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North Channel Star

Election Results: Emmett, Morman defeated in upset

Nov 8, 2018

Winners include Sylvia Garcia; Ted Cruz; Lina Hidalgo; Adrian Garcia

HARRIS COUNTY – With 100% of the results counted, political experts are declaring winners in Tuesday’s election.

In the national Senate race, incumbent Ted Cruz had a strong statewide win, defeating popular Beto O’Rourke by 51% to 48%. However, Beto carried Harris County with 58% of the local vote. Other statewide results included Governor Greg Abbott winning 56% of the vote against Lupe Valdez; and AG Ken Paxton receiving 51%.

Harris County’s straight ticket voting showed 44% Republican, and 55% Democratic. This might explain two major upsets: County Judge Ed Emmett, the popular incumbent, was defeated by Democrat challenger Lina Hidalgo who received 49.62% of the vote, to Emmett’s 48.32%, with a third candidate, Libertarian Eric Gatlin receiving 2% of the vote. About 5000 votes separated the top two candidates, but Gatlin received 24,085 enough to swing the election to either of the other two contenders.

Republican County Commissioner Pct. 2 Jack Morman was defeated by Democrat and former Sheriff Adrian Garcia, who had 50.11% of the vote, versus Morman’s 49.89%. The difference was a mere 490 votes.

History was made in Congressional District 29, where the first Hispanic woman from Texas won a seat in Congress. Sylvia Garcia, formerly a Texas State Senator and Harris County Commissioner, received 75% of the vote against her Republican challenger, Phillip Aronoff.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee was returned to office in District 18, with 75% of the vote, versus her opponent Ava Reynero Pate with 21% votes.

In Congressional District 2, formerly held by Congressman Ted Poe, Dan Crenshaw received 53% of the vote, and Todd Litton 45%.

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Texas elects Sylvia Garcia as first Latina to Congress

Nov 8, 2018
AT THE VICTORY CELEBRATION ELECTION NIGHT. Photo taken at the Houston Hobby Marriott Hotel Victory party on Nov. 6 , 2018. (Photo by Allan Jamail)

By Allan Jamail

Houston, TX. — November 6, 2018 — State Senator Sylvia Garcia became Texas’ first female Hispanic to be elected to the U. S. Congress.

At the Houston Hobby Marriott Hotel In front of a jubilant crowd waving blue towels with the printed words, “WE MADE HISTORY!”

Garcia thanked Congressman Gene Green for his years of service and for setting the bar for elected officials.

Senator Garcia made the following statement.

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you, thank you, thank you.

Gracias, Gracias, Gracias! Con todo mi corazon. Thank you to everyone who has knocked on a door, made a phone call, donated your time or money to this campaign. This is your victory. You have made history. Esta victoria es de nosotros. Juntos, hemos logrado algo historico.

Thank you to our friends in the labor movement, who supported our campaign both financially and with boots on the ground. Thank you to the hundreds of individual donors, the Democratic Clubs and elected officials that made this victory possible. And most importantly, thank you to my family standing with me here today.

Your love, encouragement and support over the years is what made it possible for a poor girl from Paltio Blanco, Texas to grow up to become a US Congresswoman.

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Undefeated Mustangs crush West Brook in 55-7 win

Nov 1, 2018
Mustang junior running back Zach Evans races 74 yards for his first of three touch downs in the game’s first score as he outruns the West Brook Bruin’s defensive team. (Photo by Allan Jamail)

By Allan Jamail

Friday, October 26, 2018 – Houston, TX — At Galena Park ISD Stadium, the undefeated number one state ranked North Shore Mustangs scored eight touchdowns against the visiting Beaumont West Brook Bruins, ending in another lopsided victory with a score of 55 to 7.

The Mustangs stingy defense kept the Bruins scoreless until late in the game when Coach Jon Kay pulled his starting defense players from the game, the Bruins lone touchdown came with 40 seconds remaining in the game. In the eight games played, the defense has only allowed 47 points to be scored on their team.

North Shore’s offense has scored 421 points in 8 games, averaging 53 points a game. They moved up to number one in the state with the Maxpreps computerized tabulations that utilize the huge number of game results stored in the MaxPreps database. Generally, the more a team wins the higher the ranking, but the system also takes into account quality wins (against other highly ranked opponents) and strength of schedule.

