November 2008 Houston Business Connections Newspaper

BUSINESS CONNECTIONSHouston-Area

Published By Aubrey R. Taylor Communications Proudly Serving The Houston Community Since 1998 • Email: [email protected] • SPECIAL 2008

BUSINESS CONNECTIONSCommunity News, Business Reports & Politics

You May Also Download A Copy Of This Edit ion By Visit ing: www.houston-businessconnect ions.com

Community News, Business Reports & Politics

“As the chiefelections officer ofTexas, I will protectthe integrity of elections as part of our democraticprocess - a processthat Texans valueand respect - andwork proactively tokeep Texas at theforefront of the global economy.”

OBAMA

MCCAIN

BRADFORD

LYKOS

DEMOCRATShould U.S. SenatorBarack Obama winthe 2008 GeneralElection he willbecome the firstAfrican AmericanPresident of theUnited States ofAmerica

REPUBLICANU. S. Senator JohnMcCain is seekingto defy age as hewould become theoldest man everelected to a first-term as Presidentof the United Statesof America

DEMOCRATFormer HoustonPolice Chief C. O.Bradford is seekingto become the firstAfrican Americanto lead the HarrisCounty DistrictAttorney’s office in history

REPUBLICANFormer Judge PatLykos defeatedKelly Seigler in arunoff election toearn the chance tobecome the firstfemale DistrictAttorney in HarrisCounty’s history

What you do as a leaderis extremely important. Why?Because you are contagious!

Leaders have an attitude thatothers want to catch. Leaders havea charisma that others want tocatch. They have skills that otherswant to have rub off on them and

on and on and on and on. So whatyou do, more so than what you say,rubs off on those that follow yourleadership abilities. And since theone critical thing one has to have inorder to be a leader is ... well, youguessed it, FOLLOWERS, thenlet's keep the focus on those folksand make sure that as leaders weare doing what makes the most dif-

ference to them. After all, leader-ship is all about the followers!

Just think, what would you beif you had a great many leadershipskills that made you tremendouslyeffective, but no followers? Well, ifI am thinking straight here, youwould be incredibly skilled stand-ing out there all by your lonesome.Not exactly how we picture a leader.

A Contagious Leader is the guide onthe side, not the sage on the stageand that is what any number of thesesteps will help you to achieve!

1. Call employees "those thatwork WITH you".

5 Dozen Ways to Become an “On-Purpose” Leader

WOFFORD

For more election info visit us at:www.houston-businessconnections.comwhere we will assist you by providingvaluable election information.

Election Special:INSIDE: Local CandidatesDiscuss Why They’re TheRight Choice For You!

LEADING TEXAS: Appointed byTexas Gov. Rick Perry, recently,Esperanza “Hope” Andrade is thefirst Hispanic woman appointedas the Texas Secretary of State.

LeadershipJUST HOW IMPORTANT IS LEADERSHIP DURING TIMES OF CRISES? - VISIT WWW.HOUSTON-BUSINESSCONNECTIONS.COM

SPECIAL BUSINESS SERIES TO START IN JANUARY OF 2009: Texas history wasmade recently when Esperanza “Hope” Andrade of San Antonio Texas formally tookthe Oath of Office as the 107th Secretary of State at the State Capitol Building. But whoelse is making history in Texas? Find out in this exciting “Keep Sake Edition” ofHouston Business Connections. ON THE COVER: Sandra J. Peake, Craig Joseph,Betty Weekley, Ruama Camp, Danny McKinney, Mayor Bill White, Jarvis Johnson, Dr.Monica Graham, and P.J. Matthews, Photo by Wilson Photography.

Gov. Perry Meets with Leaders of KeyState Agencies to Assess Impact ofNational Economy on Texas...PAGE, 2

continued on page, P.30

Houston-Area

Governor Brings Texas Leaders Together

2 • SPONSOR THANK YOU! • Houston Business Connections Printed Edition • www.houston-businessconnections.com • 832.212.8735

We once worried that democracy could not survive if an undereducated populace knew too little. Now we worry if it can survive us knowing too much. — Robert Bianco

s always, I would like to thank you for picking upeach issue of Houston Business Connections.

This issue is extremely special to me becauseit marks the previewing of our (Four-Part) People

Doing Business Series to debut in January of 2009.I can’t say enough about the entrepreneurs you will

find on the cover of (Part-One) of the series. These individ-uals are not only long-time friends, but are also highly suc-cessful people in their respective professions and industries.These folks didn’t hesitate when presented with the opportunityto kick-off this exciting venture - over a year ago.

As we pause to thank them for their support, wehumbly ask you to give each and every one of them yours.By doing so, you will be doing your part in the economicdevelopment cycle. And I urge you to support our supporters.

We also would like to thank Mayor Bill White, U. S.Congressman Al Green (TX-9), and Houston CityCouncilman Jarvis Johnson (District B), for their support inhelping us to kick-off this exciting and informative series.

Now, all that’s left is for you to get involved. Wewould like to invite you to join us in this series. We are cur-rently looking for individuals to take part in (Part-Two) ofthe series. If you or someone you know has a story to tell -we’d like to tell it. So give us a call today at 832.212.8735.And remember, in Houston Business Connection you areplacing your business in great company. Enjoy this issue!

Aubrey R. Taylor, Publisher Email: [email protected]

PUBLISHER’S PAGE DOWNLOAD THIS ISSUE: WWW.HOUSTON-BUSINESSCONNECTIONS.COM

A

ENTREPRENEURS CREDOI do not choose to be a Common manIt is my right to be UNCOMMON...If I canI seek Opportunity - not SecurityI do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulledby having the state look after me.I want to take the “Calculated Risk” toDream and to Build,to fail and to SUCCEED.I refuse to barter incentive for a dole.I prefer the challenges of Life to the“Guaranteed existence”,the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of Utopia.I will not trade FREEDOM for Beneficencenor my dignity for a handout.I will never cower before any master norbend to any threat.It is my heritage to stand erect,proud and unafraid,to think and act for myself,to enjoy the benefit of “MY CREATIONS” and to face the world boldly and say:“This with God’s help, I have done. All this is what it means to be a ENTREPRENEUR”

ARTC

HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS IS PUBLISHED BY AUBREY R. TAYLOR COM-MUNICATIONS ALL RIGHT RESERVED. NO ARTICLES MAY BE COPIED, REWRITTEN,PUBLISHED, OR OTHERWISE DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN APPROVAL OF

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Aubrey R. Taylor, publisher of Houston Business Connections.

We Appreciate Your Continued Support!

Thanksgiving and Christmas are times to celebrate.Start a new tradition with your family as Texas StateParks offer holiday events sure to be memorable.

The colder weather makes this a quieter, less crowded time, greatfor exploring the outdoors with activities such as hunting, fishing, hiking,birding, stargazing and many others. The possibilities are endless whenyou explore Texas! Check out the Texas Parks and Wildlife EventsCalendar for all the fun activities you can experiences this winter.

Featured Event November 15, 2008 - Cedar Hill SP - 1st AnnualChili Cook-off - Enjoy camping at the park and always wanted to partici-pate in one of those "chili cook-offs?" Well now is your chance! There willbe several categories you can choose to compete in and prizes will begiven to the winner in each division courtesy of the Friends Group ofCedar Hill State Park. The number of participants is limited and campingin the park is a competition requirement. Join other chili cookers as werename one of camping loops "Chili Cookers Crossing" for this fun-filledweekend! Come and compete in the cook-off or just come and help usdecide who has the best chili! 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; call to confirm program (972) 291-3900, ext. 232.

Featured Event November 20-22, 2008 - Big Bend Ranch SP - Digital Photography Workshop -Spend three days at the park with Earl Nottingham, Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine chief photogra-pher. Learn tips and tricks about your camera, computer software and your subjects in this hands-onexperience. Spend the evening hours evaluating and sharing your pictures with other members of thisworkshop. Call for times; fees include meals and lodging $397Texas State Parks Pass members, $400 non-members; reservationsrequired, deadline November 6, 2008 (432) 358-4444. continued on page, P.20

Gov. Perry Meets with Leaders of Key State Agenciesto Assess Impact of National Economy on Texas

How Important Is It In Times Of Crisis?

Gov. Perry Meets with Leaders of KeyState Agencies to Assess Impact ofNational Economy on Texas

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry recently met with lead-ers of key state agencies for an assessment of theimpact of the current national economic situation ontheir agencies and the people they serve.“During my time as governor, I have encouragedleaders in the public and private sectors to work todiversify our state's economy so that we will not beheld captive by the cyclical changes of any particularindustry or market segment,” Gov. Perry said.“Although our economy remains one of the strongestin the nation, it is still interlaced with economies ofother states that are suffering, and we must continue

to monitor the current financial situation closely.”The diversity of Texas' economy has prepared

the state towithstand the

current continued on page, P.30

Recently I asked Texas SupremeCourt Justice Wallace Jeffersonand other political leaders todiscuss the importance of goodleadership in times of crisis.Here’s what he had to say:

“The public benefits from asteady hand during a time ofcrisis -- someonededicated toevaluating what-ever emergencyis presented,

conferring with all affected, andthen making clear decisionstogether with contingency plansfor unanticipated complications.”

Wallace B. JeffersonTexas Supreme Court Justice

e-Interviews:

JEFFERSON

Go Online To See What OtherPolitical Leaders Had To Say

About Leadership!

www.houston-businessconnections.com

Aubrey R. Taylor Communications

Leadership

Houston Business Connections Printed Edition • www.houston-businessconnections.com • 832.212.8735 • SPONSOR THANK YOU! • 3

The highest measure of democracy is neither the ‘extent of freedom’ nor the ‘extent of equality’, but rather the highest measure of participation. — A. d. Benoist

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And with that, he was ready to get on withthe business of managing the City of Houston.

“Seriously, I got a feeling of thegravity of this position before the inau-guration ceremony, particularly whenpeople would come up to me with theirproblems. And they weren’t easy prob-lems to fix like potholes,” recalls thethree-term mayor, who’s serving hisfinal term in office.

For example, he remembers beingapproached by a lady whose son was astudent at the University of Houston andhad accumulated “lots of parking tickets.”

“She asked me if I could have themdismissed. I only had one response tothat,” he says genially. “If your son wasparked improperly, then he should pay thetickets or go to court.”

But the enormity of his role as leaderof the nation’s fourth largest city reachedits zenith in August of 2005 afterHurricane Katrina tore through the GulfCoast and leaving parts of Louisiana andMississippi in ruins. Then he was testedagain recently, when Hurricane Ike torethrough the Houston/Galveston area.Responding to his neighbors in need in2005, Mayor Bill White championed themovement to bring the devastatedAmericans to Houston.

For that, he received the esteemedJohn F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award.

“To me it’s really an award that couldhave been given to the people of Houston.

There was an army of hundreds of thou-sands of people that helped us take care ofour neighbors like we would want to betaken care of if we were in the same situa-

tion,” he said. “Our citizens put them-selves in the shoes of the folks in NewOrleans and Mississippi, and they didn’tneed to be told to do it.


Democracy is a charming form of government, full of variety and disorder, and dispensing a sort of equality to equals and unequal alike. — Plato

LEADERSHIP A SIT DOWN WITH THE MAYOR BY MICHICA L. GUILLORY

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OOn Mayor Bill White’s very first day in office,he wasn’t necessarily impressed by the privilegeof bypassing all the security checkpointsrequired of visitors to the third-floor office inCity Hall. Instead, he says, all he wanted to knowwas, “Where are the computer and the phone?”

MAYOR WHITE“And because of that,” he reflects,

“we are a part of the history of thecritical national relief effort and thehistory of modern America afterMartin Luther King.”

White didn’t come into his job asmayor with the intention of joining theranks of great Americans making history. Infact, he didn’t even know he wanted the jobuntil about 18 months before the elections.He says it’s the toughest job interview he’sever experienced having to “garner theapproval of thousands.”

“Talk about a competitive interview!”he remembers. “But I decided to runbecause as a citizen there were things I want-ed to see like more parks and green space, asense of optimistic growth and opportunitiesfor people coming into this city.

“I was also frustrated by the pace ofconstruction, where you would see thesame streets torn up three and four differ-ent times downtown,” he says.

Meanwhile, the former U.S. DeputySecretary of Energy’s day-to-day job ofmanaging the city of Houston is anexercise in efficiency. In fact, opera-tional efficiency is a big priority.

“Right now, we are continuing toworking on better use of electricity bybusinesses and the citizens of Houston,”he says. “But it takes time to build up pub-lic consensus. That takes changingengrained patterns of behavior and it does-n’t happen over night.”

To reach that goal, as well as others, hehas to be an effective manager of people.And the mayor says one of any manager’sbiggest responsibilities is to recruit goodpeople and to successfully retain them.

“For a while, people didn’t knowthat a certain level of performancewas expected. There have been peopleelected to this office who believedthat giving a speech was an action.What’s important is getting work doneon time and we like to see results,” hesays firmly. “I support talent in thisorganization, and when I see people


MORE POPULAR THAN EVER: Mayor Bill White's handling of the recentHurricane Ike disaster has him riding a wave of positive press. Don't miss theHouston Business Connections special in-depth look at the handling ofHurricane Ike by our local and statewide officials coming in January.

Leading Houston


If liberty and equality are chiefly to be found in democracy, they will be best attained when all persons alike share in the government to the utmost. — Aristotle

2008 VOTER’S GUIDE: THE CANDIDATES SPEAK TO AUBREY R. TAYLOR

Candidates for United States Senator:John Cornyn (i) - REPUBLICAN, Richard J.(Rick) Noriega - DEMOCRAT, and YvonneAdams Schick - LIBERTARIAN - on theTuesday, November 4, 2008 Ballot inHarris County

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why should Harris County-areavoters choose you on Tuesday, November 4th?

DEMOCRAT RICHARD J. (RICK) NORIEGA: I'm run-ning for the United States Senate because Texansdeserve leadership that puts their interests first, ahead of

the moneyed interests in Washington. I want to cut taxes for 99% of

Texas families and stimulate our econ-omy by charting a new course onenergy and healthcare policy.

