It's Time to Fire Annise Parker

Think of The City of Houston as a business; a 4 billion dollar a year business. And all of us that live, work and pay taxes here are investors. Not just those of us that live within the city limits, but, The Woodlands, Sugarland, Friendswood, and Pearland as well. Because those of you that live in the surrounding communities and unincorporated areas still have huge investments in Houston. With few exceptions, you, your employer, or your private company, do business and pay taxes in the city. A vibrant and expanding Houston economy is vital to all our quality of life. The mayor and city council are the CEO and board of directors that we've hired to manage our investment. Well, our CEO is doing a disastrous job and we need to fire her as soon as possible. It's just unfortunate that we can't do it today. Parker has proven that she's about as trustworthy as Bernie Madoff to manage our money. In addition, she's pushing a far left agenda that will drive away business and stall economic growth. We don't have to speculate on what the economic consequences of Parker's progressive, big government policies will be. The State of California provides an excellent example of what this left wing ideology will do to an economy. Consider the following.

• Police and Fire Departments-Of about $71 million in departmental spending cuts in the proposed 2012 budget, $60 million in cuts to public safety is inexcusable. Making these cuts while continuing to fund give away programs to buy votes and appease campaign contributors, shows a complete disrespect for the people that pay her salary.
• The Red Light Camera Scam-The voters spoke; Parker ignored them. Even worse, her administration made no credible effort to fight the camera company's lawsuit against the taxpayers. This ridiculous Bill White revenue scam has sucked $60 million out of the local economy over the last three years. In return for our money, we received more traffic accidents at the 70 intersections where the cameras were installed. But it gets even better. Since turning the cameras back on, the chief of police has vowed to expand the program.
• Youth/Senior Day Care-The Recreation and Wellness and Community Center programs, which are part of the parks department will spend $12 million of the taxpayer's money this year to "Enhance the quality of life and wellness of Houstonians" (their words). Translation: Free day care and meals provided to a select few citizens, in a select few locations.
• Historic Preservation-Parker, City Council, and a handful of pompous busy bodies conspiring to steal the property rights of private citizens. Using petitions, allegedly signed by homeowners, though the documents were not verified, not certified, and disputed by more than half of the homeowners. However, we did get this program for the bargain price of only $1 million.
• Planning and Development-Parker's attempt to force "environmental justice" down the throats of Houstonians, at a price tag of $7.3 million. Including the newly formed "Community Sustainability Commission", funded with $1.9 million that could have been spent on public safety. But it did achieve the Mayor's Goal, when she was awarded "Green Mayor of the Year" earlier this month. Who needs cops when you've got sustainability.

I could keep going, but you get the point. The mayor is pushing a political ideology that has nothing to do the best interests of Houstonians. A massive, open ended drainage tax increase ($60 million this year) that was deceptively presented to the voters.An across the board increase in hundreds of city fees, that shouldn't exist to begin with. This progressive approach to city government didn't start with Parker but, like Obama, she's put her foot on the accelerator. We need to stop it; now! Forbes Magazine recently listed Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio among the top ten future boom towns. This is, obviously, because Texas has stayed away from the high tax, over regulation policies of many other states. We can't afford to let city government knock Houston off the list. Higher taxes, excess regulation, and higher crime result in businesses leaving for more friendly environments. The population of Detroit declined 25% in the last decade. The State of New Jersey lost an estimated $70 billion in wealth between 2004 and 2008. Only 13% of the population of San Francisco is under 18 years old; as families have left for more kid friendly locations. Checkout governmentexile.com to see a sample of the businesses and wealth that are leaving California. This is the direction our current city govt. is taking Houston. Wealth that leaves the "city" also leaves the surrounding areas. We must all work together to stop this trend.


Now that we all agree on Parker, let's talk about Fernando Herrera. "He's not Annise Parker." That alone is reason enough to vote for him. But, I'm voting for him because he exemplifies the values that I want in my elected leaders, that I live my own life by, and that I teach my kids. He has a strong work ethic, believes in self reliance, and has spent a career in public service; not as a politician or bureaucrat, but as someone who runs into burning buildings. He's a small business owner who understands the responsibilities of working to increase sales, meet payroll, and balance a budget. He's the right man for the job, right now. I'm not sure we've ever had a better candidate for Mayor of Houston. But, he needs help. Parker is well funded and the media loves her. Herrera needs money and he needs publicity. We need to use our business contacts and social networks to expose Parker's destructive policies, and to introduce more people to Fernando Herrera.


I know there are urgent issues at the national level. But, by banding together, we can strike a big blow for conservative values in the nation's fourth largest city, and our own back yards.


Please visit ElectFernandoHerrera.com to learn more and to see how you can help.