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October 20, 2010 FORT BEND HERALD section c Election2010 Get live election results the evening of Nov. 2 at www.fbherald.com. Olson seeking re-election to U.S. House

BY DON MUNSCH lowing committees: House jority power. Treece Courtroom. cies of Cap and Tax, Obama [email protected] Transportation & Infrastruc- On Monday, Olson and Con- On his website, Olson de- Care, gutting of NASA’s Hu- ture, Science & Technology gressman Kevin Brady heard scribes his committee assign- man Space Flight and waste- Pete Olson looks to win his (Ranking Member, Space & testimony on the economic ments are “critical to address- ful government spending.” second election for District 22 Aeronautics Subcommittee) impact of the moratoria and ing the priorities in the 22nd Pete and his wife, Nancy, representative on Nov. 2. and Homeland Security. federal energy policy from Congressional District of live in Sugar Land with their Olson, a Republican, defeat- Among other issues dur- deepwater and shallow water Texas. children, Kate and Grant and ed Democrat Nick Lampson in ing his last year in office, Ol- drillers, drill bit and oil field “Transportation, NASA and their dog Riley. the 2008 Congressional elec- son voted against President services. the Johnson Space Center and They are active members of tion. Obama health care legislation They also heard from a homeland security issues are the United Methodist Church. Lampson was elected to the this spring but supports the “noted economist who pre- critically important to this District 22 stretches across seat in 2006, which was once House Republican-sponsored dicted the loss of $2.7 billion Houston suburban area.” 22 Texas counties, including held by the former Republican “A Pledge to America,” which in U.S. economic output from He has used his first term in Fort Bend. It encompasses Majority Leader Tom DeLay. described what Republicans the moratorium” at the South Congress to, as he puts it, fight Fairchilds, Needville, Pleak, Olson, 47, serves on the fol- would do if they regained ma- Texas College of Law in the “against the destructive poli- Richmond and Rosenberg. Pete Olson Rogers challenging Olson 2 others also vie BY DON MUNSCH nizing the country again around the separation that previously BY DON MUNSCH He supports measures to se- [email protected] the principles of a real produc- existed between Wall Street in- [email protected] cure the borders. tive economy... and providing a vestment banks and depository Susman, of Pasadena, said he Kesha Rogers thinks President solution that will enable us to do banks,” as noted in wikipedia. Rep. Pete Olson will have thinks he is speaking out for the Obama should be impeached. that,” she said. org. competition from two other people who have no voice. Lest you immediately think She said her first order of She also wants to put people candidates besides Democratic Williams, 60, a write-in can- you know where Rogers’ loyal- rebuilding America is seeing to work through various public challenger Kesha Rogers on didate and business owner who ties lie, think again: Rogers is a that Obama be impeached, by projects and wants to ensure the Nov. 2. lives between Alvin and Dickin- Democrat who also doesn’t care use of the fourth section of the vitality of the space program. Steve Susman, a libertarian, son, also wants everyday people too much for U.S. Rep. Pete Ol- 25th amendment, which centers Rogers joined LaRouche’s or- and Johnny Williams, a conser- to have a say-so in their govern- son (District 22). on presidential disability and ganization in 2003 and said she vative independent, are on the ment, explaining that if he is Olson’s performance and her succession. (A reading of the was attracted to his movement ballot for the District 22 seat. elected, he will “go to work for opposition to the Obama admin- fourth section merely explains because of his economic beliefs, Susman, 41, co-owner of Mega the American people.” istration amount to why she is the process of the vice president based on such values of physi- Muffler and Brakes in Houston, As he said on his web- running for U.S. District 22 seat taking over the job as president cal production and scientific said he was running for Con- site, johnnywilliamsforcon- that Olson holds. and does not describe a reason breakthroughs and not on the gress for a “variety of reasons,” gress2010.com, Williams has not Kesha Rogers Rogers, 33, is a full-time activ- or rational for the president’s free markets. She said his ideas such as his concern about gov- run for officer before and does ist for Lyndon LaRouche, who “Right now, what we’re looking vacancy of the office.) provide a clear example for a so- ernment decisions that affect not seek campaign contribu- has run for U.S. president in both at is a total breakdown of the en- “He has clearly shown that lution to the country’s economic small business owners. tions. the U.S. Labor and Democratic tire economy. We’ve seen no real he is incompetent and unable ills. The federal government- He is especially concerned parties. LaRouche’s political solutions coming from the lead- to continue to carry out his du- She said Olson has shown he created “cash for clunkers” about illegal immigration. views are difficult to categorize, ership in Congress. We need peo- ties as president of the United is not willing to fight on princi- program put his wife’s used car He complained about the size but he has long been criticized ple who will go out and fight for States,” she said. ples and is willing to “go along lot out of business and hurt his of government and govern- for his controversial statements the forgotten man and woman of Rogers said Congress should with the failed policies of this business, Susman said. ment spending, including and positions on current or po- the nation and those who are not re-enact Glass-Steagall banking president” and is not willing to Additionally, he is concerned that done by the Bush admin- litical events. going to be willing to capitulate reorganization laws because the call for Obama’s impeachment. about the power of the Federal istration. A Houston native, Rogers ran to the Wall Street-London finan- economy is looking at a hyperin- Olson, for the record, did not Reserve regarding the Ameri- Williams supports term lim- for the state chair for the Demo- cial interests. flationary collapse of the entire vote for the president’s health can monetary system, and said its for members of Congress — cratic Party in 2006. “That is what I have contin- banking system. The Glass-Stea- care reform proposal, and con- he is opposed to cap and trade 10 years for House members and “I wanted to run for Congress ued to vow to do, to stand up for gall Act established the Federal trary to Rogers’ assertion in the legislation and that the country 12 years for Senate — and a re- because we need real leader- the people by calling for putting Deposit Insurance Corporation interview, he has been a support- needs to get out of wars in the peal of the entire Obama health ship in Congress,” Rogers said. an end to the bailouts and orga- in 1933 and “effectively removed er of the space program. Middle East. care legislation. 