Nice to see that BARC (Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care) finally has a new animal shelter chief with the recent hiring of Ray Sim (Houston Chronicle, Bradley Olson, 5-17-09). The entire organization needs a major overhaul and effective management will be a key component. The City needs to work with Sim in laying out a new vision and direction for the bureau. My goal is for our city to ultimately become a No-Kill city. This is a critical issue that demands immediate attention, as the number of animals killed annually by BARC is staggering.
We must develop a 5-year strategic plan that incorporates various components: change the culture at BARC to attract/retain the best employees possible, provide better veterinary care at the facility, and increase funding by the city. We should also work closer with organizations such as SNAP, to increase spaying and neutering rates. As a candidate for City Council District H, it troubles me that a portion of the "corridor of cruelty" traverses through a portion of District H and nothing has been done. Our City should not be at the top of the list with the number of dog bites - this should be viewed as a major safety issue. We can also be more humane in the treatment of animals. We must bring greater awareness to our communities regarding this issue and I look forward to being a strong advocate on Houston City Council. The problems at BARC can be solved, but it will require greater collaboration. We must work with all stakeholders (ie: community members, schools, Harris County, rescue/adoption groups) in order to develop a successful foundation for BARC.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Endorsements
Things are going great on the campaign trail ! I am proud to receive the endorsements from the Harris County AFL-CIO and Harris County Tejano Democrats. Please go to my website today and join our winning team.
www.edforh.com
www.edforh.com
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Eleanor Tinsley
Today our city mourns the loss of a true pioneer with the passing of former City councilwoman Eleanor Tinsley at the age of 82. We are a better city today because of her leadership and service. Tinsely was a strong leader that did not shy away from fighting the tough fights and helping forge a better city for all. Tinsley battled for school desegregation and countless other meaningful issues that improved the lives of many. We are fortunate to call this great city home and leaders such as Tinsley are owed a debt of gratitude. We should honor her memory by tackling the crticial issues of our time with the same vigor and determination.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Crime
I attended a Townhall meeting in the Heights hosted by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and it was a packed house. Some recent crimes in the area have heightened concern and the forum allowed for community members to provide input. In order for us to combat crime effectively, it is crucial for the lines of communication to remain strong between all our law enforcement agencies and the citizenry. I am encouraged to see community members concerned for their neighborhoods and the willingness of our police professionals to engage in constructive dialogue.
However, no one entity can eradicate crime. It takes a collective effort by many to truly be effective in protecting our communities. All our law enforcement agencies must find ways to collaborate and communicate more effectively. New technologies must be explored to help suppress crime. We must also work with families and schools to ensure that young kids continue down a positive path and away from bad choices that ultimately lead to crime involvement.
Our city is fortunate to have some of the best law enforcement professionals in the nation, but they also need strong community support to remain effective. It is imperative for community members to stay informed about crime issues and to report crimes as they occur. By working together we can all help create safer communities.
However, no one entity can eradicate crime. It takes a collective effort by many to truly be effective in protecting our communities. All our law enforcement agencies must find ways to collaborate and communicate more effectively. New technologies must be explored to help suppress crime. We must also work with families and schools to ensure that young kids continue down a positive path and away from bad choices that ultimately lead to crime involvement.
Our city is fortunate to have some of the best law enforcement professionals in the nation, but they also need strong community support to remain effective. It is imperative for community members to stay informed about crime issues and to report crimes as they occur. By working together we can all help create safer communities.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Kinetic Decay
Please support my friends and their photo exhibit opening. Historic preservation is an important issue in my campaign and their exhibit highlights the beauty of preservation. A portion of the proceeds go to Historic Houston.
Houston is an eclectic city, filled with both modern skyscrapers and antiquated buildings. It is a living dichotomy. Local photographers (and brothers) Alex Luster & Michael Luster invite the public to view a sampling of their latest project "Kinetic Decay," which aims to illustrate the inherent beauty in decaying structures. A goal of the exhibit is to raise awareness, and to garner enthusiasm and support for the development and preservation of these structures.
This gallery exhibit is part of an ongoing endeavor initiated by the brothers to involve the creative talent of local artists with the efforts of the non-profit group Historic Houston in the celebration and preservation of historic architecture in the Houston area. A portion of proceeds from the exhibit will go directly to Historic Houston, with additional donations from future book and event sales to follow.
Alex and Michael are collaborating on a book of photographs, which gives the viewer a look at the nation's 4th largest city through the eyes of Houston natives.
The exhibit opens February 3rd and runs through March 2nd.
Houston is an eclectic city, filled with both modern skyscrapers and antiquated buildings. It is a living dichotomy. Local photographers (and brothers) Alex Luster & Michael Luster invite the public to view a sampling of their latest project "Kinetic Decay," which aims to illustrate the inherent beauty in decaying structures. A goal of the exhibit is to raise awareness, and to garner enthusiasm and support for the development and preservation of these structures.
This gallery exhibit is part of an ongoing endeavor initiated by the brothers to involve the creative talent of local artists with the efforts of the non-profit group Historic Houston in the celebration and preservation of historic architecture in the Houston area. A portion of proceeds from the exhibit will go directly to Historic Houston, with additional donations from future book and event sales to follow.
Alex and Michael are collaborating on a book of photographs, which gives the viewer a look at the nation's 4th largest city through the eyes of Houston natives.
The exhibit opens February 3rd and runs through March 2nd.
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