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| "All About Bipartisanship" - Comments | • | 2005 Race for Houston City Council District C: Anne Clutterbuck, speaks to Houston Business Connections publisher Aubrey R. Taylor Anne Clutterbuck
Candidate for Houston City Council District C TAYLOR: Tell us in 200 words or less why Houstonians should vote for your candidacy? CLUTTERBUCK: For 7 years I served as the District Director for Congressman Bill Archer. In that capacity I had 2 main responsibilities: overseeing constituent service and flood control for the 7th Congressional District. In the area of flood control, I had direct, hands-on experience for 7 years working with Harris County Flood Control, US Army Corps of Engineers, and FEMA in implementing the vital flood control projects in the northwest part of the county. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have highlighted the importance of having qualified, experienced officials in local government. As President of my neighborhood civic club for the past 2 years, I have seen the need for effective leadership to address the important issues of drainage and infrastructure improvement and to provide a timely response to needs of the taxpaying constituents. As a former part owner of a small business (5-P Photographic Processing Laboratories), I know that small business is the economic engine that drives our economy, employs our residents, and provides a tax base for our city. I know first-hand the challenges and rewards of providing quality service, maintaining a physical plant, complying with government regulations, and making a payroll. As a member of City Council, my small business experience will be the standard by which I evaluate ordinances and regulations. As a mother, as a homeowner, and as a community leader, I know the needs of District C and I have the unique experience necessary to provide outstanding service on City Council. TAYLOR: Tell us in 100 words or less about your greatest strength? CLUTTERBUCK: My greatest strength lies in my ability to work well with others and to find solutions to complex issues. I have a track record and a history working in our community on neighborhood issues of safety and infrastructure, working as a team captain in the Habitat for Humanity SuperBuild, and volunteering and directing programs at my church. TAYLOR: In your opinion how important is good leadership in times of crisis? Is there anything you would have done differently in responding to Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita? CLUTTERBUCK: Good Leadership is essential in a time of crisis. The events of the past month in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have highlighted the need to have experienced elected officials at all levels of leadership. As the one candidate for Houston City Council who has had direct, hands-on experience working on flood control matters for our region I know how to work with all levels of municipal, county, state and federal government both on matters of preparedness as well as crisis management. Any future plan for hurricane or disaster evacuation must include collaboration with the State to open counter-flow lanes sooner, plans for delivery of fuel and water, a region-al evacuation agreement whereby communities are staggered in their departure and return times, plans for placement of porta-potties along evacuation routes, etc. TAYLOR: On a scale of (1 to 10) how would you rate our city's response to the recent national disaster? CLUTTERBUCK: Houston gets a 10 for dealing promptly and effectively in helping our Louisiana neighbors during their time of crisis after Hurricane Katrina. There is room for improvement in Houston's evacuation planning and execution following Hurricane Rita. It is imperative that Houston works quickly, while the evacuation issues are fresh on our minds, to evaluate what we did well and pre-pare a plan to remedy the errors. | • | | • | 2005 Race for Houston City Council District C: George Hittner, speaks to Houston Business Connections publisher Aubrey R. Taylor George Hittner
Candidate for Houston City Council District C TAYLOR: Tell us in 200 words or less why Houstonians should vote for your candidacy? HITTNER: As lifelong resident of Houston and District C, and with nearly a decade's worth of experience in government in state and local issues (in both the private and public sector), I have been working on issues affecting District C for many years. If elected, my priorities will include: 1) Strengthening neighborhoods and improving the quality of life by encouraging citizen interaction in government, while providing prompt and responsive attention to constituent concerns; 2) Ensuring the city's top priorities remain its core responsibilities of providing excellent city services to its citizens (i.e., police protection, fire, EMS, infrastructure improvements, etc.); 3) Lowering property taxes; 4) Promoting partnerships with the county and other governmental entities to consolidate efforts and eliminate duplicative and wasteful government spending; and 5) Fighting to ensure immediate and effective flood control measures are implemented to protect District C and its citizens. As a graduate of Texas A&M (B.S.) and the University of Texas (J.D.), I also earned a Master's Degree in Public Affairs (with a concentration in city issues and planning) from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at UT. I ask for your support to continue my service to the community as a member of Houston City Council. TAYLOR: Tell us in 100 words or less about your greatest strength? HITTNER: 1) Leadership abilities; 2) Hard work ethic; and 3) Experience and background in government. As the Houston Police Officers' Union observed: "When it is all said and done, the Union is looking for one thing in the candidates we decide to support, and that is leadership." said Hans Marticiuc, President of the HPOU. "Like many candidates, we found George to be very informed on the issues affecting HPD; but what set him apart was his commitment to making sure the 4,800-plus men and women who proudly wear our uniform have the resources they need to fulfill an increasingly difficult mission." TAYLOR: In your opinion how important