2c wednesDAY, october 20, 2010 Election 2010 FORT BEND HERALD Polling Places Early voting election for 5 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 State Sen. Hegar Ex-teacher Olney the general election kicked p.m.; Sunday, closed; Oct. 25 - off Monday and concludes on 29, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 29. Election day is Nov. 2. Chasewood Clubhouse -7622 If people are eligible to vote Chasewood Drive, Missouri vying for re-election seeks Senate seat on election day, they are eligi- City ble to vote at any early voting First Colony Conference BY JUAN CARLOS REYES appointed to BY JUAN CARLOS REYES She was site during the early voting Center - 3232 Austin Parkway, [email protected] such a lead- [email protected] p r e s i d e n t period. Sugar Land ership posi- of the local Below are scheduled for FBC Road and Bridge Republican State Sen. tion. Retired teacher Pat Olney is classroom various Fort Bend locations: (Needville) – 3743 School St., Glenn Hager is running for Hegar lives the Democratic candidate facing teachers or- Rosenberg Annex Building Needville re-election for the District 18 in Katy with off against Republican incum- ganization - 4520 Reading Road, Rosen- Randall’s - 5800 New Terri- Senate post. his wife, bent Sen. Glenn Hegar for the and estab- berg tory Blvd., Sugar Land At 39, Hegar is the youngest Dara, and District 18 State Senator posi- lished the Cinco Ranch Branch Li- Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. to member of the Texas Senate, their three tion. Professional brary – 2620 Commercial Cen- 7 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 but he has accumulated sev- Glenn Hegar children. A resident of Washington Pat Olney Consultation ter Blvd., Katy p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 24, noon to eral accolades during his first “It has County, Olney worked as a teach- Committee, Aliana Clubhouse – 17122 5 p.m.; Oct. 25 - 29, 7 a.m. to 7 term. been a plea- er for 27 years, 22 at them in Br- which gave West Bellfort, Richmond p.m. In 2009, he was awarded sure of mine to represent the enham where she lives. After active teachers and school board Hightower High School Sugar Land Methodist the Doc Brown Legislator of people both in the House and retiring, Olney had a goal to try members an opportunity to talk – 3333 Hurricane Lane, Mis- Church – 431 Eldridge, Sugar the Year from the Texas State in the Senate,” said Hegar. “It to gain benefits for new retirees. about educational problems and souri City Land Rifle Association due to his has been a blessing of mine to She has also been working with issues. Meadows Place City Hall Sienna Branch Library – stance on the 2nd Amendment represent everyone here.” legislators on issues concerning Olney spent 10 years joining – One Troyan Dr., Meadows 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd., rights. Hegar’s educational back- teacher retirees and retired state her husband as a licensed pri- Place Missouri City The Texans for Lawsuit ground includes a bachelor’s employees. vate investigator after retiring Missouri City Community U of H at Cinco Ranch – Reform gave him the Civil degree from Texas A&M Uni- “I have raised two kids and from teaching. Center - 1522 Texas Parkway, 4242 South Mason, Katy Justice Leadership Award for versity in 1993, a masters and both have become teachers, and Other organizations Olney Missouri City Monday - Friday,10 a.m. to his work on ensuring Texas law degree at St. Mary’s Uni- that is why I’m running for state is involved with are the Texas Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 7 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 retains a world-class justice versity in 1997, and a master’s senator,” she said. “I am not hap- State Teachers Association, the p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; p.m.; Sunday, closed; Monday system. Publication “Capital in law with the University of py with the 81st Legislature and Brenham Fortnightly Club, the Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.; and – Friday, Oct. 25 - 29, 7 a.m. to Inside” named him Best Leg- Arkansas, in 1998. I want to do something more to General Federation of Women’s Oct. 25 - 29, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 7 p.m. islator and Rookie of the Year He considers himself a true help with our retirees. Clubs and a former Legislative Irene Stern Community Pecan Grove Baptist Church for the 80th Legislative Ses- conservative who strongly de- “This legislature led me to file Chair for the San Jacinto Dis- Center -6920 Fulshear-Katy – 1727 FM 359, Richmond sion. fends the values of faith, fam- at the last minute, and I am will- trict of the Texas Federation of Road, Fulshear Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst ap- ily and freedom. ing to put my money where my Women’s Clubs. Beasley City Hall – 319 S. 5 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 pointed Hegar as chairman According to Hegar’s web- mouth is.” “Covering these 19 counties is 3rd Street, Beasley p.m.; Sunday, closed; Monday of the Sunset Advisory Com- site, he says he is leading the Olney is an honor graduate not going to be easy,” Olney said. Lost Creek Park – 3703 Lost – Friday, Oct. 25 - 29, 7 a.m. to mission, making it the first fight to protect the unborn, of Ball High School in Galveston “I have had two careers and now Creek Blvd., Sugar Land 5 p.m. time that a freshman member strengthen families and pro- and a member of the University I’m ready to start my third one as Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to of the Texas Legislature was tect their personal freedoms. of Houston Alumni Association. a member of the State Senate.” Huffman pursues Senate District 17 return BY JUAN CARLOS REYES trict Court. and the Government Organiza- Risk organization and the “Leg- [email protected] H u f f m a n tion Committee. islative Leadership Award” by served on She was appointed by Lt. Gov. the Texas Chemical Council.” Incumbent Joan Huffman is several com- David Dewhurst to serve on the Her educational background hoping to get re-elected Nov. 2 mittees dur- Texas Sunset Advisory Commis- includes earning her undergrad- as State Senator for