2019 HOUSTON MAYORAL ELECTION PREVIEW HOUSTON, We Have Problems.

HOMELESS CONGESTION

FLOODING POTHOLES

EARLY VOTING IS OCTOBER 22ND - NOVEMBER 2ND, ELECTION DAY IS NOVEMBER 6TH HOUSTON WE HAVE PROBLEMS WHY SYLVESTER TURNER MUST NOT WIN A SECOND TERM By Gary Polland, TCR Editor-in-Chief

Why Sylvester The next question naturally is during his so-called “hiring freeze.” Turner Must Not which challenger provides the best There is also an issue of how Win a Second Term alternative to Turner, both in terms those officers are deployed. Of the of electability, and effectiveness, once approximately 5,200 on the payroll, “Houston we elected? First let’s review the case for more than half are sitting at desks, have a problem,” change demonstrated by the mounting not in cars patrolling our increasingly was the distress problems created or multiplied violent streets. That leaves a net of call heard around by the Turner administration. around 2,300 officers on the streets, the world. It was not nearly enough to patrol 669 a cry for help that engaged the best Public Safety—Turner’s Broken square miles transected by over and brightest minds from a control Promise Leads to More Crime 16,000 lane miles of roadways. By room near Clear Lake, a community contrast, the city of Chicago has not technically within the Houston Most citizens of Houston, or any approximately 13,500 officers, and city limits at that time. With steady city for that matter, would agree only leads Houston in population leadership, those minds went to that ensuring public safety should by less than a half million people. work and ultimately solved a near be government’s most important And then there is the growing gang impossible challenge, saving the lives job. Most politicians know this problem; there are currently over of the three Apollo 13 astronauts. 23,000 identified gang members Nearly half a century later, the city in the Houston area, which means of Houston finds itself in distress but the 2,300 police on the street without any steady leadership in the Turner was ill-prepared are outnumbered ten-to-one. control room to provide rescue or Mayor Sylvester broke a critical even a hope for rescue. In fact, under for the office, which is campaign promise and in doing so left the so-called leadership of Mayor why Houston has the our police department understaffed Sylvester Turner, the city’s problems and our citizens vulnerable. And at the time of Turner’s election four problems that it has; the result? Crime—both violent and years ago have only been exacerbated, and why they are only non-violent—continues to increase. while even more problems have getting worse. And solve rates for property crimes are been created by his administration. abhorrently low. Currently only about The worst of these problems 6% of home break-ins and burglaries are well documented—financial are ever solved. That means issues, looming underfunded fact—because it is usually reflected criminals have about a 94% chance of pension obligations, animosity in their polling—and campaign on success—much higher odds than a Las between first responders over pay public safety with the weight it Vegas casino or a $5 scratch-off ticket. parity, flooding, traffic congestion, deserves. Career politician Sylvester Burglary of a vehicle is even higher— increasing crime, dangerous and Turner is no different. In fact, there is an almost zero percent chance decaying infrastructure and an when he ran for mayor in 2015 he that one of those will be solved. exploding homeless population. promised to bolster HPD’s ranks by But wait, don’t think that Turner Then there is the stench of an additional 800 officers. How much has done nothing for police. After corruption rising from City Hall that progress has Turner made towards 3-and-a-half years of doing nothing, challenger Tony Buzbee decried and that campaign promise? Zero is the Turner has now leapt into action—just which fellow challengers Dwight answer. Actually the answer is less in time for an Election year—and Boykins and Bill King echoed. A than zero, since there are actually has approved five cadet classes for deeper dive into these problems and fewer police officers since Turner 2020. He also negotiated a 7% pay Turner’s failure to provide leadership took office. Turner blamed the lack of raise for police—which, coincidentally leads to one inevitable conclusion— progress in hiring police on a “hiring was followed by a police union 2 Houston cannot afford four more years freeze,” despite the fact that he endorsement for Turner just in time of Sylvester Turner! has managed to hire 693 municipal for the 2019 election. employees not related to public safety, Public Safety II—Firefighters Brave of their pensions. Thus when their for any potential risks to the public’s the Heat, but Left Out in the Cold pension was raided, the firefighters safety represented by the hostility by Turner demanded pay parity since Turner Turner created when he pitted first broke the terms of the agreement responders against each other. Speaking of endorsements…in under which parity was conceded. the 2015 election,Turner touted But Turner twisted the knife and Public Safety III—Would You Like a support by the police and firefighter refused. It was at that point that the Fire Truck With That Bandage? unions. That support naturally firefighter’s petition drive and long translated into votes; after all, if first Sightings of HFD ambulances march to Proposition B—a charter responders believe in a candidate, isn’t without a fire engine at an incident amendment for equal pay—began. a voter’s trust warranted as well? are as rare as those of the Loch Instead of letting voters decide the It could be argued that those Ness Monster. That’s because of issue, Turner fought tooth-and-nail endorsements, and the rank-and-file a City of Houston policy known as to keep the charter amendment off support that followed, were easily the the “All Hazards Response Policy” the ballot. Even after firefighters margin of victory for Turner, both in which results in the deployment of successfully collected the required getting into the runoff and winning firefighting equipment to incidents number of signatures to place the the runoff by just over 4,000 votes. It that may only require an EMS measure on the ballot, Turner and was not just the endorsements that response. Why is this important? his administration stonewalled the mattered; it was the enthusiastic It is because an overwhelming effort, and kept it off the ballot. support by the rank-and-file police number of HFD calls are medical When Prop B finally made its way and firefighters that made the in nature—in fact of the roughly on to the November 2018 ballot, an difference. These first responders 340,000 calls each year, nearly overwhelming majority of voters, worked for Turner—phoning and 300,000 are medical (2017 stats). 