Houston/Harris County, TX Focus

Diane Trautman for Harris County Tax Assessor

Democracy for America has endorsed Diane Trautman for Harris County Tax Assessor. Here is her statement to DFA:

Background:

I have a Bachelors degree in English and a Masters degree in Education from the University of Houston as well as a Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from Sam Houston State University. I have over 30 years combined administrative and leadership experience in banking and education. Not only have I led large organizations, I teach others to do the same as a professor of education at Stephen F. Austin State University. As an active member of several chambers of commerce, community organizations, and Democratic clubs, I stay in touch with the needs of the community. I am proud to be wife to a very understanding husband, mother of three outstanding children, and grandmother of an adorable grandchild who all support me in my desire to bring ethical leadership to the Harris County Tax Office.

Goals:

In 2008, I was proud to be the Democratic nominee for Harris County Tax Assessor, proud to receive over half a million votes, and proud to be endorsed by the Houston Chronicle twice, once for the general election and once for the appointment after my opponent decided to quit 3 weeks after he was elected. The appointed interim tax assessor has had 2 lawsuits filed against him and now has a pending Department of Justice investigation on voter registration irregularities in that office.

As a result I feel that public trust in this office is at an all time low. So at the urging of family, friends, and supporters, I made the decision to run again for HCTA in 2010 to restore public trust and improve customer service in that office. As a professor of education, I teach my graduate students to be ethical leaders and the importance of earning their customers trust. I intend to do the same as Harris County Tax Assessor.

Issues:

1. Due to my 2008 opponent resigning under a shroud of suspicion and lawsuits filed against the current tax assessor,one of the biggest issues constituents face is a lack of trust in the tax office. I will address this by running a more transparent office and modeling ethical and appropriate office holder behavior.

2. Another issue for constituents is lack of customer service, specifically in the area of voter registration. Last year, thousands of voters were dropped from the rolls and thousands of provisional ballots were not counted in a timely manner. I will address this by developing a voter registration system that is fair, inclusive and works for all Harris County citizens and will promote community outreach and voter education throughout the county year round.

3. Adequate staffing and training is a big problem in the Harris County Tax office. The past two tax assessors have cut staff in vitally important parts of the office and have had several department heads who have been accused of conflict of interest by using their position to influence voters. I would do a needs assessment for staffing all parts of the office immediately upon taking office, implement employee training programs for ethical behavior, and get rid of all political appointee department heads who know nothing about running the tax office.

Please volunteer for Trautman's campaign or if you can't do that, please contribute.


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EVENTS:

This comes from the Harris County Democratic Party: (selected events, they have more on their website)

1960 Area Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Monday May 10, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the second Monday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: Doss Community Center, 2500 Frick Rd
Street: 2500 Frick Rd
City/State/Zip: Houston
Phone: 281-583-1174
Meets 2nd Monday¸ 7:00 PM at Doss Community Center¸ 2500 Frick Road. Frick is off Veterans Memorial HWY (Steubner Airline) about 5 miles S of FM 1960
For more information contact Jack Carney, 281-583-1174.

Harris County Democratic Party Brown Bag Lunch
Date: Tuesday May 11, 2010
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the second Tuesday.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: HCDP Headquarters, 1445 North Loop West, #110 (exit Ella Blvd.)
The Brown Bag Lunch is a monthly event of the Harris County Democratic Party, held at our offices, 1445 North Loop West (exit Ella Blvd.) Come meet Fellow Democrats. You bring your lunch, we provide the soft drinks.

Houston Area Stonewall Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Tuesday May 11, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the second Tuesday.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: Harris County Democratic Party Headquarters, 1445 N. Loop W. , Suite 110 , Houston, TX 77008
Stonewall Dems and their allies meet each month.

