Campaign Kickoff

It is sickening to watch GOP elected officials and GOP leaders defend Donald Trump on the indictment counts.  Sickening.

Trump’s former AG Bill Barr said yesterday if half of the charges against Trump are true, then Trump is “toast.” Trump then called Barr a “gutless pig.” Sickening.

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The H-Town Mayor tweeted out these in response to the new HISD superintendent and Board of Managers and their first meeting last Thursday:

Let’s all be reminded that the State takeover of HISD does not come with any additional funding for our children/teachers. The State via this new team will close/consolidate schools and/or use more charters irrespective of what is now being said. St

And this:

For a decade(s) the State has under funded public education below the national average. Teachers have been screaming for more pay and many are leaving the classroom. Placing HISD in the hands of the State will not solve what they have not been willing to fund. St

And this:

The State cannot take over the largest school district, replace the Superintendent who by most was improving the district, and then past a super pre-emption bill on cities and expect people to say ok now live with it. Not the formula for collaboration. St

And this finally this:

The State takeover of HISD-wrong. The lack of transparency/community engagement leading to the handpicked selection of Superintendent and Bd of Managers-wrong. Not providing any additional resources for the schools and teachers-wrong. Process- wrong, community won’t accept. st

Commentary gets it.  The H-Town Mayor is expressing the concerns of many in the community.  I hope we don’t adopt a “community won’t accept” posture.  That won’t get our HISD back.

This is the headline of today’s Chron E-Board take:

HISD’s new board and Superintendent Mike Miles flunk their first meeting (Editorial)

Here is the take: HISD’s new board and Mike Miles flunk their first meeting (Editorial) (houstonchronicle.com).

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We all know the LGBTQ+ community is under attack across America. Not in the Chron.  In this past Friday’s Preview Section, the Chron devoted a page to letting folks know about Pride events in the H-Town area.  Here is who made the list:

Montrose Makers Pride Market, Pride Weekend with Houston Dynamo and Houston Dash, Pride Bike Ride, Community Pride Celebration, Astros Pride Night, Space City Pride, Unapologetic Pride Party, Pride in Business Celebration & Awards, Eagle Pride Festival, Rainbow on the Green, Families with Pride, Kinky Circus Pride Party, 2023 Pride Parade, Rich’s at Rise – The Official Houston Pride Afterparty, and Space Cowboys Pride Night.

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Several hundred folks attended the John Whitmire for Mayor Campaign Kickoff at Minute Maid Park this past Saturday morning.  It was a diverse group that attended. The Dean gave a great kickoff speech.

The following also spoke: Cong. Sylvia Garcia, activist Albert Yancy, restaurateur Irma Galvan, HPOU President Douglas Griffith, and Houston Firefighters President Marty Lancton.

Marty announced the Firefighters endorsement of Sen. Whitmire.

Former Harris County Democratic Party Chair Lane Lewis served as the event’s emcee. 

The pledge was led by Dylan Zong and The Dean’s grandkids Bennett and Brooks Jenkins.  Jocelyn Choo, the Valedictorian of Stratford High sang the National Anthem.

A mariachi group was on hand for some tunes.

Houston’s diversity was represented on the stage standing behind The Dean.

A number of elected and former elected officials were on hand to show their support for Sen. Whitmire.

Free grub included hot dogs, popcorn, chicken tenders, nachos, cookies, soft drinks, and water.

It was a great event.

The featured photo is of Commentary sitting on the front of the stage before the doors opened.

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The team is struggling. Heck, we don’t have four of our starting pitchers that we had last season.  Michael Brantley is still dinged up and Yordan is on the injured list.

We have a needed day off today.