District 17. ing the 81st sion, which reviews the function, uate degree from Louisiana State Huffman faces Libertarian Legislative operations and purpose of state University and a law degree from opponent Phil Kurtz. Session such agencies, and to identify and the South Texas College of Law. She was sworn in on Dec. as the Trans- eliminate waste, duplication and Huffman was hired as a - pros 16, 2008 after winning a special p o r t a t i o n Joan Huffman inefficiency in government pro- ecutor and went from being on a election to fill the vacated space and Home- grams. misdemeanor court up to the Or- after Kyle Janek resigned. land Secu- Huffman has received numer- ganized Crime Narcotics Task. Before joining the Senate, rity Committee, the Health and ous recognitions getting hon- Huffman lives with her hus- Huffman was elected twice as Human Services Committee, ored as “Legislator of the Year band Keith and son Luke in judge of the 183rd Criminal Dis- the Veterans Affair Committee for Children” by the Children at Southside Place. Kurtz challenging for Senate District 17 BY JUAN CARLOS REYES State Sena- Although he has never held Master of Business Adminis- [email protected] tor of Dis- office, Kurtz is no stranger to tration Society. trict 17 to running for an elected posi- His educational background Phil Kurtz is running as try to unseat tion. includes receiving: the Libertarian Candidate for incumbent He ran for the State Senate • a BIE in industrial en- Joan Huff- in District 17 in 2006, and for gineering through Cullen man. the Texas House of Represen- College at the University of Origi- tatives, District 132, in 2008. Houston in 2003 nally from Kurtz works as a Sales De- • an MIE in business engi- Detroit, Phil Kurtz velopment manager for Eco- neering in 2009 at the same Mich., Kurtz lab in Houston. institution resides in He is a member of the Inde- • an MBA in business man- Katy with his wife. pendent Order of Foresters, agement at the Bauer Busi- He has two children, Doug- the Aircraft Owner and Pilot ness School at the University las and Lydia. Association, and the Houston of Houston in 2009. Howard wants District 26 again By John S. Merculief II Here identification to vote [email protected] are some of • Government spending — his views limit state spending to infla- Charlie Howard, R-Sugar on current tion and population growth Land, is seeking re-election issues, ac- • The border — give lo- in Texas House District 26. cording to cal sheriffs additional funds Howard, 68, is vice chair of his personal for border enforcement, and the Urban Affairs Committee c a m p a i g n work with federal officials to and is a member of the pow- website: enforce the border erful Ways & Means Commit- Charlie Howard • Transportation — keep tee. He was first elected to the • Taxes — winning higher state priority Texas House in 1994. cap real estate appraisals at for fort bend road improve- In his private life, he is 5 percent, reform appraisal ments; alternate financing for president of the C. Howard boards by adding two elected transportation must be found Co, a real estate development members, replace financing • Education — improve venture. He has a wife, Jo; a method for public schools high school graduation rate, son Chad, a college student; (consumption tax) and abol- extend local control, use edu- and a daughter, Julie, who is ish the business franchise tax cation dollars wisely and ef- married and lives in Austin. • Elections — require photo fectively. Andrews challenging Howard By John S. Merculief II ing to that for the specific purposes for [email protected] site, www. which they were collected. andrewsfor- • Agriculture — Andrews Democrat Philip Andrews is texas.com: supports legislation against seeking the Texas House Dis- • Fis- an agribusiness environment trict 26 seat held by longtime cal policy that restricts farmers both incumbent Charlie Howard. — Andrews locally and globally to us- Andrews, 33, of Sugar s u p p o r t s ing only genetically modified Land, spent six years working passing a seed; and preserving proper in accounting firms as a staff Phillip Andrews constitutional use of agricultural property accountant and auditor. a m e n d m e n t tax exemptions and restruc- Andrews is self-employed to lift the turing the current land ap- at Andrews Financial & Man- $15,000 ceiling on the residen- praisal system. agement Services and an ac- tial homestead exemption to • Education — Andrews counting professor at a local allow future legislatures to wants to establish a 100 per- community college, according raise the exemption as neces- cent equitable school finance to the biography on his cam- sary to keep pace with increas- system with sufficient state paign website. es in property appraisals; and revenue to allow every dis- Here are his views on a requirement that state gov- trict to offer an exemplary some current topics, accord- ernment spend taxes and fees program. About the district Texas House District of Stafford and the other and goes as far 26 is in eastern Fort northwestern corner of west as FM 359 north of Bend County. Missouri City. Richmond but does not D i s t r i c t 2 6 On the west, the district include any of that city. encompasses essentially comes to near FM 2759, State representatives all of Sugar Land and crosses U.S. 59 and FM are elected to two-year Meadows Place, all but 762 east of their terms and earn $7,200 a the easternmost portion intersection with each year. wednesDAY, october 20, 2010 Election 2010 FORT BEND HERALD 3c Zerwas aims for re-election Raasch eyeing to House District 28 seat District 28 seat BY JUAN CARLOS REYES 10 best legis- level of education funding for BY JUAN CARLOS REYES Baytown. [email protected] lators. schoolteachers, and to ensure [email protected] Raasch was unopposed in “ M y the safety of Texas’ borders the March 2 primary and is Republican Dr. John Zer- wife and I and protect property rights. Democrat Wayne Raasch is running for a spot in the Texas was is seeking re-election to have enjoyed He has been a physician facing Republican incumbent House for the third time. the Texas House District 28. represent- more than 25 years and is with John Zerwas for the State Rep- In 2002, he ran for the Dis- During his first term, Zer- ing the peo- the Greater Houston Anesthe- resentative District 28 seat. trict 5 seat and for the District was authored House Bill 1594 ple here,” he siologists. Raasch is a retired teacher 11 seat in 2004 and lost in both to amend the Texas Insurance said. “I will Zerwas is only one of two from Houston. races. Code, which quickly gives cre- Dr. John Zerwas stand strong doctors in the Texas House He graduated from Columbia His educational background