Minutes of Bay Area Democratic Movement Club Membership Meeting

14 Nov 2023 - Krist Law Firm

Vice President, Karen Wolfe called meeting to order at 7:01PM

The VP:

    •    Welcomed everyone 

    •    Honored all Veterans and families of Veterans

    •    Discussed election results and recognized BADM Block walkers

    •    Reminded everyone of the Houston Runoff Election on December 9 – 

    o    Mentioned that all four At-Large City Council and Comptroller races have an extreme Republican opponent 

    o    Noted that all precincts that BADM walked, doubled the Houston rate of voter turnout

    o    Need to mobilize next week for the runoff election

    •    Called up Runoff candidate that was present:

    o    Richard Cantu – At-Large 3 candidate – talked about who had endorsed him and some family background as well as his 30-year career with City of Houston and working under two mayors.  He called for volunteers to help with block walking after Thanksgiving.

    •    Talked about the Mayoral race and reminded club members that the club had endorsed Sheila Jackson Lee

    •    Called up Mohammed Nasrullah who represented Runoff candidate, Letitia Plummer, At-Large 4 Candidate and informed members of a 6 PM Meet and Greet at the Multi-Cultural Center tomorrow, Nov 15th. He commented that her opponent was an anti-immigrant, homophobic candidate.

    •    Had Kim Krist read message that Nick Hellyar, At-Large 2 Candidate, had sent to her since he was unable to attend the meeting.  He was very complimentary of BADM support (block walking for him and with him) and asked for our help again in the runoff.

    •    Called on Melanie Miles, At-Large 1 candidate, who spoke about her candidacy and was thrilled to have BADM support and asked everyone to come out and vote in the runoff.  She thanked club members and said she was looking forward to representing us.

    •    Announced the Club December 12 Holiday Party at the law firm.

    o    Dinner at 6:30 PM

    o    Drag show with two performers

    o    Three Veteran families adopted for gift donations 

    o    BATP Christmas list for families 

    •    Introduced the Armand Bayou Nature Center (ABNC) Director, Tim Pylate, and pointed out the importance of it in Precinct 2.

ABNC – Tim Pylate

    •    He identified himself as a Yellow Dog Dem who lives in Pearland

    •    Referred to the ABNC as an Urban Wilderness

    •    His mission is to protect the habitat and educate public of its importance

    •    It was established in 1947 and waters have been maintained since then and not ‘modified’

    •    Things happening there include;

    o    Hiking trails

    o    Pontoon Boat Tours

    o    Live animals

    o    Birding

    o    Historic Martyn Farm

    •    He gave history of the ABNC – e.g., was originally called ‘Middle Bayou’ and renamed for Armand Yramategui after his death

    •    Three major eco-systems there

    •    Small bayou until last 30 years; because of subsidence, the bayou has widened and they’ve had to plan marsh grasses that have been ‘drowned out’

    •    Original 9M total acres - but only 1% left is historical coastal prairie (60 miles inland)

    •    Four square miles of sponge – 1M gallons per acre for flood mitigation

    •    Habitat for 370 different species of birds – noted that Osprey were back now as well as the American Bald Eagle

    •    A number of American River Otters are at the ABNC

    •    ABNC hopes to purchase 1000 acres from Exxon that is last of green space in the area

    •    About to celebrate their 50th year anniversary next year.

Q&A Session held with membership 

VP called up other candidates in attendance:

    •    Lillian Alexander – 507th Family District Court on the March 2024 Ballot

    •    Ashley Mays Guice – Harris County Criminal Court #16, currently filling in position vacated in HCC #3

    •    Chavon Carr – Probate Court #5 Judge

    •    Carvana Cloud – 488th Court (a new Court) - She previously ran for DA in the last DA election

    •    Dayna Steele – Running for Congressional District #36: Kim Krist show a quick video from the Candidate

VP Karen announced that Rhonda Hart needed a treasurer for her campaign against Randy Weber

VP Karen asked for anyone interested in screening candidates to sign up for the spring election coming up

Door Prize drawings

VP thanked Kim and Scott Krist for letting the club use this nice facility for our meetings

Bob Tomlinson mentioned UNICEF Jars on tables were for helping fund children in need of help in war zones.

Meeting adjourned 8:15 PM

Minutes of Bay Area Democratic Movement Club Membership Meeting

10 Oct 2023 - Krist Law Firm

The President called the meeting to order at 7:02PM 

The president:

Began with the statement, “It takes courage to run.”  He then acknowledged candidates who were there having courage to run for office. 

