Tag Archives: Ben Hall

Mayoral candidate, Benjamin Hall, III, held his watch party at the House of Dereon Media Center on election night. Dim lights illuminated by blue fluorescents flashed over a room filled with anticipation for the outcome of Ben Hall’s campaigning.

Upbeat music and food flowed throughout the night as supporters awaited Hall to come and speak to them again about the future of Houston.

“I am hopeful about the election results,” said Maggie Lipsom, a Hall supporter. “I’ve lived in Houston for 25 years and I haven’t been this enthused about an election ever.”
From time to time the poll results would appear on the stage screen showing Hall lagging in numbers but the crowd continued to stay strong in their support.

“It’s still early and they are still tallying so I’ll wait until the end,” said Mark Johnson.

By 8:30 pm, Hall and staff emerged ready to address the supporters. Judge Alvin Zimmerman, campaign treasurer started the speeches by giving his heartfelt thanks for a dynamic campaign.

“I’m very proud of his upstanding righteous campaign that Ben Hall ran compared to what he was faced with and we thank you all for getting behind him and your support,” said Zimmerman.

Congressman Al Green graced the stage next as he was charged to introduce Hall. Green expressed how honored he was to be there and to be able to introduce such a very dear friend of his.

“A friend will tell you Ben Hall is a person of great character and integrity. Rev. Lawson reminds me that reputation is what people think of you and character is who you are. Ben Hall has a great reputation and is known large and wide for his largess and for what he has done for those we consider the least in our community,” said Congressman Al Green. “That largess means a lot to the people I represent. He has represented the least, the last and the lost and he has earned a great reputation for it. Hall has demonstrated to me his character. Character is who you really are. I have been there in quiet moments when we have had to make some crucial decisions that affect the lives of others and I can tell you that in every moment when Benjamin had an opportunity to be of service to someone in need he always displayed the character necessary to stand up for the people who can’t stand up for themselves. He’s a person of character.”

After such a kind and supportive introduction Hall moved center to speak. He called his campaign stating the numbers didn’t show promise of a win.

“We had the opportunity to look at the initial numbers in this election and we may not have enough votes to be the next mayor of the city of Houston but that doesn’t end this journey. I love this great city and it definitely doesn’t end our appreciation for all of your hard work and efforts that were given to make this campaign competitive and to make sure the issues that really are important are addressed to awaken the mayor’s office to concerns of the entire city,” said Hall.

He thanked Houston for a wonderful time and campaign. Hall promised his supporters that this won’t be the last time they hear from him and he will continue to challenge the status quo.

“If nothing else we have said to city hall we deserve and demand better streets, we have said we must address crime in the city and make areas safe for all we have challenged and said Houston has a better future than its past. So I stand tonight, called Mayor Parker and told her the number may not speak well tonight for us but it does not end this journey,” said Hall.

The final votes came out with Hall earning 46,828 votes to Mayor Parker’s 97,165 votes. He secured 27.58% of the votes compared to the 57.22% of the incumbent mayor.

News

Last 24 hours before election,Mayoral candidate, Ben Hall stops at Just Oxtails to have meet and greet with voters

November 4, 2013 Myra Griffin -Managing Editor Leave a comment

In the last 24 hours before the city wide election, mayoral candidate, Ben Hall held several meet and greets around the city to give Houstonians that last minute chance to get a good look at their option to the incumbent mayor.

Hall has proved to be the biggest contender in the race, inciting multiple ads from Mayor Parker’s campaign but it’s still up to the voters to decide. The Sun met Hall at Just Oxtails as he shook hands with customers.

“I’m very excited,” said Hall. “People are very enthusiastic and I want to shake their hands and thank them for engaging in this democratic process.”

As he greeted the lunch goers Hall appeared to be recognizable. One of the challenges Hall started with was matching a name and face with the Houston demographic.

“Quite frankly I think my opponent did a good job of getting my name out there,” said Hall. “Right now I think we have about 97% name recognition because of her commercials. So all we have to do is convince them that the message is wrong but the name recognition is there.”

With the race at an arm’s length away, Hall is still working diligently to get voters in tune with him.

