

EARLY VOTING TURNOUT IS LOW SO FAR--GET TO THE POLLS!

2009-05-03T06:42:00.000-07:00

See this early voting commentary from a local popular blog:

http://halfempth.blogspot.com/2009/05/halfway-through-fbisd-trustee-early.html

http://www.co.fort-bend.tx.us/upload/images/elections_administration/evpa.PDF -county results

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE TODAY!

2009-05-01T04:30:00.000-07:00

EARLY VOTING SITES--

• Early voting at Garcia Middle School, 18550 Old Richmond Road in Sugar Land; Missouri City Community Center, 1522 Texas Parkway in Missouri City; and Hightower High School, 3333 Hurricane Lane in Missouri City will be:
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through May 2; 7 a.m.-7 p.m. May 4-5.

• Early voting at First Colony Conference Center, 3232 Austin Parkway in Sugar Land, will be:
10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through May 1; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. May 2; 7 a.m.-7 p.m. May 4-5.

• Early voting at Lost Creek Park, 3707 Lost Creek Blvd.; and Sugar Land City Hall, 2700 Town Center Blvd. N. will be:
10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through May 2; 7 a.m.-7 p.m. May4-5.

• Early voting at Fort Bend Independent School District Administration Building, 16431 Lexington Blvd., Sugar Land; Meadows Place City Hall, One Troyan Drive in Meadows Place; Willowridge High School, 16301 Chimney Rock in Houston; and Sugar Land Branch Library, 550 Eldridge in Sugar Land, will be:
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through May 1; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. May 4-5.

GET UPDATES here!

http://www.carloscain.com/

http://www.brucealbright.com/

http://griffinforcouncil.blogspot.com/

http://robinelackatt.com/

FBW Exclusive: Hohnbaum Joins Smelley In Efforts To Disrupt Local Election Forums!

2009-04-29T16:24:00.000-07:00

Staff report

They say politics can get dirty, but school politics get personal. This quaint saying seemed to come true last night at the FCCSA public forums in the school board races here at St. Laurence Church in Sugar Land. A few years ago these forums were altered to be small group meeting with rotations between tables. Attendance has fallen off accordingly. Well this year, it appeared to this reporter, that something new was added to the mix.

While standing near two of the candidates tables I noticed a particular nasty exchange going on between one audience member and one of the candidates. After taking a second look someone else in the audience pointed her out to me as one of the school board members Susan Hohnbaum accompanied by a friend who appeared to join in on the heckling. This is the second public forum that two board members have attempted to disrupt in this manner. The first was at the retired educators forum last week where current school trustee vice president Steve Smelley had unsuccessfully attempted to rattle the candidates. Many in the audience where unaware that these "hecklers" are seated board members. Is this anything new to politics? Possibly not, but certainly new to FBISD politics where in the past most exchanges have been polite disagreements and very collegial.

During one of these exchanges it was made public that the BOT had recently "rubber stamped" the firing of a former teacher at one of their middle schools. This information apparently shook up Ms. Hohnbaum who claimed the information was not for public disclosure. The case was followed last year in FortBendNow and the Chronicle very closely and created a great deal of public outcry to reinstate this educator. According to reports, the board was following the lead of the senior district administration. Bruce Albright, one of the candidates running for the school board, stated he had the court documents to support that the BOT vote already took place against the advice of the state education commissioner. After confronting Hohnbaum with the information, she became visibly silent. Not long after that Mr. Smelley left the building.

Early voting continues through May 5th with election day May 9th.

Sources: http://mcelectioninformation.blogspot.com

http://www.fortbendweb.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1139&Itemid=101#jreactions

EARLY VOTING STARTS TODAY (COUNCIL & SCHOOL BOARD RACES)--CLICK BELOW FOR MORE

2009-04-27T04:56:00.001-07:00

http://mcelectioninformation.blogspot.com/2009/04/early-voting-information.html

More Higher Taxes On The Way For FBISD Via The "Global Taj Mahal"?

