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2023 Election Results Are In

Forward Times is providing you with the results of the November 2023 election Drumroll please……. the November 2023 election concluded last week, and the Forward Times is here with the results of the 2023 City of Houston races and surrounding areas, as well as the outcome of the local propositions and State of Texas Constitutional […]
The post 2023 Election Results Are In first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

1 year ago

November 15, 2023

Forward Times Staff

Forward Times is providing you with the results of the November 2023 election

Drumroll please……. the November 2023 election concluded last week, and the Forward Times is here with the results of the 2023 City of Houston races and surrounding areas, as well as the outcome of the local propositions and State of Texas Constitutional amendments.

HOUSTON MAYOR RACE

As Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner’s second and final term concludes at the end of the year due to term-limits: U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (36%) and John Whitmire (43%) were the top two vote getters and will face off against each other in the December runoff election for the open seat to become Houston’s next mayor.

HOUSTON CITY CONTROLLER RACE

As Houston City Controller Chris Brown’s second and final term ends at the end of the year due to term-limits: Chris Hollins (45%) and Orlando Sanchez (27%) were the top two vote getters and will face off against each other in the December runoff election for the open seat to become Houston’s next city controller.

HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE RACES

Here are the results of the Houston City Council At-Large races:

At-Large, Position 1: Melanie Miles (25%) and Julian Ramirez (25%) were the top two vote getters and will face off against each other in the December runoff election for the open seat to serve on Houston City Council.
At-Large, Position 2: Willie Davis (32%) and Nick Hellyar (23%) were the top two vote getters and will face off against each other in the December runoff election for the open seat to serve on Houston City Council.
At-Large, Position 3: Richard Cantu (22%) and Twila Carter (21%) were the top two vote getters and will face off against each other in the December runoff election for the open seat to serve on Houston City Council.
At-Large, Position 4: Incumbent Council Member Leticia Plummer (48%) and Roy Morales (33%) were the top two vote getters and will face off against each other in the December runoff election to serve on Houston City Council.
At-Large, Position 5: Incumbent Council Member Sallie Alcorn (60%) wins a second term and retains her seat to serve on Houston City Council.

HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT RACES

The results of the City Council District races are:

District A: Incumbent Council Member Amy Peck (100%) was unopposed and wins second term and retains her seat to serve on Houston City Council.
District B: Incumbent Council Member Tarsha Jackson (63%) wins second term and retains her seat to serve on Houston City Council.
District C: Incumbent Council Member Abbie Kamin (73%) wins second term and retains her seat to serve on Houston City Council.
District D: Incumbent Council Member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz (49%) and Travis McGee (17%) were the top two vote getters and will face off against each other in the December runoff election to serve on Houston City Council.
District E: Fred Flickinger (57%) wins open seat to serve on Houston City Council.
District F: Incumbent Council Member Tiffany Thomas (100%) was unopposed and wins second term and retains her seat to serve on Houston City Council.
District G: Incumbent Council Member Mary Nan Huffman (49%) and Tony Buzbee (41%) were the top two vote getters and will face off against each other in the December runoff election to serve on Houston City Council.
District H: Mario Castillo (46%) and Cynthia Reyes Revilla (25%) were the top two vote getters and will face off against each other in the December runoff election for the open seat to serve on Houston City Council.
District I: Joaquin Martinez (59%) wins open seat to serve on Houston City Council.
District J: Incumbent Council Member Edward Pollard (63%) wins second term and retains his seat to serve on Houston City Council.
District K: Incumbent Council Member Martha Castex-Tatum (100%) was unopposed and wins second term and retains her seat to serve on Houston City Council.

LOCAL BALLOT INITIATIVES

Harris County Hospital District, Proposition A: (PASSED | 72%)
City of Houston, Proposition A: (PASSED | 83%)
City of Houston, Proposition B: (PASSED | 65%)

