Houston/Harris County, TX Focus

News from Houston/Harris County:

Chicken Hawk Michael Berry talks a big game

Reentry focus of House committee, prison ministry at end of June

Are you ready for a hurricane? Houston, Galveston may not be

Ed Emmett's Elections Czar is needed. Or not.

Texas' latest DNA exoneration implicates Houston crime lab

Houston Community College police officer accused of racial profiling

More Republican Racism: Harris County GOP: Hispanics are freeloaders

Houston Mayor Annise Parker Needs To Make Greater Distinction Between Stormtroopers and Jedi Knights

Tracking Texas court races


EVENTS:

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

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.

Harris County Democratic Party Brunch Honoring African American Trailblazers
Date: Saturday June 5, 2010
Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: CWA Banquet Hall, 1730 Jefferson, Houston 77003
The Harris County Democratic Party invites you to join us at a brunch honoring African American Trailblazers in our community on June 5th at the CWA Banquet Hall. Tickets are $35 per person. Sponsorships are available. All funds benefit the Harris County Democratic Party PAC. Contact Erica Fowler at 713-802-0085 or email erica@hcdp.org for information.

Harris County Democratic Party Brown Bag Lunch on the Houston Fire Department
Date: Tuesday June 8, 2010
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
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.

HFD's Raul Reyes will be the guest speaker.

Houston Area Stonewall Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Tuesday June 8, 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

I-10 East Democrats Meeting
Date: Tuesday June 8, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every other month on the second Tuesday.
Type: Club Event (Public)
Location: El Toro Mexican Restaurant, 5810 Garth Rd, Baytown TX 77521
Meets 2nd Tuesday of even-numbered months, but date can vary based on speaker availability.

Contact Don Coffey, President, at 281-787-0002, don@coffeyforjudge.com.

Galleria Area Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Tuesday June 8, 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 June 9, 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

Houston Black American Democrats Meeting
Date: Thursday June 10, 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

Tejano Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Thursday June 10, 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 June 10, 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.

Battleground Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Thursday June 10, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the second Thursday.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: Community Activity Center in Deer Park, 610 E. San Augustine, Room #17 (or #18, depending on sheduling)
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.

TGIF Coffee Break at Harris County Democratic Party
Date: Friday June 11, 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.

Greater Heights Democratic Club Monthly Meeting
Date: Saturday June 12, 2010
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: Chicago Pizza & Beef, 1777 Airline Dr., Houston, TX 77009
Over the next few months, we will be visiting some new locations in the Heights area for our meetings. So be sure to check out our web site for meeting locations.

Please plan on joining us on May 8th & June 12th, 2010, at 10am, at
Chicago Pizza & Beef, 1777 Airline Dr., Houston, TX 77009
Yes they serve Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Our Next Two Speakers will be as follows:
May 8th—HISD Trustee - Anna Eastman
June 12th—State Senator - Mario Gallegos

Call 713-305-5468 or email kjhman12002@yahoo.com for further information. Visit our website at www.ghdc.org.

Harris County Democratic Party Open House
Date: Saturday June 12, 2010
Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: HCDP, 1445 N Loop West, Suite 110, Houston 77008
Join HCDP for an Open House on Saturday, June 12, from 11am to 1pm, at the HCDP headquarters, located at 1445 North Loop West, Suite 110, Houston TX 77008. This is the perfect opportuntity to tour the Coordinated Campaign office and meet the campaign staff. In addition, you'll get to meet the incoming chairs of our committees and working groups and learn more about upcoming events. Call HCDP at 713-802-0085 or email martha@hcdp.org for more information.

Houston Stonewall Young Democrats MONTHLY MEETING
Date: Monday June 14, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the second Monday.
Type: Club Event (Public)
Location: Stags Head Pub, 2128 Portsmouth Street, Houston, TX 77098-4057
HSYD General Meetings are the 2nd Monday of each month at the Stags Head Pub, 2128 Portsmouth Street, Houston, TX 77098-4057, from 6:30-8:30pm.

HSYD Monthly Happy Hours are the last Friday of each month. Location varies but announced on website:
www.houstonstonewallyd.com.

For more information, contact Brad Pritchett, 713.898.9734.

1960 Area Democrats Monthly Meeting
Date: Monday June 14, 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.

River Oaks Area Democratic (ROAD) Women Monthly Meeting
Date: Tuesday June 15, 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 June 15, 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 June 15, 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 June 16, 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 June 17, 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 June 18, 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 Dems MONTHLY MEETING (resched)
Date: Saturday June 19, 2010
Time: 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Type: Club Event (Public)
Location: IHOP--International House of Pancakes, 8607 SW Fwy (at S Gessner), Houston 77074
To avoid conflicting with the state Democratic convention, the Sharpstown Democrats will meet on Sat, Jun 19, instead of Jun 26 (regular meeting day). The meeting on Jun 19 also has a different time and location. See below:

June Sharpstown Dems meeting
Date: Saturday, June 19th
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: IHOP--International House of Pancakes, 8607 Southwest Freeway (at S. Gessner), Houston, TX 77074
FYI- everyone is responsible for paying for their own meal

For more information, contact Joyce Akins, President, 713-560-5275 cell

West Houston Democratic Club Monthly Meeting
Date: Saturday June 19, 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

Harris County Democratic Party Pride Parade Workshop
Date: Saturday June 19, 2010
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: HCDP, 1445 N Loop W, Suite 110, Houston, TX 77008
Bring your energy and artistic skills to the HCDP office to hlep create the HCDP entry in the 2010 Pride Parade. Contact Kevin Hoffman at kjhman12002@yahoo.com for information.

Neighborhood Democrats of Galveston Co. Meeting
Date: Monday June 21, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the third Monday.
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: Peppers Steak and Seafood, I-45 @ FM 518, League City
Neighborhood Democrats of Galveston County will meet on the third Monday of each month (except Dec.), 7:00 PM, at Peppers Steak and Seafood on I 45 Northbound @ FM 518 in the Kroger shopping center. The street address is 220 Gulf Fwy. S., League City. If you wish to eat come early. No purchase necessary. The website is www.neighborhooddemocrats.org

Contact H. J. (Jim) Brown, 832-415-4490 for information.

Meyerland Area Democratic Club Meeting
Date: Monday June 21, 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 June 21, 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 June 21, 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

Harris County Young Democrats General Meeting
Date: Tuesday June 22, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the fourth 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 June 22, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the fourth 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 June 23, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the fourth 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.

Northwest Crossing Area Democrats Club Meeting
Date: Thursday June 24, 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 June 24, 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 June 25, 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.

2010 Pride Houston Parade
Date: Saturday June 26, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Type: Appointment (Public)
Location: Montrose area Houston
The 2010 Pride Houston Parade will start at 8:45 pm. Parade lineup begins at 12 noon. All entries must be in place and ready to roll by 7 pm. ROAD Women will coordinate the HCDP entry. Contact Diane Mosier at dianemosier@sbcglobal.net for information.

Texas Democratic Women in Harris County
Date: Monday June 28, 2010
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Repeat: This event repeats every month on the last 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

Texas Democratic Women of Fort Bend County Meeting
Date: Wednesday June 30, 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.

Cy-Fair Area Democratic Club--BARBARA RADNOFSKY TO SPEAK
Date: Thursday July 1, 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 July 2, 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.


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.


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