“We feel good about our chances tomorrow but we have to get the voters to come out,” Hall said. “If they (voters) don’t come out then were looking at a run off, but we want the alternative which is a straight up win. We are going to do everything we can to get every possible vote at the polls tomorrow.”

Hall stands firm that Houston needs new leadership and that the public feels there isn’t any representation from the current administration. His platform of leadership with a vision is what he is taking out with him into the streets and the meet and greets.

“People want leadership with vision, someone who is going to listen to what they need on issues such as street repair and making sure the potholes are taken care of,” said Hall. “They don’t sense any of those kinds of initiatives in the present incumbent.”

In the next 24 hours, Hall said it’s going to be like the ones before. He will be trying to touch as many as people as possible and convince them that he is the legitimate alternative to Mayor Parker.

City, Community, News

Ben Hall Invites Ms. Parker To Join Him In Ethics Reform

October 7, 2013 Contributing Writers Leave a comment

(Houston, TX) – Today, mayoral candidate Ben Hall sent a letter to Ms. Annise Parker inviting her to join him in supporting a comprehensive reform package to eradicate the corrupt pay-to-play practices rampant in the City of Houston. Following last week’s discovery of Ms. Parker handing out $65 million in taxpayer funded contracts in exchange for $1 million in political campaign contributions this election cycle, it is clear that something must be done to stop this corrupt behavior.

Hall has outlined a 10-point ethics plan and has pledged his commitment to end pay-to-play. Ms. Parker has remained silent on this issue and has failed to bring forward meaningful solutions. For the good of all Houstonians, the Hall campaign encourages Ms. Parker to join us in support of these proposals.

The letter is attached and included below along with the new ethics rules to end corruption at City Hall. Now we wait for Ms. Parker to break her silence on at least one issue relevant to Houstonians this election.

October 2, 2013

Mayor Annise Parker,

It is evident that the City of Houston has become victim to rampant pay-to-play practices. This corrupt behavior should not be tolerated at any level of government. We must set an example here in Houston and open up the doors of City Hall to all Houstonians and foster a transparent process so that taxpayers are kept fully aware of how their tax dollars are being spent.

It is shameful for any individual or business to contribute money to a candidate and receive a lucrative reward in return. I believe that we must hold all our elected officials to the highest ethical standards.

Last week I committed to supporting policies that will eradicate these corrupt pay-to-play practices. I invite you to join me in supporting this comprehensive reform package that will increase transparency and remove the corrupt element. These policies include:

1. Two-year moratorium on accepting campaign contributions after vendors receive city contracts.

2. Two-year moratorium on accepting campaign contributions from municipal appointees.

3. A candidate may not accept any contributions over $250.00 from an officer, director, or employee of a city contractor.

4. When a contract is awarded or a person appointed, all campaign contributions given by that individual and/or company during the previous municipal election cycle must be disclosed immediately.

5. Two-year moratorium on any city employees registering as a lobbyist or working for a lobbying firm.

6. Require lobbyists to file reports and create a searchable online database showing information like names of companies they lobby for, amount paid, amount spent, amount spent on contributions, etc.

7. No gifts will be accepted by the Mayor within the six months preceding an election.

8. Create a searchable online database of city contracts awarded by all departments.

9. Create a searchable city check register available online.

10. Increased accountability through improving search capability for ethics reports.

I have enclosed these new ethics rules and my signature as a formal commitment to the implementation of these policies. I believe it would be in the best interest of all Houstonians for you to join me in support.

Sincerely,

Benjamin L. Hall, III

Pol. Adv. Paid for by All for Hall Committee, William A. Lawson and Alvin Zimmerman, Treasurers. 4669 Southwest Freeway Houston, TX 77027

City, Community, Lifestyle, News

Crime Continues To Run Rampant Under Parker’s Watch

September 23, 2013 Myra Griffin -Managing Editor 2 Comments

SUBMITTED BY: BEN HALL MAYORAL CAMPAIGN STAFF

(Houston, TX) – Crime in Houston is completely out of control. Last night, a man lost his life when two robbers opened fire in a Houston Subway restaurant. The day before, another man was shot at a local donut shop in northwest Houston. These crimes are far too common and Ms. Parker has failed to even acknowledge the problems, let alone offer a solution.

