Early voting begins today! You have the option of voting over the next couple of weeks. It’s always wise to cast your vote early in case something pops up on Election Day. Click here to learn hours and locations to cast your ballot.

Some people think there is not much of interest on this ballot but I would beg to disagree. While it may not have the glamour of a multi-candidate Mayoral race with lots of television advertising or the controversy and contrast of Republican Presidential debates, this city election is very important. As well, the ballot contains races for HISD, Houston Community College and state Constitutional amendments.

But the city races alone are enough to generate concern. We are guaranteed to have at least 5 new City Council Members. City Council is very important to governance at the local level. With 17 members, 5 new faces will shift the dynamics at the Council table. The Mayor will need to cultivate relationships with these folks while they will be voting on major issues of concern.

With all incumbent Council Members and the Mayor in contested races, it is possible that there will be additional new faces at the table. Probably the most discussed contest on the ballot is At-Large Position 5. Incumbent Jolanda Jones has been a lightening rod on Council. People either really like her or they don’t. Her repeated spats with Houston Police and Fire Fighters as well as other issues generated her two serious opponents.

Jones received the endorsement of the Houston Chronicle though. They like her firebrand approach at the table. Jack Christie, one of her opponents who previously served as an Republican member of the State Board of Education, dropped an October surprise with an endorsement of former Mayor Bill White last week. Laurie Robinson has garnered most of the endorsements of business groups and the Houston Police and Fire Fighter organizations. It is a genuine three-way race and generates excitement.

As well, At-Large 2 is an open race with several well-qualified candidates competing for the attention of voters. Positions J and K are new and filled with eager candidates ready to break new ground in representing their neighbors. Districts B and C are open due to term limits and boast interesting fields of candidates.

So, people, we live in a DEMOCRACY! That means that YOU are responsible for your “representative government”. The only way to be responsible is to study the candidates and cast your ballot! VOTE TODAY, or tomorrow but vote soon!