For further info: email houstonareastonewalldemocrats@gmail.com or call 832-474-3926.
visit our website:
www.houstonareastonewalldemocrats.com

Bellaire Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Tuesday May 11, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the second Tuesday.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: Check website for Meeting locations http://www.bellairedemocrats.org/
The Bellaire Democrats meet the second Tuesday of the month EXECPT In: June, July, August, and December. Locations vary, check website for meeting locations http://www.bellairedemocrats.org/. For more info contact Margo Kendrick, President. Phone: 713-665-4409 Email: agabee@aol.com
or Patrick Durio, Treasurer, Bellaire Democrats 832-423-4038.

Galleria Area Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Tuesday May 11, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the second Tuesday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: Little Napoli Italian Restaurant, 6445 Westheimer (between Hilcroft and Winrock)
Join Galleria Area Democrats at their monthly meeting at Napoli Italian Restaurant, 6445 Westheimer, between Hillcroft and Winrock. The meeting starts at 7 pm. Food and drink will be served before and during the meeting. Contact Janice Weiss for more information at 713-532-4418 or janicerosew@yahoo.com

Bay Area New Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Wednesday May 12, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the second Wednesday.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: Harris County Courthouse Bay Area Annex, 16603 Buccaneer, Houston 77062
BAND meets at 7 pm every second Wed. of the month at the Harris County Courthouse Bay Area Annex at 16603 Buccaneer, Houston, 77062 in the second floor courtroom. The meeting begins at 7 pm with a guest speaker, the club business meeting follows. Contact Don Rhorer for more information at 281-488-5046 or email drhorer99@earthlink.net

Harris County Democratic Party Young Professional Happy Hour event with Silvia Mintz
Date: Thursday May 13, 2010
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: Cinco Mexican Restaurant, 1603 North Westgreen Blvd, Katy, TX
This is a networking meet & greet event targeted towards young democrats to meet with Silvia Mintz in district 132.

Houston Black American Democrats Meeting
Date: Thursday May 13, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the second Thursday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: Location: Judge Zinetta Burney's, Pct. 7, Position 2 Courtroom, 5300 Griggs Road, Houston Texas 77021
Contact: Gabriel Hadnot 713-697-6732.
gmhadnot@aol.com

Battleground Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Thursday May 13, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the second Thursday.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: Deer Park Community Center, 610 E. San Augustine, Deer Park, TX
The Battleground Democrats meet the 2nd Thursday evening of each month at the Deer Park Coummunity Center located 610 E. San Augustine at 7:00 p.m. For more information contact Gene Hayman, President at ehayman@aol.com or 281-479-4579.

Tejano Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Thursday May 13, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the second Thursday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: HCDP HQs, 1445 North Loop West, Ste 110
Harris County Tejano Democrats meet every month on 2nd Thursday at 7pm. Visit our website at www.hctejanos.org.
For more information, contact Sandra Puente(chair)email:HCTD01@aol.com 713-864-4700.

Alief Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Thursday May 13, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the second Thursday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: Benny's Mexican Restaurant, Westheimer and Eldridge, Houston
Monthly meeting of the Alief Democrats is changed to the second Thursday of each month. Come early ( 6:00 or 6:30 ) if you wish to eat early-great Mexican food. PLEASE NOTE! WE ARE NO LONGER MEETING ON SATURDAY MORNING. For more information e-mail lhatlen@aol.com or call 281 493 3107.

TGIF Coffee Break at Harris County Democratic Party
Date: Friday May 14, 2010
Time: 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Repeat: This event repeats every week.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: HCDP HQ 1445 N Loop W, ste 110, Houston 77008
Stop by for coffee and conversation at the HCDP office on Friday from 9:30 to 11 am. Email martha@hcdp.org for more information.

Consumer Rights Electricity Workshop
Date: Saturday May 15, 2010
Time: 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: CWA Union Hall, 1730 Jefferson, Houston 77003
St. Rep. Sylvester Turner and Houston City Council Member Sue Lovell are hosting a Consumer Rights Electricity Workshop (CREW) on Saturday May 15, 2010, from 9:30 to 2:30 at the CWA Hall, 1730 Jefferson, in Houston. This event will be a community meeting focused on creating an educational and informational forum for consumers in the restructured electricity market in the State of Texas. The purpose of the event will be to educate consumers on the restructured market, products, pricing, social services, and cost/energy consumption cutting measures in the electricity marketplace. There will also be a strong emphasis on an understanding of consumer rights, how to effectively advocate for policy changes, and a discussion of important electricity issues the state will face in the 2011 Legislative Session.