“We live in a city where the Sheriff is not immune from having his home burglarized and regular Houstonians cannot enjoy a meal or a night’s entertainment without being victimized. Ms. Parker seems content with letting this continue without leadership,” said mayoral candidate Ben Hall. “The real tragedy is that for every heinous act of violence that hits the front pages or the nightly news there are others that never even get acknowledged. Entire neighborhoods have been taken over by violence and whole communities live in constant fear. How much more of our city will be handed over to criminals before Ms. Parker speaks out?”

Just this July, Houston experienced the highest number of violent and non-violent crimes in the last year with non-violent crimes like burglary, theft and auto theft exceeding 10,000 incidents. But these crimes are more than just numbers. Each incident is another victimized Houstonian, and each victim is one too many.

“As the leader of this city, Houstonians have looked to Ms. Parker to set an agenda that first and foremost protects them. All other priorities are irrelevant if a mayor cannot deliver on that fundamental promise,” continued Hall. “Her ignorance towards this problem is concerning and her inability to offer solutions is a sign of failed leadership.”

Ben Hall released a plan to reverse Houston’s crime epidemic and implement meaningful solutions that will take back neighborhoods from the criminal element and protect Houstonians. The full plan can be found here.

Ms. Parker has offered no solutions to this disturbing trend. Her campaign is silent on these life and death issues. Ben Hall will not be!

City, News

Ben Hall: Officially on the ballot for November election

September 10, 2013 Myra Griffin -Managing Editor Leave a comment

Ben Hall announcing his filing of paperwork for his name to be on the ballot for mayor in November.

Myra Griffin
The Houston Sun

It is official that former City Attorney, Ben Hall is in the race for mayor of Houston as he officially filed the necessary paperwork to be on the ballot for the November election.

On August 20, 2013, Hall held a viewing of a new video to be released at the CWA Hall for all who wanted to see. The room was filled and as the people stood arm to arm to watch the short film the excitement for the mayoral race picked up several notches.

Once the movie ended Hall stood behind the podium as the crowd cheered and applauded. Hall began by thanking his friends, supporters, friends to be and those who will vote for his candidacy.

“For those who are doubting promises let me just simply say the trajectory of this campaign looks very good and we’re going to be the next mayor of Houston,” said Hall.

Hall is definitely in full blown campaign mode as the future of Houston is the focus of his campaign. He expressed that it’s good to be confident and he is showing his confidence. Yet he believes that the city should be prepared for anything as he reminded the crowd of how harmful it can be to ignore what ifs in the city government like the people on the Titanic.

“The city of Houston may have confidence but we must prepare for the economic iceberg that lay ahead and the present Mayor hasn’t done so and the Ben Hall administration will do so,” said Hall.
Fiscal responsibility is playing a major role in this race as a new discovery about Mayor Annise Parker’s net value has come into question.”

People want change in this city. The present Mayor has been in office for 16 years and when she started she didn’t have much money but as you all will soon find out she has carefully turned herself into a millionaire while holding public office,” said Hall. “This is an astounding discovery and I don’t think it’s been pointed out to the public before.”

Hall has been accused of trying to buy the election as he has one of the largest campaign funds seen in Houston in years. Hall has done well for himself and the monetary gains of the Mayor have caught the attention of many.

“At least I did mine in the private sector,” said Hall. “She has become a millionaire working off the tax dollars. That’s not right and we’re going to investigate that a little further.”

Although the campaign is getting heated Hall would like to keep it about city issues and not make it dirty and smearing campaign. His supporters seemed pleased with his video and eagerly awaited to hear anything else Hall had further to say.

“I thought the movie was great and it really introduces Ben to Houston. I think he is going to do a fantastic job,” said Claude Cummings, the Vice President of the CWA District 6. “He really has a vision for this city and we have some real problems in this city like infrastructure, crime, pension fund for city employees and he’s right we can’t just ignore it and keep kicking this can down the road. Sooner or later were going to run into that iceberg so we need someone with a vision and a plan and I believe Hall has one.”

