Joyce Akins called the meeting to order at 10:10 a.m.

Two candidates introduced themselves with a few words--Sandra Peake running for Family Court and Billy Briscoe running for Harris County Treasurer.

Our first speaker was Milton Winebrenner, president of the Sharpstown Civic Association.  Milton has a long history with the organization and has lived in Sharpstown since 1968.  Sharpstown has about 6,800 homes but only 2,000 pay dues to the association.  The association handles deed restrictions,a  monthly newsletter, runs a website and Facebook page.  It also intervenes with night club liquor licenses, if needed to protect the neighborhood.  Candidate nights are held occasionally and the next one is on September 23.  The association is trying keep the residential areas liveable.  HISD changes are also in the works and the association is keeping up with those announcements and taking an active part to represent the residents.

Our second speaker was Mike Laster who has served as chairman of the Sharpstown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) since 2008.  Sharpstown is a large community of 300,000 people inside the big city of Houston.  The TIRZ allocates and locates civic monies for ecomonic development. The Halliburton tract street was the first project; a project is in the works to improve Bellaire Blvd. from Mary Bates to the Beltway with added lanes, replaced infrastructure, water lines, sewers and new signage.

The next project is a serious study of flooding on Fondren. The study will look at why it floods and where  the water is coming from.  In addition, there are potential monies for the mall areas.

The Greater Sharpstown Management District was created in 2005; it is funded by an assessment against commercial properties that was first levied in 2006.  Each year the district pulls in about $1 million.  First on the agenda was to help with the crime response time and with gang graffiti .  At least 2000 sites have been painted over and calls are handled through the constable's office.  In addition, almost 600 street lights had been out and are now back on.  Lighting and cameras definitely deter crime.

Sharpstown will be divided into 6 different areas for signage/marking purposes--University is the newest one. Each "section" will have special colors, special plantings in the esplanades and special signs to show the diversity of Sharpstown and the features this neighborhood is proud of (e.g., the hospital, HBU, etc.).

Then Bert Anson made some announcements--on September 11 at Pappas, there will be a kick-off with candidates, including Bill White.  Several people are working on apartment voter registration.  VAN training is scheduled for July 31 at HCDP headquarters.  Bert is trying to identify high school clubs to get them registered to vote.

Club Business:

The minutes of May 22, 2010 were read and approved.  The treasurers' report was approved as read.

Joyce spoke about the IHOP meeting and that 24 people showed up.  At the state convention, Marty Koerner was nominated for the resolutions committee and he thanked everyone for their support.  The issue of the two-step process was voted upon at the convention and will remain intact. 

For the November election, it is key that voters vote straight ticket to ensure a Democratic victory. HCDP has developed the "50 for Victory" effort that  encourages precinct chairs to concentrate on  50 "surge" voters and get them to the polls.

Speakers for upcoming meetings are Jamaal Smith in August; U.S. Rep. Al Green in September; State Rep. Scott Hochberg in October; and of course the planned immigration forum in January.

Aster volunteered to bring refreshments in August.  The meeting was adjourned at 12 noon.  The next meeting is Saturday, August 28, 2010.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Haper, Secretary

SHARPSTOWN DEMOCRATS

July 2010 Meeting Announcement

Guest Speakers:

Milton Winebrenner, Sharpstown Civic Assoc.

Mike Laster, Sharpstown Tax Increment

Reinvestment Zone

Saturday July 24, 2010

10:00 a.m.

Bayland Park Community Center

6400 Bissonnet

The meeting opened with a few remarks from Jerry  Peruchini from the Harris County Latino Outreach Committee.  They are starting early to contact the many Latinos in Harris County.  They are looking for volunteers to block walk and to make phone calls.

 Joyce introduced our speaker, Ericka Barber from the Texas Veterans Committee.  She described the work she does assisting vets with information on education, employment, and the filing of claims.  She mentioned the Hazelwood Act, which assists vets financially in attending state schools.  Several members praised the VA Hospital System.  Also the transition system which prepares Vets who are re-entering the private sector.

Several people were mentioned as possible speakers for the near future, including Al Green, Mike Laster, and Milton Winebrenner.  Immigration is a possible subject for a forum in January.

