Tag Archives: Election 2019

The firefighters have a new enemy

Posted on May 9, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

It’s a renewable resource. Houston City Councilman David Robinson said he returned $7,500 in campaign contributions from the city’s firefighter union because of ethical concerns. Robinson was one of two council members who said they received text messages from Houston Professional Fire … Continue reading →

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First test drive of Harris County voting centers

Posted on May 8, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

Overall I thought things went well for the Saturday election – final results were all in by 9 PM or so – but Campos observed a few issues. Commentary is all for the voting centers on Election Day. If my … Continue reading →

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Metro’s challenge

Posted on May 7, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

It’s all about BRT. Houston transit officials are betting on bus rapid transit as a big part of the region’s long-term plans, at times going as far as calling it the “wave of the future.” If seeing is believing, however, … Continue reading →

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May 4 election results

Posted on May 5, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

The hottest race was in San Antonio. With more than 81 percent of the precincts counted, Mayor Ron Nirenberg took a nearly 3-point lead against Councilman Greg Brockhouse, but it likely won’t be enough to avoid a runoff to determine … Continue reading →

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Mediation fails to achieve Prop B agreement

Posted on May 5, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

I have three things to say about this. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner on Friday said a court-appointed mediator has declared negotiations between the city and firefighters union over the implementation of Proposition B at impasse, potentially leaving the future of … Continue reading →

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Today is May Election Day

Posted on May 4, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

From the inbox: Harris County Kicks Off First Election With Countywide Polling Place Program Houston, TX– Saturday, May 4, 2019, is Election Day for approximately 708,000 eligible voters in Harris County.  This election is the first since being approved for a … Continue reading →

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Layoffs and demotions

Posted on May 3, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

I’m so ready for this to be resolved. Houston firefighters have started to receive layoff notices amid the implementation of Proposition B, Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association President Marty Lancton said in a statement Wednesday. Houston City Council voted last … Continue reading →

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Looks like we’re headed for a vote on Daylight Saving Time

Posted on April 24, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

Ugh. On Tuesday, The Texas House passed the first proposal in a two-part legislative plan that would kill twice-a-year time changes and let voters decide in November on Texas’ permanent time. The measure passed on a 133-9 vote. Proposals to … Continue reading →

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Off and running for Council

Posted on April 24, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

I confess I haven’t paid very much attention to the Houston city races so far. Part of that is the existential angst I feel at being forced to take seriously anything Bill King or Tony Buzbee says, and part of … Continue reading →

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Early voting for the May elections has begun

Posted on April 23, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

From the inbox: Early Voting for the May 4, 2019 Joint Election starts Monday, April 22 and ends on Tuesday, April 30. During that period, Harris County voters may vote at any of the 25 Early Voting locations designated throughout … Continue reading →

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No backsies for Chick-fil-A in San Antonio

Posted on April 20, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

Since I mentioned there would be a re-vote, I figured you’d want to know how it went. By a 6-5 margin, San Antonio’s City Council on Thursday narrowly rejected a proposal from mayoral contender Greg Brockhouse to revisit a controversial … Continue reading →

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Once again with EMILY’s List and the Senate

Posted on April 12, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

Pretty much the same story as before, but still worth noting. Democratic Rep. Joaquin Castro is considering jumping into the Texas Senate race, but he might not have the primary to himself if EMILY’s List gets its way. The influential … Continue reading →

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Interview with Nabila Mansoor

Posted on April 10, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

Another city having its municipal elections next month is Sugar Land in Fort Bend County. Fort Bend was one of the epicenters of the emerging Democratic majority in Texas suburban counties, as Dems swept the countywide races there last year. … Continue reading →

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Interview with Steve Halvorson

Posted on April 8, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

It’s April in an odd-numbered year, and that means that a number of cities and school districts around Texas are gearing up for their elections, which take place in May. Houston does not have such elections – ours will be … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2019 | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

How many rail lines to Hobby do we need?

Posted on April 7, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

Maybe just one. Metropolitan Transit Authority board members on Thursday agreed to plan on one light rail line to Hobby Airport, as opposed to the two initially proposed as part of the agency’s long-term transportation plan. The first draft of … Continue reading →

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Judge tosses Dave Wilson’s lawsuit against HCC

Posted on March 29, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

Sorry, Dave. A judge has dismissed a lawsuit against Houston Community College that had been filed by one of the Board of Trustee’s controversial members. Dave Wilson claimed in a lawsuit that the college violated his First and 14th Amendment … Continue reading →

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The Harris County poll you didn’t really need

Posted on March 23, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

From the inbox: Sponsored by HRBC, a survey was released today that reveals many insights into Harris County voters and their feelings towards political leaders and important issues facing Harris County. “While Harris County voters feel very differently about various … Continue reading →

