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Colon Cancer Awareness makes City Hall BLUE
March is colon cancer awareness month, and to kick it off, City Hall will be lit up in blue lights, starting on March 4th. Please join us at City Hall that Tuesday evening at 5:30 p.m for the lighting ceremony. The blue lights will stay lit every night from March 4-8, so feel free to check out the light display any evening that week. Dark blue is the color designated for colon cancer awareness. Hope Through Grace, Inc. is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization that works to promote awareness of this deadly disease, which is the #2 leading cancer killer of men and women. Please help us to bring attention to colon cancer, and join us at this special lighting event. We look forward to seeing you there!
Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: 901 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002
Sincerely,
Hope Through Grace, Inc.
Community shows up for town hall to save post offices
Above:Community member and retired Post Office employee, Jackie Bostic, speaks to the community and leaders about the importance of the postal system in the nation and to the community.
The Judson Robinson Community Center was a packed house Saturday, January 11, 2014 as Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee held a town hall meeting to address constituents who were upset and confused with the recent news that the United States Postal Service (USPS) could possibly close down six stations.
Continuous swells of Houstonians filed in to hear what the Congresswoman had to say about the postal locations. As the meeting location was in the 9th Congressional district which is Congressman Al Green’s turf, he stood with his long- time colleague and with elected city officials, Larry Green of District K and newly elected Dwight Boykins of District D. USPS had their representatives present as well to address the community. Sandra Rybicki, the real estate specialist for USPS, came back to give her public address that she once before gave to City Council in December. Rybicki was joined by the Houston District Manager USPS, William Mitchell and acting Post Master, Jocelyn Wynn.
Lee started off by saying that the post office is an economic engine in the community. She began to rattle off the locations asking the community members which ones were their station.
The Southmore station received all the attention as the African American community showed concern about what the closure would mean in terms of the historical marker that has been incorporated into that particular post office location.
“That is a place that Texas Southern University students marched from TSU to indicate that we cannot live in two Americas; that is history for us,” said Congresswoman Lee. “That is a place that we not only go to the post office but we are able to look at a marker that says this belongs to the community.”
Sandra Rybicki was called to address the community and the Congressional members present as she did the Mayor and City Council. She explained about the excessive space and why if found to be conclusive that the postal areas are underutilized then they will be closed and relocated.
When the Sun talked to Rybicki she stated, “There hasn’t been much opposition. Some don’t mind the move and some don’t mind as long as there is another station in the direct area, but there hasn’t been much feedback.”
The feedback came right away once she finished her speech on the procedures and method that would be executed.
Closure is based on the premises of saving money. William Mitchell, Houston District Manager USPS, informed the masses that the USPS is losing between 20-25 million a day.
“The postal service does not accept tax dollars. The only money we do receive in revenue is revenue that comes from postage. Right now we are faced with a situation where we have retiree health benefit that is being taken out of our bottom line to the tune of 5-7 billion a year which forces us to have to look at opportunities for us to save money,” said Mitchell. “One of those things we do to save money is to look at our facilities to see which ones are oversized and see if there is an opportunity for us to move carriers into those facilities and if we can move carriers into those facilities, sell the existing facility after setting up an alternate retail in that same area. If we can do that we can save a significant amount of money, relocating those carriers and selling the property.”
For many members of the community, the issue was very personal as they correlated the issue to gentrification and the value of property along the Medical Center corridor into Third Ward. Saving the postal service money was not high on the priority list.
Yet in still, many of the people present started or had a lasting career with the USPS, including the Congresswoman and community member, Jackie Bostic, who spoke as a retiree of the postal system and as a concerned citizen.
Community input ranged from why are the outside postal boxes gone from the Southmore station, to how far away will a new post office be put for those who walk. The town hall gave Houstonians a place to air all their grievances.
Suggestions were given as to how they could utilize space. Gerald Womack, a developer, voiced that the excess space could be used as a mixed- use facility that could be subleased to other businesses to conjure capital.
The public was told to write Sandra Rybicki at her Dallas location and to mail it off before the January 17th deadline. Houstonians were told repeatedly that the closures are not a done deal and with community support the decision can go either way.
The proposed closures were for Southmore Station, Medical Center Station, University Station, Greenbriar Station, Julius Melcher Station and Memorial Park Station.