dentials for physicians trying with the and has served as the Chief High School in West Columbia, includes a bachelor’s from Tex- to join an established medical rights and Medical Officer of the Memo- Texas, and earned a bachelor’s as A&M University in College group if that physician has a the sovereignty of this state.” rial Hermann Healthcare Sys- degree from Texas A&M Uni- Station and a master’s from current contract with a man- One of Zerwas’ goals in tem in Houston and as such versity in 1972 and a master’s Prairie View A&M University. aged care plan and ensures his run for re-election is to oversaw programs that have degree from Prairie View A&M Raasch lives in Lissie. their patients do not pay high- do whatever is possible at the improved the outcomes of University in 1997. District 28 goes from as far er, out-of-network costs. state level to get the federal patients with certain medical He worked for 10 years in north as Waller County to He also co-authored House health care bill repealed. conditions while also reduc- engineering technology in the Wharton County. In the Fort Bill 1287, which allows school “I strongly oppose it,” he ing the cost of treating those oil and gas industry, mostly Bend County area, the district districts to offer high school said. “It is wrong for the peo- conditions. in Houston, and has worked includes Needville, Kendleton courses on Hebrew Scriptures. ple of District 28, and for the Zerwas is married and has 15 years in education, includ- Beasley, Orchard, Simonton In 2009, Texas Monthly state of Texas.” four children and a grand- ing five years at Lee College in and Fulshear. named him one of the state’s He also wants a responsible daughter. Hebert seeks re-election as FB Judge BY DON MUNSCH director for ing to have problems. And I think as all of the county’s levy dis- [email protected] Fort Bend county government has a reputa- trict have correct elevations or County. tion, at least with the people I’ve are in (with one exception) in the Bob Hebert counts the re- He- talked to and interacted with, process of constructing to cor- sponse to the development of bert does not as being an agency that is quick rect elevations to meet the new the FEMA’s flood plain mapping have a spe- to react to find the solution that 100-year flood elevation, Hebert as his most complex problem of cific target or works for everyone.” said. his nearly eight years as county list of items Concerning the flood plain FEMA is now in the formal judge. he wants to mapping, he discussed how the map review process to finalize But the issue also was his most Bob Hebert accomplish if commissioners court needed to the elevation. satisfying achievement on the elected to an- be persuaded to put additional “We’re probably 18 months commissioners court, he said. other term. money into the project so that from having a formal new flood The project started three years He said county government the county could get a “very map,” he said. ago. should endeavor to solve prob- accurate” 100-year flood eleva- Regarding other projects that Hebert, a Republican, was lems and that when he is finished tion. have occurred in his tenure, he elected in 2002. The county judge as county judge, he hopes his suc- “The old elevation was prob- likes the progress of new county seat is a four-year term. Judges cessors see his example as a way ably wrong, but the implications buildings being constructed, are elected in four-year incre- to keep the county moving. of continuing to move forward such as the new justice center. ments that come in the even years “I think the responsibil- with an inaccurate elevation The new justice center will between presidential elections. ity of the county judge is to see were (problematic) because it put open in the second half of 2011, He said that the years as judge the county government as part all of our levy systems at risk and in late summer. He’s pleased that have been “rewarding mostly, of the solution,” he said. “You taxpayers put millions of dollars the new buildings have come in sometimes frustrating,” in what can’t let the county government in levy systems,” he said. under budget and on time. is a “very complex” job, one that become part of the problem. Be- The county put $1.1 million “All of our bond packages entails, among other duties, be- cause in a high-growth county into the $2.1 million program, he have better than 2 to 1 approval ing the emergency management like Fort Bend, you’re always go- said. The project was successful, ratings (at the polls),” he said. Carreon, Meeks challenge Hebert BY DON MUNSCH mond area “ I t to do that, “and it doesn’t exist [email protected] and home would take at this time.” s c h o o l s an act of the In a telephone interview, Democrat Rodrigo Carreon three of her Legislature Meeks said she is opposed to and write-in Republican Chris children, to use any surface water conversion, toll Meeks will challenge Coun- sees herself other source roads and computer voting. ty Judge Bob Hebert for the as a con- of revenue,” “I don’t like the fact of going judge’ seat on Nov. 2. s t i t u t i o n a l Hebert said. in and doing a vote now and Carreon regards himself as Republican “ I pushing a button and — poof a community activist and is a and attends Rodrigo Carreon Chris Meeks asked (State — it’s gone into a virtual real- former candidate for Commis- GOP events, Rep. District ity,” said Meeks, who has lived sioners Court Precinct 1 dur- such as pri- 26) Charlie in Ford Bend County since she ing the 2008 campaign season. mary and state conventions. Howard at that candidate fo- was 22. He regularly attends and The impetus for running for rum if there was any interest “I like the old-fashioned speaks at commissioners court judge actually occurred when on the part of the Legislature way, the way we used to do it, on issues such as taxation and she said she attended a can- in this upcoming session to al- where there was paper, a pa- the “public desire for appraisal didate forum in Pecan Grove low counties to look at other per trail.” and rate caps to the need for several weeks ago and asked forms of revenue, and he said She said she has never run greater county-wide ordinanc- whether investment returns absolutely not. for office before and said she es on ethics to limit the influ- could replace property taxes. “That was how her question knows the county judge is ences of special interest on the Hebert said her question was answered.” a “very powerful” position court, as has been the case for was centered on whether the Hebert explained market where change can happen. many years now,” he said in a county could invest the wealth practicalities and said that Meeks knows her chances letter to