In the last 6 years, gas prices havemore than doubled, over half a millionTexas children have been denied thehealth insurance they need, and healthcare premiums have gone up 80%.

You know that you're not better offthan you were six years ago.I have a plan for a bold new energystrategy. I'll continue Texas's traditionas a leader in energy, creating thou-sands of quality jobs here in Texas anda making the United States more ener-gy self-sufficient and secure.

I have a plan to ensure allTexans have access to quality

affordable healthcare. I'll fight to extend coverage to all Texas children, cre-

ate tax incentives for small businesses that provide insur-ance, and connect Texans with affordable plans.It's time for a change and a new kind of Senator. It'stime we renew our commitment to Texas families, work-ers, and children.

LIBERTARIAN YVONNE ADAMS SCHICK: I am theonly candidate free to lead from the principles of theFounders as agreed by We the People in theConstitution without undue influence of special interestsor the political elite.

Candidates for United States Rep.District 7: John Culberson (i) - REPUBLI-CAN, Michael Skelly - DEMOCRAT, andDrew Parks - LIBERTARIAN - on theTuesday, November 4, 2008 Ballot inHarris County


DEMOCRAT MICHAEL SKELLY: About 10 years ago Istarted a two-man wind energy business. A decade later,that wind power company is a multi-billion dollar opera-tion and one of the largest in the country. By the end ofthe year, it will be able to meet the energy needs of near-

ly a million American homes. We cre-ated thousands of good paying jobs inTexas and around the country and weworked with dozens of states to boostthe supply of domestically producedclean energy.

My background is exactly what weneed in Washington right now, andthere are a few reasons why.

First of all, with the energy chal-lenges we face, it's critical that we haveMembers of Congress with a depth ofexpertise in energy. I strongly believe wehave to do it all - more oil and more renew-ables. That means drilling offshore and innew areas for oil and natural gas - and italso means investing in proven renewabletechnologies, like solar and wind. Wehave to reduce our dependence onforeign oil. It's critical for our economy

and national security and we need folks in Congresswho will work hard to get it done.

My business background is critical in these times ofeconomic uncertainty. We need Members of Congresswho know business from the inside out to fix the financialmess we're in. I'm a businessman, not a career politician.I spent my career as an entrepreneur and as a leader of amajor company. I understand the economy and I under-stand what needs to be done to get us back on track.

We face a pretty extraordinary time. Given the seri-ousness of the challenges our country faces, including afinancial meltdown and an energy crisis, it is critical thatwe send people to Washington with the background andcompetence to confront these important issues. This is a

time for common-sense solutions and folks who can rollup their sleeves and get the job done.

LIBERTARIAN DREW PARKS: We believe in a non-intrusive form of government, which looks like the oneour founding fathers envisioned. A pyramid with a smallFederal government at the top with limited authority, alarger State government which is closer to regional prob-lems, and a larger local County government which canreadily deal with real problems without wasting money inbureaucratic mismanagement at many levels. If you thinkthe government is headed in the wrong direction, and theRepublicans and Democrats solution is either wrong orthey don't do what they say, vote Libertarian in general,and vote for me in particular.

Candidates for United StatesRepresentative District 8: Kevin Brady(i) - REPUBLICAN, Kent Hargett - DEMOC-RAT, and Brian Stevens - LIBERTARIAN -on the Tuesday, November 4, 2008Ballot in Harris County


REPUBLICAN CONGRESSMAN KEVIN BRADY: It's notenough to simply change Washington, I'd like to take itback for middle-class Americans. It's clear we can'tstrengthen the economy by raising taxes, nationalizing our

health care or continuing to be so dan-gerously dependent upon foreign oil.

I have the experience, the cloutand the principles to help get thiscountry back on the right track. Andbecause I never moved to Washington- I live here in Montgomery Countywith my wife and two young sons andcommute to Washington to work each

week - I've stayed very close to theneighborhoods and communities Irepresent in Congress.

It's time to find real long-termsolutions to the challenges facingAmerica, like energy, health care,Social Security, Medicare andthe growing national debt.I am eager and anxious to get

back to work on behalf of the citizens ofthe 8th District of Texas.

DEMOCRAT KENT HARGETT: In Congress we needsome people who will take on some important tasks,tasks they understand and are prepared for. We needsome people who will focus on some things, instead ofpeople who are constantly trying to convince the votersthat they can do everything.

Candidates for United States Rep.District 10: Michael T. McCaul (i) -REPUBLICAN, Larry Joe Doherty - DEMOC-RAT, and Matt Finkel - LIBERTARIAN - onthe Tuesday, November 4, 2008 Ballotin Harris County


DEMOCRAT LARRY JOE DOHERTY: Harris County-area voters deserve to be represented in Congress by anindependent voice who will consider their issues theConstitutional separation of powers as a check and bal-

ance. I built my legal career on holdingpowerful lawyers accountable whenthey abused the system and theirclients. I know first-hand what it means toput someone else's interests above myown, and that is what I pledge to do onbehalf of the 10th Congressional District.

LIBERTARIAN MATT FINKEL: VotingLibertarian is the best way to affectpolitical change. Voting Libertarian isthe best way to tell Politicians that youwant a smaller, more limited, fiscallyresponsible and constitutionally com-pliant government. Even if I don't win,your vote will have an affect becauseevery vote I receive will be used as aLicense to lobby for smaller governmentin the State Legislator and in city coun-cils for two years.

Second, I can do the Job. I am in my second termrepresenting the people of Travis County on the TexasState Libertarian Executive Committee. I also serve onthe Executive Committee of the Travis County Libertarian

Party and have been its Vice-Chairmen. I have lived inthe district for 11 years and am a two-time delegate tothe Libertarian National Convention. I have been theDirector of the longest running Libertarian T.V. showCalled "Live and Let Live" airing on Channel 10 from 8-9PM and on www.UStream.tv for two and half years. Iam comfortable and experienced in representing largeconstituencies and in large meetings with in-depth parlia-mentary procedure. I am a self-employed Texan who iscommitted to representing you; not special interestgroups, not big business, not the Democrat or RepublicanParty's agenda but the Individuals in Texas District 10. Iam what a Representative is supposed to be!

Candidates for United StatesRepresentative District 18: John Faulk -REPUBLICAN, Sheila Jackson Lee (i) -DEMOCRAT, and Mike Taylor - LIBER-TARIAN - on the Tuesday, November 4,2008 Ballot in Harris County

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why should Harris County-area voters choose you on Tuesday, November 4th?

REPUBLICAN JOHN FAULK:Hopefully, the voters in the Texas 18thCongressional District will be voting forme starting Oct. 21 through Nov. 4th.The legitimate voters of the TX 18 CDshould vote for me because, for the firsttime in 14 years I will provide them withthe constituent services that they are due.

Candidates for United StatesRepresentative District 22: Pete Olson - REPUBLICAN,Nick Lampson (i) - DEMOCRAT, and John Wieder - LIBER-

TARIAN - on the Tuesday, November 4, 2008 Ballot in Harris County

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why shouldHarris County-area voters choose youon Tuesday, November 4th?

REPUBLICAN PETE OLSON: Voters of the 22nd districtdeserve a Representative who will tell them where hestands and will act in Washington according to his wordsin the district. They also deserve a Representative likeme, who will go beyond his good relations within theTexas delegation to reach out to all members of Congresson issues of national priority - like national security, NASAfunding, illegal immigration, fiscal conservatism, governmentalaccountability and making America energy independent. I willbe a Congressman who constituents and colleagues will know

where I stand and will fight for those coreConservative values.

LIBERTARIAN JOHN WIEDER: I amasking for your vote, not your money, Iwant to represent You, Us, U.S. too!!! Ihave done business with other coun-tries and learned their language tofacilitate my dreams. After 25 years ofbeing self employed I am ready toserve our country again I am going torescue unborn Americans, GOOOH getour of our house. Go by ourConstitution and provide simple solu-tions for problems that are good for allAmericans. Our campaign has generat-ed over 4 million Internet ads, 200Kemails, , 1000 radio spots, 150+ TVads, 14,K Telephone calls, 1500 signs,27 surveys, 777 responses to individu-

als. We have been instrumental in growing the cosponsorsto Ron Paul's right to life amendment from 4 to 61. ETC

Candidates for United States Representative District 29:Eric Story - REPUBLICAN, Gene Green (i) - DEMOCRAT, and

Joel Grace - LIBERTARIAN - on theTuesday, November 4, 2008 Ballot inHarris County


LIBERTARIAN JOEL GRACE: Ibelieve in the U.S. constitution, freemarkets, and the ability of people torun their lives better than any centralauthority possibly can.

LOG ON TO: WWW.HOUSTON-BUSINESSCONNECTIONS.COM TO FIND OUT WHO EACH CANDIDATE THINK IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE LEADER THEY KNOW!

NORIEGA

SCHICK

SKELLY

PARKS

BRADY

DOHERTY

FINKEL

OLSON

WIEDER


FAULK

GRACE


Yes, you can take this form in to the voting booth with you on Election Day 2008!

Harris County Sample Ballot

Created by Houston Business Connections For Non-Straight ticket voters. Please, study the can-didates and mark your selections before going to the polls on Election Day! For more information on

the candidates log on to our website located at: www.houston-businessconnections.com

1

Vote on Election Day!



“I am the Democratic candidate for Texas House of Representatives in District 129,which includes a significant portion of southeast Harris County.” - Sherrie Matula

1. Regain control of skyrocketing insurance, electricity and college costs 2. Ensure sufficient funding for public schools3. Preserve our environment while protecting our jobs4. Restore ethics and integrity in Austin

“In the 35 years that I have lived in this community, we havenever had a voice in Austin that truly represents our district on

decisions concerning our children, our environment and ourcommunity values. It's time for a change.

I will listen to you and I will fight for your interests. Let's work together to develop smart solutions.”

— Sherrie Matula, Candidate for State Representative House District 129

TOGETHER WE CAN:

IT’S TIME FOR A CHANGE:

Candidates for Texas RailroadCommissioner: Michael Williams (i) -REPUBLICAN, Mark Thompson - DEMOC-RAT, and David Floyd - LIBERTARIAN - onthe Tuesday, November 4, 2008 Ballotin Harris County


DEMOCRAT MARK THOMPSON: Harris County is thenational center of the U.S. energy industry. The fact that

the Texas Railroad Commission regu-lates energy policy has a dramaticimpact on the voters of Harris County.The Railroad Commission has beenunder one-party rule for so long that theyhave forgotten they work for the peopleof Texas, and have instead been boughtand paid for by the industry they arecharged with regulating. It's time for achange. It's time for balance on the

Texas Railroad Commission. Let's change Texas together.

Candidates for Chief Justice, SupremeCourt: Wallace B. Jefferson (i) - REPUBLICAN,Jim Jordan - DEMOCRAT, and Tom Oxford -LIBERTARIAN - on the Tuesday, November 4,2008 Ballot in Harris County

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why should Harris County-area voters choose you on Tuesday, November 4th?

REPUBLICAN CHIEF JUSTICEJEFFERSON: I am board certified incivil appellate law, which is the typeof law the Supreme Court oversees.I have successfully argued casesbefore the United States SupremeCourt, the United States Court ofAppeals for the Fifth Circuit, theTexas Supreme Court, and intermedi-ate Texas appellate courts. I have

improved the Court's transparency by broadcasting oral argu-ments on the web and giving the public access to the liti-gants' briefs. And I have worked to ensure that Texascourts continue to function during natural and manmadedisasters.

Candidates for Justice, Supreme Court, Place 7: DaleWainwright (i) - REPUBLICAN, Sam Houston - DEMOCRAT,and David G. Smith - LIBERTARIAN - on the Tuesday,November 4, 2008 Ballot in Harris County

REPUBLICAN JUSTICE WAINWRIGHT: I am the incum-bent seeking reelection for Texas Supreme Court, Place7, and I have an abiding faith in the values that makeTexas and America great: faith, family, patriotism and

equal justice under the law. I am theexperienced candidate having servedalmost six years on the high Court,almost four years asa trial judge, andover a decade in pri-vate practice beforebecoming a judge.

My record shows that I make an inde-pendent judgment in each case, do notlegislature from the bench and havewritten opinions in which both defen-dants and plaintiffs have been suc-cessful, when the law and the facts compel that conclu-sion. I am experienced, fair and balanced and have

shown the fortitude to make tough deci-sions after careful review of cases.

Candidates for Texas State Board ofEducation, District 6: Terri Leo (i) -REPUBLICAN, and Mary Ann Bryan - LIB-ERTARIAN - on the Tuesday, November

4, 2008 Ballot in Harris County

LIBERTARIAN MARY ANN BRYAN: I do not accept thatthe answer to our failing public schools is more moneyand more state control. The most pressing issue is theterrible quality and absurdly high cost of government runeducation. I would try to help reduce this problem by

returning as much power to local dis-tricts as possible. I would try to easeor eliminate curriculum problems,spending mandates and testing man-dates. Basically this means the realanswer is Legislative Reform - whichthe board members cannot achieveother than to use their position tolobby for those changes. So basicallyuntil we have reform the board mem-

bers are left with rearranging the deck chairs on theTitanic. Issues will come up as the current curriculum

decision and it is a shame that theboard even has to consider it.Unfortunately, one size fits all govern-ment systems, always result in this kindof viscous battle. I would vote that thisquestion be left up to local school dis-tricts to the greatest extent possible. I

will always advocate for legislative changes to allow par-ents to educate their children in accordance with theirbeliefs and desires.

