United Republicans of Harris County News (blog)

United Republicans of Harris County 2024 Primary Election Endorsements

United Republicans Harris County — Sun, 18 Feb 2024 17:31:31 GMT

United Republicans of Harris County PAC, celebrating 32nd years, endorses candidates in the Republican Primary and other selected elections. 2024 Election interviews ran throughout the month of January.
Endorsements are based on qualifications.

Please check out our 2024 Endorsement page for the full list and link to a printable document.

We believe in these values:

ACCOUNTABILITY: We list the names of our Board Members. You know whom makes the decisions here -- Grassroots activists, and business and community leaders with extensive campaign involvement.

OBJECTIVITY: Endorsements of candidates are based on qualifications, experience and support of our Republican philosophy. Questionnaires and interviews are part of our selection process.

FAIRNESS: We believe that the Republican Party represents many voices and that respecting the rights of others is the source of our Nation's strength.

The United Republicans of Harris County PAC is pleased to announce the endorsements of candidates in races for the 2024 Republican Primary

United Republicans of Harris County 2022 Primary Election Endorsements

United Republicans Harris County — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 03:45:41 GMT

United Republicans of Harris County PAC, celebrating 30th years, endorses candidates in the Republican Primary and other selected elections. 2020 Election interviews ran throughout the month of January.
Endorsements are based on qualifications.

Please check out our 2022 Endorsement page for the full list and link to a printable document.

We believe in these values:

ACCOUNTABILITY: We list the names of our Board Members. You know whom makes the decisions here -- Grassroots activists, and business and community leaders with extensive campaign involvement.

OBJECTIVITY: Endorsements of candidates are based on qualifications, experience and support of our Republican philosophy. Questionnaires and interviews are part of our selection process.

FAIRNESS: We believe that the Republican Party represents many voices and that respecting the rights of others is the source of our Nation's strength.

The United Republicans of Harris County PAC is pleased to announce the endorsements of candidates in races for the 2022 Republican Primary

The #Resistance is here, Republicans. Are you ready? By Pondering Penguin

United Republicans Harris County — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 22:51:53 GMT

Contributing Writer: Pondering Penguin

Original Article: February 14, 2017, www.PonderingPenguin.blogspot.com

What began with the Woman's March the day after President Trump's inauguration has produced regular protests and marches, mostly on weekends, ever since. Welcome to the #Resist movement. The biggest resource currently being used is the Indivisible Guide. Their website provides information on protesting congressional town halls, among other actions.

A mere three weeks into the new administration, what have we seen? Let's look at recent events.

Former President Obama (how much do I love typing that? A LOT!) broke traditional decorum just nine days into the new administration when he tweeted out criticism of Trump's travel ban. Both he and two time failed presidential candidate Hillary Clinton regularly taunt Trump on Twitter now. Obama's political machine is alive and well, as evidenced in this article.

"A super PAC formed to reelect Barack Obama in 2012 is driving activists to congressional town halls. Veterans of Bill Clinton’s administration are joining marches and plotting bigger ones for the spring. Democratic senators who had befriended Jeff Sessions in the Senate voted — 47 to 1 — against his nomination for attorney general."

A social media platform used to organize events, @Matchup, tweeted out their support for the movement and emailed subscribers to their site:

"Feeling powerless? We launched 1,000+ free Meetup groups to make it easier to take action. #Resist"

Kudos to the conservatives and Independents on socia media who have cancelled their memberships on @Matchup and exposed this organization for what it is - just another social media platform promoting the leftist agenda.

Despite an obvious misfire in typing out the tweet ( I think 'pouch' should have been 'loud'), the message is clear, Planned Parenthood is prominent among the leftist grievance alliance and part of the new #Resistance movement. This tweet was from an annual luncheon in Houston hosted by Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast - note that they proclaim that 2,000 were in attendance.

"We're 2,000 strong at our @PPGulfCoast Roe v. Wade annual luncheon. The people of TX are speaking pouch & clear. #WeWontGoBack #IStandWithPP"

A major sponsor of the Woman's March (a more honest title would be the Liberal Woman's March) Planned Parenthood encourages women to wear pussy hats and vagina costumes as they march their public streets to protest a fake war on women. Frankly, as a woman, this behavior embarrasses me. How demeaning and uninspiring their actions are. Anger doesn't persuade, civil discussion does. Have you noticed most of the marchers are older white women and the children they drag along to shamefully use as their props?

