01.15.08
Minutes, 1/12/2008
GHDC Meeting Minutes, 1/12/08
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Kevin Hoffman, our new GHDC club President, called the meeting to order at 9 AM. He thanked everyone for coming out on this cool, crisp, and beautiful day. Our former President, Max Beauregard, could not attend this morning’s meeting, because he had a prior work obligation at Houston Community College.
Harris County Justice of the Peace David Patronella swore in the GHDC club officers for 2008: Kevin Hoffman, President; Vicki Bellow, Treasurer; and Henry Weissborn, Secretary.
Jessica Farrar, State Representative for District 148, gave us an update of her 8th legislative term. She said that she has always stood up for her constituents, and has never been complicit with the Republican leadership. She mentioned that she founded the Environmental Caucus and the Women’s Caucus. She reported that, as legislator with the Environmental Caucus, she filed various bills, and, "of course, none of the bills ever got a hearing". She said she has been working with Councilman Adrian Garcia in an effort to curb Houston cantinas. She noted that House Speaker Tom Craddick came within 3 votes of being ousted in the last legislative session. She commented, "I think we can do it next time".
Harold Landrineau, a former President of the Heights Democrats, announced that he is running for Justice of the Peace.
Diane Trautman announced her candidacy for Harris County Tax Assessor. She is currently a Professor of Education at Stephen F. Austin University, and said she is the only female in her race. She said she is a "family person", who "learned all of her values and ethics from her family". She previously gained financial background from years of service in the banking industry. She eventually moved into the field of education. She declared that the Republican Tax Assessor, Carl Bettancourt, "is not a friend of education". She said that he has "worked publicly against funding for education". She called Bettancourt "the most dangerous politician in Texas, and perhaps the nation". She said he "is in the mode of Karl Rove in every way", and said her race "will be a tough race, no doubt about that".
Kevin Hoffman reported that the annual Chevron Marathon will take place tomorrow morning. The race will commence at 7 AM, and the runners will proceed through the Heights. The event will conclude at noon.
He announced plans to have a GHDC fundraiser garage sale next month, and asked us to start gathering items to contribute.
David Walensky announced that he is running for the 152nd District Court. He is a Precinct Chair, and said he "has been in the grassroots working in the treches for the Party for 30 years".
Ruben Guerrero announed his candidacy for the 117th Criminal District Court.
Jim Wrotenberry announced that he is running for the 125th Civil District Court.
Debbie Kerner, a former President of the Greater Meyerland Democratic Club, announced her candidacy for the Harris County Board of Trustees, Position 5. She is a speech pathologist, who works in private practice. She has had a long career serving children with special needs in Special Education.
Mark Eisenberg announced his candidacy for the 80th Civil District Court.
Fred Cook announced that he is running for the 215th Civil District Court. He said he has 25 years experience. His web site is www.cook4judge.com.
Larry Weiman described himself as "your returning Democratic candidate". In 2003, he challenged a 3-term Republican judge, and came very close to winning. He got 48% of the vote that year. He said we needs just 2% more in order to win this year.
Mekisha Murray said that she is running for the 351st Criminal District Court. Her website is www.murray4judge.com.
Bruce Mosier said that he is a candidate for Judge of the 190th Civil District Court. He announced that he will have a campaign fundraiser soon in Kobain, the club at 33 Waugh Drive that is located behind Chatter’s Restaurant. The details will be provided shortly.
Kevin Hoffman commented, "that pretty much concludes our presentations from the candidates this morning".
When someone recommended that it would be advisable to just vote the straight ticket "D" in upcoming elections, Mary Kay Green retorted that it would be better when voting to punch each individual race on the ballot because of concerns about ballot integrity. She said she would feel more secure in believing that the votes will really be counted.
Vicki Bellow related the Treasurer’s Report that we have $2,282.58 in the bank.
Jim Dougherty, the Democratic candidate for District Attorney in 2000, spoke on behalf of C.O. ("Clarence" Bradford, this year’s candidate for District Attorney. He gave a "personal plug" for Clarence, who is a former Chief of the Houston Police.
Kevin Hoffman adjourned the meeting at 10:15 AM.
Henry Weissborn