Candidates for Texas State Senator, District 6: GilbertPena - REPUBLICAN, Mario V. Gallegos, Jr. (i) - DEMOCRAT,and Susan Delgado - LIBERTARIAN - on the Tuesday,November 4, 2008 Ballot in Harris County


REPUBLICAN GILBERT PENA: As Ihave block walk some of District 6, thevoters have asked me what I will dofor them. My response has been,“what has the incumbent done foryou”? I have voted for the incumbentin the past, on his promises that Hewould fight to lower taxes, that Hewould be more active in our communi-ties; And I got nothing for my vote. The

incumbent is only active in our communities on electionyear. So, I urge voters togive me the opportunityto make a difference.



WAINWRIGHT

THOMPSON

continued on page, P.9JEFFERSON

For State Representative House District 129Political advertisements paid for by Sherrie Matula Campaign, P.O. Box 591810, Houston, Texas 77259, Mike Matula, Treasurer

BRYAN

PENA





Harris County Sample Ballot 2


Candidates for Texas State Senator,District 11: Mike Jackson (i) - REPUB-LICAN, Joe Jaworski - DEMOCRAT, andCliff Messina - LIBERTARIAN - on theTuesday, November 4, 2008 Ballot inHarris County

REPUBLICAN SENATOR JACKSON: For 20 years, Ihave been an effective conservative voice in the TexasSenate, fighting for lower taxes for small business and

property owners. I am a small busi-ness owner myself and know how evenslight tax increases can have a stag-gering effect on job creation in oureconomy. My priority during the nextsession is to continue to increase thesmall business tax exemption on themargins tax, continue to work to reducethe size of government, lower theappraisal cap on property appraisal

increase and protect my constituents from insurance rateincreases post Hurricane Ike.

DEMOCRAT JOE JAWORSKI: It's time for an independ-ent voice and a new direction for the families and smallbusinesses of Senate District 11. That need was made

even clearer after Hurricane Ike roaredthrough our communities. Now, resi-dents whose lives and properties weredevastated are struggling with biginsurance companies that refuse to paytheir legitimate claims, and the state'swindstorm insurance fund is stretchedto its limits. I will lead the insurance reform effort in Austin.

LIBERTARIAN CLIFF MESSINA: I want to get govern-ment out of the lives of individuals, and businesses asmuch as possible. I believe that gov-ernment is at the root of most of ourproblems, and is responsible for theeconomic downturn we face today. It'svery alarming to me that the samepeople who caused this problem, aregoing to be the ones to solve this prob-lem. The private sector with few regula-tions, and low taxes will be the answerto this and most problems caused bythe government. More government is a recipe for disaster.

Candidates for Texas State Senator, District 17:Chris Bell - DEMOCRAT, Austin Furse - REPUBLICAN,and Grant Harpold - REPUBLICAN, Joan Huffman -REPUBLICAN, Ken Sherman - REPUBLICAN, andStephanie E. Simmons - DEMOCRAT - on the Tuesday,November 4, 2008 Ballot in Harris County


DEMOCRAT CHRIS BELL: A lot of families were facingserious challenges even before Hurricane Ike and the

Wall Street melt-down. Gas prices,college tuition, utili-ties, propertytaxes, and healthcare are gettingmore expensive,and my family'sgoing through the same struggles thatyours is. The big difference in this

race is that I'm the only candidate who's ever worked withRepublicans and Democrats to do anything about theseissues. That's the kind of leadership you can expect fromme as your next state senator.

REPUBLICAN GRANT HARPOLD: I have lived in HarrisCounty all of my life. I know the people and I know thecommunity. As a practicing attorney for the past twentyyears, I have represented individuals andbusinesses that need help in resolving

disputes that may involve acontract or a piece of prop-erty. My law firm, Hargis &Harpold, LLP, is in its 11thyear of doing business inHarris County. I am also a

lifetime member of the HoustonLivestock Show and Rodeo serving on itsCalf Scramble Committee. Further, I serve on the Boardof Directors of the Braeswood Place HomeownersAssociation. I have a long history of responding to problemissues at work and in my community. I am fortunate to havethe support of my wife and three daughters in all I do.

2008 Candidates for Texas State Representative District 23:Craig Eiland (i) - DEMOCRAT, and Charles L. Earley - LIBERTARIAN- on the Tuesday, November 4, 2008 Ballot in Harris County


LIBERTARIAN CHARLES L. EARLEY: I am not a careerpolitician and I do not plan to spend the rest of my life asa politician. I believe that the average people of theState of Texas needa voice and careerpoliticians do not pro-



JACKSON

JAWORSKI

MESSINA

BELL

HARPOLD




OLMOS FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE HOUSE DISTRICT 143

Dorothy

I am dedicated to improving our commu-nity by creating an environment of hopeand unity. I promise to work tirelessly toimprove conditions in our community andeffect positive change in the world aroundus. I affirm the importance of workingtogether to find solutions. I will operatelawfully and respectfully in all matters. Iwill not profit from my endeavors. Ibelieve in fairness for all. Dorothy Olmoswill not waiver in the convictions to createa better community for all citizens.

Vote Tuesday, November 4th!

Paid for by the Dorothy Olmos Campaign, Treasurer Desirae Renteria, 1123 Broadway Ste B, Houston, Texas 77012 (713) 926-2743

www.votedorothyolmos.com

My Mission

Dr. Joe Agris: Conservative, Principled, Experienced

Joe will be an unwavering voice forour core conservative beliefs.

Dear Friend,

You may know me from my work in the medical profession. You see, I havedevoted my life to helping others. To me, there is no greater joy than reach-ing out to someone who is in need of an emergency or life-altering proce-dure. Through the years, my work has been entirely fulfilling. I am proud ofwhat I have accomplished. But I want to accomplish more.

I am running for State Representative District 134 because I believe that itis time to get rid of the empty political rhetoric and take action. That's whyI'm asking you to take action by voting for me on Tuesday, November 4th!

IMMIGRATIONThe growing problem of immigration is one that affects us each and everday. We must stop the political rhetoric and do something about it!

TAXESOur taxes are through the roof, and yet our government keeps on spending.We must STOP the frivolous government spending, and demand that gov-ernment be run like a business.

EDUCATIONSimply put, education must be put at the forefront of every session. Ourkids are our future, and we must keep Texas' future bright.

Fondly,

Joe Agris

vide us with that voice. I am not acceptingcampaign contributions, so I am not indebtedto any special interest group.

Candidates for Texas StateRepresentative District 27: Steve Host -REPUBLICAN, and Dora Olivo (i) - DEMOC-RAT - on the Tuesday, November 4, 2008Ballot in Harris County


REPUBLIcAN STEVE HOST: It is aprivilege to serve as the Republicancandidate for Texas House ofRepresentatives District 27, and it is anhonor that I take very seriously. It ismy opportunity to personally stand upfor our conservative values and beliefs,and I am committed to doing just that

for the hard-working people of District 27. Ourdistrict deserves a representative who will standup and give them a voice for conservative valuesthat I, like my constituents, believe in and standfor. Values like protecting our border, ensuringeconomic and political freedom and respect forfaith and family.

I pledge to listen to the constituents in TexasHouse District 27 and represent them by provid-

ing responsive, responsible government in order toensure a secure and bright future for all Texans. As arepresentative, I will bring these principals to theforefront by holding our legislatureaccountable. Accountability by fight-ing excessive spending, limiting taxa-tion on families and small businessowners, restoring local control overinfrastructure issues such as roads,tolls and water and overall, stoppingunnecessary legislation.

DEMOCRAT STATE REP. DORA OLIVO: As a former

school teacher, as an attorney, a community organizer,and as a mother and grandmother, I have fought to openthe doors of government to serve the people and broughtclear, proven results for my district and our state.

Among other issues, I have fought to increase fund-ing for our public schools; to stop the deregulation of col-

lege tuition; and to create more acces-sible and affordable health care for ourfamilies and children. I have fought forcommon sense solutions to minimizetaxes to help our small business own-ers, and have held government account-able at all levels to protect our environ-ment and guard the rights of the elderlyand the disabled in our communities.

I listen to my constituents and I amrespected across party aisles to get things done. And I amproud to have the support of the teachers, environmentalgroups, labor, law enforce-ment, health care groups,realtors and many others.

In these tough eco-

OLIVO



HOSTcontinued on page, P.13



nomic times, we need a proven leaderwho can fight for our families and smallbusinesses and I bring that proven trackrecord in the legislature.

Over the years I have received callsfrom constituents asking for help withproblems ranging from child support,business matters, prison transfers, schoolissues and many other concerns. I havealways dedicated my office to help peoplefind solutions and ensure that our government serveseveryone fairly.

I encourage all registered voters to vote so thattogether we can fight for a better tomorrow for our familiesand communities.

Candidates for Texas State Representative District29: Randy Weber - REPUBLICAN, and Kevin M. Murphy- DEMOCRAT - on the Tuesday, November 4, 2008Ballot in Harris County


DEMOCRAT KEVIN M. MURPHY: I started this racebecause I was mad about the failures of Austin that were

dragging this state down. I will neverforget who sent me to Austin and thework I have been sent to do. I haveexperience as a public school teacherand a college instructor. I went to lawschool because I wanted to changethings I knew that I needed to under-stand the way laws were written andapplied. As a practicing attorney, I

have a broad range of experience with mattersthat affect Texans. I am committed to restoringresponsible and responsive government to thepeople of Texas.

2008 Candidates for Texas StateRepresentative District 126: Patricia Harless (i)REPUBLICAN, Chad Khan - DEMOCRAT, and OscarJ. Palma, Jr. - LIBERTARIAN - on the Tuesday,November 4, 2008 Ballot in Harris County


LIBERTARIAN OSCAR PALMA , JR: 1.) I stand for theright of citizens to be free of excessive and unfair taxa-tion. 2.) I stand for the right of citizens to be free of gov-

ernment intervention in their privatelives. 3.) I stand for the right of citizensto not be subjected to countless lawsthat legislators haven't even read,causing unreasonable regulations andbudget demands toenforce them. 4.) Istand for the right ofcitizens to qualityeducation without

paying the exorbitant amounts currentlyrequired, while changing the fundingfrom property tax to a fair allocationfrom state revenues, however that maybe obtained. 5.) And most importantly, Icannot be bought. I am a citizen candi-date, the kind that the Founding Fathers envisioned gov-erning this country, not a professional politician whose

own interests trump those of the citi-zens they've been entrusted to repre-sent.

Candidates for Texas StateRepresentative District 127: Joe Crabb(i) - REPUBLICAN, Joe A. Montemayor -DEMOCRAT, and Justo Perez - LIBERTAR-IAN - on the Tuesday, November 4,

2008 Ballot in Harris County

LIBERTARIAN JUSTO PEREZ: Not just me, but anyLibertarian candidate would be a better choice than aDemocrat or Republican. They should choose “me” ifthey are fiscally conservative and socially liberal. In otherwords, if they want to keep Government out of their walletand out of their bedrooms, vote Libertarian (anyLibertarian will do).

2008 Candidates for Texas StateRepresentative District 129: John E.Davis (i) - REPUBLICAN, and Sherrie L.

Matula - DEMOCRAT - on theTuesday, November 4, 2008 Ballot in Harris County

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why shouldHarris County-area voters chooseyou on Tuesday, November 4th?

DEMOCRAT SHERRIE MATULA: I have been amember of the

community for 35 years. Ihave been a community




MURPHY

PALMA

PEREZ

MATULA



ARE YOU STILL UNDECIDED?Here’s Why Texas Democratic Party

Chairman Boyd Richie told Aubrey R. Tayloryou should vote Democratic in this election!

“Our Democratic candidates are qualifiedand ready to finally return responsible

leadership to our government, especially inHarris County. Scandal plagued Republicanpoliticians in Harris County have disgraced

the offices they were elected to representand have also insulted their constituents. It’s

time for change and I am confident ourDemocratic candidates can provide the

change Harris County residents deserve.” CHAIRMAN RICHIE

Here’s Why Texas Libertarian PartyChairman Patrick Dixon told Aubrey R. Tayloryou should vote Libertarian in this election!

“The Libertarian Party is the only choice forvoters to regain leadership of their lives, theirfamilies, their property. Our nation was built

by strong individuals who took risks, acceptedresponsibility, and prospered. Today's incum-bents propose solutions to problems they cre-

ated by asking for more of the same controlover your lives and your property. How manymore bailouts will it take? We understand weare at a disadvantage from unfavorable elec-

tion code that imposes obstacles for us andinsulates incumbents. Despite this, the growing number of votes for

Libertarian candidates is being noticed and starting to influence poli-cy. It takes a bold act of leadership on your part as a voter to cast avote for what you truly believe and not settle for timid compromise.”

CHAIRMAN DIXON

* NOTE: AS OF PRESS TIME FOR THIS

PUBLICATION WE WERE STILL WAITING

ON THE RESPONSE FROM THE REPUB-

LICAN PARTY FOR THIS PAGE. WHEN

WE RECEIVE THE MESSAGE IT WILL

GLADLY POSTED IT ON OUR WEBSITE.

activist on behalf of many issues andbeen a citizen lobbyist in the State Houseof Representatives for 30 years. I am aperson of integrity and honesty who hasalways been receptive to the needs of thecommunity. I will be the voice in Austin thatour community deserves and I will alwayslisten to who I represent - the people.

Candidates for Texas State Representative District 130: Allen Fletcher - REPUBLICAN, and William B. Gray, Jr. - LIBERTARIAN - on the Tuesday,November 4, 2008 Ballot in Harris County


LIBERTARIAN WILLIAM B. GRAY,JR.: Unlike most politicians, I am infavor of less government, not more. Iam more interested in cutting spendingand giving the taxpayers back their

money than finding more creative ways in which to steal itor spend it.

Candidates for Texas State Representative District 133:Jim Murphy (i) - REPUBLICAN, and Kristi Thibaut - DEMO-CRAT - on the Tuesday, November 4, 2008 Ballot inHarris County


DEMOCRAT KRISTI THIBAUT: I believe the people ofDistrict 133 should choose me onNovember 4th because I will fight everyday on their behalf. Much of my districthas been neglected for far too long bygovernment at all levels, and everyonein my community deserves to be heardand to have an advocate at the StateCapitol. I will work to lower utility rates,expand economic opportunity, improveeducation and access to affordablehealthcare, and to give families a chance to send theirkids to college. We need leadership on the crucial issuesfacing our state, and I will lead.