The real challenge, though, will be if these groups truly consolidate and become the progressive answer to the Tea Party or if it is a new version of Occupy Wall Street. Often these protests are infiltrated by the Black Bloc thugs - those violent looters who dress in black from head to toe and violently assault innocent by-standers while they destroy property. They are anarchists.

Republican groups - be vigilant. The protesters are coming for your meetings and for political town halls. Do not let a few leftists disrupt and derail local meetings. The DCCC has announced a list of congressional races they have targeted - it includes my congressman, John Culberson.

Democrats are counting on voter fatigue with Trump by the time mid-term elections come around. They are organized and well-funded. Besides the Obama machine, the old Clinton people are active and many groups are being funded by socialist George Soros.

Are you ready?

Mayor candidates spar in Republican hosted forum

United Republicans Harris County — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 02:04:02 GMT

Original article: Chron.com
Mayor candidates spar in Republican hosted forum
By Rebecca Elliott, Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Houston's mayoral candidates duked it out at Tuesday night's unusually lively mayoral forum, in which candidates had the opportunity to both debate a series of broad-ranging topics and quiz each other.

The event's different format highlighted the race's emerging political fault lines, most of which revolve around the city's looming budget deficit. Issues of the hour included if and when to lift the city's revenue cap, whether to close the fiscal gap by issuing new debt, and what to do about the controversial streets and drainage initiative known as ReBuild Houston.

At night's end, City Councilman Stephen Costello was the self-declared "piñata," having fielded a host of questions about ReBuild Houston, which was his brainchild, and received four of the seven questions that candidates posed to each other.

Costello and former Kemah Mayor Bill King, both of whom bill themselves as moderate fiscal conservatives, are thought to be in a battle for Houston's right-leaning voters — a well-represented demographic at the forum, which was hosted by the United Republicans of Harris County.

The first question of the forum addressed whether to amend the city's revenue cap in light of Houston's looming $126 million deficit. Of the seven candidates in attendance, only former City Councilman Chris Bell and state Rep. Sylvester Turner proposed changes, with Bell calling for the cap to be repealed and Turner suggesting the city make exceptions for either public safety or to pay down city debt.

The next question, on ReBuild, set up each of the candidates to criticize the execution of ReBuild Houston, if not pan it entirely.

That left Costello alone singing the program's praises.

Other questions posed by the moderator, KHOU's Doug Miller, touched on the Houston Police Department's best chiefs in the last 36 years and use of devices called Stingrays to collect cell phone data, as well as the city's pensions and permitting processes.

Garcia fumbled his answer to Miller's query about HPD's best chiefs when he named Fred Bankston, who was deputy chief.

Miller also offered candidates an opportunity to list the top three items on their to-do lists, should they replace term-limited Mayor Annise Parker.

Turner named infrastructure, financial management and transportation, while Bell decided to go a more specific route, listing as his top priorities zero-based budgeting, getting new trucks to fill potholes and implementing a new system to collect data on city services.

Costello, Hall and King's responses were similar to Turner's, with all three naming slight variations of public safety, infrastructure and financial management or pension reform. King also used the opportunity to take another jab at ReBuild Houston.

Businessman Marty McVey said he would create an office of economic development office, which the city already has, though McVey clarified that his would be "actually a real economic development office." He also listed tackling the budget and reorganizing the structure of city departments.

Garcia named just two specific items — financial reform and public safety — before generalizing that his priorities would be to "lead, manage and reform."

Sparks didn't really begin to fly until the second half of the event, when each candidate had the chance to ask one other candidate a question. 2013 mayoral runner-up Ben Hall and businessman Marty McVey asked Costello about ReBuild, while King pressed him on fiscal discipline and former Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia lobbed him a softball on improving the city's permitting process.

Hall's attack on Costello was particularly pointed, and he accused Costello of obscuring how ReBuild Houston's funds would be used.