If you are able to attend this event, please RSVP by contacting Cory Henrickson by phone at (512)-463-0554, or (866) 886-8900 or by email at cory.henrickson@house.state.tx.us. Thank you for your consideration and timely response.

West Houston Democratic Club Monthly Meeting
Date: Saturday May 15, 2010
Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the third Saturday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: Tracy Gee Community Center - 3599 Westcenter
For more information please contact Jimmy Dunne, President of the West Houston Democratic Club, at jimmydunne@sbcglobal.net

Meyerland Area Democratic Club Meeting
Date: Monday May 17, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:45 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the third Monday.
Type: Club Event (Public)
Location: Fadi's Mediterranean Grill 4738 Beechnut (across from Meyerland Plaza)
Join Meyerland Dems for a spirited discussion, grassroots democracy and excellent food from Fadi's Restaurant, located at 4738 Beechnut, across from Meyerland, at 7:00 (earlier, if you want to join in our pre-meeting schmooze).

More information can be found at www.meydems.org

For more information, contact Alan Guttman, President, at info@meydems.org, or go to website www.meydems.org.

Fort Bend County Democratic Party
Date: Monday May 17, 2010
Time: 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the third Monday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: 500 Liberty, Richmond, Texas - Jane Long Building
website: www.fbcdp.org

Area 5 Democrats Meeting
Date: Monday May 17, 2010
Time: 7:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the third Monday.
Type: Club Event (Public)
Location: USW Union Hall, 311 Pasadena Blvd., Pasadena, TX (formerly PACE Union Hall)
For more information please contact Area 5 Chair: Jimmy Serrano at jfser@earthlink.net or (713)649-8838

River Oaks Area Democratic (ROAD) Women Monthly Meeting
Date: Tuesday May 18, 2010
Time: 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the third Tuesday.
Type: Club Event (Public)
Location: St. Stephens Church, West Alabama at Woodhead, Houston, Texas
Join the legendary River Oaks Area Democratic (R.O.A.D.) Women at their monthly meeting every third Tuesday at St. Stephens Church, located at West Alabama and Woodhead. Social interaction, including refreshments, begins at 5:30 p.m. Meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. Contact roadway@roadwomen.com for more information.

East End Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Tuesday May 18, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the third Tuesday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: 708 Telephone Rd., Houston,TX 77023
East End Democrats, a Democratic club focusing on the area east of downtown, North of the Gulf Fwy, west of the East Loop and south of Buffalo Bayou, meets the third Tuesday of each month at bohemeo\'s, an art/coffee bar. bohemeo\'s is located just 2 miles south of downtown 708 Telephone Rd. inside the Tlaquepaque Plaza.Coming south on I 45 from DT, take the Cullen exit, turn left on to Cullen, go to Leeland, take a right. After crossing Lockwood take a right onto Tlaquepaque Plaza....go through the arch way and you\'re here!!!!If your coming north on I 45 take the Elgin/Lockwood exit, take a right on Lockwood, before you cross Leeland/Telephone, take a right into The Plaza...you\'ll know when you see the big pink outdoor stage!For more information e-mail judy.craft@gmail.com.

Katy Area Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Tuesday May 18, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the third Tuesday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: Chesterfield Club House, 1707 Briarchester (off Mason at Chesterwick).
NEW MEETING LOCATION: Chesterfield Club House, 1707 Briarchester (off Mason at Chesterwick). 6:30 p.m. social.

For more information please visit www.katydemocrats.net or contact Linda Sawyer, President at 281-455-8516.

