Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Memorial West Republican Women PAC Presents Houston City Council Candidate Forum

If the number in attendance of Tuesday night's candidate forum is any indication of interest in the race for Houston City Council, District A, then we can assume this is a big race. A comfortably full room listened as all five Republican candidates answered questions presented by the moderator, the Hon Martha Wong.

Memorial West Republican Women PAC and Houston West Chamber of Commerce partnered in offering a candidate forum to the community.  Memorial West Republican Women PAC (MWRW) has actively pursued our goal of increased community outreach and providing opportunities for educating the electorate.  Houston West Chamber of Commerce works to increase business involvement in the community.

Incumbent Helena Brown, Ron Hale, Mike Knox, Amy Peck and Brenda Stardig provide a slate of candidates that are experienced, engaged and enthusiastic.  All bring a little something different to the table.  

Helena Brown possesses the confidence and knowledge of an incumbent.  She defended her reputation of being the no vote on so many City Council votes and she stressed her insistence of voting her district - that she actively goes to the community for answers before votes.

Ron Hale is young, fresh candidate and has enough experience on the campaign trail now to hold his own.  He comes from a business background which he is able to use in his responses to questioning.  He calls himself a voice for the unheard.

Mike Knox is a retired union member of the Houston Police Department.  He is an expert on gang violence. He mentioned several times that he has lived in the district for 23 years and will live there the rest of his life.

Amy Peck has years of experience in government at the state level which she is now eager to put to use at the city level.  She possesses an impressive resume with higher education that includes an advanced degree and extensive knowledge of the legislative process.  Currently District Director for State Senator Dan Patrick, she offers a reasoned approach to matters before the Council.

Brenda Stardig has a strong business background and extensive financial experience. She held the seat before CM Brown.  Stardig stressed that she has continued the work in a volunteer capacity that was important to her on the Council.

All provided thoughtful and reasoned answers to the questions posed, which ranged from pensions, human trafficking, infrastructure, Chapter 42 and included the opportunity to ask a question of another candidate.  As a Federated Republican Women's PAC, Memorial West does not endorse any one candidate in the race, as stipulated in our by-laws.  I will mention though, that all three women candidates are either a full member or associate member of the club. MWRW is proud to have a membership roster that includes such actively involved women.

Memorial West Republican Women PAC recognizes that in politics, everything begins at the local level.  It is crucial that members of any community get involved and stay educated on the issues affecting them and their families.  Republican Women are particularly involved with education, which is essential for an informed electorate.  Community outreach to all communities is vital for party growth.  Recently MWRW was able to be a part of the First Annual Scholarship Luncheon presented by Camera de Empresarios Latinos de Houston.  We sponsored a table and our members enjoyed  a warm reception as we made some new friends.  Working together, conservative leaning voters can succeed.

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