298,060 to be exact, approved the block walking—because he promised In full disclosure, this policy was measure in a 60% to 40% landslide. his support for them. He promised implemented prior to Turner, but But the fight wasn’t over. Turner to take care of them, back them up it is one that he has continued. vowed to reject the will of the people and not touch their pensions. So The implications for this policy are and fight it in the courts, leading how did Turner repay the support several; it places a strain on HFD Republican State District Judge of these first responders? resources—deploying fire equipment Randy Wilson to uphold it, clearing He immediately turned around and where it is not needed, and making the way for implementation. stabbed the firefighters in the back those resources unavailable should Unfortunately for the firefighters, by cutting their pension benefits by there be an actual fire emergency—as Judge Wilson and every other judge a staggering $150,000 per firefighter. well as wear and tear on both the on the ballot lost their elections. It is important to realize that these equipment, and on the streets on As soon as the new judges took were benefits that the firefighters which that heavy equipment operates. office at the beginning of 2019, had already earned and that at that Turner and his fire chief should be Wilson’s replacement—Judge time their pension was the healthiest held accountable for this policy that Tanya Garrison, a close ally of and best funded of the three continues to put Houstonians at risk. Sylvester Turner’s—reversed her pensions—police, fire, and municipal Republican predecessor and declared employees—and vulnerable to raiding Harvey Assistance—The Disaster Proposition B unconstitutional. by Turner. Also worth noting is that after the Disaster This story is worth telling since the City had traditionally maintained it shows the lengths to which Sylvester Turner certainly pay parity—equal pay for police and Turner and allies like Judge Tanya isn’t to blame for Hurricane Harvey, firefighters—but the firefighters Garrison will go to cement Turner’s which was a natural disaster. What 3 in the 2000’s conceded parity in betrayal of the firefighters. It also followed Harvey’s landfall, however, exchange for maintaining the integrity demonstrates a complete disregard was a man-made disaster that tens of thousands of our neighbors affected were four years ago? The public predict when the next big storm will by the storm are still enduring. consensus seems to be a resounding, hit. But wasting time is apparently In the aftermath of Harvey, the “NO!” Story after story of blown out an area where Mayor Sylvester Turner administration approved city tires, damaged vehicles and auto Turner excels, which leads to gross contracts worth tens of millions of accidents caused by potholes and unpreparedness. For example, in early dollars to help Houstonians rebuild uneven streets populate media stories July of this year, the city of Houston their devastated homes. Among and social media posts. It has gotten scrambled to prepare for a possible those contracts was one with ICF so bad that the city has space on its impact from the storm that would International—a Virginia-based firm website that provides instructions become Hurricane Barry. That event who listed among its sub-contractors for filing a claim for damages caused and the questions that arose from in the bid proposal numerous by dilapidated streets. Yet Turner it, led Stephen Costello, a Turner donors to Mayor Sylvester Turner’s claims that potholes are repaired appointee Chief Recovery Officer campaign, including Turner’s former within 24 hours from the time they for the city of Houston to admit, law partner—for “outreach and case management.” Another vendor, Aptim, whose motto is “Expect the Extraordinary,” received a contract from the Turner administration in the amount of $14 million for “project management.” Both firms received millions of dollars up front prior to any work being done; meanwhile, flood ravaged Houstonians paid out of pocket to restore their homes, with no support from Turner and his administration. So did ICF and are reported. He also claims that the “When people ask us today if we’re Aptim deliver the “Extraordinary”? city can fill 300 potholes a day, even more prepared now than we were Hardly. On August 1st of this year, though city records indicate they were prepared for Harvey, the answer, the City of Houston reported that of averaging 100 a day in 2018. The unfortunately, is no…” And Costello the 19,000 Houstonians who took the problem here is one of both quality has the background to know the truth; eligibility survey, 4,900 were invited and quantity. Enough potholes are not he is after all a former City Council to apply for aid. Of those 4,900, being filled and those that are being Member, a former candidate for mayor approximately half applied for aid and, filled are not being filled properly, (2015) and an engineer by profession. as of June of this year, the City reports which leads to the same potholes It is incomprehensible that the an astounding number of 4 were being filled over and over again. Turner administration has made zero helped. But as of August 27th, not Experts estimate that the cost to progress towards flood preparedness a single one of those had been able adequately maintain Houston’s 16,000 in the two years since the most to move back into their homes, well lane miles is $600 million, yet the devastating flood event in Houston’s over a year afterHarvey’s landfall. As city spends half that amount. And history. It is just as mind boggling expected, the resulting public outcry spending on capital improvement that the Turner administration and media scrutiny into Turner’s projects, in general, has declined ignored the calls that started from failure to launch has been intense; so to its lowest point since Turner has the beginning of his administration to much so that the City canceled the taken office. Decreased spending is formulate a flood mitigation/response contract with Aptim, but only after also aggravated by an outdated bond strategy long before Hurricane paying them in excess of $8 million. financing style of project planning Harvey, despite the two significant and implementation that creates a floods that precededHarvey . Infrastructure—Streets, Drainage project life cycle—from conception to Despite warnings by experts that and Waste Management completion of a project— of 8-10 years the city was woefully unprepared as compared with an average life cycle for another significant rain event, Houston’s infrastructure is outdated of 3-4 years for Harris County projects. Turner chose to take no action until and literally crumbling beneath the Unfortunately, wasting time is a afterHarvey hit in August 2017, shoes on our feet and the tires on our luxury that the city does not have nearly two years into his term of cars. Sylvester Turner campaigned when it comes to infrastructure office. And yet, he and the city are 4 on the promise to fix our broken projects, especially in the area of as unprepared today as they were streets. But ask yourself, do the flooding, in which there is no way to two years ago, when lives were streets seem any better than they lost, property