This just in:
Lou Hunter, who ran for the district B city council seat in 2007 and later helped support the landslide victory of Professor Cynthia Gary, may seek an at large position on Missouri City council. This information was shared via confidential sources, but appears to be a strong rumor. We should know before March, which is the filing deadline, if this is more than local chatter.
We will update this thread as the need warrants!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Friday, May 18, 2007
It's Official! Lou Hunter Endorses Gary In District B Run-off!!!
Lou Hunter, former district B reform challenger, after extensive meetings with both Cynthia Lenton-Gary and Don Smith, run-off candidates in the Missouri City council race, has decided to endorse Gary in her bid for the hotly contested city council seat against the longtime incumbent (Smith). Hunter was quoted as saying "he will now actively spend the next few weeks blockwalking and calling his supporters to get out the vote for Cynthia." He added, "after spending much time interviewing the two candidates, I'm convinced that Ms. Lenton-Gary has the best plan for addressing many of the issues neglected by Smith during his tenure in office."
Mr. Smith has been endorsed by Allen Owen, the Missouri City mayor, who some have noted is heavily backed by Houston area developers. What finally lead to Hunter's decision was the fact that "Ms. Gary lines up well with many of the larger issues impacting our community such as the expanding Blue Ridge Landfill, that the current council supported, loss of our only hospital at the end of 2006, disparity in growth along the hwy 6 and Texas Pkwy corridor, repealing ordinance 46-4, lower ISO fire ratings, lack of independence from the special interests of the current council, increasing crime in district B, and of course, the rising taxes facing all home and property owners", said Lou.
The Hunter for council campaign committee want to offer our best wishes and good luck to Cynthia and her supporters as she carries the flag forward on reforming our city council!
Monday, April 30, 2007
Hunter Urges MC Voters To Turn Out In Force!
Lou Hunter, district B candidate, spent the last weekend during early voting trying to reach out to potential voters in Missouri City. "It is important the we get a good turn-out from the older areas of Missouri City", Hunter said. The incumbents traditionally benefit from a low voter turn-out, but from what the campaign had been hearing the interest is high this year, not like in years past when elections have even been cancelled.
Early voting starts today (Monday). Lou urges everyone to get to the polls this week and vote for change!
Friday, April 20, 2007
Hunter Uncovers Another Major Store Closing On TX Pkwy--
Mo. City Council Candidates Debate Issues At Forum, Reveal Business News
Most challengers for Missouri City Council slots called for change and cited complacency during a Thursday night candidates’ forum, while incumbents cited past accomplishments as evidence the city is in good hands.
News, or rumored news, also surfaced during the event:
→ District B challenger Lou Hunter said he has confirmed that the Blockbuster Video store on Texas Parkway intends to leave that location.
Get the full release at:
http://www.fortbendnow.com/news/2811/mo-city-council-candidates-debate-issues-drop-rumors-at-forum
Most challengers for Missouri City Council slots called for change and cited complacency during a Thursday night candidates’ forum, while incumbents cited past accomplishments as evidence the city is in good hands.
News, or rumored news, also surfaced during the event:
→ District B challenger Lou Hunter said he has confirmed that the Blockbuster Video store on Texas Parkway intends to leave that location.
Get the full release at:
http://www.fortbendnow.com/news/2811/mo-city-council-candidates-debate-issues-drop-rumors-at-forum
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Chronicle Covers Tight District B Races In Missouri City--
Just in from the Houston Chronicle:
Incumbent faces 2 opponents
Contest exists for District B in Missouri City
By ZEN T. C. ZHENG
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle
• What: Texas Parkway Alliance candidate forum
• When: 7 p.m. today
• What: Candidates running for Missouri City City Council
• Where: City Hall, 1522 Texas Parkway.
Revitalization of the Texas Parkway and Cartwright Road corridors is a central concern of three candidates vying for the Missouri City District B City Council seat.