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Lopez wins in HD125

Posted on March 13, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

We are officially back at 67 Dems. Democrats easily kept control of a Texas House seat Tuesday night, holding off another push by the state’s top Republicans to flip a solidly blue district in a special election runoff. With all … Continue reading →

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Today is Runoff Day in HD125

Posted on March 12, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

Let’s not eff this up, shall we? The day after Ray Lopez advanced to the special election runoff for House District 125 last month, he called his three former Democratic opponents and asked for their support against Republican Fred Rangel. … Continue reading →

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Firefighter layoffs

Posted on March 10, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

Hoo boy. Mayor Sylvester Turner plans to lay off up to 400 firefighters as he prepares to award pay raises required by Proposition B, the voter-approved charter amendment that grants firefighters the same pay as police of corresponding rank, according … Continue reading →

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What’s wrong with the I-45 expansion plan?

Posted on March 10, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

Urban planner Jeff Speck, in a recent lecture in Houston, lays out the following problems with the planned I-45 expansion: The brief list of negatives include: I-45 will wreck your bayou parks. I-45 will destroy wildlife habitat. I-45 will make … Continue reading →

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Turner officially announces his re-election bid

Posted on March 8, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

And he’s off. Mayor Sylvester Turner made it official Wednesday, launching his re-election campaign for Houston’s top elected office. Turner announced the news in a 96-second video that appeared on a revamped campaign website, where the mayor also posted notice … Continue reading →

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Morales wins HD145

Posted on March 6, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

Here’s the election night report. The margin was basically 61-39 with 42 of 45 precincts reporting, and turnout in the 3,000 range. Morales’ election fills two of the seats that were vacated by resignations following the November election. Dems won … Continue reading →

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Metro working on sidewalks

Posted on March 5, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

I heartily approve of this. Metropolitan Transit Authority is taking the lead on leveling sidewalks and bus stops to give riders an easier path to transit — or, in some cases, actual access to it. “This is a model of … Continue reading →

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Today is Runoff Day in HD145

Posted on March 5, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

From the Inbox: Tuesday, March 5, 2019, is Election Day for voters in Texas State Representative District 145. There will be 27 Voting Locations open from 7 am to 7 pm. Voters may visit the County Clerk’s election page, www.harrisvotes.com … Continue reading →

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Final EV totals in HD145

Posted on March 3, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

A bit less than Round One so far. Early voting in the House District 145 special election runoff ended Friday with a spike in turnout, though only a small fraction of registered voters have cast ballots so far in the … Continue reading →

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Today is the last day to vote early in HD145

Posted on March 1, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

Not many people have so far. I expect today will pick up as it usually does – better weather will help – but it’s been a quiet affair so far. Here’s where you need to go to vote, in case … Continue reading →

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HD145 runoff early voting: More mail ballots

Posted on February 27, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

We are now two days into the early voting period for the HD145 special election runoff. Here’s your Day 2 EV report. Four hundred and seventy-four votes have been cast so far, which is more than the first four days … Continue reading →

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Early voting begins tomorrow for the HD145 runoff

Posted on February 24, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

From the inbox: Early Voting for the March 5, 2019 Special Runoff Election For State Representative District 145 begins Monday, February 25 and ends Friday, March 1.  During the five day Early Voting period, five locations will be available to … Continue reading →

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January 2019 campaign finance reports: HCC

Posted on February 21, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

Here’s our last group of finance reports for people on the ballot in 2019, HCC Trustees. You can find the full list of finance reports here, which includes PACs and past candidates/Trustees. They’re listed alphabetically by first name and the … Continue reading →

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On special election runoff turnout and HD125

Posted on February 19, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

I figured a story like this was inevitable after Round One of the HD125 special election, in which Republican Fred Rangel got 38% of the vote and four Democrats combined to take the rest, with three of them being close … Continue reading →

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There is no longer a ban on federal funds for rail on Richmond

Posted on February 19, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

This is about as bittersweet as it gets. There are no plans to build light rail on Richmond, but for the first time in a long time there is nothing stopping Metro from asking for federal funds to help pay … Continue reading →

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Once again with Booker T

Posted on February 18, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

On the one hand, I admire what he’s trying to do. On the other hand, I completely disagree with how he’s going about it. Pro wrestler Booker T. Huffman is in a real fight to actualize his run for mayor … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2019 | Tagged , , , , | 14 Comments

On to the runoff in HD125

Posted on February 13, 2019 by Charles Kuffner

We could still have a recount, given how close the race for second place was. A Republican and a Democrat are moving on to a runoff in the race to replace ex-state Rep. Justin Rodriguez, D-San Antonio, in a traditionally … Continue reading →

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