Hard Hitting Conservative Commentary by Gary M. Polland
Volume XXII Number 2 – October 19, 2023
Click here for voting times and locations
TCR 2023 Candidate Questionnaire and Scorecard
The following is TCR’s 2023 candidate questionnaire with, in TCR’s opinion, the conservative response on which each candidate is scored and graded.
The scorecard for the candidates follows, which includes each candidate’s raw score (how many correct of total questions), their letter grade and the question number of each question in which the candidate answered incorrectly (according to our position.) Candidates who did not answer a question or checked both answers to a question, received an incorrect answer for that question. Candidates who did not return a questionnaire received a score of DNR (did not respond)-0/19 and an automatic “F”. Two uncontested candidates (Districts A and F) were not sent questionnaires and were omitted from this scorecard. Candidates in BOLD are TCR’s recommendation for that race. Following the scorecard, is TCR’s commentary on its endorsed candidates.
2023 Mayor and City Council Candidate Questionnaire
TCR reserves the right to exclude questions from publication based on space limitations. Some questions may be used for statistical and/or information purposes and may or may not be utilized to calculate a candidate’s rating or score.
- Will you make streets and roads a priority with a requirement that the City of Houston resurface a minimum of 400 lane miles per year? ☑Yes ❑No
- Do you support reforming the city contracting process to prevent lobbyists, political insiders, cronies, etc. without industry-specific experience from benefiting/participating in city contracts? ☑Yes ❑No
- Do you support any form of guaranteed income that provides direct cash payments to residents? ❑Yes ☑No
- Do you support a cost-benefit analysis regarding the spending of taxpayer funds by Metro? ☑Yes ❑No
- Do you support a requirement that Metro utilize public transportation vehicles based on appropriateness for each route and its ridership numbers? ☑Yes ❑No
- Do you support ending automatic increases in water and sewer rates and require City Council vote for water and sewer rate increases annually? ☑Yes ❑No
- Do you support a requirement that the City not raise taxes without a supermajority of at least 60% of City Council? ☑Yes ❑No
- Do you support establishing a “Grace Commission” type study to identify ways for the City to eliminate waste, fraud, abuse, incompetence and operating efficiencies? ☑Yes ❑No
- Do you support the right of City Council members to add items to the City Council Agenda if approved by a majority of members? ☑Yes ❑No
- Do you support adopting a defined contribution pension plan for all new municipal employees, including police and fire fighters? ☑Yes ❑No
- Do you support lifting the city revenue cap which limits the growth in city revenues to the combined rates of inflation and population growth? ❑Yes ☑No
- Would you support the elimination or sunsetting of tax increment reinvestment zones (TIRZs) in areas that are not economically disadvantaged? ☑Yes ❑No
- Do you support zero-based budgeting, which would require city departments to justify their budgets on an annual basis? ☑Yes ❑No
- Would you support a budget amendment requiring that all revenues above projected levels be used to pay down debt? ☑Yes ❑No
- Would you support a waiting period that would exclude a donor to any Houston mayoral or city council candidate from receiving a city contract, as either a primary contractor or subcontractor, for a period of two years from the date of the contribution? ☑Yes ❑No
- Do you support ending all diversions from the “Rain Tax” infrastructure fee and pledge to use those funds specifically for infrastructure as intended? ☑Yes ❑No
- Do you support adding a minimum of 1500 new police officers to the ranks of HPD? ☑Yes ❑No
- Will you support implementation of “Proposition B” and give firefighters the raise that voters approved? ☑Yes ❑No
- Have you ever filed for bankruptcy, either personally or for a business for which you were a principal or executive? ❑Yes ☑No
Position | Candidate Name | Raw Score | Incorrect Q | Letter | Endorsed |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mayor | Gaylon S. Caldwell | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
Mayor | Jack Christie | 19/19 | None | A+ | No |
Mayor | Robert Gallegos | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
Mayor | Annie “Mama” Garcia | 14/19 | 1, 4, 7, 17, 18 | C | No |
Mayor | Gilbert Garcia | 17/19 | 10, 17 | B+ | Yes |
Mayor | M. “Griff” Griffin | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
Mayor | Naoufal Houjami | 18/19 | 3 | A | No |
Mayor | B. Ivy | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
Mayor | Sheila Jackson Lee | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
Mayor | Lee Kaplan | 12/19 | 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 18 | D- | No |
Mayor | M. J. Khan | 19/19 | None | A+ | No |
Mayor | David C. Lowy | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
Mayor | Julian “Bemer” Martinez | 19/19 | None | A+ | No |
Mayor | Chanel Mbala | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
Mayor | Kathy Lee Tatum | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
Mayor | Roy Vasquez | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
Mayor | John Whitmire | 16/19 | 10, 11, 15 | B | No |