2009-04-23T11:32:00.000-07:00

Staff report

Recently, in an interview reported in the Fort Bend Independent, the current FBISD BOT president continued the mythical claim that private monies will cover the entire costs of what has become known as the "Global Taj Mahal". Estimates have been cited from $30 million to as high as $100 million dollars, but at NO time has the district administration, nor the vendor, PBK (being investigated by the FBI), produced a list of guaranteed donors and rarely are these projects ever paid for in full via private donations. The board president also claims NO taxpayer funding will be needed (at least 3 days before early voting is slated to begin). Many local media sources have helped in spinning that information after first opposing the proposed excessive spending project, but the likely-hood that NO public tax dollars from the operations budget or bonds will be used is, in our opinion, a pre-election myth. Further we have found little proof that many of the districts claims regarding this "white elephant" can be supported. Not only will this proposal take bond money, which impacts the "debt service" portion of the operations budget (that directly impacts your property taxes) it will more than likely be coming from the "fund balance" (really a bond surplus account which the district doesn't like to discuss). Further, once the massive building project comes online, it will compete directly with other resources, materials and salaries on the "operations budget" for years to come (yes, this is a building project that will impact your taxes with no empirical support as to raising test scores or other outcomes)!

Click this link for more on the "official" spin coming from the district administration and the supporting vendors:

http://fbindependent.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=1&twindow=Default&mad=&sdetail=1475&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2531&hn=fbindependent&he=.com

-We will update this as needed!

Source: http://missouricitychatter.blogspot.com/2009/04/more-higher-taxes-on-way-for-fbisd-via.html

Also see http://mcelectioninformation.blogspot.com for more on the early voting times for elections starting Monday.

Early Voting Information (Begins Monday)-

2009-04-23T07:09:00.000-07:00

EARLY VOTING SITES FOR MISSOURI CITY

• Early voting at Garcia Middle School, 18550 Old Richmond Road in Sugar Land; Missouri City Community Center, 1522 Texas Parkway in Missouri City; and Hightower High School, 3333 Hurricane Lane in Missouri City will be:
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through May 2; 7 a.m.-7 p.m. May 4-5.

• Early voting at First Colony Conference Center, 3232 Austin Parkway in Sugar Land, will be:
10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through May 1; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. May 2; 7 a.m.-7 p.m. May 4-5.

• Early voting at Lost Creek Park, 3707 Lost Creek Blvd.; and Sugar Land City Hall, 2700 Town Center Blvd. N. will be:
10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through May 2; 7 a.m.-7 p.m. May4-5.

• Early voting at Fort Bend Independent School District Administration Building, 16431 Lexington Blvd., Sugar Land; Meadows Place City Hall, One Troyan Drive in Meadows Place; Willowridge High School, 16301 Chimney Rock in Houston; and Sugar Land Branch Library, 550 Eldridge in Sugar Land, will be:
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through May 1; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. May 4-5.

Griffin Address Important Council Issues--EARLY VOTING STARTS THIS MONDAY APRIL 27TH!

2009-04-22T15:35:00.000-07:00

From the desk of Rodney Griffin
Candidate for Missouri City Council District A

I believe having a Math degree from UT@Austin, working at a senior level in a council manager form of government before, and running my own business for years makes me uniquely qualified to serve Missouri City and district A. I understand the importance of balanced budgets, measured growth and keeping our community moving in the right direction, having lived here for almost 30 years. We haven't always witnessed the best decisions by some of our current city leadership and I vow to keep a close eye on expenditures and needless waste.

Since helping lead the Texas Parkway revitalization effort several years ago with Councilwoman Cynthia Lenton - Gary and many others, I've remained steadfast in my commitment to revitalization of this area because it is crucial to the district I will represent and the city on the whole. Our property values are very much impacted if the deterioration of the corridor is allowed to continue while certain development companies are favored with special zones and abatements out on highway 6. During the last election, my opponent accepted campaign contributions from many Houston development companies with projects out on hwy 6. Not one of these companies had projects in district A. Why was she accepting such gifts and then voting on their projects? Why is she now endorsing my opponent and making large contributions to his campaign?

Like the United States, Missouri City is a multi-ethnic and multi - cultural city . Matter of fact sixty percent citizens of color reside here. Ethnic and cultural diversity is a socio-political reality in twenty -first century America, or one would think. Having a city work force that looks like all the citizens should not be a novel idea. Consider this: a high ranking Missouri City offficial asked me recently "Why is it important ?" His confusion about diversity's importance is unfortunately the mindset of too many local officials who make important decisions daily about our lives. Too many cannot see the connection between diverse staffing and quality service. Little wonder mentalities that do not deem ethnic and cultural diverity issues as important leave communities of color blighted as they are. Small wonder there are currently no African American firefighters in Missouri City. "All politics is local. " High ranking local officials determine who is protected and served, even who protects and serves. They determine the quality of our drinking water, or if there is drinking water.They determine who repairs sidewalks, or if there are sidewalks. They determine whose property values go up and whose property values are dumped. Unlike the canary in the coal mine who first consumes the poisonous gas, we must step it up before it is too late for us too.