Costello reiterated that he thinks ReBuild is "a good program," citing a series of accomplishments and discussing the sources of revenue that flow to the city's streets and drainage renewal fund.

Hall did not back down, responding, "it's wrong to mislead voters."

(At night's end, Miller dubbed Costello "Stephen Rocky Balboa Costello.")

Meanwhile, Costello went head-to-head with King on how King would fund the pensions of legacy members through his proposed defined-contribution model.

When Turner's chance at bat came around, he tried to inject some humor into the increasingly tense room, asking, "Can we all get along?"

"Steve, I love you, I really do. I do love you," Turner continued to much laughter, before turning to question King's proposal to fund infrastructure projects through bond elections.

"I have no problem with borrowing money for building long-term assets," King responded. "Bond elections is the way we built infrastructure for 180 years. There was no reason to change what we were doing."

Turner then criticized King for his support of issuing new bonds.

"I agree with you that ReBuild Houston certainly can be better run," Turner said to King. "You are going to, in a sense, bankrupt the city and put it on future generations to pay for increased debt. That is not a conservative philosophy."

Garcia was the only other mayoral hopeful to receive a candidate question.

Bell inquired about when Garcia initially found out that a mentally ill inmate was being held in squalid conditions in the Harris County Jail, under his watch.

Garcia did not directly answer whether his former chief deputy had indeed told him about the case a year before it became public last fall, saying instead, "when I found out about this issue, I took action."

Check out the Chron.com original article for associated internal links, etc.

United Republicans of Harris County Presented Senator Cornyn By Pondering Penguin

United Republicans Harris County — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 22:30:34 GMT

Contributing Writer: Pondering Penguin
Original Article: April 12, 2013, www.PonderingPenguin.blogspot.com

United Republicans of Harris County held another standing room only event Saturday as they presented the senior senator from Texas, Senator John Cornyn, Senate Minority Whip. The PAC endorsed Senator Cornyn for re-election and he spoke on the importance of getting out the vote and electing Republicans.

Ed Hubbard introduced Senator Cornyn. He spoke of the philosophy of United Republicans of Harris County. While those like Ronald Reagan speak of the Republican party using an analogy of a three legged stool, some groups focus on one or two "legs" of party philosophy. The three legs of fiscal conservatism, strong foreign policy, and social conservatism can all work together when willing hearts and minds come together among those who vote as Republicans. Unfortunately, this is a time of division within the party. The legs of that stool work together, yet some believe one issue or the other outweighs the rest.

United Republicans of Harris County focuses on fiscal conservatism. As stated on the website:

United Republicans of Harris County represents the economic conservative Republicans of this community and advocates the traditional Republican philosophies of:

Fiscal Conservatism
Strong National Defense
Lower Taxes
Safer Communities
Better Education
Less Government Intervention
Individual Freedoms With Responsibility
Accountability by Our Elected Officials

Hubbard encouraged those present to consider joining United Republicans of Harris County as members, as the PAC's modest dues support the organization as speakers and programs are developed throughout the year.

Senator Cornyn was warmly welcomed. He spoke of the failed years of the Obama administration and the importance of Republicans taking back the Senate. It is crucial for Republican voters from all quarters to work together with respect and diligence. This is not a time for apathy. This is not a time to sit an election out. He encouraged the audience to get out the vote with family and friends.

Speaking of the true Republican values as presented by the likes of President Ronald Reagan, he said, "What do you call someone that I agree with 80% of the time? I call you a friend, not a 20% traitor". Too many are focusing on a vote that may have made them unhappy with an elected official instead of the big picture - which is to get Republicans elected. If Republicans don't win elections, Republicans will not govern. It really is as simple as that.

Senator Cornyn was accompanied by his wife of 34 years, Sandy, and he said while he agrees with her 100% of the time, she doesn't agree with him 100% of the time and that works out just fine for them. "Agreeing 100% of the time is an impossible standard", he said. As Republicans, that is a good example to set. That is how a party must work to flourish and be successful.

If you would like to join United Republicans of Harris County, go to the website and fill out a membership form. The public is welcome to the events and regular events are held to keep voters informed on timely issues.