destroyed and the growth, or 4.5%, whichever is lower. Turner’s former law partner was also landscape forever changed. That Despite the revenue cap, Turner still noted. As far as Aptim—remember dereliction of duty alone should managed to grow the budget to $5.1 that is the contractor who had warrant his ejection from City Hall. Billion for FY2020, up nearly $250 their $14 million contract pulled There are so many other areas million from 2019. In total, spending for failing to perform—they also where the city of Houston languishes has increased overall by 15% since have connections to Turner donors. in mediocrity or worse. Waste Turner took office. It makes you According to former investigative management is another. In some wonder how large the budget would reporter turned private consultant parts of the city, large piles of heavy grow without a revenue cap. Fiscal Wayne Dolcefino on his blog trash and debris line the streets conservatives agree that one way (Dolcefino.com), “Three leading for months waiting for pick up. In the city could keep spending in check subcontractors on the management other areas, normal trash pickup is would be to implement a zero-based contract have given the Turner delayed for days or even weeks on budget—one in which all expenditures campaign close to $200,000 in campaign contributions.” Isani Consultants got nearly 20 percent of the disaster management contract. Their principal is Bobby Singh, whose family has pumped tens of thousands of dollars in campaign money to the Mayor while getting on dozens of city contracts. Isani has received nearly $38 million in city contracts, much of that while Turner has been in office. The Harvey contracts and the pay-to-play manner in which they end. In that same vein, the media must be justified on an annual basis as seem to have been awarded are just stories that have shown proof of opposed to one in which the previous the tip of the corruption iceberg. recyclables being sent to the landfill year’s budget expenses are assumed Another fairly clear example of despite paying out millions in taxpayer to be already justified. During the pay-to-play corruption is in a story by dollars for recycling, should outrage 2015 campaign, Sylvester Turner ABC-13 investigative journalist Ted any Houstonian whose tax dollars agreed that zero-based budgeting Oberg regarding the extension of the have gone to fund the effort. In a was a good idea and one he pledged employee health benefits contract city that aspires to greatness, timely to implement. Unfortunately, Turner with Cigna, in which Kelsey-Seybold pickup of trash should be a service has still not implemented zero-based was a partner. In his news story easily provided; yet it is not. budgeting, thus allowing his budgets that aired September 10th of this Affordable delivery of services is to increase automatically each year. year, Oberg shows campaign finance another epic failure. Houstonians’ records that report Kelsey-Seybold water bills, which can run from $200 Corruption executives donated over $80,000 in or $300 a month into the thousands a single day (February 16, 2016) to The hottest topic in this year’s of dollars a month, are markedly Mayor Sylvester Turner’s campaign. election undoubtedly has to be higher than their counterparts in This was also the very same day that corruption at City Hall, a charge Harris County where water bills Mayor Turner had a private breakfast leveled at Mayor Sylvester Turner typically run $100 or less per month. meeting with Kelsey-Seybold’s CEO. by at least two of his challengers. Following the meeting and collection Included in these allegations is an City Finances of the $80,000, Turner made the ongoing “pay-to-play” system in decision to extend the Cigna contract If you believe Mayor Sylvester which campaign donors, business for two years, rather than opening it Turner, the reason that his partners and friends and family are up for a transparent, competitive bid. administration can’t perform better rewarded with city contracts for Another flagrant example of is due to a lack of money, a problem their relationship with Turner. pay-to-play involves Mayor Sylvester that he attributes to the revenue As noted earlier in this article, Turner’s former law partner, Barry cap that voters passed in 2004 in Sylvester Turner bungled Hurricane Barnes, who was awarded $6.7 an amendment to the City Charter. Harvey relief with the selection million for “legal services” from a The cap limits the annual growth of of two contractors, Aptim and ICF 5 $35 million Hurricane Harvey relief property tax revenue to the combined International. ICF’s connection to contract. Two months prior to the rates of inflation and population Turner campaign donors including City Council vote, legal services were news story by investigative reporter he would “make a lot of money” estimated to be just $2.7 million of the Wayne Dolcefinojust days before from probating the Foster will, set contract, but that estimate swelled the runoff election betweenBob about trying to collect on Foster’s significantly in favor of the mayor’s Lanier and Sylvester Turner. In the death. Unfortunately for them, law partner leading up to the vote. broadcast, Dolcefino grills Turner the entire mess was just too fishy When ABC-13 investigative reporter and his male roommate Dwight for the insurance company, which Ted Oberg called the Mayor out on Thomas about their mutual friend disputed the presumption of Foster’s the sweetheart deal, Turner attacked Sylvester Foster, who reportedly death. Fast forward 5 years to Oberg, accusing him of acting as a fell overboard in 1986 in a boating Wayne Dolcefino showing up on political agent for his opposition. accident and was presumed dead. Turner/Thomas’ doorstep—the Of course, this wasn’t the first Dolcefino’s broadcast was the two are now living together, miles or last time that Turner would culmination of a sordid tale with all away from Turner’s estranged wife attempt to distract the public from the makings of a Hollywood movie— and daughter—where Dolcefino the truth with a diversionary tactic. albeit not necessarily a big-screen reveals to the two that Sylvester Just a few weeks ago as his political one, but definitely a direct-to-Netflix Foster has been located in a Spanish rivals turned up the spotlight on his variety. Elements include a hair salon prison where he landed for cocaine corruption; Turner once again ducked and “male modeling studio” owner smuggling. Following the story, the issues and instead played the (Sylvester Foster) on the run from the Turner lost the election to Bob Lanier. “race card” calling the attacks a “dog Feds for fraud who has a will drawn Turner and his supporters cried foul whistle.” The inference by Turner up by a struggling lawyer (Sylvester against Channel 13 with accusations was that accusations against him Turner) which puts Turner’s “life-long of, among other things, racism. It were nothing more than an attempt friend” (Dwight Thomas) in position was a tactic that served Turner then, which is why he uses it today.