Called for no divisiveness – when someone is in need – we will help.  We are here for all our community.

Called for a moment of silence for those who are enduring war for everywhere it is in the world.

Acknowledged petitions being passed around by candidates and encouraged members to sign.

Recognized October birthdays…and called out Bob Tomlinson who just turned 82.

Thanked Scott and Kim Krist for welcoming our club in this great meeting space.

This is space to recharge for when we go out and hit the battlefield

Announced BADM supports the Bay Area Turning Point (BATP) and introduced Brenda Sykes.

BATP 

Brenda said she is a prevention person and education lead and spoke about the BATP providing services for victims of domestic violence for more than >30 years. 

She announced that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month noting that domestic violence is everywhere.

The Texas Council on Domestic Violence Reports every October with stats:

215 Texans murdered by someone who loved them in 2022

51 in Harris County (24%)

96% killed by firearms

38 additional people who were killed in firearm incidents

Those killed were 13 – 80 years in age

Brenda introduced Shirley, a mother whose daughter was killed a few years ago.

In Oct 2020 her 30-year-old daughter with two young children was killed by her husband.

He was on the run for about a year and when caught, he killed himself

The Walk on October 21st of this year is in honor of her daughter

She introduced Melissa

Melissa reported that no gun reform legislation passed this year.

Requested that folks call legislators on bills that will impact their issues

Discussion about the BATP Gala this month and that only four tables were left.

The President and his wife pledged $1000

Kim Krist pledged $1000 as well

The President called on BADM secretary to report on CCISD upcoming election items

Ann Hammond talked about the VATRE and two Bonds on the Ballot for CCISD and the importance of each of these getting passed to keep CCISD the outstanding district we have come to expect.

The President then called on Kayla to introduce the main speaker.

Kayla gave a glowing introduction to the Harris County Attorney, Christian Menefee.

Sam and Christian had a very informative conversation 

Christian said he focuses on doing the work of the county

He pointed out that BADM was the first organizations that endorsed him

He gave background information on himself:

Born in Sonoma to a Coast Guard family

They taught him to fight for democracy you want

He said Harris County was on menu for Abbott

We should support our leaders who will fight the negative system (coming from Austin)

He wants to do good for people but if you (Abbott) want to do harm, he will fight for us

He talked about the concrete crushing plants – they put dust particulates in the area that hurts people’s physical well being

Noting that rules are very rigged in Texas for pro-industry

What can we do to support – help 

Citizens need to know and they can support/report issues…we have to let them know about the issues and can do something about them

$500M federal dollars came to TX after Harvey for flood mitigation

Harris County got none of it…the most impacted area by the flood (politics)

The county sued and we won that case and got more than $500M

Talked about the Cancer cluster

5th Ward – State Dept of Health officials, ‘legacy creosote’ situation

He filed lawsuit for the city against the company

He discussed goals for Harris County

He gets to sue Greg Abbott and Ken Paxton- He couldn’t stand back and let people’s voting rights be impacted.

Goal is to not be at war every few weeks with Austin

‘We’ are easily most involved

Continue advocacy

Bad republicans elected as well as bad democrats

The way we turn out the vote important

We (BADM) are role-model for how democratic clubs should work

The President thanked Christian Menefee for the conversation and update on his work.

The President told club members that he had cancer and was working on recovery

Q&A session with the Harris County Attorney

He anticipates that after the election, there will again be lawsuits

782 polling sites is huge and county needs 20 volunteers at each site and the opposition is looking for reasons to find fault

The only way he sees to protect trans families is to flip the state

SB1933 – micromanage County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth re checking on voter irregularities

It is up to us to get the party candidates to run and make the state competitive

In response to question on ethics commission not enforcing rules and fines, he said our state is a lawless one

President mentioned Hispanic Heritage Month and info was available in a handout

Kim Krist and Flora Gill talked about Block walkers and offered free t-shirts for new volunteers.

They also talked about and envelope stuffing project

The president did the door prize drawings

President announced a ‘wild out Wednesday’ October 18th at Davenport to play Drag Bingo 

Candidates came up to speak for a minute each:

Lillian Alexander – 507th Family Court Judge

Juan Aguilar – County Criminal Court 16

Stacy Barrow -87th District Criminal Court

Dolores Lozano – Pct. 2 Judge

President introduced new Hospitality lead for the BADM club – Pete Moult

The next meeting is November 14 with Tim Pylate of Armand Bayou Nature Center

The BAAD Women meeting is next Thursday the 19th at Clear Lake Park

BAND club meeting is the 17th at Clear Lake Park

Bob Tomlinson wants to start a Wednesday luncheon at Los Ramirez

Someone suggested a bumper sticker for the club

Meeting adjourned at 8:39 PM

Minutes of Bay Area Democratic Movement Club Membership Meeting

9 Sept 2023

President called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Acknowledged Board members and spouses.