FBSun: Elackatt Picks Up Endorsement By Former Council Member Bob Burton!

2009-04-22T13:47:00.000-07:00

http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2009/04/22/fort_bend_sun/news/sws_-_elackatt_endorsement_422.txt

Elackatt picks up endorsement

By DIANE TEZENO
Updated: 04.22.09
Robin Elackatt, a candidate for District C in Missouri City, has picked up an endorsement in his campaign to unseat incumbent Missouri City councilwoman Barbara Gibson.

Elackatt, a Colony Lakes resident and president of the Colony Lakes homeowners’ association, recently received the endorsement of former Missouri City District C candidate Bob Burton, who held the seat prior to Gibson’s election.

The endorsement was announced in an official press release issued by the campaign on April 22. . .(follow the link above for the full story)

Just In From FortBendWeb: Quail Valley Board & City Council C Incumbent May Have Violated State & Federal Laws!

2009-04-17T10:09:00.000-07:00

Homeowners very concerned about the direction their HOA has been taking over the last few years in local elections contacted an area tax watch group with potential infractions of the non-profit status of their association and possible state election law violations.

Because HOA's now have unprecedented powers allowed by the legislature through an ever expanding lobby of developers (ULI), management companies (CAI) and legal vendors (TCREA), armed with a Texas Supreme Ct. ruling dating back to 1987 (Inwood vs. Harris), these Quail Valley residents urged confidentiality in reporting these infractions because they feared retaliation.

One tax watch advocate was quoted as saying that, "according to the Internal Revenue Service and the Texas Ethics Commission rules, it is illegal for non-profit corporations to actively campaign or solicit funds for individual candidates or parties. Under the Texas Election Code, section 253.093, subsection d it is a infraction of state laws. We confirmed this by calling TEC legal consultant Robert Manus."

Residents of the Quail Valley subdivision contacted the tax watch group after a campaign release appeared in their HOA newsletter, the ValleyViewNews, on Thursday, April 9th and again on Monday, April 13th soliciting financial support for the Missouri City district C incumbent Barbara Gibson. . . (get the full release below)

Source: http://www.fortbendweb.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1135&Itemid=90#jreactions

FROM GRIFFIN CAMPAIGN: THE CANARY IN THE COAL MINE

2009-04-13T09:40:00.000-07:00

Like the United States, Missouri City is a multi-ethnic and multi - cultural society. As a matter of fact sixty percent citizens of color reside here. Ethnic and cultural diversity is a socio-political reality in twenty-first century America, or one would think. Having a city work force that looks like all the citizens should not be a novel idea.

Consider this: a high ranking Missouri City offficial asked me recently "Why is it important ?" His confusion about diversities importance is unfortunately the mindset of too many local officials who make important decisions daily about our lives. Too many cannot see the connection between diverse staffing and quality service. Little wonder mentalities that do not deem ethnic and cultural diverity issues as important leave communities of color blighted as they are. Small wonder there are currently no African American firefighters in Missouri City.

"All politics is local. " High ranking local officials determine who is protected and served, even who protects and serves. They determine the quality of our drinking water, or if there is clean drinking water. They determine who repairs side walks, or if there are sidewalks. They determine whose property values go up and whose property values are dumped. Unlike the canary in the coal mine who first consumes the poisonous gas, we must step it up before it is too late for us too.

Rodney Griffin
Government Initiatives for Missouri City Councilmember Cynthia Lenton - Gary District B
Candidate for Missouri City Council District A

Audience Heckler At Public Forum Turns Out To Be School Board Vice President!

2009-04-09T15:21:00.000-07:00

Just in: Steve Smelly, vacating board member and current V.P., went on point for Sonal and Marilyn the "insider" board candidates attempting to engage Mr. Cain on the district "fund balance" (surplus fund) and attempted to embarrass him publically, but it seemed to back-fire during the second open forum of the spring campaign season.