Conclusion Sylvester Turner is one of the worst mayors in decades, and possibly ever. That is a statement that should be taken as fact after reading the preceding pages. Those pages also paint a picture of a man desperate to be elected to and retain public office; his first run was in 1983, and he hasn’t stopped running since. Sylvester Turner has dreamed about being mayor of Houston for decades—it is to fan the flames of racism. The as executor and trustee of the will. unfortunate that decades of dreaming Turner administration then doubled A day afterFoster signs the will, he didn’t prepare him to become the down on the racial rhetoric and (although being deathly afraid of chief executive officer of the 4th compared Proposition B with a move the water) takes a boat trip into the largest cities in America. Like the little to bring back slavery. Anyone who Gulf of Mexico with two men (Keith yapping dog that finally catches the car has ever been the victim of actual Anderson and Russell Anderson) who it has chased its entire life,Turner was racism undoubtedly finds the mayor’s were business partners of Foster’s ill-prepared for the office, which is why desperate race-baiting disgusting. who stood to inherit Foster’s business Houston has the problems that it has; But as students of Houston interests as well as life insurance and why they are only getting worse. political history know, this is not proceeds. [You really can’t make Houston, we have problems—and Turner’s first foray into a race-card this stuff up. The only question we cannot afford four more years defense, or the first timeTurner at this point of the story is if it is a of Sylvester Turner. Houstonians, would be accused of wrongdoing. drama or one of those dark comedies Conservative, Black, Liberal, One of the most memorable cases featuring witless co-conspirators.] White, Republican, Hispanic, dates back to Turner’s first run for As if you couldn’t guess what Asian or Democrat, we can beat mayor in 1991. It was during that happens next, Foster tragically falls Sylvester Turner, but have to get campaign that Turner was accused of overboard and is presumed dead. 6 to work and do everything we can participating in insurance fraud. The Thomas and Turner, who told between now and November 5 details of the case were revealed in a wife (at the time)Cheryl Turner that to complete that mission.  FROM FORMER GOVERNOR RICK PERRY

also has a long and sordid on ethics reform, he cannot “ I have spent history of making millions off be trusted, and I urge you to my career of taxpayers by influencing join me in rejecting both Bill fighting for government regulators to be King and Mayor Turner. more effective favorable to his law firm’s Tony Buzbee is the clear and efficient tax collections business. choice for Houston Mayor. He’s government Bill King and his firm kept a Marine Recon Captain, a and against their racket afloat by treating businessman, an accomplished waste and public council members, state reps attorney and someone I’m corruption. and state senators to fancy proud to call my friend. Tony’s When it comes trips, golf outings, sporting an honorable man who to corruption and pay to play events, and even hired them as has served his nation and politics, unfortunately Mayor “advisors” – including Sylvester community—I trust him to Turner isn’t the only bad apple Turner. Bill King is not credible deliver as your mayor. in the mayoral field. Bill King ”

WHY VOTERS SHOULD CARE ABOUT CORRUPTION

Corruption is one of the hottest buildings, roads and bridges. former law partner was awarded topics in advance of this year’s • Leads to Bad Public Policy: $6.7 million for legal fees; when mayoral election, thanks to mounting When public policy is at odds the original estimate, just two evidence that Mayor Turner is with corrupt officials, public months prior was $2.7 million, involved in widespread pay-to-play in policy often loses. For example, an increase of $4 million. the awarding of city contracts. numerous strip club owners • Lack of Transparency: When have backed Mayor Sylvester there is corruption involved in So why should the public care Turner; then Turner responded the awarding of contracts, it is in about corruption? by implementing policy favorable the best interest of the corrupt to sexually oriented businesses. officials to hide the details of • Can lead to substandard products • Lack of Fairness: The public and contracts, the scoring system used and services: When a vendor potential vendors especially, to award those contracts and the is selected because of either expect a level playing field and names of subcontractors involved. financial interest—campaign an inherently fair bid process. During his administration, Mayor contributions, kickbacks, etc—or • Increased Costs: When corruption Sylvester Turner has routinely for a personal relationship, creeps into the bid process, blocked Public Information quality suffers because the the lowest bid is no longer a Act requests for details of vendor has no incentive to factor, leading to higher costs. city contracts by members of provide a quality product and/ • Inflated Budgets:With corruption, the public and investigative or service. This becomes a public costs can be manipulated, leading journalists. It was this same safety concern when those to exaggerated costs. This was type of obstruction that led to 7 compromised contracts involve the case in the Harvey assistance an indictment against Turner’s construction projects such as contract in which Mayor Turner’s press secretary Darian Ward.  BILL KING: WHY HE DIDN’T WIN, SHOULDN’T WIN AND CAN’T WIN THE ELECTION AS HOUSTON’S MAYOR

In 2015, TCR did not make an of the firm’s Houston office. It was introduction of H.B. 2404, which endorsement in the Houston Mayor’s at Linebarger that King made his would limit the fees that could be race in the November General fortune on the misfortune of others. charged by “predatory debt collection Election, deciding to wait instead As a manager, King wasn’t the one firms” like Linebarger. If the bill for the runoff election, at which harassing single moms over unpaid had passed, it would have cut into time an endorsement was made toll road violations or forcing senior Linebarger’s government contracts to for Bill King. For TCR, it was an easy citizens to choose between paying the tune of hundreds of millions of decision at the time, because hardly for their medications or coughing up dollars. Fortunately for King and his anyone could have been a worse past due property taxes (plus an extra firm, the bill died; but Turner vowed to choice than Sylvester Turner; at least 20% tacked on for Linebarger and bring it back in the next session of the from a conservative perspective. company.) No, he had call centers Texas Legislature in 2005. But a funny And it was conservatives who were with employees to do that dirty work, thing happened in 2005; Turner did largely responsible for getting King but he and the other Linebarger execs not refile his bill to protect taxpayers within striking distance of Sylvester certainly enjoyed the fruits of their which would have so dramatically Turner who won by the slimmest of labor. The extravagance of King and impacted King and company. So margins—barely over 4,000 votes or his cohorts at Linebarger was even what was different between 2003 just 1% of the total vote. That result chronicled in a CNN investigation and 2005? Well the answer came proved the point that a candidate entitled, “Inside the lives of millionaire in 2004 when Linebarger “hired” with conservative support who ran debt collectors.” In that expose, Sylvester Turner as a subcontractor a good campaign could actually beat a Democrat in Houston, despite its blue hue. The obvious question is, “Why didn’t King Win?”