Kim Krist presented John Cobarruvias with an award upon his retirement, honoring his 30 years of service to Democratic clubs. 

Moment of Silence for 9/11. Thoughts/suggestions about ways to help Earthquake victims in Libya and Morocco.

Announced Bay Area Turning Point’s 3rd Annual Savannah Memorial 5K on 10/21/23. Opening Ceremony 8:30 AM Forest Park E. Cemetery October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Announced Support Black Businesses Month.

Karla Medlenka: Environmental Moment - Information given on organic means to control weeds/insects 

Mentioned harmful chemical death of local baby Eagles in our community.

Mohammad Nasrullah: Clear Lake Islamic Center seeking Volunteer Deputy Voter Registrars for this Friday.

A member spoke suggesting more be done to honor Hispanic Heritage Month and to have more representation from the Hispanic community.

Program began at 7:18 PM - John Cobarruvias introduced main speaker: Dr. Karen Engle CCISD Superintendent. 

    o    Gave an update of CCISD progress and principles Team Looking at CCISD Future (Team of students, administration, Business)

    o    Reviewed2030 Vision (Pre-K for all, Leader in Me, Redesign Intermediate School Learning Systems, Graduates Profile of a Learner (Students as Communicators/Contributors)

    o    Ross/Whitcomb two schools which just completed construction projects with 2017 bond funds () 

    o    School Safety Discussion - Receive $1M but needed/spent $6M 45 Campuses with officer at each campus

    o    Update on current state legislation with audience question

    o    Discussion of Funding - running a deficit but low operations cost compared with other districts. Explained the need for a tax increase; will be on November Ballot

    o    Proposition A: Seeking $17.5M. Will actually reduce tax rate by 14 cents/$670 savings on average tax bill. 

    o    Proposition B: School Improvements ($265M Bond Proposal)
Proposition C: Instructional Technology 

    o    Thanked Ann Hammond for Voter Registration and efforts on the school board.

Question from attendees re: Social media at CCISD for Proposition information, Faith Based Counselor Legislation, (Dr. Engle replied that no school plans to add non-certified counselors, CCISD Leadership Program (Cultural Diversity), plans for replacing busses with environmentally friendly, All Agree Every Child is Important.

Candidates in attendance spoke for 1 minute each – Melanie Miles, Lee Kaplan, Robert Gallegos, Obes, Donnell Cooper, representative of Chris Hollins (who had to leave), Nick Hellyar, Holly Vilaseca, Conchita Reyes, Representative of Sheila Jackson Lee, Sallie Alcorn, Leah Wolfthal. 

At 8:00PM, President closed this portion of the meeting by announcing reminder of Juneteenth Museum Night in Galveston and BAAD Women meeting speaker Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth, distributed door prizes and announced next BADM Meeting October 10, 2023. 

Birthdays and Anniversary acknowledgements. Last minute candidates Marina Angelica Coryat and Danielle Keys Bess. Announced endorsements were to begin. Candidates and some members left the room. 

8:24 PM President recognized screeners and invited Team Leads to the front of the room: John Cobarruvias, Sam Alix, Karen Wolfe and Kim Krist (representing Flora Gill and Ann Hammond) 

President explained the BADM endorsement process and presented the 8 recommended candidates. Team Leads gave supporting comments for each recommended candidate. 

Member Pete Moult made a motion to pull District E for further discussion. The motion was seconded and passed. 

Sabrina Lee made a Motion to endorse the remaining recommended candidates minus District E. Joshua Martin seconded the Motion. It passed unanimously. 

Discussion alternating pro and con. 

Pete Moult made a motion to pull Candidate for District E from the slate. Nina or Sabrina Lee both seconded the motion. Discussion pro and con. 

Karen Wolfe offered an amendment to the motion to not endorse a candidate for City Council District E. Nina Johnston seconded the motion. Discussion alternating pro and con. President then invited anyone to speak. 

Sabrina Lee spoke concerning the fact that no asked the candidate’s position on the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO) for LGBTQT issues.