Mr. Smelly has been a long-term BOT member and supporter of the current administration and recent tax increases as well as under public scrutiny a few years ago for the hiring of his wife to the education foundation director position, which reportedly allows the appearance of a conflict of interest. And according to other media reports, the current board member, had attempted to sell the district a fleet of vehicles from the car dealership he was currently employed by a few years back.

Smelly is a big supporter of the record 2007 bond election (428+ million) and the subsequent tax increases they spun off along with backing the current "Taj Mahal" project being pushed by district vendors under the superintendent during a $10 million dollar budget crisis. Stay tuned...

Source: http://www.fortbendweb.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1133&Itemid=101#jreactions

FBN: Teacher Association & FBEF Endorse Cain & Albright!

2009-04-07T09:23:00.000-07:00

Fort Bend Employee Federation Endorses Albright And Cain In FBISD Board Election
April 7th, 2009 | by Bob Dunn, FortBendNow

The Fort Bend Employee Federation has endorsed Bruce Albright and Carlos Cain in the upcoming Fort Bend Independent School District Board of Trustees election.

The federation, an arm of the American Federation of Teachers that counts between 1,900 and 2,000 FBISD teachers and employees as members, made the endorsements through its Committee On Political Education, a political action committee.

Federation organizer Anthony Lacsamana said members of COPE voted during a dinner on Monday to endorse Albright for board Position 6, and Cain for Position 2. He indicated more than 1,500 federation members make regular contributions to the PAC and thus had the right to vote on the endorsements, although much fewer actually cast votes.

Cain, Albright and Position 6 candidate Marilyn Glover made presentations last week at a federation-sponsored candidates’ forum. Board President Sonal Bhuchar, who is running against Cain for Position 2, and Position 6 challenger Rodrigo Carreon, didn’t appear at the forum. Federation President Karrie Washenfelder said at the forum that Bhuchar and Rodrigo also did not fill out questionaires the organization asked for.

Albright and Cain both were highly critical of the current FBISD Board, and both portrayed the board as providing weak oversight of the district administration. . .(get the full story below)

Source: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2009/04/07/36919

Block-walking for Griffin Continues!

2009-04-05T08:12:00.000-07:00

Block-walking For Griffin Campaign Continues In Week 3!

As in his 2007 bid for a city council seat, Rodney and his supporters are block-walking much of district A. The response has been very positive so far with homeowners and residents of the community very interested in Griffin's proposals to get district A and Missouri City moving again.

Get the full piece at:

http://griffinforcouncil.blogspot.com/2009/04/block-walking-for-griffin-campaign.html

http://www.fortbendweb.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1132&Itemid=90#jreactions

Chronicle: Teacher Association Eliminates 2 Potential Endorsements

2009-04-03T05:37:00.000-07:00

Two no-show FBISD candidates lose union endorsement
Three others pledge support of teachers and low-performing schools

By ZEN T.C. ZHENG HOUSTON CHRONICLE
April 3, 2009

Two of the five candidates seeking Fort Bend Independent School District trustee seats have lost the endorsement of a teacher and worker union after they failed to show up at a union-sponsored forum or answer in writing a forum questionnaire.
The Fort Bend Employee Federation’s event held at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square April 2 drew Position 2 candidate Carlos Cain, Position 6 seekers Bruce Albright and Marilyn Glover, groups of teachers and a handful of workers.

Karrie Washenfelder, federation president, said Position 2 incumbent Sonal Bhuchar and Position 6 candidate Rodrigo Carreon told her they couldn’t come due to other engagements. Neither of them e-mailed her written responses to a list of federation questions that were also asked of the candidates during the forum.

“The federation cannot endorse them,” Washenfelder said. . . get the full piece at: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/fortbend/news/6357045.html

FBW: Cain Holds Different View Of FBISD!

2009-04-01T11:57:00.001-07:00

Position 2 trustee candidates hold different views of FBISD
By ZEN T.C. ZHENG HOUSTON CHRONICLE
April 1, 2009

Fort Bend school board president Sonal Bhuchar’s re-election bid is challenged by an opponent critical of what he describes as the district’s wasteful financial practices.

Bhuchar, a 48-year-old Sugar Land physical therapist, was elected to Position 2 in May 2006 and assumed the board’s presidency last year. She said she sees a changed school district over the past three years with achievements including new leadership, a comprehensive plan and a successful bond referendum. She said she played a role in the changes.