Candidates for Texas State Representative District 134:Joe Agris - REPUBLICAN, Ellen Cohen (i) - DEMOCRAT, and Mhair S. Dekmezian - LIBERTARIAN - on the Tuesday,

November 4, 2008 Ballot in Harris County

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why shouldHarris County-area voters choose youon Tuesday,November 4th?

REPUBLICAN DR.JOE AGRIS: Harris

County voters should vote for me onNov 4th because the present system isbroken and and fresh, new ideas areneeded. Who do you trust more? YourDoctor, or the politicians who've lied toyou repeatedly, promised you the moon and stars to getricher and deliver nothing.

DEMOCRATIC STATE REP. ELLENCOHEN: I believe that I have demon-strated leadership during my first ses-sion in the House in the area of healthcare and education. I authored a billthat will provide $25 million dollars forsexual assault survivors and educationprograms around the state by attach-ing a fee to adult entertainment ven-ues. During my 18 years at the

Houston Area Women's Center, I led a staff of 120 peopleand increased revenue from $1 million to over $6 million.I can be counted on to keep my word and work for theconstituents in my district.

Candidates for Texas State Representative District 135:Gary Elkins (i) - REPUBLICAN, Trey S. Fleming - DEMOCRAT,and Alfred N. Montestruc - LIBERTARIAN - on the Tuesday,November 4, 2008 Ballot in Harris County


DEMOCRAT TREY S. FLEMING: I am an aggressive

and thoughtful candidate whois focused on issues that mat-ter to this district. I havetalked with well over 10,000residents of this district and Ifirmly believe that my posi-tions as a conservativeDemocrat is what Texas andHouse District 135 is looking

for. I am anxious to work with membersof both parties to solve the more chal-lenging issues that Texas will face in thenext 25 years.

ALFRED N. MONTESTRUC: I willstand up for the people of my districtin seeing to it that they get goodquality government service at a reasonable price and that they get honest government.

Candidates for Texas State Representative District 137:Scott Hochberg (i) - DEMOCRAT, and Alex Cresswell - LIB-ERTARIAN - on the Tuesday, November 4, 2008 Ballot inHarris County


LIBERTARIAN ALEX CRESSWELL: I have a vision ofTexas as a leader among the United States of America. Ineducation for our schools and programsto lead the nation as the best state foreducation both public and private, andas allowing the greatest choice througha school voucher program for parents tochoose which school their childrenattend. In responsible spending, asbeing the first state to pass an amend-ment to our constitution that limitsincreases in spending to be dictated bypopulation growth, and adjusted forinflation. To be known as a responsible state with taxpayer dollars, producing the most benefit to citizens withwelfare money, and cutting our spending in welfare pro-grams that are not effective. To be a leader in healthcare, by providing the legal foundation for affordablehealth care.

Candidates for Texas State Representative District 138:Dwayne Bohac (i) - REPUBLICAN, and Virginia "Ginny"Stogner McDavid - DEMOCRAT - on the Tuesday,November 4, 2008 Ballot in Harris County

REPUBLICAN STATE REP. BOHAC: With support frommy district I will continue delivering results for our com-munity. Working with my constituents, I have helpedpass the largest property tax cut in Texas history, and

plan to introduce legislation tolower the property tax appraisalcap from 10% to 5% or less. Ivoted for a moratorium on theTrans Texas Corridor and opposeforeign ownership of Texas roads.I helped pass $100 million inadditional border security fundingto help curb drug and humantrafficking, and I support requiring

a valid Texas photo ID to vote. And I will continue tomake public education my top priority. In the past, I haveincreased teacher pay, provided a 13th check for retiredteachers, authored legislation that restored the Pledge ofAllegiance in our public schools, and replaced the TAKStest with end of course exams so teachers aren't forcedto teach to the test. I will also work to end Robin Hood.

2008 Candidates for Texas State Representative District 141:Michael Bunch - REPUBLICAN, Senfronia Thompson (i) - DEMOC-RAT, and Richard Brown - LIBERTARIAN - on the Tuesday,November 4, 2008 Ballot in Harris County

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why should Harris County-areavoters choose you on Tuesday,November 4th?

REPUBLICAN MICHAEL BUNCH:I would hopethat the voterswould select meas their repre-sentative inAustin becauseof my character,leadership skills (as demonstrated inthe past), my strong education back-

ground and my vision for Texas as a prosperous state.

Candidates for Texas State Representative District 143:Dorothy Olmos - REPUBLICAN, Ana E. Hernandez (i) - DEMO-CRAT, and Joe O. Marcom - LIBERTARIAN - on the Tuesday,November 4, 2008 Ballot in Harris County


DEMOCRAT DOROTHY OLMOS: The Harris county vot-ers should choose my candidacy because I, DorothyOlmos have assisted many people incrisis for over 25 years aside from rais-ing my own 4 children. I have taught At-Risk High School students in the 1990"sand I continue to assist people on a dailybasis with Problem Resolutions. I havebeen a business owner for over 30 yearsin rental renovation and rental properties,owned Hair salons and now I have amulti-service office that is assisting thecommunity.

That is why I know that I am the people's choice tobe State Rep Dist. 143. I am a conservative leader whobelieves in family values and that canlead the community in a positive andnew vision of success.

LIBERTARIAN JOE O. MARCOM: Ourcitizens deserve, and need a realchange of direction from that providedby both Democrats and Republicans,who have too much invested in main-taining the status quo. OnlyLibertarians, including myself will actu-ally reduce government, lower taxes and restore lost indi-vidual liberty.

Candidates for Texas StateRepresentative District 144: Ken Legler -REPUBLICAN, and Joel C. Redmond -DEMOCRAT - on the Tuesday, November4, 2008 Ballot in Harris County


REPUBLICAN KEN LEGLER: I've lived and worked inthe Pasadena-South Belt area for fifty plus years. I'm agraduate of Pasadena Schools and have been married tomy high school sweetheart for over thirty years. We'vebeen blessed with three wonderful children, Joseph,Kristina, Kathryn and one grandson, Brendan.

I am a pro-life, pro-family, pro-busi-ness Republican. I'm a conservative whobelieves in individual responsibility, limit-ed government, and local control.I will apply these conservative principalsas your State Representative.

There is no challenge so great, thatwe Texans cannot solve it together.

After graduating from high school, Ibegan work in an entry level position ata local manufacturing company. I worked my way up tobecome President. And now I own the business.

I've campaigned, knocking on door, visiting with vot-ers one by one across the district. They share my con-cerns for our state.

I support providing more resources for border securi-ty enforcement, including increased officer patrol hours,providing additional criminal investigators, adding securitycameras, sending National Guardsmen and a rapiddeployment team of state troopers to respond quickly toillegal activity along the border.I want to safeguard elections by ensuring that only quali-fied US citizens with the proper photo identification areallowed to vote.

I favor keeping our children safe by requiring criminalbackground checks for every public school employee andrequiring increased penalties for child sex offenders.In these tough economic times, I'll fight every spendingand tax increase.

As your State Representative, I'll bring our con-servative values to Austin.

Candidates for Texas State Representative District148: Howard H. Gano, Jr. - REPUBLICAN, and JessicaChristina Farrar (i) DEMOCRAT - on the Tuesday,November 4, 2008 Ballot in Harris County

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why should HarrisCounty-areavoters choose

you on Tuesday,November 4th?



GRAY

THIBAUT

AGRIS

COHEN

FLEMING

MONTESTRUC

CRESSWELL

BOHAC

BUNCH

OLMOS

MARCOM

LEGLER




REPUBLICAN HOWARD GANO, JR.:District 148 needs a leader that will bemore responsive to the interests andneeds of the community. I will not bebeholding to any special interests. I wantto repeal the new business margin tax andmake sure that Texas is number one forattracting new businesses to move hereand for existing businesses to stay here.

Candidates for Chief Justice, 14th Court of AppealsDistrict: Adele Hedges (i) - REPUBLICAN, and Joe W.Beverly - DEMOCRAT - on the Tuesday, November 4, 2008 Ballot in Harris County


DEMOCRAT JOE BEVERLY: I have the experience andqualifications to be a fair and effectiveChief Justice of the 14thCourt of Appeals. I havebeen practicing trial andappellate law all overTexas for 17 years. Ihave represented everytype of client from multi-national corporations, tosmall businesses to

everyday working people. I know what bothsides of the bar and their clients face in seeking justice inour court system. I am board certified in Civil AppellateLaw by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Prior tomoving to Houston I was a Briefing Attorney for the TexasCourt of Criminal Appeals - the highest criminal court inthe State. I have the support of many great lawyers in thecommunity. I will work hard every day to ensure that therights of Texas citizens are protected and that the integrityof court system is ensured.

Candidates for Justice, 1st Court of Appeals District,Place 5: Laura Carter Higley (i) - REPUBLICAN, and LeslieC. Taylor - DEMOCRAT - on the Tuesday, November 4, 2008 Ballot in Harris County


DEMOCRAT LESLIE C. TAYLOR: My extensive experi-ence and legal scholarship make me the best candidate

for the bench I seek. For 18 of my 24years as a Texas lawyer, I have beenBoard Certified in Civil Appellate Lawby the Texas Board of LegalSpecialization. I have authored abook for Texas lawyers outliningalmost all of the causes ofaction recognized inTexas. I understand theproper role of intermediate

appellate courts is to apply the law fairly andevenly, but never to create new law or compro-mise our Texas constitutional guarantees of a rightto trial by jury. I will be totally impartial, objective andethical. I will never use my position or campaign fundsto sponsor advocacy groups.

2008 Candidates for District Judge,56th Judicial District: Lonnie Cox -REPUBLICAN, and Susan P. Baker -DEMOCRAT - on the Tuesday,November 4, 2008 Ballot in Galveston County

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why shouldHarris County-area voters choose

you on Tuesday, November 4th?

DEMOCRATIC JUDGE BAKER: GALVESTON Countyvoters should vote for me because I care about our com-munity and will do more than hear cases. I will work to bet-ter the court system through programs and communicationwith those in both the public and private sector.

Candidates for District Judge, 165th Judicial District:Elizabeth Ray (i) - REPUBLICAN, and Josefina MunizRendon - DEMOCRAT - on the Tuesday, November 4, 2008 Ballot in Harris County


REPUBLICAN JUDGE RAY: I have16 years of experience on the bench,am board certified and won the barpoll by 2 to 1. I am the best qualified.

Candidates for Distr ict Judge,174th Judicial Distr ict: Bi l l Moore- REPUBLICAN,and Ruben

Guerrero - DEMOCRAT - on theTuesday, November 4, 2008Bal lot in Harr is County

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why shouldHarris County-area voters chooseyou on Tuesday, November 4th?

REPUBLICAN BILL MOORE: Myentire 20-year legal career has beenspent as an advocate for crime vic-

tims and their families here in Harris Countyas a prosecutor. I have tried over 100 jury tri-als, and have served as a Felony ChiefProsecutor in three Harris County CriminalDistrict Courts handling murder and capitalmurder cases. I served 10 years as aSpecial Crimes prosecutorgaining extensive experi-ence handling complexfinancial frauds and organ-

ized crime cases. In 2002 I wasawarded a Houston Police DepartmentCommendation for the successful pros-ecution of 22 organized crime casesfollowing a two year undercover stingoperation. I believe a Criminal DistrictCourt Judge should be fair to both theState and the Defense, listen to both sides, and fairlyapply the law applicable in each case. I believe it isextremely important for a Criminal District Court Judge tohave some experience as an advocate for crime victimsand their families. A good judge needs to be aware ofwhat crime victims are going through, and at the sametime see that each criminal defendant receives a fair trial.In an effort to avoid any appearance of impropriety, Ihave pledged not to accept political contributions fromlawyers who practice criminal law in the Harris CountyCriminal District Courts.

Candidates for District Judge, 177th JudicialDistrict: Devon Anderson (i) - REPUBLICAN, KevinFine - DEMOCRAT - on the Tuesday, November 4,

2008 Ballot in Harris County

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why should HarrisCounty-area voters choose you on Tuesday,

November 4th?

DEMOCRAT KEVINE FINE: Because Iam the best person for the job. I am

running for the177th Criminal District

Court. An estimated 85%of all criminal cases are drug

and/or alcohol related. I understandthe nature of the problem better thanany judge sitting on the bench. I haveserved on the Committee for theTexas Lawyers Assistance Program ofthe State Bar of Texas. This programhelps lawyers with supstance abuseproblems all over the state. More importantly, I am arecovering addict and alcoholic myself and I know firsthand the helplessness and hopelessness known only bythose with substance abuse problems, as well as the

solution that can lead to a full, happy, andproductive life.

Candidates for District Judge, 178th Judicial District: RogerBridgwater (i) - REPUBLICAN, and

David Mendoza - DEMOCRAT - on the Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Ballot in Harris County

REPUBLICAN JUDGE BRIDGWA-TER: I believe that I have the knowl-edge, temperament, experience (33years in Harris County trial courts gen-erally; 29 years experience as criminaltrial attorney); judicial experience;appellate work; broad-base respectamong the Judiciary, criminal law

practitioners on both sides of the courtroom. I share thebelief that judges should issue rulings based on theConstitution and the Bill of Rights -- rather than on out-comes that reflect the judges' personal biases, policypreferences, or political alignment. I have and will contin-ue to leave legislation to that branch of the governmentand have my decisions reflect the Constitutions of theUnited States and the State of Texas as well as the

statutes established by our legislative branch. Iam humbled as I serve as the Judge of the178th Criminal District Court and have theresponsibility to insure the fair and equalaccess to not merely the °ßjustice system°®but a true °ßsystem of justice and mercy°®deserved by the people of Harris County, bethey spectators, those injured, those charged,or the friends or families of either.