Mayor | Robin Williams (Write-In) | 17/19 | 3, 11 | B+ | No |
Controller | Chris Hollins | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
Controller | Dave Martin | 19/19 | None | A+ | No |
Controller | Shannan Nobles | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
Controller | Orlando Sanchez | 19/19 | None | A+ | Yes |
City Council, District B | Alma Banks-Brown | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
City Council, District B | Tarsha Jackson | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
City Council, District B | Kendra London | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
City Council, District B | Koffey Smith El-Bey | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
City Council, District B | Tyrone Willis | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
City Council, District C | Perata PB Bradley | 17/19 | 3, 17 | B+ | Yes |
City Council, District C | Felix Javier Cisneros | DNR-0/19 | All | F8 | No |
City Council, District C | Abbie Kamin | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
City Council, District D | Carolyn Evans-Shabazz | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
City Council, District D | Lloyd Ford | 15/19 | 3, 15, 17, 19 | C+ | No |
City Council, District D | Travis McGee | 18/19 | 3 | A | Yes |
City Council, District D | Georgia Provost | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
City Council, District D | Debra A. Rose | 15/19 | 3, 4, 11, 15 | C+ | No |
City Council, District E | Martina Lemond Dixon | 17/19 | 12, 15 | B+ | No |
City Council, District E | Fred Flickinger | 19/19 | None | A+ | Yes |
City Council, District G | Tony Buzbee | 19/19 | None | A+ | Yes |
City Council, District G | Mary Nan Huffman | 19/19 | None | A+ | No |
City Council, District G | Enyinna O. Isiguzo | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
City Council, District H | Mario Castillo | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
City Council, District H | Mark McGee | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
City Council, District H | Cynthia Reyes Revilla | 17/19 | 11, 15 | B+ | Yes |
City Council, District H | Sonia Rivera | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
City Council, District H | Michelle Stearns | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
City Council, District I | Rick Gonzales | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
City Council, District I | Joaquin Martinez | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
City Council, District J | Edward Pollard | 16/19 | 11, 15, 18 | B | Yes |
City Council, District J | Ivan Sanchez | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
City Council, At-Large #1 | Kendall Baker | 18/19 | 11 | A | No |
City Council, At-Large #1 | Eriq C. Glenn | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
City Council, At-Large #1 | Melanie Miles | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
City Council, At-Large #1 | Julian Ramirez | 19/19 | None | A+ | Yes |
City Council, At-Large #1 | Conchita Reyes | 18/19 | 3 | A | No |
City Council, At-Large #1 | Leah Wolfthal | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
City Council, At-Large #2 | Danielle Keys Bess | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
City Council, At-Large #2 | Marina Angelica Coryat | 12/19 | 3, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17 | D- | No |
City Council, At-Large #2 | Willie Davis | 18/19 | 19 | A | Yes |
City Council, At-Large #2 | Nick Hellyar | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
City Council, At-Large #2 | Obioha “Obes” Nwabara | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
City Council, At-Large #2 | Holly Flynn Vilaseca | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
City Council, At-Large #3 | Bernard “Bernardo” Amadi | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
City Council, At-Large #3 | Richard Cantu | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
City Council, At-Large #3 | Twila Carter | 19/19 | None | A+ | Yes |
City Council, At-Large #3 | Donnell Cooper | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
City Council, At-Large #3 | Casey Curry | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
City Council, At-Large #3 | Ethan Michelle Ganz | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
City Council, At-Large #3 | James Joseph | 15/19 | 4, 5, 6, 13 | C+ | No |
City Council, At-Large #3 | Ericka McCrutcheon | 18/19 | 12 | A | No |
City Council, At-Large #3 | Richard Nguyen | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
City Council, At-Large #4 | John Branch Jr. | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
City Council, At-Large #4 | Roy Morales | 19/19 | None | A+ | Yes |
City Council, At-Large #4 | Andrew “Drew” Patterson | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
City Council, At-Large #4 | Letitia Plummer | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
City Council, At-Large #5 | Sallie Alcorn | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
City Council, At-Large #5 | J. Brad Batteau | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
City Council, At-Large #5 | Rigo Hernandez | DNR-0/19 | All | F | No |
Gilbert Garcia (B+)
Mayor
If Houston were to hire a mayor instead of electing one, Gilbert Garcia’s resume would be at the top of the stack based on his experience, leadership, and community involvement.