Bill King Primer Before exploring the question of why King didn’t win, it is important to understand his history. In many ways Bill King and Sylvester Turner are birds of a feather; both had been running for, and sometimes winning, political office for decades—Turner ran first in 1984 for County Commissioner and lost, then for State Representative and won and then for mayor in 1991; King ran as a Democrat for State Representative in 1992 and lost before winning elections in Kemah, first to city council and then as mayor. Both were also the subjects of investigation. King was shown sitting on his 45 foot for $10,000 per month. Those Turner for his role in the Sylvester catamaran, which he named “Hard payments continued right up to the Foster insurance fraud case (detailed Times.” Some have suggested that the point that Turner took office in 2016, in “Houston We Have Problems”) name is a reference to the fact that earning him in excess of $1 million. and King was investigated by the FBI King made his fortune on the backs But Sylvester Turner wasn’t special. for his involvement with Columbia of those going through hard times. Those types of donations in pursuit Savings and Loan Association that of government contracts and political he started and ultimately led into The Beginning of the Turner/King protection were common for King bankruptcy in 1996. Neither man was Pay-to-Play Relationship and Linebarger. State Representative convicted of any crime in those cases. Senfronia Thompson, for example, Following his bankruptcy, King In 2003, the trajectories of was paid over $2.3 million while 8 joined the tax collection firm Sylvester Turner and Bill King she was a Linebarger subcontractor. Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson intersected when Turner threatened And there were many more of these (Linebarger) in 1998 as manager King’s cash cow Linebarger with the payments to lawmakers, and other government officials. It was a mostly pugilism. The insidious element within offered his endorsement to King, who sophisticated, mostly legal operation— this presumption is that Linebarger promptly rejected it. Without Hotze’s at least two Linebarger execs were would win no matter which of the block of votes…with conservatives charged with bribery—which helped two ended up being elected. uninspired by his sympathy toward Linebarger grow into the largest debt Another contributing factor in HERO…without the will to win, collection firm in the nation of its King’s loss was his refusal to engage King’s fate was all but sealed. type. And it wasn’t just payments on the side of the forces led by Those are just some of the as subcontractors, it was campaign conservative activist Dr. Steven Hotze reasons King didn’t win in contributions, expensive gifts, dinners, assembled against Mayor Parker’s 2015. But what about 2019? trips and more. The Linebarger Houston Equal Rights Ordinance payments also included those close to (HERO) which would have allowed Why Bill King Shouldn’t Win King and Turner who were not elected men in women’s bathrooms. Despite officials. Marc Campos, for example, the fact that an overwhelming There are some voters who is a consultant for the Bill King number of Houstonians opposed will support Bill King in 2019, just campaign who received $850,000 from the measure—the proposition because they supported him in Linebarger. Paula Arnold also received was defeated by a margin of 2015. But rather than just giving payments from Linebarger and from 61-39—and that opposition crossed blind support, these voters should King as a member of his campaign all demographic metrics including ask themselves if King should team. Another name that is often race, gender and political affiliation, win? If these voters believe that associated with the Turner pay-to-play corruption and pay-to-play is one of operation is Darryl Carter, who was the top issues at City Hall, then the paid over $2 million from Linebarger. answer is a definite “No.” Bill King Even with the spotlight on them “Hypocrisy is a big after all did lead one of the largest and their systemic pay-to-play organized pay-to-play institutions in operation, King and his Linebarger reason King shouldn’t the state of Texas. He and his firm cronies remained unapologetic. win. He seeks paid out millions to elected officials Linebarger co-founder Dale Linebarger and others and received hundreds for example said of the practice, Conservative support, of millions of dollars of government “You pay them to basically help contracts in the process. That makes you gain access to the officials.” but despises our Bill King the King of pay-to-play and Bill King still defends the practice ideology. . . “ the last guy in the race who we can as recently as this month on the trust to clean up the corruption at campaign trail, saying, “It’s just the City Hall. Bill King can’t solve the cost of doing business. People would problem—he is part of the problem. call and I would deliver a check.” King simply ran from the issue. It was Bill King is just too close to simply a lack of political judgment Sylvester Turner. Their cozy Why King Didn’t Win in 2015 or political will or perhaps just being relationship—rememberKing is on the wrong side of an issue; in the one who hired Turner who It is important to understand King’s any case, it was a bad decision and remained on the payroll to the tune history to understand at least one one that many strong conservatives of over $1 million even during the of the reasons that King didn’t win. could not forgive, thus causing them 2015 campaign—demands that Knowing the history between King to stay home and not come out voters find someone who is not and Turner and the relationship they and vote for King in the runoff. connected at the hip with Turner. share with Linebarger—remember One of those who did not We can’t expect that he will do what they continued to payTurner $10,000 immediately eschew King based is necessary to defeat Turner. per month even while the two were on his ill-conceived positioning on Hypocrisy is a big reason King running against each other—it is HERO was Dr. Steven Hotze, the shouldn’t win. He seeks conservative not unreasonable to assume that head of Conservative Republicans support, but despises our ideology; King would pull punches with his of Texas and the leader of the HERO his book was truthfully titled, pay-to-play partner. To that point, opposition. Rather than taking a “Unapologetically Moderate,” a Rice University political scientist Mark cut-your-nose-off-to-spite-your-face collection of columns from his time as Jones said to the Houston Chronicle, position, Hotze instead took the a member of the left-wing media. In “It’s a potential Achilles’ heel for King more pragmatic position that King it he routinely derides conservatives and Turner, and therefore, I would was still better than Turner, an and Republicans, yet he seeks our not expect either campaign or their outspoken proponent of HERO, who support. For example in one column surrogates to bring it up…” It does not he compared Senator Ted Cruz to a would be more likely to bring back 9 seem like a stretch of the imagination the proposition. With that view in suicide bomber and said, “Ted Cruz that the 2015 runoff was closer to mind, Hotze, whose support can be is actually a Democratic Manchurian Kabuki Theater than true political worth tens of thousands of votes, candidate sent into the ranks of the Republican Party to blow himself up, • Opposes term limits: “Since King raised a little over $100,000 per taking as many Republican bystanders Houston adopted term month in the first six months, but with him as possible.” He continues limits in 1991 it has become can’t be expected to maintain that his attack on Cruz saying, “The GOP one of the worst managed pace, now that his biggest donors can thank Ted Cruz for future losses cities in the country.” are capped out. Finding new blood at the polls…” Not exactly the world- • Opposes public prayer: “I won’t be easy either; when donors view of someone who is deserving of realize how far behind King is in the have a proposal I would like to conservative support. race and that his donor base can’t advance that I think can put this keep up with Tony Buzbee, they will Where else does King the moderate issue to rest once and for all: fear that their contribution will be diverge from the traditional Let’s stop praying in public.” wasted and back away from King. conservative ideology? King is just too far King believes for behind. The polling we have example: seen puts Turner at about 40%, Buzbee close behind • Pro illegal and King in a distant third immigration: place spot, still in single “Republicans … digits. At this point, King pander to the can’t close the gap because primary electorate he just doesn’t have the resources to compete. base by seeing who As unfair as it may can be the most sound, the larger the extreme anti-illegal- political contest, the more immigrant zealot.” important are the qualities • Pro sanctuary city: of personality, persona and “Sanctuary is not a charisma. Unfortunately for dirty word.” “I find it King, he comes up lacking hard to understand in these qualities. Anyone the scorn heaped on who has ever listened to the young women stealing unapologetically-monotone into the United States King speak, has to wonder to give birth to their if his intent is to inform or to anesthetize. Voters children here.” want energy, passion and • Global warming enthusiasm. King, who alarmist: “Humans burning No, it is clear that Bill King didn’t have much of these in 2015, is fossil fuels is a significant, if not shouldn’t be elected mayor of even flatter four years later in 2019. the predominant, contributing Houston, or any other city in Texas for This disadvantage is even starker when factor to global warming.” that matter; perhaps Seattle or Boston, he appears with Tony Buzbee, who • Pro choice (abortion):“I have but certainly not Houston, Texas. is full of youth, energy and passion. always found it ironic that my If Bill King had defeated Sylvester evangelical friends are normally Why Bill King Won’t Win Turner four years ago, the city would undoubtedly be in a better among those most eager to Fear not conservatives; there is no place because it doesn’t get worse make abortions illegal. There path to victory for Mr. Unapologetically than Sylvester Turner. But Bill is no biblical record of Jesus Moderate! And here’s why… King didn’t win. 2019 is a different advocating changing any law.” Bill King won’t have the resources race from 2015. King is not the • Pro gun control: “[I]t would not to compete. At the end of the last strongest candidate and Bill King reporting period, King’s campaign bother me to further restrict shouldn’t win. Bill King—as a lifelong finance report showed a paltry assault rifles and magazine sizes…” pay-to-play culprit—lacks the moral $300,000 cash on hand as compared • Pro amnesty: “Just think about authority to end pay-to-play at City with $5.1 million for challenger it. Some young person in a village Hall. And he lacks enthusiasm, Tony Buzbee and $3.1 million for in Nicaragua is going to decide passion, resources and a path to Sylvester Turner. To make those to go to America without a visa victory, which means Bill King won’t figures a little bleaker, if not for win. The only question that remains 10 because immigrants living here $210,000 in loans, King would only is who can beat Sylvester Turner in now can become citizens after have $100,000 on hand, which is 2019. As you might have guessed, 13 years. Give me a break.” about what he is spending monthly. we have an idea, so keep reading.  2019: WILL CONSERVATIVES FINALLY WIN THE MAYOR’S OFFICE OR WILL WE SUFFER YET ANOTHER HEARTBREAK?