DEMOCRAT DAVID MENDOZA: I should bechosen by Harris County voters on Tuesday,November 4th because I have

29 years criminal law experience. I haveserved the citizens of Harris County as AFelony Court Prosecutor, a Board-certi-fied Defense Lawyer and as a twice-elected Judge of Harris County CriminalCourt of Law No. 11 for 8 years.

Additionally, I have served on fourjuries, once as a law student, one as alawyer and twice in Criminal andDistrict Court while I was a sittingCounty Court Judge.

Having worked my way through college and lawschool, I fully understand the challenges of raising a fam-ily while completing one's education at the same time. Ihave worked as a janitor, a substitute teacher, an off-setprinter, postal carrier, court clerk, lawyer, prosecutor andjudge. I am a life-long resident of Houston and HarrisCounty and have personally experienced the growth ofHouston and the changing demographics which havepresented the criminal courts with a seemingly endlesssupply of young people charged with drug and alcoholoffenses. I have personally been active in the communityworking with groups and agencies thatserve our youth and elderly such as serv-ing as a Lifetime committeeman of theHouston Livestock Show and Rodeo,and as presidents of the WesleyCommunity Center, to name a couple.

In my legal career I have personally beeninvolved in disposing of over 35,000 criminal cases andconducting approximately 350 Jury Trials. I have takengreat pride in providing fair trials and of making the pun-ishment fit the person and the crime. I have made mynumber one priority, protecting the public safety whilemaking rational considered judgmentsin taking care of the people's businessin the court.

Candidates for District Judge, 179thJudicial District: Mike Wilkinson (i) -REPUBLICAN, and Randy Roll - DEMOC-RAT - on the Tuesday, November 4,2008 Ballot in Harris County


DEMOCRAT RANDY ROLL: As I said early, I will be afull time judge. I want to stress drug treat-ment for the willing over a short incarcera-tion that does not fix their problems. Texasincarcerates drug offenders at the highestrate in this country. The young offendersneed direction and leadership. For the most

heinous crimes, we need a a judge that will help protectsociety.

2008 Candidates for District Judge,215th Judicial District: Levi J. Benton (i)- REPUBLICAN, and Steven E. Kirkland -DEMOCRAT - on the Tuesday, November4, 2008 Ballot in Harris County

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why shouldHarris County-area voters choose you on Tuesday,November 4th?

DEMOCRATIC JUDGE KIRKLAND: I have a passion forjustice. This passion directs my politics, career and com-munity choices and activities. I have seven years judicialexperience as a munic-ipal court judge, eight-

GANO



BEVERLY

TAYLOR

BAKER

RAY

MOORE

FINE

BRIDGWATER

ROLL

KIRKLAND

MENDOZA




een years legal experience, both as plaintiff and defen-dant. I've seen the courtroom from all sides - whichgives me the unique perspective to be a balanced fair.As Municipal Judge I have presided over more than700 jury trials proving I am decisive, efficient and dedi-cated to justice.

I was a leader in creating Houston HomelessRecovery Court, which allows people who are workingtheir way out of homelessness at a shelter or rehab pro-gram to pay off their outstanding warrants with commu-nity service.

I pledge to bring this same kind of energy, innovationand creativity to the 215th District Court.

Candidates for Harris County District Attorney: Pat Lykos - REPUBLICAN, and C. O. "Brad" Bradford -DEMOCRAT - on the Tuesday, November 4, ballot in Harris County

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why should Harris County-area voters choose you onTuesday, November 4th?

REPUBLICAN PATLYKOS: I have devot-ed my life to servingthe public and pur-suing justice. I havethe necessary qualifica-tions for the job of District

Attorney having been a Houston police officer, litiga-tor in federal, state, local and appellate courts; and as acriminal district court judge. I have presided over morethan 20,000 felony cases. Restoring public trust and con-fidence in the District Attorneys office through principledleadership and transforming it into the best in the nationbased upon ethics and professionalism. I will vigorouslyprosecute the guilty, diligently enforce victims' rights, pur-sue swift justice, solve and prevent crime. I will alsocombat and prevent crime by effectively working with

local, state and federal law enforce-ment and the community.

DEMOCRAT C.O. “BRAD” BRAD-FORD: I am uniquely qualified to leadthe District Attorney's Office. I havethe education, training and experienceneeded to change the culture of thatoffice from “win at all costs” to seekingjustice and public safety. I will obey

the law, respect the principle of justice and pursue thetruth. I will exercise good fiscal stewardship of ourresources. I will be visible and accessible to all communi-ties and work diligently with public and private entities toestablish collaborative efforts in the interest of public safety.

Candidates for Harris County Judge (Unexpired-Term): EdEmmett (i) - REPUBLICAN, and David Mincberg - DEMOCRAT-on the Tuesday, November 4, 2008 Ballot in Harris County


REPUBLICAN JUDGE EMMETT:During my tenure as County Judge, Ihave managed to create a broad visionfor the nation's third largest county.Harris County is in the forefront withmobility plans, our efforts to reform thejuvenile justice system, improvinghealth care delivery and we have thestrongest possible financial position. Ouremergency preparedness and response, as seen duringHurricane Ike, is the model for the nation. There is still

much to do and I would be honored tocontinue leading this great county.

DEMOCRAT DAVID MINCBERG: Ihave been fortunate to have beenendorsed by both Republicans andDemocrats, and by groups ranging fromthe Houston Association of BuildingContractors to the Black MinistersAssociation. As a native and life-long

resident of Harris County, my hope is to serve the citizensin this vitally important position.

Candidates for Harris County Attorney: Mike Stafford(i) - REPUBLICAN, and Vince Ryan - DEMOCRAT - on theTuesday, November 4, 2008 Ballot in Harris County

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Why should Harris County-area

voters choose you on Tuesday, November 4th?

DEMOCRAT VINCE RYAN: TheHouston Chronicle said it best in their

editorial endorsement ofmy candidacy on October12, 2008: “In the past yearHarris County has sufferedthrough a disturbingseries of public scan-dals…The County badly

needs an independent county attorney…to be anadvocate for the citizenry and a watchdog…In the currentrace, the person best positioned by experience anddetermination to accomplish that goal is…Vince Ryan.”

Candidates for Harris County Sherrif: Tommy Thomas (i)- REPUBLICAN, Adrian Garcia - DEMOCRAT - on theTuesday, November 4, 2008 Ballot in Harris County

REPUBLICAN SHERIFF THOMAS: Leading the thirdlargest Sheriff's Office in the nation with a $360 million

annual budget requires an experienced law enforce-ment executive. I am a master peace officer with

40 years of law enforcement experience - 20years of which have been in key management

positions. I am the first sheriff in modern historyto serve in every position in the Sheriff's Office.

Under my leadership, the Sheriff'sOffice has evolve into one of the

most prestigious and state of the artlaw enforcement agencies in the nation.

DEMOCRAT ADRIAN GARCIA: 23years as a Houston Police Officer,three terms on Houston's City Councilchairing the Public Safety andHomeland Security Committee workingalongside the Police and Fire Chiefs and their combinedbudgets of nearly $1billion of taxpayer's dollars. In addi-tion, this year Mayor White chose me as Mayor Pro

Tempore to help govern the fourthlargest city in America. I also receivedmajor endorsements from the mainemployee groups of the Harris CountySheriff's Office, the Houston Chronicle,and the Houston Fire Fighter's Union,all of which makes me the clear choiceto protect the largest county in Texas.

Candidates for Harris County TaxAssessor-Collector: Paul Bettencourt (i) - REPUBLICAN,Diane Trautman - DEMOCRAT, and Jeffrey McGee - LIBER-TARIAN - on the Tuesday, November 4, 2008 Ballot inHarris County

DEMOCRAT DIANE TRAUTMAN: If elected, I willrun the Tax Office as a service organization instead of apolitical organization. Harris County is the third largestcounty in the nation and because of our size, we need atax assessor who will give complete focus to the taskahead of us. Unfortunately on Friday afternoons, my oppo-nent leaves his taxpayer funded job early tohost a partisan radio talk show. Instead ofhandling the people's business, my oppo-nent plays partisan politics on our dime.

When I'm elected Tax Assessor, Iwill be a full time public servant and putserving the people of this county ahead ofpartisan politics. And I'm prepared to tack-le the serious challenges this countyfaces. I have the administrative and lead-ership experience to keep a large operation up and running.

I intend to address the serious challenges facingour Tax Office. Our tax collection rate has been one ofthe lowest among large Texas counties. This translates tolost tax dollars for our law enforcement, roads, andschools, all services that you and I and our families counton. And our voter rolls are not keeping pace with the

county population growth. We canand must do better.I'm asking for your vote on Nov. 4 tohelp me put service and your needsbefore politics.

Candidates for Harris County SchoolTrustee, Position 7 At-Large: StanStanart - REPUBLICAN, and Jim Henley- DEMOCRAT - on the Tuesday,

November 4, 2008 Ballot in Harris County

DEMOCRAT JIM HENLEY: Voters should vote for mebecause I have the respect and support of the students

whom I have taught and their families. They know that Isought to inspire each of them to reach out and claim

their God given potential. As a Trustee ofThe Harris County Department ofEducation, I will bring this same expecta-tion to all who are employed to serve ourchildren.

2008 Candidates for Harris County Commissioner,Precinct 3: Steve Radack (i) - REPUBLICAN, and DexterHandy - DEMOCRAT - on the Tuesday, November 4, 2008Ballot in Harris County

REPUBLICAN COMMISSIONER RADACK: I have hadthe honor and privilege of serving this community foralmost my entire adult life - 11 years as aHouston police officer, four years as anelected constable and almost 20 years asthe Commissioner of Precinct Three. Irespect the people of this city and thiscounty immensely and have never beenshy about my views and have never beenshy about doing what is best for the peo-ple of Harris County.

DEMOCRAT HANDY: I firmly believe Precinct 3 needs aleader who is ethical, responsive and proactive. I am run-ning to be your County Commissioner because I havethe skills necessary to take our county's infrastructureforward. I am running because I believe we can do thiswith an open government forum. Ibelieve I can implement diverse trans-portation options; including metro-rail,light rail, sidewalks, bikeways, and mobili-ty corridors throughout Precinct 3. I amcertain I can improve our crisis responsecapabilities, and prevent a recurrence ofthe headaches we experienced afterHurricane Ike. I believe I can reduce crimeby integrating our various county and citylaw enforcement agencies' communications networks to fos-ter quicker response times to incidents.

Candidates for Harris County Constable, Precinct 3: TonyLewis - REPUBLICAN, and Ken Jones (i) - DEMOCRAT- on theTuesday, November 4, 2008 Ballot in Harris County

REPUBLICAN TONY LEWIS: Harris County votersshould choose me this election cycle because I representa clear shift in law enforcement thinking.

I believe in the proactive, "go get 'em"policing approach. High visibility and

well trained officers is what I amlooking to accomplish along withan integrated approach to

homeland security. I will sendmy Deputies to national training

events to prepare them for the possi-bility of weapons of mass destruction

and other terrorist challenges we face. Our police forcesmust be ready to adapt and operate quickly and with little notice.

DEMOCRATIC CONSTABLE JONES: I was Captain ofthe Constable's Department for 19 years and the electedConstable for the last 8 years. My department has stateof the art equipment. Deputies arerequired to attend twice the staterequired hours of training. Initiatedmounted patrol, child ID fingerprint pro-gram, neighborhood crime watch pro-gram, contract deputy program, handi-capped parking enforcement, senior citi-zen protection program, disasterresponse team, G.R.E.A.T. anti-gangprogram, community policing sub-stationand other programs that additional space won't permit.

Candidates for Harris County Constable, Precinct 5: PhilCamus (i) - REPUBLICAN, and Sam Pearson - DEMOCRAT - onthe Tuesday, November 4, 2008 Ballot in Harris County

DEMOCRAT SAM PEARSON: TheConstable Office, under my commandwill treat all persons equally in fair appli-

cation of the law. To ensurethis, all personnel, includingthe command staff, will beheld accountable for theiractions. Integrity will be

established through culturaldiversity training, community communication, and

accountability of daily operations. Trust is built on truth.Public service is the number one goal.



LYKOS

BRADFORD

EMMETT

MINCBERG


Democracy is a charming form of government, full of variety and disorder, and dispensing a sort of equality to equals and unequal alike. — Plato

RYAN

THOMAS

GARCIA

TRAUTMAN

HENLEY

RADACK

HANDY

LEWIS

JONES

PEARSON

WE WILL GIVE YOU A PHOTOGRAPHIC LOOK AT PROGRESS ON GALVESTON ISLAND IN JANUARY!



PerseveranceTHIS IS A HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS SPECIAL

COMING IN JANUARY OF 2009 ON SIDE (B) OF THE “PEOPLE DOING BUSINESS” SERIES!

Call: (832) 212-8735 to be included!

HOUSTON- You are invited toattend the eighth of a series offree, public tours of certifiedgreen buildings here in Houston.The tour will take place on Friday,November 14, 2008, every 30 min-utes from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.at the Satterfield & PontikesConstruction office, near the WestBelt & Clay Road at 11000 EquityDrive, Houston, Texas 77041.

for more details and a map.Light refreshments provided.(This Tour was postponed due toHurricane Ike).

Green buildings save owners and users moneywith greater energy efficiency. They are better for ourenvironment with more re-use of material. Ultimately,they foster a happier and healthier workplace foremployees. To help us along this path, the City ofHouston has put together the Mayor's Green BuildingAdvisory Council in partnership with companies thathave led the way in green building and achieved cer-tification of their facilities according to LEED(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)green building rating standards. The objective of thisgroup is to share experiences including cost/benefitbusiness cases and key learning with others to helpaccelerate green building across the city.