STATEWIDE BALLOT MEASURES

Proposition 1: Voters decided whether Texans will have the right to farm, ranch, and garden on property they own. (PASSED | 79%)
Proposition 2: Voters decided whether cities and counties will be allowed to give property tax breaks to child-care businesses. (PASSED | 65%)
Proposition 3: Voters decided whether to prevent any future lawmakers from imposing a “wealth tax” on Texas residents without voter consent. (PASSED | 68%)
Proposition 4: Voters decided whether to raise the school homestead exemption in Texas and reduce the amount that Texas homeowners will take off the taxable value of their primary residence for school property taxes from $40,000 to $100,000. The proposition will also put a temporary cap on the appraisal growth on residential properties and small businesses that do not have homestead exemptions, such as second homes and rental properties, from year-to-year. Lastly, it will create new elected positions on appraisal boards in Texas counties with a population of 75,000 or more. (PASSED | 83%)
Proposition 5: Voters decided whether to send up to $100 million in interest, dividends, and other investment earnings every year from the state’s rainy-day fund to the Texas University Fund to help support research at state universities. (PASSED | 66%)
Proposition 6: Voters decided whether to approve the creation of the Texas Water Fund, which will receive $1 billion to begin updating pipe systems and developing new water sources. (PASSED | 78%)
Proposition 7: Voters decided whether to authorize the creation of a Texas Energy Fund, which will receive $5 billion to help officials to distribute loans and grants to companies with the aim of building new natural gas-fueled power plants. (PASSED | 65%)
Proposition 8: Voters decided whether to create the Broadband Infrastructure Fund to expand Internet and broadband access across Texas. (PASSED | 69%)
Proposition 9: Voters decided whether to allow $3.3 billion from the general revenue fund to be moved to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas to provide some retired Texas teachers with cost-of-living raises to their monthly pension checks. (PASSED | 84%)
Proposition 10: Voters decided whether to give a property tax break to biomedical companies by exempting the value of any equipment used to manufacture personal protective equipment, pharmaceuticals, or other medical devices. (PASSED | 55%)
Proposition 11: Although it didn’t affect Houston-area voters directly, this proposition asked Texas voters to decide whether to give conservation and reclamation districts in El Paso County the power to issue bonds to fund the development and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities. (PASSED | 63%)
Proposition 12: Although it didn’t affect Houston-area voters directly, this proposition asked Texas voters (in Galveston County only) to decide whether to abolish the office of Galveston County treasurer and instead authorize the Commissioners Court to hire or contract with someone to do the job. (PASSED | 53%)
Proposition 13: Voters decided whether to raise the mandatory retirement age for Texas state judges from 75 years of age to 79. (REJECTED | 63%)
Proposition 14: Voters decided whether to establish a Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, which will receive $1 billion to purchase land for new state parks and improve existing state parks. (PASSED | 77%)

Other items on the November ballot that may impact some of you include:

ALDINE ISD BOND ELECTION

Proposition A: New School Buildings and Sites (PASSED | 68%)
Proposition B: District Technology Equipment (PASSED | 65%)
Proposition C: Arts and Events Center (PASSED | 55%)

CITY OF JERSEY VILLAGE BOND ELECTION

Proposition A: $19 million for a pool and parks improvements (REJECTED | 59%)
Proposition B: $15.86 million for water, sewer, and drainage (PASSED | 55%)
Proposition C: $18 million for streets, roads, and bridges (PASSED | 51%)

CLEAR CREEK ISD BOND ELECTION AND TAX RATE RAISE

Propositon A: Tax rate raise to 0.9746 per $100 in property value (PASSED | 59%)
Proposition B: $265 million for school infrastructure and safety (PASSED | 55%)
Proposition C: $37 million for technology equipment and instructional tech (PASSED | 54%)

CONROE ISD BOND ELECTION

Proposition A: $1.82 billion for eight new schools (PASSED | 61%)
Proposition B: $40 million for technology devices (PASSED | 58%)
Proposition C: $112.9 million for PE and ag barn improvements (PASSED | 59%)
Proposition D: $22.9 million for pool revamp/natatorium (REJECTED | 51%)

CROSBY ISD BOND ELECTION

Proposition A: School Facilities (REJECTED | 65%)

FORT BEND COUNTY BOND ELECTION

Proposition A: $712.6 million for mobility (PASSED | 64%)
Proposition B: $153 million for parks (PASSED | 52%)

FORT BEND ISD TAX RATE ELECTION

Proposition A: Raise tax rate to 98.92 cents per $100 in property value (PASSED | 57%)

KATY ISD BOND ELECTION

Proposition A: $723 million for new schools, renovations, security upgrades (PASSED | 59%)
Proposition B: $83.6 million for technology (PASSED | 57%)
Proposition C: $4 million for natatoriums (REJECTED | 54%)
Proposition D: $30 million for athletic facilities (REJECTED | 56%)

LAMAR CISD BOND ELECTION

Proposition A: $15M Traylor Stadium bonds (REJECTED | 55%)

PEARLAND ISD TAX RATE ELECTION

Proposition A: Change tax rate to $1.1373 per $100 in property value (PASSED | 57%)

STAFFORD MSD TAX RATE ELECTION

Proposition A: Change tax rate (PASSED | 56%)

So Forward Times readers, here is a simple, but necessary recap:

Runoff Election Day is Saturday, December 9
Early voting for the runoff will be from Monday, November 27 through Tuesday, December 5
The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. except on Sundays, when they’ll be open from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Sample ballots for the December runoff election will not be available until November 22
If you didn’t get a chance to vote in the November 7^th general election, you can still vote in the December runoff election.
The last day to receive a ballot by-mail application is November 28.
IMPORTANT: Election Day polling locations may change up until Election Day.
Current Election Day polling location information is available at:
Harris County: harrisvotes.com
Montgomery County: https://elections.mctx.org
Fort Bend County: https://www.fortbendvotes.org

These are the races that will be on the ballot for the December runoff election ballot for the City of Houston:

Mayor
City Controller
Council Member, District D
Council Member, District G
Council Member, District H
Council Member, At-Large Position 1
Council Member, At-Large Position 2
Council Member, At-Large Position 3
Council Member, At-Large Position 4

For any information, such as finding your nearest polling location, sample ballot, and much more, please visit HarrisVotes.com.

The post 2023 Election Results Are In appeared first on Forward Times.

The post 2023 Election Results Are In first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

Oakland Post

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org