Gilbert Garcia is a product of a middle-class family and the public school system. He was the first in his family to graduate from college, from Yale University, at that! After graduating Yale, Garcia began his financial career on Wall Street but returned to Texas in 1990 to join Cisneros Asset Management, where he rose to the office of president. He later joined Garcia Hamilton & Associates and is now the firm’s Managing Partner where he oversees the management of a staggering $21 billion in assets that he helped grow from $200 million since joining the firm.
From 2010 – 2016, Garcia served as Chairman of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County. Under his leadership, METRO improved its financial status, redesigned the entire bus network, revamped the procurement process, improved transparency, all of which helped earn Metro the 2015 APTA Award for Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement. Gilbert has served on many boards, including pension boards in Houston and Dallas, the Houston Downtown Management District, and the Children’s Museum Houston. He has also Co-Chaired the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and numerous other philanthropic campaigns.
TCR believes that the City of Houston is on the precipice of a financial abyss and needs a strong financial mind, with real world experience managing huge sums of funds and solving complex problems to lead our beleaguered city back to greatness. While his main opponents have much more experience in government as career politicians, their experience is in spending tax money rather than increasing revenue and using those dollars efficiently and effectively. Garcia is the only candidate in this race who has such experience.
Garcia’s unique financial perspective alone is reason enough to elect him, but he also has a solid vison for improving public safety, putting an end to cronyism, cleaning up our streets and transforming Houston to a destination friendly for relocation by corporations and individuals alike, which will explode our local economy.
We believe that Garcia’s experience and leadership, in both the public and private sectors, makes him the best choice in this crowded field and one that rises above political affiliation. Republicans, Independents and Democrats alike should hitch their wagons to this rising star, whose energy, experience, and vision are exactly the prescription we need. For more information about Gilbert, visit www.GarciaForHouston.com
Julian Ramirez (A+)
Houston City Council At-Large 1
If public safety is your issue, then Julian Ramirez is your candidate. Ramirez has a 27-year career at the Harris County District Attorney’s office where he rose to the respected position of Chief Felony Prosecutor and then Division Chief and pursued justice on behalf of the citizens of Harris County by prosecuting thousands of cases.
Ramirez has been an instructor at HPD’s Police Academy and has taught thousands of police and prosecutors on a variety of criminal justice subjects.
For his commitment to the law and law enforcement Julian is endorsed by law enforcement leaders like former Supreme Court Justice Eva Guzman, Constable Mark Herman, Constable Ted Heap and Councilmember Mike Knox, a former HPD officer.
Julian is also endorsed by the Harris County Republican Party, Texas Latino Conservatives, The “C” Club, and many current and former conservative elected officials. He can now add Texas Conservative Review to that growing list.
For more information about Julian, visit www.julianramirezforhouston.com
Willie Davis (A)
Houston City Council At-Large 2
Pastor Willie Davis embodies the true spirit of service and dedication that our city needs. Pastor Davis’s service began in the Vietnam era when he served in the U.S. Army’s Special Forces (Green Berets).
Pastor Davis is a veteran who understands the importance of selfless sacrifice. Raised in the Third Ward, he has firsthand experience overcoming adversity, and learning that it’s the people and relationships that truly matter.
For over three decades, Pastor Davis has tirelessly ministered to the spiritual needs of his community at the MacGregor Palm Community Baptist Church that he founded. He’s not a politician but a proud Houston native with a colossal heart and a genuine commitment to his fellow citizens.
We wholeheartedly endorse Pastor Willie Davis for Houston City Council, At Large 2. His lifelong dedication to service and his deep understanding of our city’s challenges makes him an exceptional choice to represent the people of Houston. For more about Pastor Willie Davis, please visit www.williedavisforcitycouncil.com
Twila Carter (A+)
Houston City Council At-Large 3
Twila Carter served for over a decade as Senior Vice President of Community Relations of the Houston Astros and Executive Director of the Astros Foundation, which raised over $60 million for charitable causes, and has demonstrated experience making an impact in our community.
Her personal experiences have instilled in her a profound understanding of the importance of breaking the cycle of poverty and providing opportunities for struggling families. Twila’s involvement with organizations such as the Texas Council on Family Violence, Family Time Crisis and Counseling Center, and the Houston Area Women’s Center reflects her dedication to creating safer and more prosperous communities.
Twila has an unwavering support for law enforcement, which has earned her the endorsement of the Houston Police Officers’ Union.
Twila’s conservative agenda includes improving the safety of our Houston neighborhoods, ending the cycle of poverty, lowering taxes and ending wasteful spending, investing in infrastructure, and improving our local economy to attract employers and jobs. Twila understands that when business thrives, we all thrive.