Opponent Carlos Cain, a 51-year-old self-employed oil field services consultant of Sugar Land, said changes in the school board following recent elections have not resulted in fundamental improvement in the district’s academic standing and the way school officials conduct business that he claims lacks transparency and accountability.

A recent highlight in their differences is the district’s proposed “global center for science and technology,” decried by Cain as a “pork barrel” waste but supported by Bhuchar, who is on a district-appointed committee to study the financial feasibility of the project.

Early voting runs April 27 through May 5. Election Day is May 9. . .

Get the full piece at: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/fortbend/news/6353471.html

Or http://www.fortbendweb.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1130&Itemid=101#jreactions

Or visit: http://www.carloscain.com

FBN: Missouri City Early Voting Begins April 27th

2009-03-31T09:20:00.000-07:00

Early Voting Begins April 27 For Missouri City Election
March 31st, 2009 | by John Pape, FBN

Missouri City residents can vote early in the city’s general election from Monday, April 27 through Tuesday, May 5.

Election Day is Saturday, May 9.

Two contested city council positions are on the ballot. Candidates for District A are Rodney L. Griffin and Bobby Marshall. The incumbent in District A, Eunice Reiter, is not seeking re-election.

The candidates for District C are Robin Elackatt and incumbent Barbara J. Gibson.

Incumbent Councilmembers Cynthia Gary in District B and Brett Kolaja in District D are unopposed and their names will not appear on the ballot.

During early voting, Missouri City residents may vote at any of the Fort Bend polling locations. On Election Day, Missouri City residents must vote at their assigned county precinct polling location. . .get the full story at: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2009/03/31/36759

FBISD Position 2 Race Heats Up

2009-03-30T07:15:00.000-07:00

FBN: FBISD Position 2 Race Heats Up

Proposed ‘Global Science’ Center Emerges As Issue In Position 2 Fort Bend ISD Board Race
March, 2009 | by Bob Dunn, FortBendNow.com

The race for Position 2 on the Fort Bend Independent School District Board of Trustees pits an incumbent, trying to complete policies and programs she helped put in place through a five-year plan, against a challenger who believes some of those policies and programs have themselves helped lead the district astray.

Carlos Cain, a self-employed oil industry consultant, is challenging Sonal Bhuchar, a physical therapist elected to the FBISD Board in 2006, for a seat on the district’s west side. However, all district residents may vote in the May 9 election.

While the campaign promises to include issues ranging from academic results to finance and student discipline, a proposed “Global Center for Science and Technology” seems to be taking on a symbolic role in the race...

Get the full story: http://www.fortbendnow.com/2009/03/26/36631

See: http://www.brucealbright.com or http://www.carloscain.com

Albright Release: Upcoming Election for Position 6, School Board Trustee, Fort Bend ISD

2009-03-24T04:24:00.000-07:00

This is concerning the School Board Election in May. Steve Smelly is
retiring from the school board and I have filed as a candidate for his
position in the upcoming election.

My wife Letty has been a teacher for 25 years, 19 of them with
FBISD. We have raised 2 children through Fort Bend Schools. I personally
have been teaching middle school kids at church for the past 18 years. We
both are very involved with the educational process in Fort Bend County.

I received my degree in Business & Personnel Management, from the
University of Central Florida in 1978. Since that time I have been involved
in the active management of several different companies. My specialty has
always been the ability to "turn around" operations.

I expect in the coming year, FBISD will need a fresh new prospective
in dealing with "funding problems, staffing, and student population growth", just to mention a few. They are going to need someone who can look from the "outside~ in", not the "inside-out".

Some of the other important issues are:

1) The Global Science Center:
I really don't think this district ought to be thinking about
building a "Taj Mahal", when we have teachers in classrooms without proper supplies such as copy paper, projectors, etc. and students without computers in classrooms for learning math and other computerized programs.

I think it's more important for the district to take care of the
instructional needs of all Educators and Students, not just a select few who
may or may not get any use out of this building.

2) The district should address the rate pay and spend more attention to the
needs of workers who are struggling within this current economy such as
hourly bus drivers, custodians, lunch room workers, and Teachers who are
struggling to make ends meet in this troubled economy.

3) We need to deal with the ever increasing, mushrooming layers of
administration and the salaries thereof the same.