We very much welcome your participation in thisevent and your interest and support for green buildingefforts across Houston. For more information on theGreen Building Tour, please contact Steve Stelzer at 713-535-7508 or e-mail at [email protected]

Postponed Tour Due ToHurricane Ike to takeplace starting Nov. 14th

LAPORTE, Texas - Therecently reopened SanJacinto BattlegroundState Historic Site cele-brated the beginning ofits post-Hurricane Ike-era recently by hosting areunion of the USSTEXAS VeteransAssociation this pastSaturday. A memorialhonoring fallen ship-mates was part of theceremony.

Saturday also marked oneweek since the reopening of theiconic San Jacinto Monument,which had been closed to the pub-lic since Sept. 11, when staff evac-uated the site after finalizing prepa-rations in advance of the hurricane

that struck the following night. TheCategory 2 storm knocked outpower and water to the historic site,where in 1836 Texas won its inde-pendence from Mexico.

The elevator that takes visitorsto the observation deck of the 570-foot tall monument, however,remains closed for repairs. Themuseum exhibits, gift shop andJesse H. Jones Theatre are wel-coming visitors once again.

The U. S. Immigration andNaturalization Service has sched-uled a Nov. 10 swearing-in ceremo-ny for new citizens aboard theBattleship TEXAS in honor ofVeterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11.

Both currently serving andretired military personnel and theirfamily members will be guests ofthe San Jacinto Museum of Historyfrom Veterans Day through Sunday,Nov. 16. They will receive freeadmission to view the digital pres-entation Texas Forever!! The Battle

of San Jacinto, tour the DevelopingHouston: Photographic Treasuresfrom the Cecil Thomson Collectionand visit the San Jacinto Museumof History.

Non-military visitors may pur-chase a combo ticket for entranceto the Texas Forever!! andDeveloping Houston. Tickets forindividual activities and discountsfor seniors and tour groups areavailable.

The San Jacinto Monumentand Battleship TEXAS are locatedat the San Jacinto BattlegroundSHS that reopened Oct. 11, exactly30 days from the day the park hadto be evacuated because of deadlyHurricane Ike.

Most of the historic siteremains accessible to the public.Only the area on the east side ofthe monument is closed for contin-

Battleship Texas, San JacintoMonument Reopened Recently




EVENTS UPCOMING TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE EVENTS

THANKSGIVING!

Featured Event November 22, 2008 - Huntsville SP - Huntsville Adventure Race - Race present-ed by the USARA includes mountain biking (10 miles), flat water paddle (5 miles), trekking/orienteer-ing (5 miles) and team challenges. The Elite/Expert class is expected to take 3-4 hours; theBeginner/Intermediate classes should finish in 4-6 hours. Teams must provide their own kayaks andpfd's. Teams may use single or tandem kayaks or canoes. Race packets will be handed out at 7 a.m.;race fee includes park entry fee for all racers and volunteers. For more information, visithttp://www.solemracing .com. (936) 295-5644.

Featured Event Accessible Event November 28, 2008 - Goose Island SP - KarankawaThanksgiving - In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims of Plymouth Massachusetts were celebrating their newharvest with their Native American friends. What was going on down on the Texas Gulf Coast on thesame day? Come learn about the native people of the Gulf Coastal Bend and their way of life as weexplore the Karankawa Indians. Accessible for the mobility impaired. 7-8 p.m. (361) 729-2858.

Featured Event November 29, 2008 - Fanthorp Inn SHS - Twilight Firelight - Visit the 1850sstagecoach inn bedecked with lanterns, luminaries and holiday decorations. The inn comes to life withdulcimer music, the dulcet tones of Latrelle Lindon, cowboy poetry, living history and period charac-ters! Ride the stagecoach and wagon from the historic Grimes County Courthouse to the inn. Enjoy hol-iday fare and start the holidays off right. 3:30-7:30 p.m. (936) 873-2633.

Featured Event December 2008 - Battleship TEXAS SHS - Yuletide TEXAS - Christmas was avery special time for the sailors and officers who served aboard the Battleship TEXAS, and now youcan get a glimpse at that history. See the battleship adorned with lights, ornaments and decorations inthe spirit of the season, just the way the crew members who served aboard her did while serving theircountry. Accessible for wheelchairs on main deck only. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (281) 479-2431.

Featured Event December 2008 - Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery SHS - Early GermanChristmas - Get into the season's spirit with us! Walk along the fantastic quarter-mile trail overlookingthe town of La Grange and be delighted by the thousands of lights that illuminate it. Experience themore traditionally decorated 1850s-era German home of H.L. Kreische, bedecked in Christmas splen-dor, in a Texas-German style. Enjoy the genuine seasonal hospitality of the Friends of Monument Hilland Kreische Brewery, who sponsor the event. Entertainment and refreshments provided. 6-8 p.m.; fee$12 per person; available by reservation only to groups of 30 or more, deadline November 15, 2008; callfor more information (979) 968-5658.

Featured Event December 6, 2008 - Brazos Bend SP - Simple Christmas - Escape the hustle andbustle of the season and enjoy the simple life: making smores, Dutch oven cooking, children's crafts,hayrides and more plus a visit from a "Southern Santa." Cap off the evening with "The Brazos RiverPickers" old-time, bluegrass band. Refreshments available. Bring a picnic supper to enjoy while youlisten to the performance at the outdoor amphitheater. Accessible for the mobility impaired. 3-7 p.m.;for more information, visit http://www.brazosbend.org. (979) 553-5101.

Featured Event December 6, 2008 - Goliad SP - Christmas Concert - Experience the joyfulmusic of the Beeville Community Chorus as they present their Christmas concert in the chapel of theSpanish Colonial Mission Espiritu Santo de Zuniga. 8 p.m. (361) 645-3405.

Featured Event December 6, 2008 - Huntsville SP - Sunmart Texas Trail Endurance Runs - TheSunmart Experience: a race like no other! This race is the renowned ultra of ultras for the first-timer orthe seasoned trail runner. Choice of 50K or 50-mile run. Both races begin at 7 a.m.; packet pick upDecember 12 from 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. at the Sheraton North, 15700 JFK Blvd., Houston. A shuttle fromthere will be offered on race day at 5:30 a.m. for $20 per person. To register online and for additionalinformation, visithttp://www.petroleumwholesale.com/sunmart.web/race/default.aspx or contact Patti [email protected]. (936) 295-5644.

Featured Event December 6, 2008 - Lake Mineral Wells SP & Trailway - Cross TimbersCowboy Campfire Christmas - Bring the whole family to the Lone Star Amphitheater for a campfireprogram of cowboy music, poetry and sing-along with a Christmas theme. Accessible for the mobility

impaired. 6-7:30 p.m. (940) 328-1171. Featured Event December 6, 2008 - Purtis Creek SP -

Christmas in the Park - Join park staff for the lighting of theparks' Christmas tree. Stay for hot chocolate and hot cider,visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and watch a Christmasmovie by the campfire. Campers, decorate your campsitesfor prizes. Accessible for the mobility impaired. 6-9 p.m.(903) 425-2332.

Featured Event December 6, 2008 - Tyler SP - 3rdAnnual Christmas Caroling and Pine Ride - Sing carols asyou ride through the park on a fragrant bed of pine enjoyingall the sights and sounds along the way! And don't miss theopportunity to pick up some unusual Christmas gifts at thepark store, while enjoying hot apple cider and cookies. 5-8p.m. (903) 597-5338.

Featured Event December 6, 2008 - World BirdingCenter - Resaca de la Palma SP - Grand Opening Ceremony- We will celebrate our grand opening with a ribbon cuttingceremony complete with VIP's. There will also be differentprograms and events, lunch and refreshments. Come have a"Family Day at the Park" and see what we have to offer! 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; entrance fees waived for this event (956) 350-2920.

Featured Event December 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 2008 -Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery SHS - Trail of Lights -Enjoy a fantastic quarter-mile trail illuminated with thou-sands of lights that decorate the Monument Hill andKreische House portions of our park. Walk a trail overlook-ing the town of La Grange. Experience the more traditional-ly decorated 1850s-era German home of H.L. Kreische,bedecked in Christmas splendor, in a Texas-German style.Bring your children to tell secrets to Mr. and Mrs. SantaClaus and enjoy the genuine seasonal hospitality of theFriends of Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery, whosponsor the event. No pets please. 6-8 p.m.; fees $3 adults,$1 children 3-12 (979) 968-5658.

Featured Event December 11, 2008 - Barton WarnockEnvironmental Education Center - Christmas on the Border- Join us in celebrating the holiday season in West Texasborder fashion. Local community performers will providethe entertainment. Refreshments and treats will be servedand we will have a special visit by Santa Claus for the chil-dren. Accessible for the mobility, visually and hearingimpaired. 6:30-9 p.m. (432) 424-3327.

Featured Event December 12, 2008 - SebastopolHouse SHS - Holiday Classic Movie - There's nothing likea classic holiday film to get you into the holiday spirit. Theparlor at Sebastopol has been turned into an old fashionedtheatre in order to bring you a 1948 Holiday Classic-"Miracle On 34th Street," starring a very young NatalieWood. If this warm family film doesn't soften the heart ofthe Grinch in your life-nothing will! Seating is limited. 6:30p.m.; reservations required (830) 379-4833.

Featured Event December 12-13, 2008 - Cooper LakeSP/Doctors Creek Unit - 2nd Annual Christmas in the Park- Load up the family for a drive through the park and enjoythe holiday decorations. We will also have refreshments andSanta will be here for a visit. Sponsored by The Friends ofDoctor's Creek. 6-10 p.m. For more information, call theFriends of Doctor's Creek at (903) 395-4314 or the park at(903) 395-3100.

Featured Event December 13, 2008 - BarringtonLiving History Farm-Washington-on-the-Brazos SHS - AnOld-Fashioned Texas Christmas - This is a time for gather-ing with family and friends, for singing carols around theopen fire, for making surprises tucked away in pretty pack-ages, for feasting on goodies made with love, and for mak-ing special memories. Join the farm staff in decorating,singing and celebrating this wonderful holiday season withmany more surprises to come. Accessible for the mobilityimpaired. 3-8 p.m. (936) 878-2213.

Featured Event December 13, 2008 - BattleshipTEXAS SHS - Santa's Swingin 40's Christmas - Visit theBattleship Texas and enjoy the spirit of the holidays. Writeand mail letters to Santa, enjoy hot wassail, meet and haveyour picture taken with Santa, and much, much more.Accessible for wheelchairs on main deck only. 10 a.m.-5p.m. (281) 479-2431.

Featured Event December 13, 2008 - Fort RichardsonSP&HS & Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway - ChristmasFun - Start the day with a fishing tournament from 9 a.m.-noon, then Santa Clause will come and visit from 1-2 p.m.,and finish the day with Dianne Martin who presents her "TheNight Before Christmas" collection of Victorian stories,books, antiques, figurines,object de art, etc. from 2-4 p.m. (940) 567-3506.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2008


Happy

upcoming eventscontinued from page, 2



PREVIEW 2009 PEOPLE DOING BUSINESS SERIES • SPECIAL FEATURE

WANT TO BE A PART OF THIS EXCITING EDITION? EMAIL US AT: [email protected] TO REQUEST INCLUSION!

meeting their goals and deadlines, theyare given more responsibility. This isthe way we work.”

However, being the mayor of Houstondoesn’t mean he’s chained to his chair tryingto work his way out from under piles ofpaperwork. He’s got a very busy publicappearance schedule that helps him keep intouch with his constituents and neighbors.And he admits he’s got a favorite.

“My favorite part about this job is inter-

acting with kids,” he said. In fact, the day of theinterview he’d met earlier with a group ofyoungsters from Galena Park who were visitinga golf course for the first time. “I enjoy being apart of those experiences.”

But Mayor White knows his time inoffice isn’t infinite. Invariably, he’ll reachthe end of his term in office. And on thatday, he says he’ll be proud of the city he’sleaving behind and he hopes future may-ors will continue to build a city

Houstonians are proud of.“I’m extremely proud of the direc-

tion this city is headed in with affirma-tive action programs. We are going for-ward,” says the father of three. “I’d likepeople to expect that the [person serv-ing as] mayor will bring people togetherand build a diverse team. We don’t want acity that is perceived to ignore large sec-tions of the public based on their politicalbeliefs or economic status.”

And that’s important because when thejob of managing the city of Houston hasrun its course, this will be a city Whitemust enjoy living in, too.

“I never forget that I was a citizenwithout a title before I took this job,” hesays, “and I will be a citizen without a titlewhen I leave this job.---------------------------------------------------

To reach any city department, just callHouston’s Information Line by dialing 3-1-1.

MAYOR BILL WHITECONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 • IN THE ACTUAL MAGAZINE HOUSTON BUSINESS CONNECTIONS WILL FOCUS ON THE

POSITIVES AND NEGATIVES ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECOVER EFFORTS ASSOCIATED WITH HURRICANE IKE!

2009 Series PreviewHouston Mayor Bill White in the 2007 interview arranged byAubrey R. Taylor for the launch of the “People Doing BusinessSeries” scheduled to debut in January of 2009, after thePresidential Inauguration. To be included call: (832)212-8735!

SPONSOR 2009 PEOPLE DOING BUSINESS SERIES • SPECIAL FEATUREMAGAZINE TO PREMIERE JANUARY 2009 • TO ORDER YOUR COPY CALL 832.212.8735

t’s a commonassumptionthat peoplewho work for

themselves have theluxury of rolling outof bed at ten o’clockand arriving at workby noon — if theywanted to. But peoplewho are in businessfor themselves will begto differ...strongly.

Sandra J. Peake, a familypractice attorney and mediator,says she loves being her ownboss. In fact, she says it’s the bestpart about owning and operatingher business.

“I may be tied to my officea little bit more than I would liketo be at times, but I have solecontrol,” she says wittily. “Idon’t have to consult with any-one else before I make a busi-ness decision.”

But that kind of freedom,she says, requires a certain levelof discipline and constant prepa-ration — because if you don’tprovide the discipline and direc-tion, there is none.