is good leadership in times of crisis? Is there anything you would have done differently in responding to Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita? HITTNER: The citizens of Houston deserve exceptional leadership from their elected officials every day. Such leadership becomes even more critical during times of crisis. What most pleased me most during Houston and Harris County's response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita was how our elected officials were able to put political differences aside, and work together to achieve a common and critical goal of protecting citizens. The lasting effect of these experiences is now the proven coordination and communication abilities our local, county and state governments. This needs to remain government's goal. TAYLOR: On a scale of (1 to 10) how would you rate our city's response to the recent national disaster? HITTNER: 8.5 very good; but there is always room for improvement. | • | | • | 2005 Race for Houston City Council District C: Judy Siverson, speaks to Houston Business Connections publisher Aubrey R. Taylor Judy Siverson
Candidate for Houston City Council District C TAYLOR: Tell us in 200 words or less why Houstonians should vote for your candidacy? SIVERSON: Houstonians should vote for Judy Siverson because I have experience working on neighborhood improvement projects throughout District C. I led the effort to bring $40 million worth of street improvements to Braeswood Place. I have worked to rehabilitate a local park with improvements valued at $500,000. I joined with neighborhood volunteers to correct design and construction flaws at Linkwood Community Center. I have been focused on community improvement projects for 15 years and have attended every District C Capital Improvement Project (CIP) meeting for eight years the only candidate to have done so. I am also the only candidate who has attended CIP meetings in all 9 Districts, demonstrating a long-term commitment to learning about citywide problems and improvement efforts. In addition, I owned a small business for several years. My experience as a "hands on" manager, working with tight budgets and a small staff to meet diverse needs, is an asset needed by the future Council Member. District C needs a Council Member who has the maturity and experience to get the job done and will make serving the residents of District C their highest priority. I am that candidate. TAYLOR: Tell us in 100 words or less about your greatest strength? SIVERSON: My greatest strength is my problem-solving ability. I am able to prioritize needs and use available resources to achieve results. I have excellent organizational abilities and am able to utilize my leadership skills to develop successful projects and implement plans. District C residents need a Council Member who recognizes the needs in our area are great and has a plan for moving for-ward. I am that candidate. TAYLOR: In your opinion how important is good leadership in times of crisis? Is there anything you would have done differently in responding to Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita? SIVERSON: Good leadership in a time of crisis is imperative. Good leadership can be the difference between success and failure, and in extreme cases, life or death. Hindsight is always 20/20. It is easy to see things that should have been done differently after the fact. I applaud city and county officials and employees for their efforts during recent weeks. Now that the hurricanes have passed, we must assess the job that was done at every level and work to improve our response. Long-standing assumptions about disaster response must be reevaluated. When mass disasters occur, buses should not be kept waiting in the parking lots for long periods of time, or worse, turned away from the Astrodome. Initial coordination of volunteers could be greatly improved. Space should be provided inside for people to wait and water and bathroom facilities should be available at all times. As for the evacuation prior to Hurricane Rita, contraflow lanes must be opened earlier and law enforcement officials must be stationed at bottlenecks as soon as evacuations are ordered. Gas and water must be available on evacuation routes and citizens must be advised to prepare for heat, thirst and hunger during prolonged trips. TAYLOR: On a scale of (1 to 10) how would you rate our city's response to the recent national disaster? SIVERSON: I would give the city 10 points. I think our citizens responded in such a compassionate and generous way to the survivors of Hurricane Katrina and Rita. City and County officials and employees went above and beyond the call of duty to see that citizens in need received help. We must continue to build on our successes and implement changes that will better prepare us for future disasters. | • | | • | 2005 Race for Houston City Council District C: Mark Lee, and speaks to Houston Business Connections publisher Aubrey R. Taylor Mark Lee
Candidate for Houston City Council District C TAYLOR: Tell us in 200 words or less why Houstonians should voter for your candidacy? LEE: The City Council District C doesn't need a professional politician as its representative, but a qualified public servant-someone who knows and loves District C as one of its own. My work as President of my civic association, board member for SPARK Park board, Buffalo Bayou partnership, Children at Risk and Friends of Westbury High School Foundation gives me the hands-on experience to serve the community. My education and work as a CPA and an attorney gives me the know-how to do so effectively and efficiently. First and foremost I am committed to making our City and this District a better place to live for our families and neighbors. I will be responsive to my constituents. You are the greatest asset to the District, and I want to make sure that I respond to your concerns-on deed restrictions, traffic projects and safety issues. When you call or email my office, I plan to get back with you within 24 hours. And to make the office more accessible I propose to have weekend office hours at local libraries so that you can bring your concerns directly to me. Finally, I will push for efficient use of city assets and