For many conservatives, electing definition of insanity. Instead of using conservative ask of their municipal a mayor of Houston who at least what should be the blurred lines of candidates is—“Are you a Republican shares some of their conservative non-partisanship to their advantage, or a Democrat?” It is at this point values is their version of Ahab’s “white they erase partisan ambiguity making that the self-identified Republican is whale.” For them, the last victory it a Republican versus Democrat sunk. The party affiliation question was nearly two decades ago in 1991, contest, which puts them at a distinct has brothers and sisters that fuel the when the incumbent mayor, Kathy disadvantage in a city of Houston fire of the conservative candidate’s Whitmire, was denied re-election contest. In a D versus R matchup in incineration. These questions pin and didn’t even make it past round the city of Houston, the D’s have a down the candidate on issues such one. Instead, the two challengers, decided numerical advantage. These as abortion, gun control and building Sylvester Turner and Bob Lanier, faced the wall—all important issues to each other in a runoff and the more conservatives, but ones that are conservative Lanier bested liberal foe The mistake that national in scope and have nothing Turner. Since then, there have been to do with repairing streets, solving many heartbreakers for conservatives; conservatives make drainage/flooding problems or putting some closer than others. is trying to identify more police officers on the streets. In 1997, conservative Republican Candidates who engage on these and former George H. W. Bush cabinet and support the most national litmus test issues will often member, Robert Mosbacher, squared ideologically pure secure the support of single-issue off against former Houston Police Chief voters, but at the expense of the more Lee P. Brown in a runoff election to candidate rather than moderate city voters who care more succeed outgoing Mayor Bob Lanier. the candidate closest to about local issues than national ones. That one wasn’t close; Democrat their values, who is also The mistake that conservatives Lee P. Brown bested Mosbacher make is trying to identify and support by a wide 53% to 47%. Four years the most electable. the most ideologically pure candidate later, Republican Orlando Sanchez rather than the candidate closest to would challenge Mayor Brown and their values, who is also the most would lose to the incumbent in a contests are reminiscent of those electable. As much as conservatives heartbreaker— 51% to 49%. Sanchez, scenes from Revolutionary War battles love the idea of purity and loathe undeterred, returned two years later in which troops—clearly identified in viability, they must admit that two to face Democrat Bill White for an uniforms of blue (Continental Army) decades provides enough evidence open seat; but lost to White by a and red (British Army)—lined up to prove it is a flawed approach 62-38 chasm. In 2011, Republican against each other across the field and look for a new one if we are to candidates Jack O’Connor, Fernando of battle and fired volleys from their win races in the city of Houston. Herrera and Dave Wilson managed to muskets until one side was decimated Any voter who has read and garner 40% of the vote; but Parker’s by either musket shot or the hand-to- understood the facts about Sylvester 50.83% allowed her to retain her hand combat that typically ensued. Turner’s performance during his first position without a runoff election. Each cycle Republicans, including four years in office must agree that Then of course there is 2015’s the aforementioned King, dress in the city of Houston cannot afford contest in which Sylvester Turner their Republican red uniforms and four more years of incompetence and Bill King faced off in a runoff repeat the strategy of the previous and corruption at Houston City Hall. election, which was decided by election; all the while expecting a The question that must now be 4,082 votes making it eerily similar different result, which never comes. answered is, “What is the strategy to the result of 2001 which was Some contests are closer than others, and who is the candidate who can decided by just 4,383 votes. but a loss is a loss, no matter if it beat Sylvester Turner in 2019?” The problem that these is 4,000 votes or 40,000 votes. For the strategy part, conservatives conservative losses have in common is But this is not an issue that must not repeat the mistakes of the that these candidates repeat the same is completely the fault of the past; to get a different result, we must 11 tactics while expecting a different candidates. Conservative voters are take a different approach. This means result—what is often referred to as the complicit; one of the first questions (1) abandoning the Republican versus Democrat framing of the contest; (2) worker. They worked hard to support commander of a weapons platoon keeping the contest local, rather than their family of six, which included that had been six months without nationalizing the election with national Buzbee, his brother and two sisters. a platoon commander and had candidates and issues; (3) supporting They lived together on a small family become substandard under its current the most electable candidate, rather farm, where Buzbee was responsible platoon sergeant. Buzbee assessed than the most ideologically pure or the for rising early to feed hogs before the situation and requested that the most Republican; (4) energizing voters climbing on his mother’s school bus. platoon sergeant be transferred out with a non-traditional campaign and; In addition to his obligations on the so that he could locate and promote (5) finally it means that conservative farm, Buzbee worked two jobs to a replacement. It was a bold move, voters must turnout but one that showed and actually vote. leadership and one that The other half of he promises to apply as the victory equation mayor if elected—Buzbee is backing the best has already promised a candidate, in terms of review of all department background, viability, and heads and is on record issues. In the parlance saying that he will of the Revolutionary War replace the current theme, conservatives police and fire chiefs. It need a “Benjamin also demonstrates that Martin,” which was the Buzbee has experience character portrayed leading from day one. by Mel Gibson in the Buzbee’s exemplary Hollywood blockbuster, service record earned him The Patriot, which an invitation to compete is loosely based on for a spot within the elite true events. In the film, Benjamin supplement the family income. He Reconnaissance Battalions (RECON), Martin—who was not an actual recalls lying in a bed that he shared a Special Operations Capable unit person, but a is a composite of several with his brother and hearing his within the Marines. Buzbee tells how people including Francis “Swamp parents debate which bills would the class started with 59 Marines, all Fox” Marion—used unconventional be paid and which could wait. with perfect fitness scores, but would tactics to score military victories. Buzbee was ambitious from an be reduced to just three after three So, who is the “Benjamin Martin” early age and vowed to himself that grueling days; Buzbee was among of the current field of candidates he would get out