Short discussion on possibility of just saying there is no endorsement. Suggestion to only recommend rather than endorse.

Motion made to not endorse - Motion passes.

President adjourned the meeting and some candidates came back into the room. 

Submitted by Pete Moult for

Ann Hammond, Secretary

Minutes of Bay Area Democratic Movement Club Membership Meeting

August 8, 2023

President, Sam Alix, opened meeting at 7:15 PM:

    •    Started with a moment of silence for the Military and for all who are in need of help

         with mental health issues.

    •    Acknowledge all who had August (and July) birthdays.

    •    Mentioned the Ohio victory today when their legislature tried to pull a fast one on

         the citizens.

                o    ‘The arc of the universe is long but it bends towards justice.’

    •    Mentioned that the BADM Exploration Green plaque had been removed from bench

         but the club has ordered another to replace it.

    •    Talked about school supply drive for CCISD schools and another campus downtown

    •   Mentioned that endorsement screening was on-going

        o   Voting for recommended candidates for endorsement will be at September 12th

             meeting

        o    To vote, must have been a member of BADM since July 1, 2023

    •    Announced that there are Recycle Bins available on premise and thanked Joe and

         Leona Coen for spearheading the effort for BADM.

    •    Asked Flora Gill to talk for our environmental minute –

        o   She gave some staggering statistics on plastic – one pound of plastic vs three

             pounds of fish in the water

        o  BADM will work to reduce plastic use at meetings to help make a change in the

             stats.

    • Thanked ‘Rub me Tender’ BBQ team for cooking and serving our meal tonight

        o  Scott Krist introduced the judges:

    ▪    Kristi Hawkins – 11th District Court

    ▪    Bob Shafer – 150th 

    ▪    Mike Englehart- 151st, who complimented Kristin and Bob for their work getting jury

         trial back on track during Covid

    ▪    Donna Roth- 295th 

    ▪    Tonya Garrison – 157th 

    ▪    Te’iva Bell – 339th 

    •  President then called up City Council candidates who were in attendance

        o  Conchita Reyes, At-Large 1

        o  Leah Wolfthal Representative - Patricia Alavarez – At-Large 1

        o  Obes Nwabara – At-Large 2

        o  Sallie Alcorn – At-Large 5

        o  Holly Vialseca – At-Large 2

        o  Melanie Miles – At-Large 1

        o  Shawn Teare – Harris County DA

        o  Nick Hellyar – At-Large 2

        o  Marina Coryat – At-Large 2

 •President recognized BADM Board members

 •President then introduced Mayoral Candidate, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

        o She thanked the President and Councilwoman Alcorn

        o She acknowledged all the other candidates there

        o Talked about:

             ▪    Importance of Port of Houston

             ▪    Her commitment to the democratic principles

             ▪    Has Republican allies to help get things done

             ▪    How she was involved in every single flood recovery

             ▪    Having a top-notch legal team is important

             ▪    Knowing how to use the judiciary and other resources to get things for Houston

             ▪    Her family and 50 years of marriage

             ▪    The space program and that Clear Lake must be elevated especially

                   because of NASA

             ▪    Her desire to amplify our success and resources we have in Houston

             ▪    Has worked with Bush, Hutchison, Obama the other fella and Biden

             ▪    Belief that City Council is most important group she will work with

        ▪    Issues for the city:

        •  Crime 

        •  Uplift the integration of the police into the neighborhoods where there is high crime

        •  Work with other police agencies to help with the gun-crime problems

        •  San Antonio got a grant to open places of faith for after-school programs

        •  Suggested layered approach – arrest, incarceration and rehabilitation

        •  Immigration (and had been to Eagle Pass this morning and saw for herself what was     

            going on there

        •    Infrastructure needs like drainage, using Sims Bayou as example that she had

             been a part of helping fix the bayou problems

    ▪    Using her bully pulpit for education issues in HISD

    •    We’ve got to fix HISD – we should invest more in schools and not take them over.

    ▪    Veterans – Ellington as assets for Houston

    •    Advocating for PTSD support that not just for military now

    ▪    Wanting to make the city a Destination City – telling Houston story as a positive

         place to be – an Oasis of Inclusion

            o    In closing, ‘we are in this together – if you want to go into the future, come ride

                  with me.’