resources. TAYLOR: Tell us in 100 words or less about your greatest strength? LEE: My greatest strengths are my professional background and my community. I am a tax lawyer and CPA currently serving as an Associate General Counsel in the Legal Department of AIG American General. I currently serve on the boards of Children at Risk; SPARK Park; Marilyn Estates Civic Association; and the board of the UH Law Alumni Association. I am a graduate of the United Way 's Project Blueprint and a senior fellow of American Leadership Forum. Also I am member of the Downtown Association, the Downtown Kiwanis Club, the University of Houston Alumni Organization, and the Texas Exes. TAYLOR: In your opinion how important is good leadership in times of crisis? Is there anything you would have done differently in responding to Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita? LEE: Leadership is extremely important in times of crisis. In situations such as Rita and Katrina, citizens look to elected officials to provide answers, direction and reassurances. Leading in times of crisis requires that our city elected officials be visible and available; communicate supportively, carefully and regularly; control their behavior and reactions; and give the situation perspective to create alignment of purpose. I believe the City and County, given the circumstances, responded extremely well to the Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. With regard to the evacuation from Hurricane Rita, my primary concerns were the slowness of converting inbound highway roads into counter flow lanes and the lack of fuel on evacuation routes. TAYLOR: On a scale of (1 to 10) how would you rate our city's response to the recent national disaster? LEE: I would give the City a "7" on its recent response to Rita. | • | | • | 2005 Race for Houston City Council District C: Ray Jones speaks to Houston Business Connections publisher Aubrey R. Taylor Ray Jones
Candidate for Houston City Council District C TAYLOR: Tell us in 200 words or less why Houstonians should vote for your candidacy? JONES: At Houston City Council, I will continue to be a voice for the whole community. In my community activities over many years, I consistently emphasize the importance of open government, fiscal responsibility and citizen participation in all public processes. Maturity, experience, public trust, sound judgment, strong management skills, determination and compassion are key components of an effective public official. I have demonstrated these strengths in my civic activism. Examples of recent accomplishments are public works projects such as drainage and flood control, mobility and transportation, pedestrian safety, infrastructure and historic architectural preservation. I have been a strong voice for results in the area of compliance by the city with accessibility for persons with disabilities. I have also fought for tax fairness particularly for small business owners and homeowners against taxation by quasi-governmental agencies. TAYLOR: Tell us in 100 words or less about your greatest strength? JONES: My personal strength includes the ability to listen to citizens, evaluate options, and recommend appropriate actions on issues important to the community. As a result, I have been able to consistently bring leadership in getting things done in a bipartisan manner. TAYLOR: In your opinion how important is good leadership in times of crisis? Is there anything you would have done differently in responding to Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita? JONES: Leadership is critical in any serious endeavor and particularly in a time of crisis. Citizens need to be able to trust the judgment of their leaders to make the right decisions at critical times. The Hurricane Rita evacuation, while considered a success by many, demonstrated that more coordination, planning and education in the movement of virtually an entire city needs to be developed. All of us can use the Rita experience as a learning exercise to improve upon our response in the future. Hurricane Katrina demonstrated the importance of leadership to make quick sound decisions and to act in a humanitarian way to the interest of the evacuees. We now have that ability to assess our homeland security plans and evaluate our readiness in similar situations in the future. TAYLOR: On a scale of (1 to 10) how would you rate our city's response to the recent national disaster? JONES: I would rate our city's response to hurricane Katrina as an 8 or A-and hurricane Rita, a 7 or B-. Katrina required coordination of the city and county to quickly prepare shelter, medical care, clothing, food and water to evacuees. The city and county responded in an exemplary manner. Citizens, businesses, religious organizations and other non-profits also responded with a tremendous outpouring of support. The generosity of citizens in volunteering time, money, shelter, goods and services made the Katrina relief effort a model of humanitarian effort to the nation and world. With respect to Rita, gridlock and confusion on the freeways, lack of fuel, food, water and EMS service, demonstrates the urgency to develop a comprehensive plan of evacuation. Any evacuation plan needs to coordinate the entire effort of local, state and federal government in a more unified approach in an emergency. | • | | • | Visit Our Bipartisan Political Index - Do It Today! | • | Click Here: This page displays a bipartisan list of selected (Texas/Harris County) candidates by first name from the 2008 November Presidential General Election; the 2006 November Mid-term General Election; and the 2005 November Citywide General Election who answered the request of the Houston Business Connections, publisher (Aubrey R. Taylor), to tell Harris County area voters why they should choose them on Election Day. | • | | • | Would You Like To Be Featured? - Contact Us! | • | If you would like to have your business featured inside the upcoming "People Doing Business" series, please call (832)212-8735. You may also e-mail your request for more information or inclusion to the publisher at the e-mail address below. |  Send Press Releases to: news@houston-businessconnections.com
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