This Week's Battleground Texas Update By Pondering Penguin

United Republicans Harris County — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 03:52:43 GMT

Contributing Writer: Pondering Penguin
Original Article: April 12, 2013, www.PonderingPenguin.blogspot.com

I've signed up for the emails from Battleground Texas so that I receive updates of their operations in the state. Friday I received two such updates in my inbox.

From Jenn Brown, Executive Director of Battleground Texas, a little of her update:

We did it -- after three weeks on the road we have finished our first statewide tour and we are inspired by the response. Over 3,000 volunteers and activists attended meetings in 14 cities to learn how neighbor to neighbor organizing can change Democratic politics in Texas for the better. Now it's time to get to work. Whether you were a part of the standing-room-only crowd in Lubbock (Yes, Lubbock!) or part of the packed house in Houston -- we are grateful for your support and look forward to building this movement with you. P.S. Thanks so much to all the grassroots supporters who generously provided housing for our organizers as we toured the state to connect with Texans. By opening your homes to the BGTX team, you allowed us to ensure the dollars we raise go toward making the state a battleground undefined instead of paying for hotels. Supporters who are willing to host an organizer when we visit your town in the future please let us know.

So, from that we know that their meetings are well attended and that they are accumulating volunteers across the state. They are training "neighbor organizing" in 14 cities so far. Not bad for three weeks of work. Also you notice that they are on a shoe string budget, apparently, as they tout that their organizers are staying in people's homes instead of using funds for hotel bills. Hey, liberals can be fiscally conservative when necessary!

The other email was from Christina Gomez, Digital Director. She was all giddy over a "four page plea" sent out by Republican Party of Texas Chairman Steve Munisteri to supporters to stop the group. In other words, it was a fundraising letter. I didn't get this - if you sign on to be a monthly contributor to the party then you won't be subjected such mailings - so I have not seen the "plea" to check it out.

Gomez said:

You have to see this -- the Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas, sent a four-page plea to his supporters. His agenda -- to stop Battleground Texas.

Then there was a large photo of a part of the first page of the letter. Then she goes into her own desperate plea:

I've been around Texas politics for a long time, but I have never seen desperation like this.

So let's keep up the fight. In the next few months, we are going to roll out our team of organizers and trained volunteers. Coupled with a data-driven digital program, our team of organizers, activists and trainers will be in every corner of the state.

Help us cover the state of Texas with organizers by donating $10, $25 or what you can today.

You better believe the Republicans are rallying their troops right now -- we have the tools and team to turn Texas into a battleground state. Join us today.

Let's get to work,

A bit of irony, no? Mocking a plea for money with a plea for money. I love politics.

The RNC is right (for once!): “The Republican Party needs to stop talking to itself.” By Ed Hubbard

United Republicans Harris County — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 03:38:34 GMT

Contributing writer: Ed Hubbard
Original article written: March 13, 2013, www.BigJollyPolitics.com

Earlier this week the Republican National Committee published a report from its “Growth and Opportunity Project,” which outlines the current weaknesses of the party and offers detailed recommendations for addressing those weaknesses. Although I agree with many of the observations and recommendations, the report spent about 100 pages to finally admit to the reality that some of us have been trying to get the party to face for some time. However, one observation contained in the report was so poignant (and so obvious) that it caught my attention:

The Republican Party needs to stop talking to itself. We have become expert in how to provide ideological reinforcement to like-minded people, but devastatingly we have lost the ability to be persuasive with, or welcoming to, those who do not agree with us on every issue.

That statement took my mind back to another timeundefinedmore than a generation agoundefinedwhen I still had more hair on top of my head than on my chin; and to a Republican leader who challenged young people like me by reminding us that we had a “rendezvous with destiny” … “to make the world over again.” In doing so, he told us to stop talking to ourselves and to start persuading others to join us:

I want the record to show that I do not view the new revitalized Republican Party as one based on a principle of exclusion. After all, you do not get to be a majority party by searching for groups you won’t associate or work with. If we truly believe in our principles, we should sit down and talk. Talk with anyone, anywhere, at any time if it means talking about the principles of the Republican Party. Conservatism is not a narrow ideology nor is it the exclusive property of conservative activists. …Our task now is not to sell a philosophy, but to make the majority of Americans, who already share that philosophy, see that modern conservatism offers them a political home. We are not a cult, we are members of a majority. Let’s act and talk like it. …