    •    The president offered a Q&A option to members:

            o    Education and government issue question

            o    Crime issue question

            o    Why are you leaving DC question

    •    The Congresswoman thanked Sam and CHAMP for what they are doing with PTSD

          and asked for member support

    •    The president had drawing for door prizes

    •    The president reminded everyone that we are doing a ‘no more plastic bags 

          challenge’ so a couple door prizes were reusable shopping bags

    •    The president announced upcoming meetings:

            o September 12th 2023

    •    Meeting adjourned at 8:54PM

Ann Hammond, Secretary BADM

Bay Area Democratic Movement Membership Meeting

6:30 PM, June 13, 2023

Krist Law Firm

President, Sam Alix, called the meeting to order at 7:00PM

    •    President thanked Scott and Kim Krist for sharing their pace for us to meet

    •    Scott talked about the importance of democrats and acknowledged his wife as a personal advocate for democrats and making a difference in that community.

    •    President recognized Sabrina Lee as a big advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and presented her with a certificate of appreciation

    •    President recognized the BADM board members and introduced the newest member, Rebecca Perkins as Membership chair.

    •    President introduced Mohammed Nasrullah who spoke about a Galveston Program that is part of the Juneteenth Festival.

    •    President acknowledged recent indictments with the statement, ‘The arc of universe is long, but bends toward justice.’

    •    President called for a moment of silence in Honor of member, Suzy Allison, who passed away recently.

    •    Voter outreach co-chair, Flora Gill, spoke about a project that Suzy has initiated regarding apartment GOTV activity.  She needs volunteers and had a handout with a QR code to use to sign-up to volunteer.

    •    President introduced, Dr. Letetia Plummer, Houston City Council At-Large 4 incumbent

    •    Dr.  Plummer spoke about her apartment and landlord problems resolution plan

    •    Provided Houston Budget information

    •    Environmental Justice

    •    Leveling up for every citizen in Houston

    •    Q&A on container groceries, a private partnership program, and access to libraries

    •    President recognized a member volunteer, Clarice Blanks, who made 150 calls during school board election.

    •    President introduced Senator John Whitmire, candidate for Houston City Mayor.  He spoke about:

    •    His 50 years of serving in Austin began when he was in his early 20’s (1972) as a House Representative and then moving to Senate in 1983.

    •    Turmoil in Austin is sad for our state, but we’re a strong state – 19 GOP, 12 Dems in Senate

    •    No reason not to have medic-aid expansion and it is the morally right thing to do and it will help community economy

    •    This session was mean-hateful especially against LGBTQ+ and trans-children

    •    Property tax was priority – nothing yet unless in special session

    •    GOP owns the state government so no one to blame but themselves

    •    Wanting to change governance in Houston

    •    He thrives on constituent services

    •    Public Service was his calling

    •    Running for one reason – to make a difference and bring people together

    •    ‘We’ need someone who can call Austin – and he can work across the aisle

    •    Wants to get the various police departments to talk to each other – they don’t do that now

    •    Q&A – Gerrymandering of our District E; Transportation and Infrastructure (he wants to be mayor that extends metro to IAH); Pre-emptive Bill (harms cities because every ordinance change has to run through Austin); TCEQ impact to our community; arbitration with firefighters

Scott Krist took a moment to recognize Senator Whitmire’s 50 years of service.

    •    President introduced Houston City Council At-Large #1 candidate, Leah Wolfthal.  She spoke about:

    •    Her Jewish background and her parents influence (as educators) taught her that politics and public service matters and as a result, her whole life has been in public service

    •    The Houston City budget has major deficit

    •    Infrastructure – roads, drainage, etc.

    •    Crime and Safety

    •    Her mediator experience will be helpful to bring people together

    •    President introduced Houston City Council At-Large 3 Candidate, Donnell Cooper who spoke about:

    •    His education background - Catholic school through 9th grade and then public HS where he played BB with George Floyd.  Is a TSU graduate.

    •    Worked for Exxon under Rex Tillerson as a ‘boss’

    •    Director of Boy Scouts of America 

    •    He oversaw LE Academy at HCC and would push for HPD to recognize LE Academy credentials

    •    He would be a voice for Kingwood and for Clear Lake

    •    Wants to work with us - to sit down and develop a plan

Q&A – Question First priority for candidates: Budget (Wolfthal) – Public Safety – (Cooper); How to get people evacuated during hurricane – starts right here in our own community (Cooper); Budget Deficit solutions combine City and County Public Healthcare, Libraries, adjust revenue cap (Wolfthal)

    •    President introduced Joshua and Isaiah Martin – local brothers who are activists in community and at the University of Houston.  Josh talked about voter outreach and Isaiah talked about Narcan that can be purchased and used for over-dose remedy. 