of Atlanta, Texas; those three who were accepted into facing Sylvester Turner? In TCR’s although he wasn’t sure how. One the elite forces. During his decorated estimation, there is no question day, one of the community’s leaders, service, Buzbee led Marines in both that Tony Buzbee fits that bill and who took a liking to Buzbee for his Somalia and the Persian Gulf, before represents the best chance to “spunk” on the high school football leaving at the rank of Captain. beat Sylvester Turner in what will field, offered to take him to a Texas After discharge from the Marines, undoubtedly be a runoff contest A & M football game in College Buzbee moved to Houston where he in December following the general Station, which for Buzbee was a attended and graduated Summa Cum election on November 5th. world away from Atlanta, Texas. His Laude from the University of Houston decision to accept the invitation is Law Center. After a brief time working The Buzbee Story one that changed his life forever, he for a large law firm,Buzbee founded says. From the moment he stepped his own law firm where he specialized Tony Buzbee grew up in the on the campus, he knew that’s what in helping workers seriously injured small Texas town of Atlanta, whose he wanted. He took that desire and and killed on the job. Since he population at the time was just under made his dream come true by earning founded his firm, he has grown it to be 1,400. His upbringing is described an ROTC scholarship to fund his one of the top firms in the nation. In as “modest” or “humble,” which dream. Upon graduation from Texas addition to his legal career,Buzbee has everyone recognizes in financial terms A & M, Buzbee was commissioned an extensive business career in which as “poor.” His parents were working 12 as a Second Lieutenant in the United he has helped turn around failing class; his father a union meat cutter for States Marine Corps. Buzbee’s businesses, including restaurants and Safeway and his mother worked two first assignment was as platoon hotels. He also built a real estate jobs—school bus driver and cafeteria portfolio of commercial and residential will earn him a large share of a huge independent of cronyism and special properties. He’s also been involved veteran population. At a time when interests and…independent of the with tech startup like the mobile app voters are getting behind veterans, pay-to-play donors who control Favor, which was just sold to the HEB like Dan Crenshaw, Buzbee is politicians with their campaign grocery chain. contributions. Why Impressively, are we typecasting Buzbee has built Tony as only a all of his ventures conservative with no debt. candidate? Why Take-aways can we not, in from Buzbee’s 2019, finally help history are elect a candidate numerous. who will work with His modest us to address the upbringing taught serious crises we him the value face in our city? of the dollar, Tony Buzbee is THE and he learned Independent voice from his parents for all residents the idea of of Houston, never giving up, which are assets in expected to do very well, especially in whether Republican or Democrat.” a political campaign and qualities Kingwood, which includes a large block Buzbee’s independence will be a key voters will want in their mayor. As a of Crenshaw voters. Incidentally, element along his path to victory. businessman, he has a perspective if elected, Tony will be the first that Turner does not possess. Buzbee Marine to be mayor of Houston. In Buzbee on the Issues is a leader; he led young Marines in a similar vein, Buzbee would be combat which prepared him to run the first Aggie elected Mayor of Part of Tony Buzbee’s success as a an effective campaign; he led teams Houston, which will give Houston’s lawyer is his ability to rapidly absorb of lawyers to build one of the most substantial Aggie population a reason information and quickly become a successful law firms in the country and to get out on November 5th. subject matter expert. While Bill ultimately he is prepared to lead the Perhaps one of Buzbee’s King routinely confesses that he 22,000 workers at the City of Houston greatest advantages is his has studied city issues for 20 years, out of mediocrity and into excellence. ability to secure support from Buzbee doesn’t need that kind of Republicans, conservative prep time; he learns much faster, which is an important attribute for Buzbee’s Resources Democrats and Independents. the mayor of a city where things are Tony Buzbee is self-funding his rapidly changing. Buzbee’s command Buzbee the Independent campaign, which will be a major key of the issues and ability to formulate to his victory. While other candidates Tony Buzbee is not afraid to solutions to Houston’s problems are expending the resources of time run an unconventional campaign is documented on his website and money to raise campaign dollars, and was quick to adopt and stick with a comprehensive campaign Buzbee can focus on connecting with to a non-partisan candidacy. As platform that runs the gamut from voters, not donors and special interest someone who has been on both corruption to waste and inefficiency. groups. This means that Buzbee sides of the partisan aisle, he Fighting corruption is a key plank is the only candidate in the race claims status as an Independent. of the Buzbee platform. It is the who can match or exceed Sylvester Buzbee remains independent issue that launched his campaign Turner dollar-for-dollar, despite a of party labels and his official and one that he has campaigned on seemingly endless flow of pay-to-play position regarding party affiliation is continuously since he entered the donors looking to siphon more documented on his website which race. Buzbee’s pledge to not accept taxpayer dollars from city coffers. reads, “Tony is frequently asked about campaign contributions ensures that Tony Buzbee has a number of his party affiliation; whether he is a he can remain independent from built-in constituencies that he can Republican or a Democrat. The simple the influence of campaign donors 13 count on in his path to victory. For answer is that Tony is Independent— and special interest groups. He also example, Buzbee is the only veteran independent of divisive partisan pledges to seek a charter amendment in this year’s mayor’s race, which politics and partisan bickering… that would prevent campaign contributors from being able to expenditures but also to audit all others, are indicative of the fact enter into a contract with or work city processes to identify ways that Tony Buzbee’s campaign is in no for the city for a period of one year to become more efficient way ordinary. He has tapped into a to prevent the rampant pay-to-play • Dedicating drainage fee burning desire among the electorate that he alleges against the Turner revenues to drainage projects for change and leadership. His and previous city administrations. and ending all diversions groundswell of support is clear at Another area where Buzbee is • Repairing and clearing the the meet-and-greet events he holds outspoken is in the area of public existing drainage system in every neighborhood across the safety. In that regard, Buzbee to move water faster city—he has held over 60 thus far— that pack restaurants and event halls with crowds averaging 100+ people, but have reached as high as 1,500. The Kingwood 4th of July