As the Obama-Biden pre-speech excitement grew, a crowd of family and supporters gathered at the opening of the Joe Montemayor for Texas House Headquarters, located on the East Belt Northbound (between Woodforest and Wallisville Rds.). DosCentavos blogger and Montemayor campaign chief Stace Medellin served as the emcee for the morning ceremony.
Supporters were treated to a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem by Dr. David Perkins, who also led the Pledge of Allegiance. The colors were presented by the Channelview High School ROTC under the direction of Sgt. Duane Adams. Members of the color guard were: Major Mariana Valdez, Lt. Col. Natalia Gonzalez, and Lt. Samantha Dupree.
The Pledge and Anthem were indeed a special moment as the U.S. flag used in the ceremony was flown over the U.S. Capitol on September 11, 2002, and was presented to Mr. Montemayor by Congressman Gene Green upon his retirement from the Dept. of Homeland Security after 26 years of service and four years in the U.S. Navy. Upon military-styled folding of the flag, Sgt. Adams presented the flag to Montemayor.
Candidate for Tax Assessor-Collector Diane Trautman's remarks centered on her previous race for Texas House-127, a hard-fought race in which the Democrat reached the 40% mark against the incumbent. Trautman stated, "Joe Montemayor is the right candidate to finish the job that I began," because of his strong commitment to public education in Texas.
Montemayor centered his remarks on his platform and the lack of representation on issues, such as education funding, CHIP, and political accountability by the incumbent, stating, "...the lack of courage by my opponent to stand against the republican leadership has created a monster that our children and grand children now have to face."
Montemayor cited a multi-million dollar deficit at Humble I.S.D., and a proposed property tax increase to be voted on in November; his opponent Joe Crabb's vote against funding of CHIP; a costly small business franchise tax; and Crabb's vote to outsource various services, including MHMR, which is now under federal investigation for abuses toward clients.
"What the Republicans call 'limiting state government' is actually a roadblock to services for people who need them, whether it is middle class families, the intellectually challenged, or the future of Texas--our children," said Montemayor, adding, "it is time to put Texas back on track with independent leadership that I will provide."
After the short ceremony, supporters enjoyed light refreshments and political conversation. Much is planned from this field office, said Montemayor. "This office is not only a place to campaign, but it also serves as proof that I will have an open door for all of our constituents."
For more information on the Joe Montemayor campaign, visit www.VoteJoeMonte.com. For more information on Diane Trautman, visit www.DianeTrautman.com.
Special Note: Joe Montemayor would like to thank his wife Noemi and his family for serving as hosts; to Diane Trautman for all of her support; Monica Richart from the Trautman Campaign; Felicity Pereyra for stocking the office with "Change" signs; to the Channelview HS ROTC for their service, as well as Dr. David Perkins for providing his talent; and to Lenora Sorola-Pohlman of the Tejano Democrats for providing the Pan Dulce for the event.