    •    Other candidates attending meeting were introduced:

    •    Conchita Reyes – Houston City Council At-Large 1

    •    Obes Nwabara – Houston City Council At-Large 2

    •    Sean Teare – Houston City District Attorney Candidate

    •    Holly Vilaseca – Houston City Council At-Large 2

    •    Appellate Court Judge, Meagan Hassan

    •     President and guests drew for door prizes

    •    President adjourned meeting at 8:32 PM

Ann Hammond, BADM Secretary

Minutes of Bay Area Democratic Movement Club Membership Meeting

May 9, 2023

BADM President, Sam Aliz, called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM

President Called for a moment of silence for the men and women on the front lines and for the tragedy in our community.

     The president introduced Mr. Jamieson MacKay, the newly elected District 2 CCISD Trustee who spoke about his background and his interest in public education.  

      He introduced his wife and daughter who were also at the meeting.

The President offered:

    Mother’s Day Wishes 

    Memorial Day Reminder

    Recognized Veterans attending the meeting

    Recognized the BADM Board Members

    Thanks to those who brought food for meeting

    Information on how to pay dues on-line and that dues help pay for the headquarters building during election cycle

    We should use our energy to do good

The President introduced first speaker, Ms. Rhonda Hart

    May 9th and five-year Anniversary of Santa Fe school shooting and one-year anniversary of Uvalde

    SB 435 – introduced by Mayes Middleton office gives family members access to autopsy reports

    HB 3729 – Dr. Greg Bonnen, House Bill for same action, pulled their bill with hours because they had so much support and moved bill to new committee. 

     Dan Patrick gutted Bill again so SB 435 is just specific to Santa Fe – the two bills were supposed to be ‘twin’ bills so working on a compromise bill

    Bill 2744 introduced to raise the age of purchase for certain AR15 guns and Moms Demand Action testified in support and Bill passed out of committee with an 8-5 

    vote

Ms. Hart thanked folks for financially supporting the people who went to Legislature (Austin) to testify in support of the Bills.

Voter Outreach co-chair recognized two exceptional volunteers, Brune Hoffman and Clarice Blanks

The President introduced the At-Large City Council, Position 1 candidate, Conchita Reyes.  Her priorities are:

Public Safety

Infrastructure (6K miles of streets that need repair) 

Drainage (3,300 sewer lines)

Drainage (2,800 ditch drainage)

City Council job means rolling up your sleeves and getting job done, not kissing people

She spent all last year campaigning and dedicating herself to running for position 

 The president introduced Holly Villaseca, candidate for At-Large City Council Position 2. 

She thanked BADM for all they do to Get out the Vote

Her priorities are:

Safe neighborhoods

Quality education

Family First

She was a school board trustee in HISD

Cities are being attacked by the State folks who don’t want to see public ed succeed

She is committed to educate and inform

We need to protect Houston from Texas

Not afraid to take on a challenge

The Vice President thanked the speakers

The President introduced CCISD newly re-elected District 3 Trustee, Arturo Sanchez, who thanked BADM for their support and noted the power of having support in the community 

He said that number of folks voting was >85 over a Bond election that was district-wide

The President introduced Amanda Edwards, Houston Mayoral Candidate – highlights of her speech:

The City of Houston is at a crossroads and we need to move our city forward and that everyone has opportunity to thrive – her vision is for the future

There’s a financial challenge of $350M deficit

We need a mayor prepared for the challenges and has experience 

She has the courage to do the right thing - To put people before politics

She mentioned the opportunities she’d had; e.g., at Harvard when Elizabeth Warren was her professor

Saw that she needed to not keep her opportunities for herself but to give back to the community

Her municipal Finance background led her to a figure it out and make it happen mentality and she’ll bring that to the mayor’s office

Delivering the change that they talk about on the campaign trail and help the citizens of Houston

Crime is a problem in our city 

Need a presence in the community

Prevent crime in the first place

We have to have a leader who will be ready to address the financial crisis we have 

Have the courage to do the right thing

The President then held drawing for door prizes

The President announced speakers for next meeting as John Whitmire and Leticia Plummer

Sherrie Matula announced the BAAD Women meeting on May 18th featuring Drag Queen Angelica and UH professor, Maria Gonalez

Meeting adjourned 8:45PM

Ann Hammond, 

BADM Secretary/Parliamentarian