In the legal profession, ifyou’re a solo practitioner, youhave periods of relative feast aswell as famine. You have to makesure you have cash flow duringunpredictable periods when casesare not being opened unless thereis an exigent circumstance or direemergency. That is why it isimportant to learn your businesscycles. She thinks that is true inany professional. Also, beingaccessible, following up withclients and being approachableare all musts. According to her,any case is considered a collabo-rative process between her andher client, requiring mutualrespect and cooperation.

“I have made a concertedeffort to make my practice onewhere I can pay attention to theclient as a person, rather than justthe case. I don’t take every casethat comes through the door.Building sustainable and longterm relationships is achievablebecause of personalized service.”

She and her husband, DavidPeake, started their law practicein 1982. Their dream was to fill aniche for affordable and accessi-ble legal services. As the yearsprogressed, they decided thatalthough the practice was lucra-tive, it was also limiting becausethey were not able to take morecomplex cases under the thenexisting format and caseload. Atthe same time, her husband andbusiness partner began focusing

almost exclusively on the devel-opment of a consumer and smallbusiness bankruptcy practice.She began focusing more ondeveloping a primarily familyand probate practice. They foundthe combination a good mixwhile raising their family. In1998, David left private practicewhen he was appointed a Chapter13 Standing Trustee in theSouthern District of Texas.Sandra has continued to concen-trate on her family, probate andgeneral practice.

She has also been able toutilize her professional expertisein assisting with her member-ships, in volunteer work with,various Houston area women’sorganizations. She enjoys hervolunteer work with AsiansAgainst Domestic Abuse(AADA), a non-profit organiza-tion organized to promote “equaland healthy family relationsthrough public awareness” that

ISANDRA PEAKEFOUNDER OF SANDRA J. PEAKE ATTORNEY AT LAW




he husbandand wife doctor duoof Monica

and Akili Graham at Graham TimeFamily Physicianssay being in businessfor themselves givesthem peace in theirpractice and flexibili-ty in their schedules.But it hasn’t alwaysbeen a smooth ride.

Akili Graham, a graduate ofPrairie View A & M University,says while he loves having hisown practice today, he’d rethinkthe steps he took to get there.

“I walked away from myposition as the medical director ofa group of family physicians,” herecalls. “I just knew I was going togo into business for myself, prac-tice medicine the way I thought itshould be done and patients wouldbe at my door. It didn’t quite hap-pen that way.”

He can laugh about hisstruggles today, but he says thatemotionally charged departurefrom stable employment taughthim some of the biggest lessonsin business.

“The things I have doneemotionally have brought a lot ofchallenge to us,” he says, specif-ically referring to financial chal-lenges. “But God has gotten usthrough it every time.”

But he says his best busi-ness move since openingGraham Time in the Third Wardin 2003 was bringing his wifeinto the practice. He admitsMonica’s got a great mind forbusiness that he lacked.

“He was of the school ofthought that if I don’t have themoney to pay a bill, I’ll get it paidwhen I can and I’ll talk to the com-pany when I get the money. Andmost people think that way,” saysMonica who obtained her under-graduate deg ree f romTuskegee University. “Butwhen I arrived, I got on the phonewith some of our service providersand explained our situation, andwe worked those things out.

“I would tell other newentrepreneurs that businessesunderstand you’re just startingout. Do not be afraid to pick upthe phone and sometimes theywill work with you. That wayyou’re not running or havingthem chase you,” she says.

It’s been four years sincethe practice has opened, andGraham Time Family Physiciansis facing a new set of business

challenges. Particularly, patientaccess to medical informationon the Internet has kept the twophysicians on their toes!

“Empowerment is impor-tant. I tell patients to come in fortheir visit with their own infor-mation. This is a dialogue, not aone-way conversation,” Monicasays. “I know a lot, but I’ll be thefirst to admit I don’t know every-thing. You’re the one who has tolive with your body.”

“We have a tendency tobelieve all people are like us.Our work ethic is what we want

to see in other people,” headmits. “And it’s hard to get anemployee to understand wehave to drop them because wewon’t drop our standards.”

Insurance companies, hesays, add another challenge tothe practice of medicine for doc-tors everywhere because of theircontrol over what services willand won’t be covered forpatients. This pushes doctorsinto a corner when they disagree


207 GRAY STREET • HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002 • 713.659.1608 • WWW.THISISITHOUSTON.COM

CATERING • 281.852.5666 HOURS • MONDAY-SATURDAY 11:00A.M. - 8:00 P.M. • SUNDAY 11:00 A.M. -6:00 P.M.

BREAKFAST • SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS 6:30 A.M. - 10:30 A.M.

TTHE GRAHAMSFOUNDERS OF GRAHAM TIME FAMILY PHYSICIANS




If an individual agrees with everybody, he lacks conviction; if he likes everybody and is everybody's friend, he is indifferent to one and all. — Nikolai Dobrolyubov


t 34years old,Craig

Joseph didn’t haveany interest in own-ing his grandparents’infamous This Is Itsoul food restaurant.He was living thecareer of his dreamsas a firefighter forthe Houston FireDepartment.

But an “insulting” low-balloffer from a stranger to buy theveritable Fourth Ward landmarkgave him a change of heart andthe restaurant a future. And in1995, Craig and his wifeGeorgette carried on the legacyand the dream of Frank andMattie Jones.

“I’d rather see us lose thebusiness than to give it away,”Joseph recalls. “So, I asked mygrandfather to teach me whathe knew.”

Having grown up insideThis Is It, Joseph under-stood the operation of therestaurant. It’s the food hehad to master.

“Maintaining the same con-sistency and quality in the foodis the hardest thing. With thechange in ownership, we had tomake sure nothing about thefood changed. Believe me, peo-ple would know and they’d besure to tell us,” he says smiling.“Once I mastered the food andhow to cook it, he gave me atrial run cooking on my own.”

But mastering the cuisine ofmelt-in-your-mouth oxtails, ten-der greens and moist cornbreadwasn’t his only hurdle to culi-nary success. There was a per-ception Joseph had to overcomethat he couldn’t maintain hisgrandparents’ restaurant. Headmits he heard the whispersfrom doubters who believedhe’d “lose the business.”

“We tried to change thedécor without taking away fromthe character of the restaurant,”he says. “We’ve added uniformsand expanded the menu. We’vemanaged to keep it going.”

He’s proud to say therestaurant has “survived” themanagement change, he’s also“blessed” to have maintainedmany staff members for morethan two decades and is evenpreparing for an expansion.

The restaurant moved to itscurrent location in 1995, whichmarked the first time in therestaurant’s history that it

owned the building in which itoperated. Today, Joseph says,he’s working on furtherexpansion plans.

“The only thing that’s miss-ing is him,” Joseph says of hisgrandfather, who passed awayin 1999.

Still, he’s proud to carryon the family’s legacy andknows he’s moving in theright direction when cus-tomers give him great feed-back after a great meal.

“My favorite part is when

people enjoy their experienceand they’re pleased - especiallywhen they say to me, ‘Keep upthe good work!’ or ‘I’ll see younext time!’” he says. “But whatreally makes me happy is whenI see young children ask theirparents to bring them to This IsIt for their birthday dinnerinstead of going to McDonald’sor Chuck E. Cheese.”

And while much hasn’t


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www.buffalosoldiermuseum.com


he creation of RuamaC a m p ’sG.R.A.C.E.

Community Servicesmay truly be the epitome of divine timing. Shortly afterCamp departed fromthe Federal EmergencyManagement Agency(F.E.M.A.), formed herdisaster managementministry and movedinto its permanentoffice, HurricaneKatrina devastated the Gulf Coast inAugust 2005.

At that moment, G.R.A.C.E.was truly in business and in a big way.

The faith-based organiza-tion is committed to empoweringAfrican-American churches andother minority ministries withdisaster preparedness trainingwhen things like flooding, fires,plane crashes, plant explosionsand terrorism affect their com-munities. Camp considers it life-saving work.

“It’s important so that thenext time there’s a flood some-one knows to go get Miss Etheldown the street because she’sbound to a wheelchair,” she says.“And we saw cases like this inHurricane Katrina’s aftermath.”

Camp, who says her experi-ence working with FEMA wasthe catalyst for formingG.R.A.C.E., believes thatminorities don’t typically partici-pate on the service side when itcomes to disaster management.Rather, minorities “are on thereceiving side” of the equation.She says it’s her goal to teachand educate minorities how toparticipate and become more disas-ter ready for their communities.Particularly, she says churchesneed to understand how crucialtheir role is in the disaster scenario.

“Often, when a disasterhappens, one of the first placespeople turn to or look to for helpand assistance is the church. Andchurches have got to have disas-ter preparedness plans in place sothey can help those who aredepending on them,” says Campof her business and ministry.“We offer training classes likeDisaster 101 and CERT Trainingto educate churches on how toput a ministry in place. We alsohelp people learn to navigatethrough the FEMA system.”

What’s more interesting is

the G.R.A.C.E. business model.Camp applies a unique hiringprocess that ensures the new stafferand the company is a good fit.

“My staff has to volunteerbefore they get hired. Typically,you interview for a job and thenget hired. But I believe we needto make sure we have a personwho truly embraces what wedo,” she says. “Plus, it allows apotential employee to see what atypical week is like for us.Volunteers usually work for two

weeks. The longest volunteer weever had stayed with us for fiveweeks as we waited for fundingto become available to hire her.”

A relatively new organiza-tion, G.R.A.C.E. CommunityServices grew quickly, as thedemand for it grew afterHurricane Katrina. Its humblebeginnings span all the way backto Camp’s home, eventually

When great changes occur in history, when great principles are involved, as a rule the majority are wrong. The minority are right. — Eugene V. Debs


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Tcontinued on page, P.29


Whatever field of human activity one may take, only those trends that are in harmony with the needs of society show rapid progress. — Nikolai Chernyshevsky

magine visiting amuseum, eager tosee a display ofprecious jewels

or ancient artifacts orrare textiles from a lost civilization.Undoubtedly, therewould be a rope orsome other barrierkeeping visitors at leastthree feet away from the priceless items on display. Those itemswould most likely bestuffed into a glass casedraped in the glare ofpoorly placed spotlightsall around, makingcloser inspection of the museum’s possessions frustratingly impossible.

But at the Buffalo SoldiersNational Museum in the heart ofHouston, visitors can touchweapons, clothing and real arti-facts by just reaching out to theopen-air displays that populatenearly every wall.

“Our job here is to preserve,promote and perpetuate,” saysmuseum founder Paul J.Matthews. “Usually, museums puta little bit of stuff on a big wall.We put a lot of stuff on a little wallso our visitors can touch it andhave an interactive experience.

“The Smithsonian came byand said, ‘You have a lot of price-less artifacts here and just sittingout on a table.’ We flipped thewhole exhibit model,” Matthewssays proudly.

The Buffalo SoldiersNational Museum highlights thecontributions of African Americansoldiers in American military his-tory. And display space isn’t theonly thing that makes the BuffaloSoldiers National Museumunique. The museum has licensedits logo, a decision Matthews sayswas his best move.

“We get 70 percent of royal-ties from wholesalers who sellBuffalo Soldiers NationalMuseum merchandise,” says theformer Vietnam veteran. “It pro-tects us from anyone else sayingthey are the Buffalo SoldiersMuseum. There’s only one, andit’s us. That’s a very powerfulposition to be in.”

His love for the elite group ofsoldiers began in the ‘60s with alife-changing decision he had tomake about his future.

“I was in the ROTC at PrairieView A & M University, and I hadto make a decision about my

future, which possibly includedme going into the military. I readtwo paragraphs about the buffalosoldiers and I became intrigued,”he remembers, smiling. “Here area bunch of Black men standing upfor America when America wasnot standing up for them. BuffaloSoldiers during World War IIstayed in France the first two to threeyears of the war when the averagetour of duty was only a year.

“Boom! That was my answer.”The popular museum began

with Matthews’ retirement fund

and a “hollow room.”“When I walked through the

door with the Realtor®, there wasnothing on the walls. But I couldsee these flags - the Army, Navy,Marines, Air Force,” he says.“And I told the Realtor this is theplace. I took $40,000 of myretirement money and the arti-facts I’d collected in my garageand moved in. Without any staffother than my wife and family, we


P. J. MATTHEWSFOUNDER OF THE BUFFALO SOLDIERS NATIONAL MUSEUM

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ictor AboiraloEhiemua, sonof a pharma-cist earned hisp h a r m a c ydegree from

University of Houston in 1979.And today, he has over 27 yearsof progressive experience serv-ing as a Community and Clinicalpharmacist. As owner of ThePharmacy, located at 6630 SouthWest Freeway on Houston’ssouthwest side, Ehiemua, withouta scintilla of doubt, has broughtprofessional accolades and per-sonal honor, and ethical purposeto the community he serves.

“I am what I am by God’sgrace,” says the very humbleVictor Ehiemua - whose pharma-cy has become one of the mostrespected in the area. He has alsoassisted in the training and men-toring of hundreds of aspiringyoung professionals both in med-ical and non-medical fields.

“I believe in strong commu-nity involvement and have sup-ported and will continue to sup-port and provide services to thecommunity I’ve grown to lovedearly,” he says.

Shelter Homes for theHomeless, Counseling and men-toring for Juvenile Detent ionCenters , Drug Aw a r e n e s sC o u n s e l i n g , CommunityHealth Screenings, Communityschools and Institutions, andbeing supportive of ScholarshipPrograms for the Needy are just afew of the areas where Ehiemuaplaces great emphasis.

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awards as “The Community ServiceAward,” “The Businessman of theYear Award,” “The Servant-LeaderAward,” “The Community LeaderAward”— to name a few. And hehas served as Member of theBoard for numerous organiza-tions.

According to Ehiemua, he’sa member to different chambersof commerce, different commu-nity organizations and holds pro-fessional affiliations to the Texas

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ued clean-up of debris. HurricaneIke damage to the 1,200-acre siteincluded downed trees, electricaldamage to the monument eleva-tor, structural damage to part ofthe boardwalk near the BattleshipTEXAS, and the demolishment ofthe Battleship gift shop and con-cession area. A temporary giftshop has been set up in theOfficers' Galley on the battleship.Battleship admissions are beingsold from a temporary ticketbooth at the gangway.