USPS officials did listen to community members as the outside postal drop box is back at the Southmore Station.
Inauguration held to swear in Houston’s new City Council
The City of Houston welcomed into office the three- time elected Mayor Annise Parker, Comptroller Ronald Green and 16 City Council members at the Wortham Theatre on Wednesday, January 2, 2014.
The mayor and comptroller were sworn in by the Honorable Vanessa D. Gilmore, US District Judge for the Southern District of Texas. Mayor Parke then turned and administered the oath of office to members of City Council.
This will be Mayor Parker’s final term as Mayor as she is at the end of her term limit which is six years.
“I believe this is the best job in America. To serve you is my greatest honor. I remain excited to go to work each and every day,” said Mayor Parker.
Council will look different in the 2014 year as many new faces will appear in the c shaped city council chamber. Brenda Stardig of District A will return after a 2 year sit out due to losing to Helena Brown in 2012. She will regain her seat after winning the run-off election. Dwight Boykins will represent District D, replacing Wanda Adams who termed out, Richard Nguyen beat out Al Hoang in District F, Robert Gallegos won District I and will replace James Rodriguez who also termed out. At- Large City Councilmember Andrew Burks, Jr. won’t be returning and will be replaced by David Robinson, At- Large Position 3 will be represented by Michael Kubosh as Melissa Noriega has reached her term limit.
Parker addressed many projects she has lined up and some that are already underway in her inaugural speech such as chronic homelessness, the non-sexual discrimination and infrastructure.
“It is time that you see real progress in the street and drainage system in Houston,” said Mayor Parker.
The ceremony was integrated with music from the Inauguration Orchestra, honor guards from the Police and Fire Departments, and children led the pledge of allegiance from the Star of Hope.
Now that the pomp and circumstance is done, City Council will resume on Tuesdays at 1:30pm, public forum and on Wednesday mornings at 9:00 am at 900 Bagby, Houston, TX 77002 on the Second floor.
Houston honors Mandela
Congressional members,City of Houston officials, and clergy gather to honor Nelson Mandela, dead at 95
Statesman Nelson Mandela died on December 5, 2013 and sparked a wave of grief and remembrance of his journey throughout the whole world.
All over the world cities celebrated the life of Mandela, South Africa’s first democratically elected president. Houston took part of this event as a memorial was held at the George R. Brown Convention Center on December 14, 2013 at 3 pm. Bishop James Dixon organized the event to pay tribute to, “a model global citizen,” according to Dixon.
Houstonians filtered in and out the stadium seated room that was dimply lit to hear politicians such as Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congressman Al Green and Mayor Annise Parker, clergy of all denominations, Historian Ada Edwards and tributes from the Mandela Celebration choir featuring Hanq Neal of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, where Pastor Emeritus William Lawson was in attendance.
Lawson’s daughter and veteran news anchor Melanie Lawson of KTRK served as the Mistress of Ceremony. Her eloquent voice led the way for the entire program which was of a honorary tenor.
“Mandela was loved and admired,” said Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. “He loved Mickey Leeland. He knew and stood with him.” Jackson connected the ties of South Africa to Houston as she remembered Mandela.
Congressman Green stated that Mandela was a man for all seasons, a patriot for freedom.
“He refused to say he would give up the defense of his country,” said Congressman Green as he described the character of Mandela. “He walked out of prison without anger, without hate and we honor and appreciate him today.”
Historian and former City Councilmember Ada Edwards did what she does best, remind people of the not so distant past. She stood and taught the crowd how to say “the power is ours” in South African dialect. Edwards spoke on the Free South Africa Movement that was right here in Houston. She also educated the crowd about the role the U.S. government had in the capture of Mandela in South Africa.
“How many of you remember Ernest McGowen, Anthony Hall, Rodney Ellis and Judson Robinson and the role they played in the South African Movement in Houston,” said Edwards?
Edwards closed by stating, a people united can never be defeated.
Nat Levy was a defense lawyer for Mandela before he spent 27 years in prison. He gave a word about Mandela pre –incarceration. Levy said he was a unique beloved leader who showed South Africa the way and was an example to the world.
“He changed attitudes in South Africa,” said Levy. “He showed how the power of forgiveness can heal a country.”
The celebration memorial continued and many others stood and said uplifting remarks. Mkhuseli Maqungo, a native of Mandela’s home tribe, gave a tribute as well as the Mandela Celebration Choir.