Much of what ails the American Conservative Movement and the Republican Party is self-inflicted because we stopped talking to others. It seems as though we foolishly concluded that, when Bill Clinton said that the era of big government was over, we had won the argument with the left. So, we simply turned on each other and fought among ourselves over ideological purity. As we did that, we and our ideas seemed to be less and less relevant to our neighbor’s lives. In fact, I think it is safe to say that had the attacks on 9/11 not occurred, or had George W. Bush not responded to the 9/11 attacks as he did, the trajectory of history would have caused him to be an accidental one-term President because we already had turned inward on ourselves.

And the people we stopped talking to, and who stopped listening to us, primarily inhabit the urban zip codes that we lost so decisively in the last election. People will not listen to someone they don’t trust, they won’t trust someone they don’t feel they know, and they won’t get to know someone who ignores them. Most Republicans have ignored most urban neighborhoods since at least 1960, with the predictable consequences for our party as the vast majority of Americans now live inside metropolitan areas.

But our inaction has created unintended consequences for cities, too. Remember the movie, It’s A Wonderful Life, and the segment of the story in which the Angel (Clarence) shows George Bailey what Bedford Falls would have been like without him and the Bailey Savings and Loan? It became Potterville, with all of its loneliness, indifference, anger, decadence and despair for so many of the people George had known. Now look at present-day Detroit, Chicago, Philadelphia, and even neighborhoods in Houston, and what you’ll find are a lot of Pottervilles because we haven’t been there for generations. We Republicans need to have a cold, hard look in the mirror and realize that many of the pathologies that have caused so much under-education, under-employment, and over-incarceration in urban neighborhoods sprouted and grew because our party abandoned most cities to the Democrats (and their failed theories of government command and control) more than a generation ago.

Now, if you find what I just wrote a little hard to swallow, compare the cities I just mentioned to today’s New York City, a Democratic stronghold that hasn’t been willing to elect a Democratic Mayor in over two decades (though Bloomberg is no Republican, he’s not really a Democrat eitherundefinedhe’s just an independent narcissist) but has enjoyed a prolonged civic renaissance throughout so many of its neighborhoods since the mid-1990s.

If you think clearly about the challenges America faces, one conclusion should be clear: the country needs a revitalized Republican Party that is engaged in every neighborhoodundefinednot just along Main Street, but along the hard streets and alleys of our cities where too many lives are constantly being lost at too early of an age. To do that, though, Republicans have to actually engage in the life of those neighborhoodsundefinedtheir families, civic and religious organizations, their schools, and their local governmentsundefinedand use Republican principles to address real needs in those neighborhoods.

We are not a debating society, so we need to stop talking to each other about our principles. Instead, we need to mentor the members of a new generation, through our actions and policies, to be part of a movement larger than themselves; to be part of a movement that will enlarge and enrich liberty, while transforming the opportunities for all our neighbors to live fuller and richer lives consistent with best of their dreams. In so doing, we actually can “make the world over again”undefinednot just talk about what should be, or what could have been.

A message from District Attorney Patricia Lykos

United Republicans Harris County — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 05:45:28 GMT

Thank you, United Republicans, for all you do!

We at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office are proud to serve and safeguard the people of Harris County, Texas.

The district attorney’s office represents the state of Texas in all criminal cases. It is our duty to see that justice is done and to protect the lives, property and rights of our more than 4 million citizens. We are ever mindful that the rule of law is the basis of a decent, robust civil society and that our office is the foremost guardian of justice and order.

The Harris County District Attorney’s Office is the leading law enforcement agency in the county. We are both sword and shield in protecting and defending the public. The office is staffed by extraordinary people and each is vital to accomplishing our mission.

Our responsibilities are varied and complex. We represent the state in all criminal matters and are statutorily and morally charged with the solemn duty to see that justice is done. We must ensure that the rights of both defendants and victims are protected, while vigorously prosecuting the guilty. To serve and protect the citizenry, the office launches initiatives and works collaboratively with all levels of government and the private sector to prevent, reduce and suppress crime. Always, we endeavor to improve the administration of justice.