The Herald. of the county in a 401(k) in- running a county budget on of winning are slim but feels In 2006, Rodrigo said he ini- vestment type program and the stock market is “just an compelled to put her hat in the tiated a challenge through the operate the county off the in- absurd idea.” ring. county court system involving come and do away with prop- “There would be no way “If you don’t try, then you the appraisal district process, erty taxes. on Earth I could support it,” really can’t complain,” she which often “over-values prop- Counties are required by he said, adding that even if it said, adding that she is not erty owners on the ‘wrong- the state to levy a property tax, were practical, it still would be putting a lot of money into the side’ (rural) of development as both constitutionally and leg- illegal to do it because a county campaign. well above the state legal lim- islatively, to balance their bud- would have to have legislative Her website is www.chris- its.” gets each year, Hebert said. and constitutional authority meeks.com. He said he is a staunch op- ponent of the Trans Texas Cor- ridor Project, supports landfill expansion to 20 stories at Blue Ridge near Missouri City and advocates for improvements to the county’s current road sys- tem without the need for fur- ther tolling authorities. Carreon was a member of the 2007 FBISD bond commit- tee and said he has “worked tirelessly as a community volunteer on numerous cross- party campaigns that work to represent local residents in- terests rather than the out-of- area special interests that so often direct our local govern- ments.” In that vein, he consid- ers himself a commissioners court and school board “watch advocate.” Meeks said residents should be able to own their property free from the government tax- ation. The current judge does not agree with her proposition, which is that property taxes should be eliminated in favor of county investments. “Fort Bend residents should own their property free from the government,” she said in an e-mail, noting that she ap- proached Judge Hebert “sever- al times prior to entering the race for county judge with in- formation on how to go about substituting property taxes with investments.” He was not receptive, so she decided to run for county judge. Meeks, 47, is a mother of five who lives in the Rich- 4c wednesDAY, october 20, 2010 Election 2010 FORT BEND HERALD Culver seeks return to 240th Court Allen challenging Culver for 240th By John S. Merculief II mously and County and, as such, is respon- By John S. Merculief II tice have been mercial disputes, construction [email protected] the state and sible for appointing the members [email protected] my lifelong defect, toxic tort, insurance cover- federal ap- of the Appraisal Review Board. passions be- age disputes, collections, employ- Judge Thomas R. Culver III is peals courts Since 1981, he has been a member Sugar Land attorney Fred- cause the ment, divorce and custody cases, seeking re-election to the 240th have ruled of the Fort Bend County Juvenile ericka Allen is running on the law impacts and probate matters. She also has District Court seat he has held the jury was Board and is a former chairman. Democratic ticket to try to unseat everyone represented clients in both state since 1990. correct, but His website says he has 240th District Judge Thomas R. and changes and federal court, including the In that time, Culver has pre- it is my sig- served 29 years as a judge and, Culver III. lives,” Allen U.S. Fifth Circuit. sided over thousands of sig- nature alone through seven elections, had no Allen, 35, has more than 10 says on the Allen, who is black, also notes nificant civil cases and felony Thomas Culver on that or- opposition, either from Demo- years of legal experience rep- Fredericka Allen site. “That is on her site that Fort Bend County criminal cases, according to his der. crats or independents, or from resenting individuals and busi- why it is so has a highly diverse population. campaign website, including fellows Republicans. nesses in both state and federal important “Our leadership inside the death-penalty criminal cases. “That great responsibility re- “All victims, and their fami- courts, according to her campaign that our judiciary consist of fair courtrooms should reflect that “In December 2009, I set the quires a judge with knowledge lies, have a right to be treated website. She attended law school and neutral arbitrators.” diversity,” Allen says. “Only then execution date for a convicted and maturity. I will never take with dignity and respect,” Cul- at South Texas College of Law, According to her online biogra- can our citizens feel they are be- capital murderer,” Culver says that responsibility lightly.” ver says on his website. “That where she was a member of Law phy, Allen’s litigation practice has ing given a fair and level playing on his website. “The jury had Culver also is the local ad- has been my goal as a Judge for Review, graduating in 2000. covered all areas of law including field. Only then can there be- jus voted his punishment unani- ministrative judge for Fort Bend the past 29 years.” “Public service, law and jus- personal injury disputes, com- tice for all.” Brady Elliott wants re-election to 268th Court BY JUAN CARLOS REYES courtroom and the U.S. Circuit of Appeals administrative judge for the Fort [email protected] and office and District Courts Bend County District Courts. computeriza- “Qualifications and experience Brady has lived more than 30 Since 1988, Brady Elliott has tion proce- are what people need to look for years Fort Bend County and is sat at the helm of the 268th Judi- dures, which in a judge,” he said. “You need a a charter member of the Oyster cial District Court; he hopes to enabled an judge that knows what he is do- Creek Rotary Club, the Sugar extend his stay on Nov. 2. orderly pro- ing.” Creek Rotary Club, a member of Elliott is running against Al- cessing of the Before becoming a judge, Elliott the Rosenberg-Richmond Area bert Hollan of Sugar Land. court’s casel- served as a Missouri City Munici- Chamber of Commerce and the While serving, Brady has pre- Brady Elliott oad. pal Judge, chairman of the Fort Fort Bend Chamber of Com- sided over more capital murder H e Bend Community Justice Coun- merce. cases than any other judge in Fort is licensed to cil and the Fort Bend Purchas- He is listed in Who’s Who in Bend County. He has implement- practice law before all courts in ing Agent Board, co-chair of the American Law and is married to ed docket control procedure, and the state, the U.S. Supreme Court Fort bend Council of Judges, and his wife, Rhea, 39 years. Hollan challenging Elliott for 268th judgeship BY JUAN