The position, held since May 2001 by incumbent Don Smith, 64, has drawn opponents Lou Hunter, 32, a mortgage broker, and Cynthia Lenton-Gary, 48, a sociologist.
The challengers are among critics of the municipal government that they say has done little to address the issue of declining commercial presence along Texas Parkway and Cartwright Road, two corridors once filled with vibrant businesses, services and residences.
They say while neglecting the two corridors, the city focuses too much on the development of Texas 6 adjacent to affluent new subdivisions.
Lou Hunter
Hunter moved from Houston's South Park and Sunnyside area seven years ago to Missouri City's Meadowcreek subdivision.
"This is a bedroom community, quiet, quaint, and I wanted to stay here to raise my kids," said Hunter, father of three school-age children.
However, the "deterioration" on the two corridors reminded him of his old neighborhood marked by an aging population, worsening economic conditions and low education level. He said he is the youngest homeowner on his street.
"More and more businesses are closing on Texas Parkway and Cartwright. There are lots that have been vacant for years and nothing has been done about it," he said. "There's no one parking lot on Texas Parkway that's not riddled with potholes. We also have issues with poor lighting, and gentrification is going on all around the city."
He said the city should apply pressure on retail owners to bring their properties up to standards.
"I see more and more businesses on Highway 6, and here in District B there is a general decline. It was a slap in the face to see Kroger leave and rebuild on Highway 6. I don't think City Council is doing enough," Hunter said.
"It's funny that the council was interested in hearing Riverstone (subdivision) residents making comments about the choices of color of their trash cans, but here kids in District B have to walk in a ditch on streets without sidewalks."
Hunter called Smith indecisive on the issue and questioned why City Council had not wanted to create a tax increment reinvestment zone for redeveloping the corridors.
"Don has a softer approach," he said.
Smith called Hunter "misinformed."
"TIRZ is not designed for revamping shopping centers," Smith said.
Hunter, who has spoken to youth groups on character-building and has donated to youth causes, criticized the city leadership for "not reaching out to the older neighborhoods" and wants to seek "real citizen input" before council decisions.
"I'm realistic. I don't expect five-star dining on Texas Parkway, but there are businesses that can be sought after," he said. "If the streets are filled with hardworking, clean, family-owned mom-and-pop shops, I'd be happy."
Hunter vowed not to accept "out-of-district special interest campaign funding," which he said has become "the norm for many on City Council over the years." He wants to take back "local control from the special interests now operating and profiting in our community."
He also wants to review city ordinances that "negatively impact property values" and stop "fast-track privileges for corporations." He wants to create a committee to review possible term limits for council members, and create incentives to protect the environment from "irresponsible development." . . . (follow the link below for the full story)
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/fortbend/news/4727073.html
Incumbent faces 2 opponents
Contest exists for District B in Missouri City
By ZEN T. C. ZHENG
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle
• What: Texas Parkway Alliance candidate forum
• When: 7 p.m. today
• What: Candidates running for Missouri City City Council
• Where: City Hall, 1522 Texas Parkway.
Revitalization of the Texas Parkway and Cartwright Road corridors is a central concern of three candidates vying for the Missouri City District B City Council seat.
The position, held since May 2001 by incumbent Don Smith, 64, has drawn opponents Lou Hunter, 32, a mortgage broker, and Cynthia Lenton-Gary, 48, a sociologist.
The challengers are among critics of the municipal government that they say has done little to address the issue of declining commercial presence along Texas Parkway and Cartwright Road, two corridors once filled with vibrant businesses, services and residences.
They say while neglecting the two corridors, the city focuses too much on the development of Texas 6 adjacent to affluent new subdivisions.
Lou Hunter
Hunter moved from Houston's South Park and Sunnyside area seven years ago to Missouri City's Meadowcreek subdivision.
"This is a bedroom community, quiet, quaint, and I wanted to stay here to raise my kids," said Hunter, father of three school-age children.
