From Wednesday night’s meeting of the Houston GLBT Political Caucus:
The Houston Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgendered Political Caucus met on Wednesday evening to endorse candidates in the 2009 Houston municipal elections as well as HISD Board of Trustee elections.
Those candidates screened and then endorsed by majority vote of the membership assembled are:
- Ronald Green Houston City Controller
- Lane Lewis Houston City Council District A
- Anne Clutterbuck Houston City Council District C
- Wanda Adams Houston City Council District D
- Michael Laster Houston City Council District F
- Ed Gonzales Houston City Council District H
- James Rodriguez Houston City Council District I
- Herman Litt Council At Large, Position 1
- Sue Lovell Council At Large Position 2
- Melissa Noriega Council At Large Position 3
- Noel Freeman Council At Large Position 4
- Jolanda “JO” Jones Council At Large Position 5
- Alma L. Lara HISD Trustee, District I
Previously endorsed for the Office of Mayor is the Honorable Annise Parker
No endorsements were given in Districts B, E, and G. I was there for some of this, though I was outside with the candidates and campaign managers while most of the debate took place. I’m told it was a fairly close vote for At Large #1, as Karen Derr had a decent amount of support. I did step inside for the debate over At Large #5. Carlos Obando had some supporters who spoke on his behalf, but Council Member Jolanda Jones had many more, and in the end she won the endorsement handily.
I have reprinted several press releases from candidates who received the HGLBTPC endorsement beneath the fold. Click on to see them.
UPDATE: Added one more press release.
Councilmember Jolanda “Jo” Jones Wins
Landslide Endorsement from Houston GLBT PAC
Houston, TX – Councilmember Jolanda “Jo” Jones won the endorsement of the Houston GLBT PAC in a landslide vote last night. More than 100 people were present for the voting.
“I am honored to have received this endorsement from an organization dedicated to fighting for equality for all Houstonians,” said Jones. “I’ve been a member of the HGLBT Caucus for many years – and so has my son. I’ve often told him that politics can be a rough and passionate sport; but most of the time the people will respect those who stand up and fight for what they believe.
“Thank you to the members of the Caucus for putting your trust in me.”
HGLBT Political Caucus Unanimously EndorsesVice Mayor Pro Tem Sue LovellHouston, TX – Vice Mayor Pro Tem Sue Lovell won the unanimous endorsement of the Houston GLBT Caucus last night. The crowded meeting had a near-record attendance.
“I cannot begin to say how honored I am to have the enthusiastic support of this organization. As a former president of the Caucus, I consider this group part of my political family – and you always want your family behind you when you’ve got a tough job to do.
“Houston is in great shape – but in today’s economy we have to work especially hard when it comes to keeping our neighborhoods strong, our streets safe, and our quality of life high. I appreciate the work of the Caucus in making sure that the promise of Houston is available to every Houstonian and every Houston family.”
NOEL FREEMAN RECEIVES ENDORSEMENT OF
HOUSTON GLBT POLITICAL CAUCUSHOUSTON, TX – Noel Freeman, candidate for Houston City Council, At-Large Position 4, received the endorsement of the Houston GLBT Political Caucus at the organization’s monthly membership meeting held Wednesday night. Freeman’s endorsement was approved in a virtually unanimous vote.“I am proud to receive the endorsement of the Houston GLBT Political Caucus, and I am committed to promoting a Houston that is inclusive and full of opportunities for all of our citizens.” Freeman said.Noel Freeman has served as an administrator for Houston’s Public Works Department for five years and owns a small business. He has spent his career dedicated to service with the US Air Force as an intelligence analyst for the National Security Agency and Air Intelligence agency, with the National Archives, and as a Congressional aide. Noel has consistently been recognized for his achievement and contributions to the community.Noel is running for City Council to rescue our dated infrastructure, strengthen our neighborhoods and small businesses, and increase police and first responder forces.For more information please visit www.NoelFreeman.com.