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A close win 58-54 for Channelview vs. C.E. King in Homecoming game

Nov 1, 2018
Channelview High School named its Homecoming King and Queen during the halftime of the football game against C. E. King at Ray Maddry Memorial Stadium. Julian Sanchez was named Homecoming King and Hailey Walker was selected as Homecoming Queen. (Photo submitted by Channelview ISD)

By Allan Jamail

Channelview, TX. – On Friday, October 26th, time ran out on the hosting Channelview Falcons as the visiting C. E. King Panthers squeaked out a victory 58 to 54.

In the back-and-forth scoring contest, both teams accumulated 1,109 offensive yards and 16 touchdowns, scoring together 112 points to provide the fans of the two neighboring communities lots of excitement.

The close-call victory gives King 6 wins and 2 losses, with 2 games remaining in their regular season schedule. Channelview moves to 3 wins and 5 losses, with 2 games remaining.

The Panthers host the Baytown Sterling Rangers Friday, November 2nd at 7 PM. The Falcons will host the La Porte Bulldogs Friday, November 2nd at 7 PM.

Channelview will end their regular season playing in the IH-10 Showdown against their arch-rival North Shore at the Mustangs’ stadium Friday, November 9th at 7 PM. The Mustangs have already played and shutout C. E. King 58-0. Coach Jon Kay’s undefeated Mustangs ranked number one in the state is averaging 55 points per game.

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CIP Tour examines workings of TranStar

Nov 1, 2018
CIP Facilitator Diane Sheridan, center, and others of the CIP group listen to Ben Gillis, tour guide for TransStar, as he explains the functions and facilities in the TransStar building on old Washington Road near I-10. In the background are live television monitors, showing traffic throughout the area.

HARRIS COUNTY – The Galena Park CIP organization (Community Industry Partnership) held their monthly meeting at the TranStar building last month, and were given a VIP tour of the facilities.

Tour guide Ben Gillis, assisted by David Wade and Misty Gunn, showed the 30 members of the group all the control rooms, monitoring stations, and other equipment that the facility has.

Houston TRANSTAR was established in 1993, and is a formal partnership with transportation and emergency management agencies in Harris County.

These include TxDOT, METRO, Harris County, and the City of Houston.

The goals of the transportation part of TranStar are to save drivers time, increase driving speed and minimize delays, and through those activities save money and help the environment.

The goals of the Emergency Management part of TranStar are to save lives and provide help to those in distressed situations. Since 1979, there have been 46 federally declared disasters, averaging more that one per year. These include hurricanes, floods, and other natural and manmade incidents, and manage public safety at major public events such as the Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium and the World Series at Minute Maid Park.

In Harris County, there are 4.7 million people, 34 cities, 56 fire departments, and 125 law enforcement agencies. The purpose of TranStar is to facilitate communication and coordination between these entities, according to OEM head, Judge Ed Emmett.

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Nathan Frazier, new Jacinto City Officer

Nov 1, 2018
Left to right: Jacinto City Police Chief Joe Ayala with newest police officer Nathan Frazier. (Photo by Allan Jamail)

By Allan Jamail

Jacinto City, TX. — On Thursday, October 25, 2018, the Jacinto City Council approved City Manager Lon Squyres’ and Police Chief Joe Ayala’s recommendation to hire Nathan R. Frazier as a patrolman.

Officer Frazier has an Advance Police Certification from the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement Standards. He’s a resident of Houston and a 1980 graduate of Stephen F. Austin High School. He completed his police certification education and training from North Harris Montgomery College System.