CARLOS REYES judges who degrees from the University of and his wife, Peggy, were mar- [email protected] are 70 years Houston. He is a licensed attor- ried at First United Methodist or older, and ney, and a member of the State Church in Sugar Land, and live Albert Hollan of Sugar Land it’s really Bar of Texas and the Fort Bend with their two children in the is the Democratic candidate for time for vot- County Bar Association. Belknap-Brookside subdivision the 268th Judicial District. ers to start Hollan is certified in Civil - Tri near Imperial Sugar Land. Facing off against incum- t h i n k i n g al Law and in Personal Injury Besides law, Hollan writes fic- bent Brady Elliott, Hollan says about the fu- Trial Law by the Texas Board of tion as a hobby, plays mandolin the time has come for someone ture.” Legal Specialization. He is A/V with a Traditional Irish group new to take over. Albert Hollan T h i s rated by his peers and has a solo and swims with the First Colo- “We do need to start growing is the fourth practice in Southwest Houston. ny Swim Team Novice Masters our next generation of judges,” time Hollan He moved to Fort Bend group at New Territory. He and he said. “In the next four years, is running for district judge. County upon graduating from his son are active with Boy Scout we’re going to have a bunch of Hollan has Finance and Law the UH law school in 1987. He Troop 1316 in Sugar Land. Council pursues county treasurer seat again By John S. Merculief II I n v e s t m e n t think you will find my strong Ann, have been married 51 [email protected] Officer desig- business and management years. They have two sons — nation from background best qualifies me Mike and family of Houston Republican Jeff Council is the Texas for this office,” Council says on and Kevin and family of Weston seeking re-election to the post A s s o c i a t i o n his site. Lakes — three grandsons and a of Fort Bend County treasurer. of Counties, Responsibilities of the trea- granddaughter. Council was elected in No- according to surer’s office have been expand- His site lists Council as a res- vember 2006 and took office the his campaign ed to include: ident of Richmond since 1962, following January. Since taking website. • County Payroll and a business owner in Fort office, Council achieved County Jeff Council “ I • Emergency Medical Servic- Bend County since 1984. He was es (EMS) Collections inducted to “Fort Bend County • Court Collections. Aggie Hall of Fame,” based on Council was a commissioned Lifetime Aggie Achievements, officer with the Army’s 2nd- Ar in 1993 by the Fort Bend Texas mored Division. He and wife, A&M Club, his site says. George seeks term as FB county treasurer By John S. Merculief II “ I [email protected] plan to put these lessons KP George is the Democratic to work man- candidate for Fort Bend County aging your treasurer. tax dollars in George grew up in a tiny vil- a more open, lage in south India that lacks e f f i c i e n t electricity and running water, manner as according to his online biog- KP George Fort Bend raphy. He began his education County trea- walking barefoot across two surer.” miles of hilly countryside to get Since 1999, George and his to school. wife, Sheeba, have raised their “Growing up in an impov- three children in Sugar Land. erished, rural village in India, He owns and operates an in- earning my way to the land of dependent financial planning my dreams and building a suc- practice with 5 other advisers. cessful life here over the past 17 Among his qualifications: years has taught me the value • Certified Financial Planner of hard-earned money,” George • Accredited Asset Manage- says on his site, “and the impor- ment Specialist tance of serving the people you • Several securities licenses love and respect with the best including four supervisory li- of your skills and values. censes. About the job The mission of the county. county treasurer is to The county treasurer is serve as the chief responsible for collecting custodian of county delinquent funds other finance. than taxes. Basic duties include The treasurer also receiving, keeping and serves as treasurer for accounting, paying, the For t Bend Flood applying, and disbursing Control Water Supply all monies belonging to Corp., Fort Bend Parkway the county. Additional Road District, Drainage duties include but are not D i s t r i c t , To l l R o a d limited to: reconciliation Authority, Toll Road and safekeeping of county Operations; receipting bank accounts, custodian fees for toll. for revenue bond funds The treasurer serves a and payroll officer for the four-year term. Coming soon Look for profiles of District 14 U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Lake Jackson, and his challenger Robert Pruett in an upcoming edition of The Herald. wednesDAY, october 20, 2010 Election 2010 FORT BEND HERALD 5c Annie Elliott hopes for re-election to Torres aims to bring new perspective Fort Bend County district clerk seat to Fort Bend County district clerk seat By Marquita Griffin she said, I was asked to,” Elliott said. “I By Marquita Griffin She Bend County court offices are [email protected] adding that did it to secure my staff em- [email protected] was respon- moving and will be upgraded, right now, ployment, so I didn’t have to sible for fee she’s committed to working Annie Rebecca Elliott said she’s work- lay off anyone or reduce the Veronica Torres said it’s c o l l e c t i o n hard to bring the latest tech- she already has met her goals ing on buy- work week to four days, be- time for a change in the Fort and main- nology to the District Clerk’s and plans on meeting more — ing a system cause that would not have just Bend County District Clerk’s taining legal Office. and this is why she should be that allows affected the staff but the resi- Office, and she believes she is files. This effort would create more re-elected as Fort Bend County those sum- dents of this county.” that change. Tor- accessible records and better district clerk. moned to Torres, a Democratic can- res attended serve the public, she said. “When I ran the first time, I Annie Elliott fill out their About Annie Elliott didate who is running for this Veronica Torres W h a r t o n “It is time for a change in the had goals that I wanted to ac- jury infor- Elliott is a member of the position for the third time, County Ju- District Clerk’s office,” Veron- complish,” said Elliott, a Re- mation on- National Association of Court said her workplace experi- nior College, ica said. ”I’ve spent my whole publican with more than 21 line. Management, the County and ence is what qualifies her. where she earned certification life preparing for this job.” years of experience in the le- Elliott