Parade served as a perfect microcosm of the difference betweenBuzbee and his guerilla-style campaigning and that of his nearest, albeit distant, third place challenger, who is running a safe, traditional campaign. Bill King’s entry into the parade was a faded green 1990’s pickup truck, too new to be considered classic, but too old to be considered contemporary. It was…well…old. Buzbee’s entry was a different story. He rolled in with three massive military vehicles that served promises to give firefighters passage • Reward developers who invest in as a reminder of his military service. of Proposition B, which nearly 300,000 flood abatement with dollar-for- The crowd reaction was immediate; voters have already approved. dollar offsets to drainage taxes as was that of King’s supporters who He also promises to end HFD’s All in the year of the investment tried to hide their consternation at Hazards Response policy that rolls fire to encourage drainage-friendly being eclipsed, again. In the parade trucks and ambulances to every call, construction itself, King looked comfortable regardless of type. Buzbee is also waving from his golf cart. Buzbee critical of Turner’s handling of policing The Buzbee Campaign—Anything also looked comfortable; working and the rising crime and low clearance But Typical the crowd on foot without motorized rates attributed to Turner’s policies. assistance. He moved fast, but so Under Buzbee’s plan, the city would Tony Buzbee is implementing many in the crowd wanted to shake add another 1,500 police officers many of the tactics of a traditional his hand or take a selfie with him that and adopt “anticipatory policing” campaign—he was up early on he often fell behind his convoy of drawn from the CompStat concept television, is a prolific social media giant metal war machines; at which that utilizes statistics to prevent advertiser, already has three pieces point he took to the double-time, crime before it happens, rather than of mail out the door, has over 1,000 running to bridge the gap, so that he the current model that is focused 4’ x 8’ signs in every corner of the could once again work the crowd. on reacting after crime occurs. The city, participated in five parades and It is events such as these that CompStat model was used in New York over a dozen candidate forums. He have created a Buzbee following City to drastically reduce crime there. has also recruited a grassroots army normally reserved for rock stars of over 1,000 volunteers who have and athletes; and when he enters a Other Buzbee planks include: knocked 125,000 doors, made over room, the atmosphere changes. It • Implementation of Zero–based 100,000 phone calls and placed over becomes more electric. Then the budgeting to rein in city spending 12,000 yard signs, all according to a camera flashes start to pop—leading • Full online disclosure of all spending recent email to supporters. As many to selfie after selfie. In fact, fans as 75 volunteers routinely show up 14 for the public and the media have waited in the photo line as • Appointment of an independent to his Saturday volunteer days to long as an hour for their turn with auditor not only to audit phone bank and block walk. These the man they know in their hearts astounding metrics, perhaps above will be the next mayor. Buzbee The Final Key be the biggest heartbreak of all, since supporters have called his campaign hopes are so high for this unique The excitement surrounding Tony a “movement.” And they just may candidate. Turner and his Democrat Buzbee’s campaign for mayor of be right. The Buzbee phenomenon machine are roadblocks to a victory. even drew the attention of Texas But the biggest roadblock is ourselves. Monthly magazine, which featured In 2015, conservatives stayed home Buzbee in their October edition. Fighting corruption in droves. Had they turned out to Buzbee claims that, when he is is a key plank of the vote, Sylvester Turner would still be elected mayor, he will leverage the in the State House, collecting $10,000 enthusiasm for him and his movement Buzbee platform. It is a month from his pay-to-play buddies to create a new era of volunteerism the issue that launched at Linebarger. Instead, he has spent that will inspire people to donate their his campaign and one the last four years running the city of time and resources to improving the Houston into the ground, going on city. Among his ideas, he proposes that he has campaigned taxpayer funded junkets and rewarding a citizen police academy that will on continuously since he his pay-to-play donors with millions provide auxiliary police officers—much in city contracts. Conservatives are like the Harris County Reserve Officer entered the race. the key to putting an end to Sylvester program—to back up full time officers. Turner’s political career and electing When he criticizesMayor Turner for a real leader who can turn the city Houston hasn’t been seen in decades, spending millions of dollars on bands around. We have the best opportunity if ever. Buzbee is a phenomenon. His at the airport, a homework help in decades to put a responsible campaign is a movement. Buzbee hotline and Christmas lights at City leader into the mayor’s position. breaks the rules and breaks the Hall, he quickly offers an alternative— The only question is whether or not patterns that have left conservatives partnering with corporations and conservatives will turn out and vote broken hearted for at least two individuals to provide these services and thus make this dream a reality.  decades. A Buzbee loss would likely on their dime, not the city’s.

ABOUT TEXAS CONSERVATIVE REVIEW EDITOR Gary Polland

Polland has been a practicing returned to office every time he attorney for more than 43 years. ran. As Party Chairman, he earned His practice is a mix of trial work in national recognition for his leadership family, civil and juvenile courts. He and has been featured in publications is Board Certified in Civil Trial law like Human Events, The American and has a reputation as a tough and Spectator, the Houston Chronicle skilled advocate for his clients. and Inside Houston Magazine. Gary also appears regularly The pugnacious and always as a commentator on KTRH, outspoken Gary Polland is one of Human Events KPRC and KSEV radio stations. the leading conservative voices in Gary was named one of the 15 Texas. Whether it’s through the described Gary top civil trial lawyers in the Houston popular TCR internet newsletter and Polland as the area in 2018 by Houstonia Magazine. website, regular radio appearances, most successful Whether it’s on the web, in his TCR voters guides, or as co-host books, on television and radio or at of Red, White and Blue - the popular County Chairman the forefront of the latest political political roundtable show on Houston in America. battle, Gary Polland is a thoughtful Public Media (PBS Channel 8), pragmatic conservative leader that now in its 18th season (visit www. voters have come to trust for insight 15 houstonpublicmedia.org for past Polland served as Harris County and accurate information.  episodes) - Polland is a force for Republican Chairman from 1996 tough, thoughtful conservatives. to 2002 and was overwhelmingly PRST STD US Postage PAID Permit No. 348 1533 W. Alabama Houston, TX Houston, Texas 77006

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