Oak Forest Area Democrats Meeting
Date: Wednesday May 19, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the third Wednesday.
Type: Club Event (Public)
Location: Cazadores Mexican Restaurant 11031 Hwy 290 @W 34th
Phone: 713-670-4348 www.oakforestdems.org
Please note new location. Cazadores is in the Academy shopping center.

Spring Democratic Club Meeting
Date: Thursday May 20, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the third Thursday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: 4019 Rolling Terrace, Spring 77388
Meeting will be at the home of BERNARD and SANDY SMITH, 4019 Rolling Terrace Drive, Spring, TX 77388.

Social at 6:30 p.m., Meeting at 7:00 p.m.

For more information, call Sue Mallott, 281-353-1192.

TGIF Coffee Break at Harris County Democratic Party
Date: Friday May 21, 2010
Time: 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Repeat: This event repeats every week.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: HCDP HQ 1445 N Loop W, ste 110, Houston 77008
Stop by for coffee and conversation at the HCDP office on Friday from 9:30 to 11 am. Email martha@hcdp.org for more information.

Sharpstown Democrats Club Monthly Meeting
Date: Saturday May 22, 2010
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the fourth Saturday.
Type: Club Event (Public)
Location: Bayland Park Community Center, 6400 Bissonnet
Join the Sharpstown Democrats for their monthly meeting every 4th Saturday of the month at the Bayland Park Community Center located at 6400 Bissonnet, Houston, Texas. Contact Joyce Akins for info at 713-270-1318 or joyce_akins@hotmail.com.

Texas Democratic Women in Harris County
Date: Monday May 24, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the fourth Monday.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: HCDP HQ, 1445 N Loop W, Suite 110, Houston 77008
The Texas Democratic Women of Harris County will meet at the HCDP headquarters at 6:30 pm. Contact Barbara Gardner for more information at bjgardner@tuckervaughan.com

Harris County Young Democrats General Meeting
Date: Tuesday May 25, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the last Tuesday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: 1135 Oxford Hall, Houston TX 77008
A group of young progressives (ages 14-40) from all walks of life who are unified in dedication to social justice. We meet monthly to discuss political issues and elections, as well as to volunteer for local campaigns and fundraise for local charities.

Harris County Democratic Party Evening Brown Bag
Date: Tuesday May 25, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the last Tuesday.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: HCDP, 1445 North Loop West, Suite 110, Houston 77008
Please join fellow democrats at their monthly evening Brown Bag Speaker Series, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, at the HCDP HQ.

Spring Branch Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Wednesday May 26, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the last Wednesday.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: Unitarian Fellowship-Houston, 1504 Wirt Road, Houston 77055-4919, 1 block NORTH of NE corner of Wirt & Westview
Join Spring Branch Democrats for their monthly meeting. The meet & greet begins at 6:30, & the meeting begins at 7:00.

Spring Branch Dems meets the 4th Wednesday of each month.
NOTE: Meeting location may sometimes vary – please check website (www.springbranchdemocrats.com) for location.

Contact crow_2004vote@hotmail.com or www.springbranchdemocrats.com, or call Anne at 713-467-9020 or Ann at (713) 468-5121.

Texas Democratic Women of Fort Bend County Meeting
Date: Wednesday May 26, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the last Wednesday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: First Colony Branch Library, 2121 Austin Parkway, Sugarland, TX
We meet the last Wednesday of each month. For more information e-mail Monica Garcia: TDWFB@aol.com.

Northwest Crossing Area Democrats Club Meeting
Date: Thursday May 27, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the last Thursday.
Type: Club Event (Public)
Location: Don Jose Mexican Restaurant, 5305 Antoine @ Pinemont
Meet & Greet 6:30pm, Meeting 7-8pm.
For Information: contact Secretary Pat Schoellkopf @ (713) 466-8200 or (713) 466-0008 or President / Chairperson – Bob Schoellkopf, Phone: (713) 682-3853, bobschoellkopf@yahoo.com

Oil Patch Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Thursday May 27, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the last Thursday.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: 1445 North Loop West, Ste 110, Houston 77008
Contact John Preston at 713-659-6444 for more information.