LANE LEWIS ANNOUNCES HGLBT CAUCUS ENDORSEMENT
Houston, Texas – City Council District A candidate Lane Lewis this week earned the endorsement of the HGLBT Caucus.
“I am a honored to have earned the support and endorsement of the HGLBT Caucus,” said Lewis.
“I look forward to working with the Mayor and fellow Council Members while serving all constituents throughout District A. Houston is facing tough economic times and my campaign, based on affordability, accessibility, and accountability, will help guide Houston to brighter times.”
Lane Lewis has dedicated his life to serving the people of Houston. As the proud son of a teacher and factory supervisor, Lane understood from an early age the value of hard work and helping others. As a social worker and elementary school teacher Lane helps at-risk youth reach their potential; as a past advisor to the Houston Police Department, Lane offered leadership to help reduce crime; and as our next District A City Council Member, Lane will address our neighborhood problems, seek the community’s input, and demand solutions, all while keeping a close eye on how your tax dollars are spent.
For more information, visit www.LaneLewis.com
HERMAN LITT WINS ENDORSEMENT FROM HOUSTON GLBT PAC
For immediate release
August 7, 2009
Houston, TX—Herman Litt, former Chairman of the Board of the Houston Community College System, won the endorsement of the HGLBT Caucus Wednesday night in his race for City Council At-Large Position 1. The crowded room gave their support to Litt, who has been a member & supporter of the Caucus for many years.
“I am extremely honored to have the endorsement of an organization that has helped make Houston a more respectful and inclusive place to live. My thanks to the members of the Caucus for their confidence in me to assume this very important leadership position in our great city.”
Herman Litt is a native Houstonian who has spent his entire professional career as a vocational rehabilitation counselor and healthcare administrator helping people get the most out of their lives. As a Houston Community College Trustee he managed a $200 million budget while creating more opportunities for college access for all Houstonians. He worked on the safety & security of neighborhoods while President of Southwest Houston 2000. His greatest achievements in life have come from building consensus, from working with people, from listening, cooperating and bringing people together. And that’s what he intends to do when he represents you on the Houston City Council!
For more information, please visit www.HermanLitt.com.
HGLBT Caucus Goes Green In City Controller Race
(Houston, TX) The Houston Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgendered (HGLBT) Political Caucus has endorsed Ronald Green in the race for Houston City Controller. Green, a three-term At-Large City Council Member, is running to succeed current Controller Annise Parker, who is term-limited and running for Mayor.“I am honored to receive the support of the HGLBT Caucus,” Green said. “For decades, the Caucus has fought for the civil rights of all Houstonians, and I am grateful this organization has deemed me a worthy successor to Controller Parker.”
Ronald Green has served as an At-Large Council Member since 2004. He chaired the City’s Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee, overseeing the city’s annual budget of nearly $4 billion. His public service experience and strong grounding in financial policy uniquely qualify him to protect the City’s financial integrity during the current economic downturn.
As Controller, Green will help control spending and act as a check-and-balance on the competing interests before the executive and legislative branches of city government. He will have the independent authority to conduct performance reviews of the city bureaucracy to make sure Houston has a modern, efficient city government worthy of the taxpayers who foot the bills and expect high-quality, low-cost customer service in return.
Green earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Houston, as well as a law degree from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He is licensed to practice law in the State of Texas, the District of Columbia, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court. Green is also a licensed real estate broker.
Green is a founding partner of his own law firm and a member of the UH Alumni Organization, UH Black Alumni Association, Thurgood Marshall School of Law Alumni Association, Government Finance Officers Association, National Association of Bond Lawyers, Houston Lawyers Association, and Leadership Houston Class XXIII. He is married to Judge Hilary Harmon Green, Justice of the Peace, Harris County Precinct Seven, Place 1. They have a son, are active in their community and attend Windsor Village United Methodist Church.
For more information please visit RonaldGreen.com.