Twila Carter’s rise from humble beginnings, commitment to conservative principles along with her strong ties to her community and her faith, make her a stellar choice for Houston City Council. We believe she will continue to work tirelessly to better the lives of all Houstonians. For more about Twila, visit www.TwilaCarter.com
Roy Morales (A+)
Houston City Council At-Large 4
Roy Morales’s score of 19/19 (A+) on TCR’s scorecard is impressive, but not nearly as impressive as his extensive resume. Roy’s Texan heritage dates to his great grandparents who were survivors of the 1900 Galveston storm. Roy was born in Galveston and spent time in both Houston and Dallas in his youth, where he was an active member of the young Men’s Christian Association and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Roy enlisted in the United States Air Force where he continued his education and work in a the highly technical areas of aerospace and electronic security. Roy retired from his distinguished military career at the rank of Lt. Colonel.
Roy lists his priorities as protecting families and businesses, improving city services, improving infrastructure and preparing for the next natural disaster, and making the city of Houston an economic superpower. If elected to Houston City Council, which we obviously believe he should, we are certain Roy will apply his vast technical training and experience solving complex problems to these and many other issues facing the city of Houston.
To see more of Roy’s impressive resume of qualifications and experience visit www.roymorales.com
Perata PB Bradley (B+)
Houston City Council District C
Perata Bradley has an uphill battle against an incumbent City Councilmember, but that’s OK, because we at TCR don’t mind routing for the underdog. Bradley scored a not-too-shabby grade of B+ on the TCR questionnaire and was the only District C candidate to participate and seek conservative support. Bradley promises to focus on accountability, transparency, and practical solutions for critical issues like affordability, infrastructure, essential services, and crime which aligns with the priorities of District C residents. With concerns about overdevelopment, inflation, flooding, sanitation, and unresponsiveness from City Hall, Perata Bradley’s dedication to addressing these challenges is both timely and essential.
Travis McGee (A)
Houston City Council District D
Travis McGee’s deep roots in District D, as a lifelong resident and business owner, make him a powerful advocate for the community. His passionate platform, focusing on neighborhood schools, affordable housing, combatting illegal dumping, improved drainage, and community policing, reflects his genuine commitment to addressing the pressing issues faced by our district.
Travis’s belief that “We the People” deserve a voice that puts the community’s interests first, not politics, is a sentiment we wholeheartedly support. As a dedicated civic leader for over 15 years, he’s demonstrated a consistent commitment to driving change and progress within our community. His decision to run is not opportunistic but a natural extension of his tireless advocacy.
We endorse Travis McGee for Houston City Council, District D, as he brings a wealth of experience, a deep connection to the district, and a genuine passion for improving the lives of its residents. More at www.travis4houston.com
Fred Flickinger (A+)
Houston City Council, District E
Fred Flickinger is a business owner whose common-sense experience is much needed on City Council. Fred’s back-to-basics approach includes improving infrastructure and flood mitigation, fiscal responsibility, fighting crime and supporting our first responders. Fred Flickinger is the epitome of conservative values and we can be sure our tax dollars will be spent wisely as he views the city budget with the eyes of an experienced and successful business owner.
Flickinger’s Democrat opponent masquerades as a conservative, but her generous financial support of liberals like Barack Obama, Joe Biden, the Kingwood Area Democrats and Act Blue tell a completely different story.
In addition to the Texas Conservative Review, Fred is endorsed by Republican Party of Texas, Harris County Republican Party, Kingwood TEA Party, Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 341, San Jacinto Conservatives, and numerous conservative former and current conservative elected officials.
TCR is proud to enthusiastically support Fred Flickinger for Houston City Council, District E.
To see more about Fred, go to www.flickingerforhouston.com
Tony Buzbee (A+)
Houston City Council, District G
TCR had high hopes for Mary Nan Huffman when we endorsed her four years ago. At the time, she looked like the best choice, but four years later we are advocating for change and recommending a vote for Tony Buzbee.
Tony Buzbee is a force of nature. Buzbee attended Texas A & M University on an ROTC scholarship where he excelled and was recognized repeatedly for his accomplishments. After college, Buzbee entered the United States Marine Corps where he excelled once again as an infantry officer. Buzbee rose to the rank of Captain during his service and earned numerous awards and commendations including the Navy Commendation Medal.
After leaving the Marine Corps, Buzbee entered law school at the University of Houston Law Center. He excelled once again, serving as Managing Editor of the Houston Law Review and graduated Summa Cum Laude, finishing second in his class.
Buzbee served as a briefing attorney for a federal district judge, then went to work at a prestigious law firm before founding and operating his own highly successful firm, whose clients have included former Governor Rick Perry and Attorney General Ken Paxton.
