It’s time for that great American tradition – Election Day! This is the time when we experience the greatest asset of living in a democracy – selecting our leaders for a representative government.
Oh, the excitement, the countdowns, watching the returns……..it is a great experience – at least for those that participate. Sadly, that number seems to be shrinking with each election cycle that goes by.
But today, Houston, HISD, HCC, regional governments and the State have the option to make choices. Make them wisely as the future of these institutions and of the state will follow the turn of those dials on the voting machines.
The most interesting races of this year have been the Houston City Council elections. Of course, the Mayor has opponents as well but she is expected to win handily. At-Large Position 5 with incumbent Jolanda Jones has been the most cussed and discussed race on the ballot this year. Her two main opponents, Laurie Robinson and Jack Christie, will be waiting anxiously to see if one of them secures a spot in a run-off.
Other races to watch are City Council Districts B, C, F, J, K and At-Large 2. At-Large 2 is a wide-open field and few have stepped out to predict who will land in a run-off for that race.
Other races to watch include the HISD Trustee Position III race where incumbent Manual Rodriguez attacked his opponent, Ramiro Fonseca, for winning the LGBT endorsement. Also, the Houston Community College Board seat District IV race between former Council Members Carroll Robinson and Jew Don Boney is hotly contested.
A note of humor – there are actually 3 “Robinsons” on the ballot this year. This has always been a popular name in Houston politics, dating back to Judson Robinson Junior who was first African-Americans elected to City Council. His position was later held by his wife and then by his son, Judson Robinson III, now director of the Houston Area Urban League. None of the candidates named Robinson are related to this family.
Carroll Robinson was later elected to City Council and served his available six terms. This year, as mentioned above, Carroll Robinson is back on the ballot for HCC Trustee. Laurie Robinson is running for At-Large 5 and Dave Robinson is seeking to win At-Large 2. Carroll and Laurie are African-American candidates while Dave Robinson is white. All three hold advanced degrees and are impressive candidates. Will the magic of the Robinson name propel them? Tune in tonight to see.
So, for one last time, GO VOTE!!!!!!!!! Today is the day! Prove my low voter turnout predictions very wrong! VOTE!!!!!!!!!