As he continued to rally for support Hall let his supporters know he is going to be “Hall for All”.

“That’s more than a motto it’s a commitment,” said Hall. “I want to be a voice for the powerful but I also want to be a voice for the powerless, I want to be a voice for those who may have a home but I also want to be a voice for those who are homeless, I want to be a voice for those who are full and also a voice for those who are hungry but when you ask the question of what kind of man Ben Hall is going to be you tell them I am going to be a Mayor for everyone. I will be Hall for All but I need All for Hall.”

When the Sun talked to Hall about the feedback received from Houstonians, Hall said, “Extremely well, there is such excitement out there in the community and it drives me even further than I would otherwise think I would be able to do. Everybody I’m meeting is so energized by this campaign as they look for a fresh and new day in Houston.”

When asked about Mayor Parker’s response to him as a full blown contender, Hall said, “It’s clear that she recognizes that people are starting to gravitate to our campaign and so she’ll try to continue to attack me but I’m not going to shrink to that level, I’m going to stay on the high end of it and continue to speak about the bright future of Houston and not about the disappointing present.”

Of course the speech could not be concluded without asking for votes but he also requested prayer. Hall said it is going to be a spiritual fight as well as a political fight yet he pledged not to do anything that would dishonor Houstonians as he joked about the attack on him for living in Piney Point, a suburb of Houston. He went on to say he wants to live his life in a way the Lord will be pleased with and he pledges to have a very humble spirit.

Ben Hall supporter Clark Rone, said Hall is an answered prayer. “ People have been praying that God would send someone to step up to the plate to lead this city in the direction it needs to go and I just think he’s what we need, an answered prayer.”

Hall greeted, shook hands, posed for pictures and spoke to anyone who made eye contact. His intent is clear and the manner he will pursue it as well. The race is official as of August 20th and these candidates have until November to win over the citizens of Houston.

City, Health, Lifestyle, News

Mayor Parker reduces health insurance premiums for city workers

September 10, 2013 Myra Griffin -Managing Editor Leave a comment

Mayor Annise Parker has approved a reduction in health insurance premiums for city workers, reversing last spring’s increased rates from 14.9 percent to 8.7 percent. The premium reduction is in addition to lower copays and reduced prescription drug costs.
The Mayor hopes that the combined cost reductions will provide some financial relief for employees while also ensuring they stay engaged in wellness activities.

“We budgeted very conservatively and have been transparent in reporting where we are at every step along the way,” said Mayor Parker. “I make no apologies for that. It is the same fiscally-responsible approach we apply to all matters related to city finances.”

Parker’s competition for the mayoral race, Ben Hall, believes it is no coincidence that there is a reform to the health insurance premium.

“It’s an election year and a lot of good policies are suddenly appearing because of the challenge of an election and that’s the good thing about our democracy that once an incumbent is made to justify policy positions during an election cycle that there is some reformation that takes place,” said Hall. “So I applaud this exercise of an election because it has causing the ship to right itself on some of the bad policies on healthcare coverage issues before.”

The city began to focus on employee wellness after an increase in claims which also was the alleged reason for the increase in premium contributions and copayments last spring. The city also moved an extra $14 million into the health benefits account to ensure minimum balances would be available to meet all claims, according to the Mayor’s office.

“In April, HOPE members spoke before City Council rallying around the issue of affordable healthcare,” said Melvin Hughes, President of the Houston Organization of Public Employees. “After detailed analysis we were able to provide the city with recommendations that found several opportunities for cost savings. This decision makes healthcare affordable for the workers that help make this city run. I am proud of our members for making this possible and thankful to Mayor Parker for being willing to listen.”

September 1, 2013 the lower cost will go into effect and remain until April 30, 2014.

Ben Hall commented at about it his press conference that he is confident there was a catalyst for the reduction but whatever it was the reduction is the right thing to do for city employees.

Many are pleased to see the reform to the health insurance premiums as healthcare is necessary but becoming such a tedious and hard to come by commodity in the country. The city is in the third year of a self-insured employee health benefits plan, where it pays only when employees submit claims rather than having to pay set monthly costs.

The Houston Sun