Nelson Mandela died at 95 years old and was an inspiration to many. All over the world he will be honored for the legacy of his life as a patriot of South Africa and a leader to his people.
USPS consider closing six post offices in Houston
Sandra Rybicki, the real estate specialist for the United States Postal Service (USPS), spoke at Houston’s City Council’s public forum on December 18, 2013, where she dropped a whopper of a notice to the city’s elected officials. Within three weeks, the USPS will begin to inventory six postal locations to see if the buildings are utilized to the max potential.
Southmore Station, Medical Center Station, University Station, Greenbriar Station, Julius Melcher Station and Memorial Park Station are all in question for closure if the USPS finds that the stations have too much excessive space within the retail area.
“This is an effort to optimize the network, as a result we are looking for ways to reduce cost, consolidate operations and increase efficiency,” said Rybicki.
These particular locations house both the retail and delivery side of the postal service.
USPS is legally mandated to inform the city government and the constituents of a post office change. The first step is to notify the city of the project, the second is to notify all city officials in the community where the changes could be, and then there will be a 15 day waiting period to see and evaluate responses from city officials and the public. USPS will formalize the process by sending written notification to the Mayor. The letter will be posted in each of the target post offices. Then there will be a 30 day waiting period for comment from the Mayor’s office or the community. During that waiting period they will assess the market for potential sites that meet USPS requirements and by the end of that period they will meet with USPS officials to
review those sites. Another letter will go out to the Mayor to outline the contending sites. That letter will also be posted to the door of the post offices in jeopardy and then another 30 day waiting process will begin. Once the final decision has been made there will be a final letter sent to the Mayor indicating the selected sites and that letter will be posted at each of the post offices and then there will be the last 30 day waiting period, according to Sandra Rybicki.
“The idea is to stay within a two to three mile radius if we have to relocate,” said Rybicki when Mayor Parker began to question the process of how the post office changes will affect Houstonians.
Councilmembers fired many questions about why there would be a change or the evaluation process. Councilmembers Wanda Adams, Oliver Pennington, Andrew Burks, Jr. expressed the importance of their community post office such as the historical value of the Southmore Station that has a historical marker on site.
“This is a very, very dense area and it’s getting denser. As it happens, I go by there often about two or three times a week. I was by there about 10:30 yesterday and both of the parking lots were full and that’s the retail and the service center,” said Councilmember Pennington about the Memorial Park Station. “I don’t think you can find a better location to service the area. It is a very valuable community asset.”
Pennington also stated that Congressional officials were not notified.
The public has to January 17, 2014 to write Sandra Rybicki with comments about saving their post office location.
Southmore Station, 4110 Almeda Rd, Houston, TX 77004, Medical Center Station, 7205 Almeda Rd, Houston, TX 77054 , University Station, 1319 Richmond Ave, Houston TX, 77006, Greenbriar Station, 3740 Greenbriar St. , Houston TX, 77098, Julius Melcher Station, 2802 Timmons Ln., Houston, TX 77027, Memorial Park Station, 10505 Town and Country Way, Houston, TX 77024.
Vice President, Facilities
c/o Sandra A. Rybicki, Real Estate Specialist
USPS Facilities
PO Box 667180
Dallas, TX 75266-7180
Ben Hall Invites Ms. Parker To Join Him In Ethics Reform
(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
Update in Mayoral race: Response to 5 point plan
Protect Your Right to Vote Awareness Week
Story Credit: State Senator Rodney Ellis
Dear Friend:
In 2011, Texas passed a restrictive voter ID bill, and ongoing litigation continues to sort out the future of the law. But with local elections coming up in less than two months, everyone needs to plan as if the law will be in effect this November.
The week of September 16 is Protect Your Right to Vote Awareness Week, with events across Houston to help get you prepared for the implementation of voter ID and other new election rules. If you’ve got questions, they’ve got answers.
This email will also provide the essential information that you and your family need to make sure you’re not turned away from the ballot box because you lack the required identification. If you find it useful, please forward it to your friends or “like” it above to post it to your Facebook account.
By working together, we can ensure all eligible voters are able to have their voice heard on November 5.
Sincerely,
RE signature
Rodney Ellis
Ben Hall: Officially on the ballot for November election
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.