TGIF Coffee Break at Harris County Democratic Party
Date: Friday May 28, 2010
Time: 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Repeat: This event repeats every week.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: HCDP HQ 1445 N Loop W, ste 110, Houston 77008
Stop by for coffee and conversation at the HCDP office on Friday from 9:30 to 11 am. Email martha@hcdp.org for more information.

Democracy for Houston Monthly Meeting
Date: Wednesday June 2, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the first Wednesday.
Type: Meeting (Public)
Location: HCDP HQ, 1445 North Loop West, Ste. 110, Houston, TX
6:30 pm social; 7:00 pm meeting at 1445 N Loop West, Ste. 110, Houston, Texas 77008.

For more info contact Phillip McNutt at mgrnutt@yahoo.com.

Houston Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus
Date: Wednesday June 2, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the first Wednesday.
Type: Club Event (Public)
Location: Havens Center, 1827 W. Alabama (near Woodhead)
Street: Houston Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus
City/State/Zip: POB 66664, Houston Tx 77266-6664
Phone: 713 521 1000
Monthly club meeting.

Please note the new location for the monthly meetings is Havens Center, located near Alabama & Woodhead, 713-528-6665
Visit our web site: www.thecaucus.org

Kingwood Area Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Wednesday June 2, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the first Wednesday.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: Kings Crossing Apartments meeting room, 4545 Kingwood Dr, Houston 77345
Kingwood Area Democrats meet on the first Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. in the meeting room of the Kings Crossing Apartments, 4545 Kingwood Dr. (across from Randalls). Go to http://www.kingwoodareademocrats.org/ for more information.

Cy-Fair Area Dem Club--BILL WHITE to speak
Date: Thursday June 3, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: Bear Creek Community Center, 3055 Bear Creek Dr., Houston, Tx
Street: 3055 Bear Creek Drive
City/State/Zip: Houston, TX 77084
Join Cy-Fair Area Democrats on the first Thursday of every month. 6:30 p.m.--Meet and Greet; the program begins at 7:00 p.m. Most meetings wrap before 8:30 p.m. The meetings are held at Bear Creek Community Center, 3055 Bear Creek Dr, Houston, TX 77084. For further information contact Donna Bryant at schpinna@yahoo.com or call 832-633-1030.

TGIF Coffee Break at Harris County Democratic Party
Date: Friday June 4, 2010
Time: 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Repeat: This event repeats every week.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: HCDP HQ 1445 N Loop W, ste 110, Houston 77008
Stop by for coffee and conversation at the HCDP office on Friday from 9:30 to 11 am. Email martha@hcdp.org for more information.


BIODIESEL IN HARRIS COUNTY:

Biodiesel is an American produced fuel that is cleaner than traditional diesel. Up to B20 (a 20% blend of biodiesel and traditional diesel) any diesel engine, car or truck, can run on it. Above B20, some older engines may have problems but newer diesel engines should be ok. Here are some gas stations selling biodiesel near Houston:

ORourke Petroleum: 223 McCarty Street, Houston, TX 77029, 713-672-4500. Offers B20 (good in any diesel engine). CFN CARDLOCK ONLY

hyperfuels.com: 12969 W Hardy Frontage Toll Rd, Houston, TX 77037, 877-447-7207. Offers B100 (good in newer diesel engines, older engines may have problems). Open 9 AM - 5 PM.

Peachleaf Bio: 1611 Peachleaf St, Houston, TX 77039, 281-449-9500. Offers B99 (good in newer diesel engines, older engines may have problems). COOP SIGNUP NEEDED. Call for details. Open M-F 8-5.

Houston Biodiesel: 723 N Drennan Street, Houston, TX 77003, 713-222-0832. Offers B100 (good in newer diesel engines, older engines may have problems). Open 9:30-6 M-F; WEEKENDS CALL

American Greenfuels: 6421 Eppes St, Houston, TX 77087, 713-634-0033. Offers B99 (good in newer diesel engines, older engines may have problems). CALL FOR AVAILABILITY