However, the "deterioration" on the two corridors reminded him of his old neighborhood marked by an aging population, worsening economic conditions and low education level. He said he is the youngest homeowner on his street.
"More and more businesses are closing on Texas Parkway and Cartwright. There are lots that have been vacant for years and nothing has been done about it," he said. "There's no one parking lot on Texas Parkway that's not riddled with potholes. We also have issues with poor lighting, and gentrification is going on all around the city."
He said the city should apply pressure on retail owners to bring their properties up to standards.
"I see more and more businesses on Highway 6, and here in District B there is a general decline. It was a slap in the face to see Kroger leave and rebuild on Highway 6. I don't think City Council is doing enough," Hunter said.
"It's funny that the council was interested in hearing Riverstone (subdivision) residents making comments about the choices of color of their trash cans, but here kids in District B have to walk in a ditch on streets without sidewalks."
Hunter called Smith indecisive on the issue and questioned why City Council had not wanted to create a tax increment reinvestment zone for redeveloping the corridors.
"Don has a softer approach," he said.
Smith called Hunter "misinformed."
"TIRZ is not designed for revamping shopping centers," Smith said.
Hunter, who has spoken to youth groups on character-building and has donated to youth causes, criticized the city leadership for "not reaching out to the older neighborhoods" and wants to seek "real citizen input" before council decisions.
"I'm realistic. I don't expect five-star dining on Texas Parkway, but there are businesses that can be sought after," he said. "If the streets are filled with hardworking, clean, family-owned mom-and-pop shops, I'd be happy."
Hunter vowed not to accept "out-of-district special interest campaign funding," which he said has become "the norm for many on City Council over the years." He wants to take back "local control from the special interests now operating and profiting in our community."
He also wants to review city ordinances that "negatively impact property values" and stop "fast-track privileges for corporations." He wants to create a committee to review possible term limits for council members, and create incentives to protect the environment from "irresponsible development." . . . (follow the link below for the full story)
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/fortbend/news/4727073.html
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Catch Hunter at his Campaign HQ Weekends Through the Election at Charlie's Seafood on Texas Pkwy!
E-mail Mr. Hunter, candidate for district B city council, to find out times you can meet with him at his campaign HQ at the Charlies on TX Pkwy.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Hunter Responds To Current Council Support Of Landfill In This Fort Bend Sun Article In His Run Against Incumbent Smith For District B
Blue Ridge Landfill permit moves forward
By: Diane Tezeno, dtezeno@hcnonline.com
03/30/2007
Blue Ridge Landfill Sun Staff Photo • John Pape
More than 1,000 signatures on a petition from residents opposing expansion of the Blue Ridge Landfill in Missouri City failed to derail the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's consideration of a permit application submitted by Allied Waste Services.
. . .Several candidates in the upcoming Missouri City council race voiced their concerns.
. . .Lou Hunter, candidate for Missouri City's District B seat, agreed with his fellow candidates.
"It defies all basic human consciousness and common sense to entertain the idea to expand a landfill leaking of barium less than a mile from 80 drinking water wells. It makes you wonder if there's an evil, comic-book-scripted, villainous midget behind the scenes trying to take over the world," Hunter said. "It's ridiculously inhuman. Some things just aren't worth the gamble."
An official release issued Dec. 19, 2006 reflected the city's stance on the landfill issue.
"Missouri City is not in opposition of the landfill expansion since it entered into an agreement along with Fort Bend County indicating that it would not oppose the project. We followed the county's lead in the negotiations," city manager Frank Simpson was quoted as saying in the release.
The only Missouri City councilmember to sign the petition opposing the landfill's expansion was District D Councilman Brett Kolaja, according to Sienna Plantation resident and CABRLE member Chris Calvin. Kolaja is the only Missouri City incumbent that did not draw a challenger in his bid for re-election.
Full story available at: http://www.hcnonline.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18151458&BRD=1574&PAG=461&dept_id=532245&rfi=6
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