4) Make sure our school employees have decent health care benefits and
pensions.

5) We also need to make sure that underperforming schools receive
instructional assistance in the classrooms with students, not in the
boardroom.

My pledge is simple; I will represent the students, educators, and
taxpayers with a fresh new prospective, and with the vigor of a roaring
lion.

VOTE ALBRIGHT FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE, A BRIGHTER TOMORROW !!!!

Respectfully,

Bruce D. Albright, L.S.
Candidate~ Board
Trustee, Pos 6
Fort Bend ISD

INTEGRITY ~ COMMON SENSE ~ EXCELLENCE (ICE)

Local Races See Some Candidates Turning To The Web For Support!

2009-03-23T04:47:00.000-07:00

Nothing new about state and national elections turning more to the internet to reach its constituents, but local elections have often been hit or miss. This election cycle we have found at least 2 of the 5 school board candidates in FBISD and 1 council candidate using interactive websites to reach the public. Some with online stores and paypal features to donate.

These are ones we have located thus far:

http://www.carloscain.com/

http://www.brucealbright.com/

http://griffinforcouncil.blogspot.com/

Visit them and learn more before you vote. Remember early voting starts April 27th with election day falling on May 9th this year...

Griffin & Elackatt Draw First Position On The May Ballot!

2009-03-22T10:38:00.000-07:00

Rodney Griffin, running for district A and Robin Elackatt, running for district C council seats in Mo-City supporting reform have drawn first position for the May 9th local election for city council. Griffin previously ran for the position A seat pushing for the Texas Parkway & Murphy Rd. improvements and has been partially credited with the city placing this on the front burners after many years of neglect.

We will update these city races as they progress! Click the title link above for more on local school district and city council races.

Source: http://missouricitychatter.blogspot.com/2009/03/griffin-elackatt-draw-first-position-on.html

Griffin, Elackatt Challenge For Council Positions (See this chronicle report)

2009-03-19T03:54:00.000-07:00

Griffin wants to focus on the deterioration of the city’s older neighborhoods, which he said is “truly heartbreaking.”

“The lion’s share of our hard-earned tax dollars from the older communities are going down Highway 6 to special projects and developers, instead of revitalizing areas along Texas Parkway, the gateway to Missouri City.”

The city’s new redevelopment plan for Texas Parkway is “more smoke and mirrors,” said Griffin...

...“It seems to me that the city parents are talking the talk, but not walking the walk,” he said.

--FOLLOW the link below for more...

Source: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/fortbend/news/6318696.html

CAIN CHALLENGES BHUCHAR FOR POSITION 2 BOT SEAT IN FBISD ELECTIONS!

2009-03-17T07:59:00.000-07:00

CAIN MAKES CHALLENGE FOR FBISD POSITION 2 TRUSTEE

Carlos Cain, an oil field services consultant and taxpayer advocate, announced this week that he will seek the position 2 trustee seat currently held by Sonal Bhuchar.

Mr. Cain is best known for his efforts in 2007 and 2008 to push for more transparency and accountability in the bond process during the record bond election that lead to the first ever budget deficit in FBISD. He has also been involved in supporting teacher retention, academic improvement, single member school districts and improved discipline models that address real student needs.

At the 2008 district tax hearing he spoke up in favor of teacher salary increases and exposed the nearly $100 million dollar surplus fund, better known as the “fund balance account”.

Carlos has been a resident of Sugar Land since 2002 and is very concerned about the impact rising property taxes are having on our schools and community. He stated recently that “ the primary responsibility of the school board is over-sight, transparency and accountability”. It is this belief and commitment that he will bring to the position 2 trustee seat.

He can be contacted at: carloscain@rocketmail.com or 281-313-3796.

Popular Local Blog Covers Insiders & Outsiders In Latest FBISD BOT Races! (http://halfempth.blogspot.com)

2009-03-17T05:33:00.000-07:00

...In Fort Bend ISD, the Position 6 seat that was open on news from the announcement by Trustee Steve Smelley that he will not seek another term has three, count ‘em, three candidates. And not surprisingly, incumbent Sonal Bhuchar, occupying the Position 2 seat on the board will face opposition in this contentious school district.

The open Position 6 seat is being sought by Republican Precinct Chair Marilyn Glover, Consultant Bruce Albright, and Electrician and perennial candidate, Rodrigo Carreon.