Our office has implemented innovative programs and projects to disrupt gangs, prevent crime, protect victims, vigorously prosecute dangerous criminals and improve the criminal justice system. Process changes have been engineered and new technology employed to make the office more effective and efficient.

Below I have included a link to the office’s 2010 Year in Review and an announcement on our recent accolade for cleaning up area gang activity. I am pleased to share with you news of the great things we are accomplishing at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.

Patricia R. Lykos

Harris County District Attorney

Click here to view the Harris County District Attorney’s Office 2010 Year in Review

DA’s Office Honored for Cleaning Up Gang Activity in Aldine Complex

Harris County District Attorney Patricia Lykos was honored recently by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Office of the Inspector General (HUD-OIG) with a performance award for leading the effort to free the Haverstock Hills apartment complex from entrenched criminal street gang violence.

“From our first meeting we knew she was serious about stopping the cycle of violence at Haverstock Hills and letting the gangs know they could not rule the complex,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Robert Jones. “Her leadership was instrumental in pulling together a committed team comprised of the Sheriff’s Department, Houston Police Department, HUD-OIG and ATF to get rid of the criminal element.”

Last year Lykos filed Harris County’s first-ever civil injunction action against the gangs operating at Haverstock Hills. Statistics showed that in one year law enforcement agencies responded to more than 3,000 calls from Haverstock residents for help. Gangs had peddled narcotics, ran dice games on playgrounds, and engaged in gunfire, drug-dealing, assaults, prostitution, and intimidation at the complex for decades.

The injunction barred any gang-related conduct in a newly created 57-acre “safety zone” that included the apartment complex, a nearby elementary school campus and 11 area businesses. It also banned more than 50 known gang defendants from ever returning to Haverstock. The temporary order was made permanent in February. Armed with the court orders, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies continue to make sweeps of the area.

“I am very proud of the work we’ve done at Haverstock,” said Lykos. “The residents deserve to live in a place free from crime and violence. We cannot permit gangs to ‘own the night’ as they like to brag. We must let the gangs know that neighborhoods in Harris County do not belong to ‘hoods.’”

District Attorney Lykos began coordinating the anti-gang action nearly a year before the filing of the injunction. She set up a coalition of agencies, community organizations, schools, and faith-based groups along with Haverstock management to assist residents and offer real alternatives to the gang existence.

"U R in the Know" - August Edition

United Republicans Harris County — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 01:22:17 GMT

Well, it's summertime and the temperatures R HOT across the United States. And speaking of hot, we saw the equivalent in Washington during the debt ceiling crisis. Lots of media and talking heads weighing in and politicians pointing fingers as fast as they could. It was a long couple of weeks and one thing is for sure, the American people R concerned. How long will America's financial future be uncertain and will our Presidential Nominee have what it takes to beat President Obama. No one seems to be coalescing around one candidate yet and that is a great concern to many activists. Will our Governor, Rick Perry be in the hunt? The clock is ticking...................

On the local scene, the upcoming city elections R fast approaching with At-Large 2 reflecting a loaded race. Elizabeth Perez and Eric Dick R carrying the Republican torch and what about District A incumbent Brenda Stardig drawing an opponent, Republican activist and precinct chairman Helena Brown. Could a major issue between the two be "red light cameras?" Stay tuned. Helena Brown has already received the endorsements of Paul Bettencourt and former District A Councilwoman Toni Lawrence. What do U think of this development?

As well, the only Republican, Brian Cweren running in District C against three known Democrats received the Harris County Republican Party endorsement in June, one of the earliest endorsements ever on record for the county party. Way to go Brian! The Cweren Campaign is also pleased to be endorsed by the Houston Apartment Association...check out his website...www.brian2011.com

In At-Large District 5, running against incumbent Jolanda Jones R two Republicans, Jack Christie and Jack O'Connor. Say it ain't so Jack! Two great individuals whose base of support is grounded in west Houston running against an incumbent Democrat? We all know in the political world of Houston , that's an equation for failure. We must run only one Republican candidate when we go up against a Democrat in the City of Houston if we R to have a chance. We'll keep you posted on what happens.