also takes pride in District Clerks Association of On her campaign website, in Business Procedures and gal field. “And I have fulfilled the way she was able to cut her Texas, the Texas Association Torres says: “ I bring years Computers. About Veronica Torres them, to an extent. department’s budget to benefit of experience in county gov- In 2006, she earned her para- of Counties and the Texas Torres is a Richmond native “What I mean by that is, the county and the taxpayers. ernment as a lead legal pro- legal certification; she also has District Court Alliance. and a single mom who raised there is more work to be For the past two years, be- cess specialist in the County an associate’s degree. Elliott is married with four daughters. done.” cause of the economic crisis, Clerk’s Office. She has more than 15 years four children. She attends She is a member of the As the district clerk for the Elliott said, the Fort Bend “ I have learned the quali- of administrative experience in Parkway Fellowship Church Rosenberg’s Calvary Baptist past three years Elliott, has County Commissioners Court ties and procedures required the public and private sector. in Richmond, is a member Church and has served as a been an advocate for “bringing asked every department and to run an outstanding clerk’s In addition to her creden- of the Fort Bend Republican board member for the Mental in 21st-century technology.” office to reduce its budget. office.” tials, Torres said, she has the Women’s Club, the Houston Health Association of Fort One of those advancements This year, she was able to re- For 11 years, she has worked work ethic to be district clerk. Livestock Show & Rodeo and Bend County, the Lamar Con- is making all case files avail- duce the budget by 8 percent, as a legal process specialist in Plus, shes ays, she has a high a lifetime member of the Fort solidated Independent School able online, while still protect- and, the year before that, by 10 the Fort Bend County Clerk’s level of personal integrity and Bend County Fair Association District Zoning Committee ing personal information. percent. Office, where she served as a will keep her word. and co-chairs the 2011 Foster and the Lamar CISD Bond “I am really proud of that,” “I didn’t do that just because clerk for a county court-at-law. She said since the Fort High School Pro Grad. Committee. McMeans seeks to follow father to court-at-law BY DON MUNSCH a judge to Criminal and family law are Jeff McMeans said. “He was an [email protected] make a dif- McMeans’ main specialties at ideal judge. ference, es- his practice, which is based in “He was a judge’s judge. He Jeff McMeans said his next pecially in Richmond. lived for the law.” career move will be a pay cut, juveniles’ The majority of the type of Jeff McMeans said if he is but he said he sees his next job lives and ju- cases he does are covered in the elected, his first task is to get as a call to service. veniles’ cas- county court at law, such as ju- the docket up to speed. McMeans, 44, is running for es, because I venile, probate and civil cases. He also will be involved in the County Court at Law No. 2. His think that’s McMeans said the advice his transition from the old court- father, Walter S. McMeans, sits Jeff McMeans probably the father has given him in the past house to the new courthouse. on that bench now. most impor- has centered on what he has He said his experience and “It’s something that I’ve al- tant thing learned about politics in Fort qualifications rate better than ways wanted to do; I saw my fa- that the county court at law Bend County and about how to his Democratic opponent, Har- ther doing it for so many years,” judges handle,” he said. handle the media. rison Gregg Jr., a senior assis- Jeff McMeans said. “I got to see “Not to belittle misdemeanor “You can’t take it personal, tant county attorney in Harris his impact on what the county cases, but a 17- or 18-year-old pot and just remember who your County. did and how he handled cases smoker doesn’t quite catch up to friends are,” Jeff McMeans Gregg lives in Fort Bend and how the general public en- the gravity of 10- to 16 year-olds, said, adding that it was “nor- County. trusted him and liked him and where you can at least make a mal political stuff” he heard “He’s been a lawyer for a long embraced him.” difference and maybe stop them from his father. time, but he has no experience Juvenile cases are the most from being career criminals or Jeff McMeans said his- fa in the areas covered by this important matters Jeff Mc- at least turn them around and ther set an incredible example, court,” Jeff McMeans said. Means would face in his next let them know how important explaining his work ethic was Jeff McMeans said running job. grades are and not screwing extraordinary. for the office demands a lot of “I’ve always wanted to be up.” “He was a judge for 24 years,” work, money and patience. Gregg competing for court-at-law No. 2 seat BY DON MUNSCH the CCAL can do a lot. that’s going to have to be over- [email protected] 2 bench. Because if you take and do come.” Gregg, 69, not handle the case right when Harrison Gregg Jr. says he’s ran against it comes before you as a judge, the most qualified candidate for Judge Mc- you can either make this child County Court at Law No. 2 in Means in or break this child. ... You need Fort Bend County. 1986 and lost. to take a look at why is this child Gregg, a Democrat, who faces here: Is this a child you can help Republican Jeff McMeans in Gregg touts or is this a child you need to send the November election, touts his Harrison Gregg experience away to the juvenile home?” nearly four decades of legal expe- in various Gregg said he would be able to rience (39 years) and stresses his components handle the court from day one. 12 years as an associate judge in in law, such as juvenile law. “I can move that docket,” he Fort Bend, Matagorda, Wharton, “That’s something I would said. “It may not be backlogged Galveston, Montgomery, Liberty, really be interested in,” said now, but I’m sure there are cases Waller and Harris counties. Gregg, who’s been a Fort Bend they’re having to reset because Gregg, 69, is a senior assistant County resident for 38 years. presently as I speak today, the county attorney in Harris Coun- “A lot of times - based on my judge of that court is not on the ty and has been a resident of legal experience and my judicial bench. Fort Bend County for 38 years. experience coming before me They have persons who are Walter McMeans, Jeff Mc- - juveniles need personal atten- coming in who are filling in. Means’ father, currently sits on tion from the court. The court That’s another impediment Wilson wants return as county clerk By