Early Voting now thru November 2

Oct 25, 2018

HARRIS COUNTY – Voters cast their votes early, starting on Monday, October 22. This mid-term election is considered by most political observers to be an important statement about the current Republican control of the White House, Congress, and the Texas government. Although the president is not on the ballot this time, many important seats in Congress and Texas will be decided. In addition, a number of local Harris County positions are on the ballot, and an important choice in the city of Houston regarding pay for firemen. Election Day is Tuesday, November 6, but Early Voting started on Monday, October 22 and continues through Friday, November 2. Hours that the polls are open are as follows:

Oct. 22-26 8 am – 4:30 pm

Oct. 27 7 am – 7 pm

Oct. 28 1 pm – 6 pm

Oct. 29-Nov 2 7 am – 7 pm

The election for U. S. Senate has probably gained the most attention, both in Texas and nationally, Incumbent Senator Ted Cruz has seen a strong challenge from Democratic candidate Beto O’Rourke, who has raised much more money than Cruz in his campaign, and seems to have an enthusiastic grass roots support among the public. A visit last Monday by President Trump on behalf of Cruz is thought to boost his chances for re-election.

A number of U. S. Representatives seats are open for election, including District 2, formerly held by Ted Poe, who retired. Candidates in this district include Dan Crenshaw and Todd Litton; District 6, with incumbent Kevin Brady vs. Steven David; District 18 with incumbent Sheila Jackson Lee vs. Ava Reynero Pate; and District 29, where long term Representative Gene Green has retired, and State Senator Sylvia Garcia is running against Phillip Aronoff.

Governor Abbott is defending his seat against challenger Lupe Valdez, and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick is running against challenger Mike Collier. Another state race that has gathered attention is Attorney General, where the beleaguered incumbent Ken Paxton is running against Democratic challenger Justin Nelson.

In state Senate races, in District 7 incumbent Paul Bettencourt vs. David Romero; and District 15, Randy Orr is challenging incumbent Democrat John Whitmire.

A number of State Representatives are running unopposed, and therefore will be re-elected. These include Brisco Cain in District 128;Armando Walle in District 140; Senfronia Thompson in 141; and Ana Hernandez in 143.

In contested races for State Representative, incumbent Dan Huberty faces Libertarian challenger Ryan Woods; District 144 incumbent Mary Ann Perez vs. Republican Ruben Villarreal; and District 145, incumbent Carol Alvarado faces Libertarian Clayton Hunt.

Harris County voters will decide on keeping well respected incumbent judge Ed Emmett, or vote for Democratic challenger Lina Hidalgo.

Other county offices of interest include District Clerk, with incumbent Chris Daniel vs. Marilyn Burgess; County Clerk, with well known incumbent Stan Stanart vs. Diane Trautman; County Treasurer, Orlando Sanchez vs. Dylan Osborne.

An interesting race for county school trustee, Position 3 at Large, is where well-known East Aldine District executive Richard Cantu is running against Marc Cowart for the HCDE board. Cantu has been endorsed by this newspaper.

Several County Commissioner seats are to be elected including Precinct 2, where the incumbent Republican Jack Morman faces Democratic challenger Adrian Garcia; and Precinct 4, where incumbent Republican Jack Cagle faces Democrat Penny Shaw.

In races for Justice of the Peace, of local interest is Precinct 3, Place 2. Lucia Bates is running unopposed. This district includes the North Channel, Channelview, North Forest and a part of the Aldine area.

Voters in the Lone Star College area will be asked to decide between Michael Stoma or George Edwards, Jr. in District 1; Ernestine Pierce or Matthew Wheeler in District 2; and Mike Sullivan or G. Puente in District 8.

For voters who reside in the City of Houston, two propositions will be on the ballot, both concerning the finances of the city, and both controversial and considered important.

Proposition A known as ReBuild Houston calls for voters to approve the City’s existing street and drainage program, and secure the revenue so other departments cannot use it.

Proposition B asks voters whether they are in favor of Firemen receiving the same pay as police officers.

Mayor Turner has indicated that he is in favor of Proposition A, and against Proposition B, which he says the city is unable to afford, cannot raise taxes, and therefore will have to lay off large amounts of firefighters and city workers.

EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS

— North Channel Branch Library, 15741 Wallisville Road

— Galena Park Library, 1500 Keene Street

— John Phelps Courthouse, 101 S. Richey Street

— East Harris County Activity Center, 7340 Spencer Highway

— Baytown Community Center, 2407 Market Street

— Northeast Multi Service Center, 9720 Spaulding

— Atascocita Branch LIbrary, 19520 Pinehurst Trail Drive

— County Attorney Conference Center, 1019 Congress, downtown Houston

Galena Park ISD cuts ribbon for new Elementary school

Oct 25, 2018
Josh Zigal, North Channel Chamber of Commerce, Laurie Crockett, Galena Park Elementary Assistant Principal, Margie Buentello, President, North Channel Area Chamber of Commerce, Wanda Heath Johnson, Board of Trustees President, Jaime Rocha, Principal, Ramon Garza, Galena Park ISD Board of Trustees Secretary, Dr. Angi Williams, Superintendent of Schools, Senator Sylvia Garcia and Dr. John Moore, Galena Park ISD Associate Superintendent for Operations attend new Galena Park Elementary ribbon cutting.

By Allan Jamail

Galena Park, TX. – October 17, 2018 — The Galena Park Independent School District (GPISD) held a ribbon cutting ceremony for their new Galena Park Elementary School (GPES). The new school is equipped with the most modern and latest technological advancement s available for teaching elementary age students.

Allan Jamail, the NC Star writer, said, “It was an emotional day for me to witness the new facility which replaced the old building where I got my elementary school education 67 years ago. Just being there brought back so many childhood memories; I was thrilled to be in attendance. After all, once a Yellow Jacket always a Yellow Jacket.”

Ceremonial comments were made by many, but the one that received the loudest applause came from Marilyn Chavez, a fifth grade student. She said, “When I first came to Galena Park Elementary, I was four years old, and when I saw the school, I said to myself, ‘WHOA, THIS SCHOOL IS HUGE!’ As I walked into my kindergarten class, I was scared and wondered if I was going to do okay. Is my teacher going to be nice?”

Marilyn said the year passed quickly, and on her last day of kindergarten she cried because she was going to miss her teacher. The teacher gave her a big hug, and she went home for the summer. Through her school years, she attended at the old school building, then portable buildings, and now the new beautiful building, which she said looks like a palace with shiny floors.

Dr. Angi Williams, Superintendent of Schools, said, “This day has been a dream of so many. The students, parents and staff are off to a fantastic start this school year. To say this community is excited about this beautiful new campus would be quite the understatement.

“Galena Park Elementary is indeed a tribute to this community, our school board, and to the dedication, hard-work, planning and construction which has taken place over the past year.”

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North Shore defeats Baytown Sterling 63-3

Oct 25, 2018
Mustangs junior defensive back Marcus Cockrell out leaps a Sterling Ranger receiver to intercept a pass, the turnover led to another Mustang score. (Photo by Allan Jamail)

By Allan Jamail

Friday, October 19, 2018 – Baytown, TX – At the Goose Creek ISD Stallworth Stadium, the North Shore Mustangs scored 5 touchdowns in the first quarter. By the end of the game they had made 9 touchdowns. Kicker John Villalobos made all 9 extra point kicks. To keep from being shut-out the Sterling Rangers kicked a field goal, the final score was 63 to 3.

The undefeated 7-0 Mustangs have only had one serious challenge this season when they opened the season 7 weeks ago by beating the Katy Tigers 35 to 21.

North Shore and the Beaumont West Brook Bruins are tied for first place with 4 wins each in District 21 – 6-A Region III. In order to reach the playoffs Coach Jon Kay’s Mustangs must pull off a win against the visiting Bruins Friday, October 26th.

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Federal Road reconstruction begins

Oct 18, 2018
Federal Road to be under construction beginning Oct. 22

GALENA PARK, Texas – Commissioner Jack Morman is excited to announce the start of the Federal Road Reconstruction Project for Monday, October 22nd. Improvements include demolishing the roadway to stabilize the subgrade, conducting drainage improvements, and pouring fresh concrete for a new, smooth roadway.

The $3.8 million project will improve the roadway from the Washburn Tunnel traffic circle to the new bridge being built over the railroad tracks.

“The new bridge is a great project on its own, but we wanted to take improvements to the next level by completely redoing the roadway leading to it,” said Commissioner Morman. “We have asked the contractors for both projects to work on their traffic control plans together to reduce impacts to the area.”

Drivers are reminded to travel with caution through the construction zone or use alternate routes, if possible. Roadway construction is expected to be complete in the third quarter of 2019, while bridge construction is expected to be complete late 2020.

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