R U gearing up for 2012? The buzz is getting louder. Longtime Republican State Representative, District 136, Beverly Woolley is retiring after an extraordinary record of public service. A possible replacement is Pam Holm, former Councilwoman for District G. We think Pam's a great fit for this important Republican stronghold. Pam, R U listening ?

Last, but not least, we'd like to tip our hat to longtime Republican Party Executive Director Jeff Yates for his years of loyal service to the Party. Jeff will still be aiding the party with special projects but will not be a full-time presence at the office as he pursues other ventures. Thank U Jeff for your hard work!

Until next time...Cheers!

Harris County Management Services Population Study - March 2011 - Commissioner Radack

United Republicans Harris County — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 01:10:59 GMT

Thank you to Harris County Precinct Three Commissioner Steve Radack for providing URHC with a copy of the Harris County Management Services Population Study.

We have included excerpts from the beginning of the study and it's conclusion. We know that many of you will be very interested in this study.

To read the full report click here: Population March 2011 final.pdf

Introduction

This is the twelfth report in an ongoing study of population changes in Harris County and their impact on demand for County services. The Census bureau released 2010 count data in late February and this report is a comparison of the 2010 count to the previous 2000 and 1990 census counts.

Harris County is Growing Fast

Harris County continues to be the nation's third most populous county with 4.1 million residents as of April 1, 2010 and one of the fastest growing counties in the US with a population increase of 20% since 2000 and 45% since 1990. Harris County contains all or part of 34 cities including Houston, the nation's fourth largest city. The following chart shows the population for Houston,
the other cities in Harris County and the Unincorporated area of the County.

The unincorporated area now represents 38% of the total county population, up from 31% in 2000.
Between 2000 and 2010, 75% of the growth in the county was in the unincorporated area.

Unique Unincorporated Area

Harris County is essentially home to the 2 largest cities in Texas if you consider the unincorporated area as a stand-alone city. The Census Bureau has not yet released 2010 count data for Arizona but there is a chance that Harris County Unincorporated may pass Phoenix in population which
would make it the fifth most populous "city" in the US.

Harris County is the only county in Texas and likely the only county in the US with such a
significant unincorporated area. The following chart shows the data for the top five "cities"
in Texas.

The Next Ten Years

The following shows the projected growth in population during the next 10 years assuming that
the growth patterns from 2000 to 2010 continue for Harris County with no significant areas
being annexed by the city of Houston.

The unincorporated area would pass the city of Houston in population by 2018 if the current trends continue. Total Harris County population would pass the 5 million mark in 2019. The next chart shows the population inside and outside the tollway assuming the same trends continue. Over 86% of the growth in population over the next 10 years would be outside the tollway.

Harris County government provides much of its services to residents throughout the County including
people living in Houston and surrounding cities and towns. There are some services, such as law enforcement and public safety, public health and animal control, and libraries that are provided primarily to the unincorporated areas of the County.

While nothing is certain, all indications are that Harris County will continue to experience
significant growth throughout the County in all 4 County Commissioner precincts and especially
in the unincorporated areas. The demand for infrastructure to support this growth, as well as
increased demand for services such as law enforcement and health care, will make it necessary
to maintain adequate sources of revenue for budgetary purposes.

Note: This study contains the following additional information on:

Population Spreading Out
Infrastructure and Growth
Harris County Precincts and Redistricting
Growth Trends by Area
School Enrollment Trends
Growth of Surrounding Counties
Sources of Revenue - Property Tax Levy
Growth in Number of Single Family Homes
Inflation plus Population Growth

To read the full report click here: Population March 2011 final.pdf

"U R in the Know"

United Republicans Harris County — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 02:54:20 GMT

Presidential Politics

Have U been tuning into the latest round of presidential sparring? Donald Trump and Mike Huckabee are tied with 19% in a potential Republican Primary with the rest of the field falling below that number. Trump continues to rise in the polls and in some is beating President Obama. Trump is getting lots of attention with his birther convictions and can be seen on various media outlets every day. Karl Rove said Trump was not a serious presidential contender while Trump fired back that it was Rove who ruined President Bush with his advice. Meanwhile Mike Huckabee is in a skirmish with Glen Beck who called him a Progressive. Huckabee in fine form shot back that Beck needed to stick to his conspiracy theories. Do U think this is going to be a long political season? Fasten your seat belts.