Marquita Griffin microfilm re- in the Boy Scouts of America, [email protected] cords dating the YMCA and Republican Party from 1838, to activists. For more than 27 years Dianne digital; and Wilson earned a bachelor’s Wilson has served Fort Bend as placing more degree in Public Administration county clerk and in November, than 30 mil- from St. Edwards University, she’s looking to keeping on serv- lion digitized and is a graduate fellow in Court ing. d o c u m e n t s Administration of the National From the time she was first on the county Center for State Courts Institute elected into the position in 1982, Dianne Wilson website. for Court Management. Wilson, a Republican, said she Wil- She is the co-founder of the has fulfilled several goals, in- son has been Literacy Volunteers of Fort Bend cluding: Being the chair of the married for 41 years and the County, serves on the Board of county’s Judicial Steering Team; couple has lived in Fort Bend Directors of the Fort Bend Boys implementing a property record- for the majority of those years. Choir of Texas, and is the 2003 ing system and document imag- Both of them have been foster recipient of the Sam Seale Trail- ing system; converting paper and parents, and have been involved Blazer Award. Miller challenging for county clerk By Marquita Griffin Miller said on After returning to Missouri [email protected] a campaign City, she work as an accoun- website. “I tant for Imperial Sugar before She’s ready to make the Fort can make a attending Houston Baptist Uni- Bend County Clerk’s services difference, versity, where she graduated in more available to the public. with your 2003 with her MBA. A businesswoman from Mis- vote. Togeth- In 2007 Miller graduated from souri City, Korinthia Miller, a er, we can Thurgood Marshall School of Democratic candidate for coun- make Fort Law at Texas Southern Univer- ty clerk, said she would work to Korinthia Miller Bend a pio- sity. help business entrepreneurs, neer in gov- She also worked for the U.S. too. ernment.” Department of Labor in Wash- “I have several ideas I want to Miller is a 1995 graduate of ington, D.C. as a legislative ana- implement in order to make Fort Elkins High School and Albany lyst before returning again to Bend County more accessible to State University where she ma- Missouri City where she start- the public, and a leader in the po- jored in business management ed an organization that helps litical education of its citizens,” and minored in accounting. at-risk children.

Get up-to-the-minute election results all night long on Nov. 2 at www.fbherald.com 6c wednesDAY, october 20, 2010 Election 2010 FORT BEND HERALD Ward seeks JP Pct. 1, Place 2 Childers pursues re-election Flick aims for diversity in BY JUAN CARLOS REYES [email protected] Ward worked to county court-at-law No. 1 county court-at-law No. 1 with the Substitute teacher and for- Texas De- Ben W. “Bud” Childers has enabled the By Marquita Griffin Flick is a mer Justice of the Peace Mary partment served Fort Bend County resi- court to uti- [email protected] graduate of Ward is hoping to get back on of Crimi- dents since he was appointed lize a special the Univer- the same position in the Novem- nal Justice, County Attorney in 1991, an of- public pros- Milton Flick, who has prac- sity of North ber election running for Justice where she fice he held for 16 years. ecutor for ticed civil and criminal law more Texas and the of the Peace Precinct 1, Place 2. c o n d u c t e d Educated in Texas, he graduat- mentally ill than four decades, is ready to be a University of Ward won the Republican Pri- disciplinary ed from Sam Houston University offenders. judge. Texas School mary in March from incumbent Mary Ward hearings on and South Texas College of Law. These expe- “I think we need some diversity, of Law, where Gary Geick, who was recovering offenders. He was elected judge of dited hear- some middle-of-the-road approach he graduated from a stroke at the time. She opened the first felony County Court-at-Law No. 1 in “Bud” Childers ings save to judgeship here in Fort Bend Milton Flick in the top 10 Her Democratic opponent is punishment facility for drug 2006, and took office in 2007. t a x p a y e r s County,” said Milton, a Democrat- percent of his R. J. Blue from Missouri City. abuse in Sugar Land. County Court has jurisdic- thousands of ic candidate for Judge, Fort Bend class. She started her criminal Ward has been active part in tion over juvenile, civil and dollars in court costs. County Court-at-Law No. 1. “I of- “I have the experience,” he justice career in 1978 with the several organizations, including criminal offenses as well as Married with three chil- fer voters a choice. In the past, the said. Rosenberg Police Department, the Lion’s Club, Rotary Club, probate. In addition to his oth- dren and two grandchildren, judges have been picked by the Flick lives in Quail Valley with before she was elected Justice of Special Olympics and LVFW of er duties, Childers initiated a Childers is a member of the Republican Primary, but all citi- his wife, who was a Fort Bend the Peace for Precinct 1 in 1982. Rosenberg. She is a life mem- mental health court for misde- Fort Bend Exchange Club and zens vote in November. We need a County teacher more than 30 “Back then we only had one ber of the Fort Bend Fair Asso- meanor offenses, one of the few has served on numerous boards wider group of people working at years. justice of the peace and now ciation and a CASA volunteer in in the state. of organizations serving Fort the courthouse.” He is a father of four children we’re fortunate to have two.” Fort Bend County. Childers received a grant that Bend County. In addition to his trial work, and grandfather to eight. Blue wants JP Pct. 1, Place 2 BY JUAN CARLOS REYES [email protected]

R.J. Blue is the Democratic candidate for Justice of the Peace Precinct 1, Place 2. Blue is a licensed lawyer at the federal level in many states and in the past seven years, he has represented people in Texas. The mar- ried father of two received his Bachelor of Science in Management and Finance from the Uni- versity of Tennessee. He went on to R.J. Blue get his MBA in Finance at Clark Atlanta University before getting his J.D. degreeat Vander- bilt Law School. He served with the Army as an armored crewman receiv- ing a good conduct medal, three achievement medals and a slew of oher accolades. He has argued cases at the civil and appellate level and the Texas Supreme Court. Blue says Fort bend needs and deserves an enthusiastic and qualified candidate who will do the best job while in office. “I am the only candidate edu- cated in the law and experienced in defending and representing citizens in court,” he said.