The San JacintoBattleground State Historic Site islocated just minutes from down-town Houston. Take Highway 225east to Battleground Road north,approximately three miles fromthe freeway. The Lynchburg Ferryremains closed at this time due todamage from Hurricane Ike.

To learn more about the SanJacinto Museum of History, call(281) 479-2421. For more infor-mation on the Battleship TEXASand battlegrounds, call the parkat (281) 479-2431.

Battleship Texascontinued from P.19

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continued from page - 20


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Campcontinued from P.25

Josephcontinued from P.24

changed at This Is It, Joseph saysthat’s true of the restaurant andfood industry as well. In fact, themore it seems to change, he says,the more it stays the same.

“One year it’s don’t drinkwine. Then the next year, it’s okayto drink wine. Then the new trendis don’t eat eggs. Then the nextyear, eggs are good,” he quips.“But if you go back to our heritage,our ancestors lived a long time onthese foods. Personally, I think it’sthe chemicals put into the foodsthat make the food bad for you.”

Meanwhile, the future of ThisIs It is stable. Joseph says his chil-dren - 25, 19 and 17 years old -have taken their cue from him andtheir mom, who “does a little ofthe baking and a lot of every-thing else.” He says they willcarry the torch of the restaurantthat’s “starred” in the featurefilm Jason’s Lyric.

“What I want is for my kids tocarry it on. They feel much betterabout it than I did at their age. AndI know they have a desire to carryit on. They look at what I gothrough on a daily basis and theyare coming up with menu ideas,”he says proudly. “I would neverwant them to sell the business.Really, I would hope they wouldhave children to carry it on.”

“The restaurant has been around48 years,” says Joseph, who plans toretire from his firefighter’s post inthree years. “That’s a long time tobe in business, but particularly inthe Black community. I hope thatwe, as people, continue to supportBlack-owned businesses.”

—MICHICA L. GUILLORY

being moved into the garage. Andwhen the hot and uncomfortable con-ditions of the garage became toomuch to bear, operations were movedto her SUV.

“So, right there in my truck, I'dpick up disaster survivors, take them toa place of shelter or wherever theyneeded to be and their files were rightthere with me. It was a real mobileoffice,” she recalls with a little laughter.

In October of 2005 G.R.A.C.E.opened its Acres Homes area computertraining and tutoring lab. And in July of2006, the company finally found a per-manent home in the Astrodome/ReliantStadium area, where it’s corporateoffice is now housed.

As for the future of G.R.A.C.E.,Camp says she always wants each dayto start with prayer and meditation andfor the disaster survivor to be kept inthe forefront.

“Our goal is to see survivorsrecover holistically and move on withtheir lives,” says the mother of twosons, both of whom volunteer at theministry. “Their lives may never bethe same but at least they can return tosome sense of normalcy.”

And she simply wants people to“understand our heartbeat.”

“I would want GRACE to be theministry that is remembered,” she says,“for doing what it said it would do.”

—MICHICA L. GUILLORY

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2. Stop calling employees"my employees," "my people."

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brainstorming sessions withthe leader present.

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57. Micro-manage onlythose who need it and only untilthey prove that they do not.

58. Believe that people dowhat they get paid attention for.

59. Recognize that man-agers have to have a title andleaders do not.

60. You become what youthink about.

About the Author

Monica Wofford brings morethan 18 years of experience asa business consultant, trainer,and speaker to MonicaWofford International, Inc. Asought-after trainer, Woffordleverages scientific researchand data to design curriculaand presentations that posi-tively impact both behaviorand performance. She is theauthor of "ContagiousLeadership", "ContagiousConfidence," and "ContagiousCustomer Service". She can bereached at www.monicawof-ford.com or (866) 382-0121.


Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.— Margaret Mead

BUSINESS CONTINUED PAGE • E-mail: [email protected]

5 Dozen Ways to Become an “On-Purpose” Leader

Leadercontinued from P.1

Physicianscontinued from P.23

with the insurance companies on thebest line of treatment for a patient.

But this particular challenge,they agree, is what pushes them topractice medicine in a holistic way,focusing on three elements of health— physical, mental and spiritual.

“The bottom line for us is get-ting people where they need to be interms of good health. Everybodydoesn’t get there the same way,”Monica says. “But it all comes backto lifestyle modification. Thatdepends on the food you eat, thefriends you hang out with and yourspirituality.”

Akili takes it a step further andadds that he and his wife also helptheir patients by living as examplesof good health.

“It’s hard for a person to live bythe word of a hypocrite. I have per-sonal friends who are doctors whodisagree with me 100 percent. Theirthought is, ‘I went to school andlearned these things so I can tell youwhat to do,’” he says. “When doc-tors start improving their own health,then they will initialize the change. Ifyou see a doctor smoking, your sub-conscious says, ‘It can’t be that bad.’”

Meanwhile, the Grahams saythey set themselves apart from theircompetition by developing relation-ships with their patients rather thanrushing them in and out of theiroffice. “We’re not an assembly linetype of practice. We spend time withour patients. It’s a lost art,” Akilisays. “Today, it’s about calculatingthe number of people you need tosee in order to make a certainamount of money so you can live thelifestyle you want.”

“We don’t have quick rewardswith our type of practice, but it’speaceful and it’s rewarding for us.”

Akili and Monica - proud par-ents of two children who’ve beenmarried for 13 years - considerworking with one another theirfavorite part about being in business.Despite the fact that not everyonesees eye-to-eye with them on theirmove to partner in business as wellas in life, they let their success do thetalking for them.

“People said a husband andwife shouldn’t work together.They’d ask us how long we thoughtthis was going to last,” Monica says.“I think we do this medicine thingtogether pretty well.”

instability in the national econ-omy, and stronger guidelinesfor home equity borrowingand lending has resulted inTexas having some of the low-est levels of mortgage defaultsamong the nation's top tenmost populous states.

Texas continues to be aleader in job creation, generat-ing nearly half of all jobs cre-ated in the nation from August2007 to August 2008. Texas'unemployment rate remains at

5 percent, 1.1 percent belowthe national average. Texas isalso home to more Fortune500 headquarters than anyother state in the nation. Thegovernor attributed the rela-tively strong Texas economyto the state's strong, principledpolicies of limited growth inspending, low taxes and rea-sonable regulatory climate thathave fostered an environmentthat encourages job creation.

The governor also

expressed disappointmentCongress passed a $700 billiontaxpayer funded economicbailout that hasn't fixed thestock markets.

“While there may be afew provisions in the bill thatbenefit Texas, the truth is thatCongress passed a $700 billiontaxpayer-funded bailout forcorporate America that includ-ed $470 million to create jobs inHollywood and tax breaks forwooden arrow makers,” he said.

The governor was joinedby representatives from sever-al state agencies, including the

Office of the Comptroller ofPublic Accounts, TexasPension Review Board,University of TexasInvestment ManagementCompany, Teacher RetirementSystem of Texas, TexasDepartment of Transportation,Texas Workforce Commission,Texas Water DevelopmentBoard, Texas PermanentSchool Fund, EmployeeRetirement System of Texasand Texas WorkforceCommission. For a completelist of attendees, please clickthe link below.

Gov. Perry Meets with Leaders of Key State Agenciesto Assess Impact of National Economy on Texas

Continued from Page - 2

Gov. Perry Awards$860,000 in Grantsto ResidentialSubstance AbuseTreatment Programs

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry hasawarded more than $860,000 ingrants to three programs that pro-vide substance abuse treatment toadult offenders in local correctionalfacilities. The grants are awardedunder the federal ResidentialSubstance Abuse TreatmentProgram (RSAT) and are distributedby the Governor's Criminal JusticeDivision (CJD).

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick

Perry today issued the

following statement on

the death of Anthony

Sadberry, Executive

Director of the Texas

Lottery Commission:

“Texas lost a genuineleader today whenAnthony Sadberry passedaway. At every junctureof his life, in school, inhis law practice and with

the lottery, Anthonyseemed to end up in posi-tions of leadership. Hispeers clearly recognizedhis innate leadership abili-ties, concern for others and

unfailing common sense.“Anita and I extend

our sincere condolencesand prayers to his wife,Denise, his family and hisfriends all over the state.”

Statement by Gov. Rick Perry on the Death of Anthony Sadberry:

“Anita and I extend our sincere condolences and prayers to hiswife, Denise, his family and his friends all over the state.”


The well being of democracies regardless of their type and status is dependent on one small technical detail: The right to vote. Everything else is secondary.— Jose Ortega y Gasset

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Matthewscontinued from P.26 Richard’sRichard’s

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Serving Houston For Over 39 Years

opened the doors in 2001.” And during its first year of

operation, nearly 20,000 visitorscrossed its threshold.

The museum, with a $2 admis-sion price and open six days aweek, grew from there. It now toutsa budget of $500,000 and has aboard of directors along with afundraising arm with membersfrom companies including theHouston Chronicle, Chevron,Center Point and the GreaterHouston Convention & VisitorsBureau (GHCVB). Plus, volunteersdo everything from writing grantsto performing in historical re-enact-ments.

So, what does all this growthmean to Matthews?

“It’s good and bad,” he simplystates. “It's good because the mes-sage that we are here is getting outthere and reaching more people.The bad part is that I'm constantlyin fundraising mode!”

Goals for next year includerecruitment of an executive direc-tor, salaried grant writers and a res-ident artist. And at the top of thatshort list is financial independencefor what Matthews calls a success-ful “mom-and-pop” company.

“Even bringing in museummemberships, broadening our baseof partnering foundations and devel-oping a rapport with corporateAmerica is part of the change thatwe must incorporate into our busi-ness,” he says.

And while he grows his busi-ness, Matthews still finds time toenjoy what attracted him to start itin the first place - teaching thepublic about buffalo soldiers.

“I still enjoy giving the tours.It's amazing the knowledge that theseniors have about the things wehave on display in here like thekitchen tools and equipment,” hesays. “Then sometimes we havethe World War II guys come in andthey learn they’re technically buf-falo soldiers themselves, and did-n’t know it. Sometimes they standwith tears in their eyes.”

— MICHICA L. GUILLORY

also provides support servicesfor Asian American womenand children victims of domes-tic abuse. For her, it has beena gratifying, eye-opening andculturally expanding experi-ence, particularly given themulti-cultural city makeup ofthe Houston area. It has afford-ed her a unique opportunity toexperience the differences incustoms and cultures that shewould not otherwise experi-ence. Another passion is theBlue Triangle Multi-CulturalAssociation serving childrenand seniors in the Third Wardcommunity. “I have been for-tunate to be able to assist theBTMCA Board in a small way.All the credit goes to the BoardMembers who have dedicatedtheir time, knowledge, tenacityand resources to making surethe Blue Triangle is sustainedas a community center and isable to continue providingafter school enrichment andother activities for childrenand seniors in the community.The Blue Triangle organiza-tion consists of a phenomenalgroup of visionary women,who keep the programs run-ning and expanding. Theyhave been able to do things intheir “retirement” that youwould not believe.” She isalso a member of the TexasSpring Cypress Chapter Links,Inc. Her chapter's focus area is theFifth Ward, including AcresHomes. The Chapter providesadditional resources for healthawareness, education in areaschools and cultural enrich-ment through partnershipswith other organizations andcommunity groups.

“I believe the best busi-ness decision we made was toadvertise.” They realized earlyon that in order to survive in acompetitive market, they hadto build and nurture their clientbase. She has clients whocome in now with advertise-ments and correspondencefrom years ago and can identi-

fy the period during which theclient began using their servic-es. It is always interesting aswell as rewarding to her to seethese particular clients. It con-firms the relationship wasfirmly established and the goalof client satisfaction achieved.

“One of the fundamentalchanges in the way we practicelaw having a huge impact onthe legal field is the integrationof technology into the process.When we started our practice,office equipment consisted ofone typewriter. Back then,word processing was consid-ered a technological advanceand accumulating and main-taining a law library wasessential. Today, we canresearch, file documents andpay filing fees on line. It’smade the practice more effi-cient and less stressful becauseit saves time.”

In family practice, thepractice culture has evolved.“The courts, the family bar andlitigants are more cognizant ofthe negative long term effectsprotracted, contentious andexpensive litigation has onfamilies, particularly whenthere are children involved. Tothat end, requiring parentingclasses in cases where childrenare involved and requiringmediation prior to trial in mostcases, has positively impactedthe way we manage our case-loads and gives litigants anopportunity to resolve theirdisputes outside of court.”Parties have an opportunity toopen the lines of communica-tion and creatively resolve dis-putes. “Just like you have con-trol over the creation of yourrelationships, you can havecontrol over the dissolution ofit.” To her, winning and losingaren't the only importantthings. What is really mostimportant is to get herclient through the processand make sure the client'sobjectives are met.

She's an avid reader andloves to travel. “I need to beable to effectively managemy business to be able tohave time for family and out-side interests,” she says.

Peakecontinued from P.22

Advertise Your Business For As Little As:

$40.00 DollarsGov. Perry Awards$6 Million to Local

Law Enforcement

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perryhas awarded more than $6million to help local lawenforcement agencies targetviolent crime, continue drugenforcement activities andprovide essential law enforce-ment equipment. Thesegrants are awarded underthe federal Edward ByrneMemorial Justice AssistanceGrant (JAG) Program andare distributed by theGovernor's Criminal JusticeDivision (CJD).

BUSINESS CONTINUED PAGE • E-mail: [email protected]

DevastationPLEASE REMEMBER OUR NEIGHBORS STILL STRUGGLING TO PUT THEIR

LIVES BACK TOGETHER IN THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE IKE!

RECOVERY ONGOING!A MESSAGE FROM AUBREY R. TAYLOR COMMUNICATIONS

Send Opinions Directly To The Publisher: [email protected]

November 2008 Houston Business Connections Newspaper

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