Sonal Bhuchar is being opposed by Carlos Cain, a local school activist who has been, in the past, a very vocal opponent of recent school bond issues.

So who are these people, but more importantly, who is the “anointed one” that the board majority wants to be their new colleague on Position 6?

Well Rodrigo Carreon needs no introduction. He ran for the last open seat on the Fort Bend BOT, opposing David Menendez, getting 25% of the 10,354 votes cast (yes, voter turnout in school board elections are notoriously low). Carreon is a fixture at the Fort Bend ISD Monday evening board meetings, and always has a word of advice or a matter of interest to bring to the Board’s attention.

He is a community activist writ large.

So, no, he’s not the one that the BOT wants to join them.

Bruce Albright, lists himself as a Consultant. He is listed in the district’s “Ebriefs” newsletter as having addressed the Board with his concern with the process that is used in assigning parking spaces to students at Dulles High School. Albright felt that the process was not fair.

Marilyn Glover is all over the map when it comes to Fort Bend educational things. Not only is she an elected Precinct Chair for Precinct 2025 (Missouri City), she is currently a Director of the Fort Bend Regional Council on Substance Abuse. She joins a bi-partisan crew who support Mayor Allen Owen of Missouri City. She is (was?) on the Advisory Board of the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County. She is listed as an 8-year member of the Fort Bend County Chamber of Commerce (under Vanguard Insurance Brokers), and on the 2004 Council of Resources for the Fort Bend County Women’s Center. She is listed as an Advisor on the CAC Advisory Council for the Child Advocates of Fort Bend.

She is also proudly listed as a Republican Precinct Chair that supported the candidacy of former Sugar Land Mayor Dean Hrbacek for U.S. Congress. You remember The Dean? The one who had his head photoshopped onto the body of (allegedly) David Wallace.

So, what, I ask, are the chances that the “One” we are looking for, is the latter of these three?

Position 2 Trustee Sonal Bhuchar faces opponent Carlos Cain.

Now that’s a name and a half.

Not only is it alliterative, but both “C” sounds are “hard.” The name speaks like a nuclear chain reaction.

Like the devil himself has come to call.

So who is this guy, Carlos Cain, and what does he bring to the table? Well, he also lists himself as a Consultant living in Sugar Land (honestly, is there anyone but Rodrigo with an honest to goodness job title? What are all these consultants doing running for a non-paying job?).

Carlos Cain, it would appear, is the local county seer. Way back in 2007 Cain went on record as opposing the Fort Bend ISD bond issue to raise funds to build new high school, middle school and elementary school campuses. Growth projections in the district showed that at the current rate of growth, FBISD would be bulging at the seams, and would need these new facilities within 10 years in order to stay ahead of the population curve. Here is what he wrote in FortBendNow:

"If We Build It, Will They Come?”

“What if they don’t come?”

“As a concerned parent and voter I have been reviewing the FBISD bond issue on the November ballot. I believe they are overstating the future needs of Fort Bend ISD and the cost of this “potential” growth. Who will pay for this? WE WILL! Every tax payer in FBISD. If passed, the new bond issue would push FBISD debt to approximately 1.5 Billion dollars. That is ($1,500,000,000.00). Think about it, and call 832-859-5783 for more information.”

That is, clear back in October of 2007 Carlos Cain foresaw the housing crisis and the downturn in real estate sales everywhere, including Fort Bend County.

Cain has also come to the conclusion that the Board of Trustees propose inflated bond issues so that unspent bond money can be used “for purposes other than what was initially approved by voters.” Former FBISD Chief Operations Officer Mike Seale as well as Superintendent Timothy Jenney have labeled these accusations as “false.”

Fort Bend ISD voters were not swayed by Cain’s arguments, however, despite his singular effort in organizing robo calls to 2,200 homes in the district. In November 2007 voters approved the massive $428 billion bond issue by 65% to 35%, with over 16,000 votes cast.

Now, come to find out, Cain was spot-on correct. Not about the financial gyrations that he was accusing the Board of going through. About the “will they come” thing.

According to Fort Bend County projections, “they” stopped coming...

Source: http://halfempth.blogspot.com/2009/03/fort-bend-isd-bot-has-5-candidates-for.html

Get more on these races at:

http://www.fortbendweb.com

http://missouricitychatter.blogspot.com

http://fbisdwatch.blogspot.com