The decision to endorse Buzbee was an easy one, not just for his excellence, but for the incumbent’s lack thereof; she has rubber-stamped both of Sylvester Turner’s budgets, providing little pushback to the tax increases along the way. And of the $1.5 million allocated to the district, she only set aside $350,000 for public safety. She also allowed three public housing projects to be placed in the district with no objection. The incumbent is widely regarded as ineffectual, unresponsive, and silent.
Like him or not, Tony Buzbee has a reputation for excellence and for getting things done. Rest assured, with Tony Buzbee on City Council, District G will not be ignored.
Cynthia Reyes-Revilla (B+)
Houston City Council, District H
Cynthia Reyes-Revilla earned a conservative rating of B+ and was the only candidate for District H to respond to our request to submit a questionnaire.
Cynthia Reyes Revilla is a lifelong resident and small business owner in the district, making her deep connection to the district and her neighbors undeniable. She is a role model as a first-generation college graduate, successful real estate broker and business owner showcase and will provide the kind of perspective we need representing District H.
Cynthia’s multi-faceted history of service, which spans decades, reveals a profound understanding of the district’s diverse needs, from education to public safety and environmental protection. She leads with integrity, compassion, and unwavering dedication, setting a remarkable example for all. We endorse Cynthia Reyes Revilla and are confident that her experience, knowledge, and vision will elevate District H to new heights. For more information, visit www.cynthiaforhdh.com
Edward Pollard (B)
Houston City Council, District J
Edward Pollard is seeking his second term on Houston City Council. During his first term on Houston Council, made public safety a priority and implemented innovative solutions to an age-old problem including the District J Patrol, the installation of license plate readers in the district to alert law enforcement to the presence of vehicles used in crimes, and implemented the Police Transparency Dashboard to give citizens access to information regarding crimes statistics and policies.
Councilmember Pollard has also addressed the issue of illegal dumping by providing resources to pick up illegally dumped materials. The issue of jobs for the community has not been overlooked by Pollard and his staff who have created a website to help District J residents seek employment.
Pollard has also been active in creating and maintaining green spaces, promoting animal welfare, and sponsored numerous programs to help the youth of the district. Edward Pollard earned a B on our survey and an endorsement for his reelection based on a great first term of service. Visit www.pollardforhouston.com for more information.
Orlando Sanchez (A+)
Houston City Controller
Orlando Sanchez came to Houston as a child, fleeing Communist oppression in Cuba with his family. He was educated locally at Bellaire H.S. and then the University of Houston. He served his country in the Air Force and our community on Houston City Council for six years where he utilized his financial skills on the Budget Committee and helped pass the first tax cut in decades. He was then elected Harris County Treasurer where he oversaw financial operations of Texas’s largest county for twelve years. While serving as Harris County Treasurer Sanchez earned certification as a County Investment Officer.
In addition to plans to maximize the city’s financial operations, Orlando has unique ideas he has for a number of public policy initiatives including some that would improve public safety. Orlando has always been an innovative thought leader in his many roles and we would expect nothing less when he steps into the City Controller’s office.
In these turbulent financial times, the city of Houston needs an experienced, conservative financial watchdog to oversee the city’s financial operations. Orlando Sanchez has just the experience, skills, and vision we need as our next City Controller. For more about Orlando visit www.orlandosanchez.com
State Constitutional Amendments
Prop. 1 – Yes
Provides more protection for private property rights.
Prop. 2 – No
Will ultimately result in higher taxes for many businesses.
Prop. 3 – Yes
Will prevent the implementation of a net worth tax.
Prop. 4 – Yes
This will provide critical property tax relief.
Prop. 5 – No
The taxpayers already provide billions in higher education funding.
Prop. 6 – No
Will give government further control over our Texas water supply.
Prop. 7 – Yes
Critical to protecting the Texas power grid; preventing future blackouts.
Prop. 8 – No
The money proposed to set up this fund should be given back to the taxpayer.
Prop. 9 – Yes
This would give retired teachers a long overdue cost-of-living adjustment.
Prop. 10 – No
Like Prop. 2, Prop. 10 will ultimately result in higher taxes for many businesses.
Prop. 11 – Neutral
This is a bond issue which only affects El Paso County.
Prop. 12 – Yes
In 2022, TCR was proud to have endorsed Hank Dugie for Galveston County Treasurer. He kept his campaign promise to reduce the size of government by working to eliminate this unnecessary position.
Prop. 13 – No
Would increase the mandatory age of retirement for state judges.
Prop. 14 – No
Would spend billions on state parks without having it show up in the official budget.
City of Houston
Prop. A – Yes
Prop. B – No