Our next meeting will be June 19 at  IHOP.  Members will be called this time, due to the change in our meeting place.

Joe Mumbach discussed the possibility of a new form of taxation through the Sharpstown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone that would apply to residences.  He will look into it further.  Our group would be against such a proposal.

Bert Anson announced a training session to be held at Pappas on June 12 for Democratic activists and precinct chairs.  All our welcome.

Respectfully submitted,

Sylvie Adams for Mary Haper

The May monthly general meeting will be at Bayland Park Community Center from 10:00AM to Noon on Saturday, May 22.

As always you are encouraged to come early at 9:30AM to meet and greet local candidates, visit with club members, share the latest political gossip and enjoy our usual snacks prior to the meeting.  See you on Saturday - please don't be late!

 Update: see pictures from the meeting here.

The meeting was called to order by Joyce Akins at 10:10 a.m.

Several candidates spoke―Toni Martinez Ingversen, Lee Harper Wilson, and a representative for Ellen Cohen.

Representatives for the City of Houston REEP program spoke about the program which is free weatherization of homes for senior citizens and others, homeowners or renters who qualify based on 200% of the poverty income. The application is on the site www.REEPHouston.net and services can include insulation, a new refrigerator, solar screens, light bulbs, etc. The REEP contractor, Ben Mendez, can be reached at 713-875-2717 or 713-880-2626. A link will be added to the Club's website.

Joyce introduced our guest speaker―Robert B. Hinsley who is a lawyer specializing in helping people solve their credit problems. He talked about the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act and how there is much misinformation from the media and much abuse from the debt collectors. The outstanding credit card debt of the US is huge. The companies used the period between May 2009 and February 2010 when the new law went into effect to raise rates, use scare tactics and lie to consumers.

Bob emphasized that bankruptcy is not a do-it-yourself option and that consolidation of debts is not a good idea and that consumer credit counseling services of all kinds do not use good practices for the consumer. The new law did not set a cap on interest rates and all states' usury laws were struck down by the US Supreme Court. The average bounced check in the US is only $20, but by the time interest and fees are added, the average penalty ($27) is extremely high and out of line. Bob suggested we Google “credit card revolt” and see a YouTube video of an irate consumer, Ann Munch.

He advised consumers to not bother calling the credit card companies as it does no good. A good lawyer can send letters and help you at less cost than anything the companies would arrange with you. “Every balance of every client has disputable charges, but if you negotiate on your own, you will end up in court”. Do not allow “overdraft protection” to be charged to you on a credit card―a common predatory practice. Hinsley's firm offers presentations on Tuesdays and Thursdays to those needing help with credit card issues. He advised that you record conversations from collectors as they often use illegal and scary threats. Citibank is the most difficult to deal with.

Q & A followed Mr. Hinsley's presentation.

The minutes from March were read and approved. Our treasurer was not present, but Joyce announced our club balance is about $650.

Joyce then talked about our budget and that we need paying members and we needed to reduce our costs, especially that of mailing out fliers for monthly meetings. Most of those present indicated that emails would be suitable. Other ideas for reducing costs included limiting the JRR tickets to only one free one and combining our table with another club; having every member bring another person; and asking those not coming to meetings if they are still interested in the club. There was not much interest in having a garage sale except by two people who Joyce encouraged to talk together.

Pat Powers spoke about his precinct (256) and how he has evaluated the voters registered by age, culture, and life issues, such as the ones raising children, the “earned it” group, the “broad shoulders” group, etc. He plans to walk his entire precinct to meet the people and he needs volunteers.

There was a lot of discussion about the June 26 Democrat Senate District Convention in Corpus Christi; several members plan to attend. Our club purchased a full page ad in the senate district convention brochure; we needed the publicity. Because of this convention, we need to move our June meeting to another date and place. Suggestions were to meet June 19 at a local restaurant. Joyce will check out some places.

Bert Anson spoke of the committees needing help at the HCDP―working group, communications, young Democrats, clubs and organizations, fund raising, grassroots, etc.

It was suggested club members contact Al Green if we had things to say about the Goldman Sachs hearings.

Our next meeting is May 22 and Joyce is working on securing a female military speaker. Members are encouraged to bring military memorabilia if desired.

The meeting adjourned at 12:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Haper, Secretary