Houston City Politics

The City races are beginning to fill up with the new maps having been released. A new District has been formed which is J and many believe that was specifically designed for one liberal Democrat as well as another district in the Southwest Fondren area. Many Latinos of note are weighing in and expressing their displeasure that there was not a specifically designed Latino district. More to follow...

Many candidates have also stepped forward to run including Brian Cweren in C and At-large #2, Elizabeth Perez and Eric Dick.

Race for the United States Senate, Texas

Did U catch the latest news on who the Dems want to run for the U.S. Senate in 2012? Retired Lt. General Ricardo Sanchez appears to be gaining momentum. However, will the Dems warm to his former role in the military and some of his positions? Stay tuned.

What Can U Do to Make a Difference?

Get involved in the political process. Don't put if off, get your feet wet. Once U get involved in politics, U will see and feel the contribution U are making for our country...one step at a time.

Until next time...Cheers!

How about the 2012 Presidential Election?

United Republicans Harris County — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 22:20:06 GMT

It's not too early to start thinking about defeating President Obama. Candidates that are emerging are providing lots of interesting discussion. Newt Gingrich spends a good bit of time in Texas meeting with politicos and leaders in business while Mitt Romney has a good base in Dallas and some committed supporters ready to gear up for his campaign. Mike Huckabee will once again be the headliner at the Harris County Republican Party Reagan Day Dinner and has a great personality and a show on FOX while Sarah Palin, a friend to Dan Patrick and the Governor has become a media star, but is it enough to propel her to nominee status? Then there's Ron Paul who always carves out his own constituency. But there are several dark horses in the race including our own Governor who says it ain't so but has written a book and continues to have his name in the mix. And, what about "The Donald?" As in Trump of course. Did U know he's meeting with LOTS of people in Texas and appears to be getting more serious about a run for President?Don't forget that Texas is an extremely key state. Many conservatives like his business approach and charisma. WOW! There are many other names being floated and one thing is for sure, it will be one heated and spirited race. So, who do U like for President in 2012?

A New United States Senator For Texas

Talk about a BIG Primary in Texas! That's what 2012 is shaping up to be. President and U.S. Senator will be on the ballot. With the announcement of sitting Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison opting not to run in 2012, the field opens up for this important seat. Names being discussed with a couple of formal announcements are Michael Williams, Roger Williams, Ted Cruz, Elizabeth Ames Jones and of course the front runner, Lt. Governor David Dewhurst who has lots of statewide name ID. A big Houston name Drayton McClane will be Finance Chairman for Roger Williams' Campaign. This race means lots of money and key endorsements will make the difference between winning and losing. Will we see musical chairs at the top of the ticket? It's been done before...remember 1998?

Do U like TEA?

As in the Tea Party movement. We sure do and would enjoy the opportunity for members of this movement to become involved in United Republicans. We're all about coalitions and welcoming new ideas so get involved with our organization and watch the Party grow!

City Elections R Fast Approaching

We are being told that the new districts won't be carved until May or June, but lots of candidates are already preparing for a run. District C looks like it will be loaded with at least four candidates thus far organizing for the seat held by Anne Clutterbuck who is term limited. Races for at large seats are already starting to fill and talk about a potential Mayor's Race with a conservative is getting more play every day. The strategy...get three candidates in the race a la Lanier, Whitmire and Turner and win in a runoff. Tough proposition? Probably so, even though the city is strapped financially. The giant potholes all over town aren't any indication are they?

Candidate Training...We're gearing up for 2012

If U R interested in running, we will be holding training sessions for potential candidates beginning in August of 2011. Learn the ropes, what it takes to be a candidate and a winning strategy in our comprehensive program. From Precinct Chairman to President (well okay, maybe not President but certainly United States Senator!) U will learn key points that will make a difference in your race.

Visit us on Facebook...stop in and let us know what U think. How can we as Republicans do a better job, find common ground and ensure this is a party of many voices.

Until next time... Cheers!