Montemayor Opens East Belt Headquarters

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.

Joey & Lorraine

Dear Neighbors,

First, I wish to thank all my friends and family that attended Joey's and Lorraine shower this weekend. both Noemi and I are blessed to have so many friends and family who love us.

I wish to give my personal thanks t my brother James and my Sister in Law Sylvia for preparing the Bar-B-Q, to my sister Toni provided the Potato Salad and to my brother Joel who provided other item including his time.

But the people that I wish to thank most of all is my mom Magdalena and my dad Jose who taught their children to love and honor their parents, respect everyone and that we had a responsibility to help improve our community. The lessons that will always be remember.

Also I wish to ask all of you to be safe in preparing for T/S Eduardo. I have spent the day preparing for this pending storm as many of you have.

Again, thank you and good luck to all of you.

Joe Montemayor

Candidate for Texas HD 127

Atascocita 4th of July

Dear Neighbors,

Yesterday, my family and I, along with a group of our supporters, participated in the Atascocita 4th of July celebration. We had a wonderful time meeting the residents of the community both before and during the parade.

A number of children were in their strollers, on their bikes, in their golf carts and in their vehicles decorated with flags and ribbons to honor our forefathers and the birth of our Nation.

Also, I was wearing my Vietnam Veteran cap and I was greatly honored as fellow vets stopped by to shake my hand and wish me luck in my campaign. As we waited for the start of the parade, I was approached by some of our neighbors who said that they were Republicans but were not happy with the current state of the GOP.

I reminded our neighbors that the problems facing the district have nothing to do with party affiliations. It is not a question of being a Republican or a Democratic candidate, a Liberal or an Independent candidate but it is a question of who can get results. The truth is that our district has no voice in Austin.

I was then asked my views on the proposed property tax hike by the Humble ISD that would be facing the residents in November. I advised these folks that after attending various meetings, including a personal meeting with Dr. Sconzo, Superintendent of Humble ISD, I believe that the school board had very few options before they proposed the tax hike. Further, I believe that they were made certain promises by the state leadership regarding school funding but were later betrayed by the State Leaders that they help send to Austin.

I was then approached about the mobility problem (or lack of mobility) facing the Atascocita, Humble and Kingwood areas: specifically, the lack of Metro services. I explained that I understood their frustration given the fact the gas was close to $4.00 per gallon; however, Metro issues need to be addressed on the City and County level of government. But as an elected official, I would be able to speak on the people's behalf to request added services and routes.

Generally, I am aware of the proposed expansion of FM 1960 and FM 2100 in hopes of relieving the traffic problems within these areas. Further, I pointed out that the next State Representative must be willing to go toe to toe with the Texas Department of Transportation (TDOT) to ensure that delays are at a minimum, cost overages to the State are non-existent and that they are accountable to the people of Texas, no matter the situation.

Finally I was asked about the Joe Horn case.

As I responded to this individual, I pointed out that I was speaking as a citizen, a retired federal agent, father and brother with family members in law enforcement presently serving our community.

I do believe in the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, we all have the right to own firearms; especially if we are properly trained in their use. Further, I believe that an individual has the right to protect his/her family and property, including the use of deadly force if necessary, but that said, we are also responsible for our actions when using these weapons.

As a retired officer, I can say that one of the worst calls an officer is faced with is that of a well-meaning citizen holding an individual at gun point. In this situation the officer is faced not only with apprehending the criminal, but also the possibility of being shot or having to shoot in most cases an inexperienced civilian who is an emotional state and is not thinking clearly.

When individuals are advised by law enforcement professionals that they are responding to a situation and are given specific instructions that the individual elects to ignore, the individual not only placed themselves in danger but also the officers responding to the call. For this reason, a person must be held accountable for their actions.

The Houston Community News reported last month that applications for Concealed Handgun Licenses have risen 39% this year and I believe that this is a result of our population growth and the public's lack of faith in our law enforcement community. Was this a factor in the Horn case?

In Mr. Horn's case, I understand that he believed that he was acting in good faith and the Harris County Grand Jury agreed; however, in his last statement to the media Mr. Horn appeared to regret his actions. I believe that Mr. Horn, although well meaning, made a poor decision.

The individuals who ask me this question departed with mixed responses, some positive, some not so positive, but with the understanding that they may not agree with my views, I am willing to listen to their opinion.

I wish to thank the organizers of the 4th of July parade and they should be proud of this grand event. In my opinion, the event is an example of what hometown America truly is.

Your Democratic Candidate for Texas House District 127

Joe A. Montemayor

Press Release on Humble ISD Tax Increase

Dear Neighbors,

For those of you who have emailed and called regarding my views on the proposed tax hike rate in Humble I am posting the press release that we prepared after the Humble School board announced their plan.

MONTEMAYOR REACTS To Humble ISD Tax Increase Proposal

CROSBY, TX - 06/29/08- Candidate for Texas House-District 127 Joe Montemayor reacted to a proposed tax increase to be placed before Humble I.S.D. voters in the fall.

"I feel for our local school boards who have been placed in this situation by a Texas leadership which chooses to play politics, instead of taking the needs of our kids seriously," said Montemayor, adding, "Thirteen years after the election of George W. Bush as governor, school funding has not been resolved and now Gov. Perry, Lt. Gov. Dewhurst and Speaker Craddick refuse to address the issue.

Unfortunately, it appears that my opponent Joe Crabb has no interest in standing up to his party leaders, which leaves the district without a voice." Humble ISD joins other fast-growth school districts that have had to cut deeply into their budgets, while raising taxes on working and middle class homeowners. Humble ISD trustees recently voted to cut $9 million from their budget, while asking voters to increase their property tax rate by 13 cents per $100/valuation.

"Our current representative, Joe Crabb, has only served as a rubber stamp for the leadership in Austin. Rick Perry, David Dewhurst, and Speaker Craddick have washed their hands of the situation and have said they will not address school funding during the next legislative session," said Montemayor.

Instead of increasing school funding to meet population growth and the costs of educating our kids, an expected windfall from the new business tax, which allowed legislators to offer a limited tax cut, will now be used to pay for the tax cut, instead of our educational needs. School districts, with decreased funding, will be forced to increase their property tax rates, with voter approval, to meet their needs. Said Montemayor, "Joe Crabb and the Texas leadership are committed to starving our public education system, while leaving the tax burden on parents.

"If you want a representative that will value our kids, then there is a choice in this race, and I am ready to serve as an independent voice that will work for the people of District 127 with an open mind and an open door."

Your Candidate for Texas HD 127

Joe Montemayor

Back From Austin

June 4, 2008

Dear Neighbors,

I have just returned from the Democratic state convention in Austin and to be truthful I am so grateful to have witnessed how strong we all are as a Party, but we must remain united.

Although I did witness some lively debates between Hillary supporters and Obama supporters the one thing that party officials and all candidates reminded all attendees of was that we were all Democrats with a common goal: Winning everything from the White House to the State House to the Court House.

This message took time to take hold but as the convention ended I began to see changes in individuals that had been in attendance, realizing that there is power in our numbers, so I am firmly convinced that we will be an unstoppable force come November.

While in Austin, I received some long awaited news. I received the formal endorsement of the Harris County AFL-CIO Council. As a former union leader and the son of a union man, this endorsement is one that I highly value . I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Richard Shaw with the Harris County AFL-CIO endorsement committee for all his efforts and hard work.

I also wish to thank Congressman Gene Green, Congressman Al Green, Congressman Solomon Ortiz and the members of the Texas Democratic House Campaign Committee that have endorsed my campaign.

Now that the convention excitement is over, we can now return to the tasks at hand that will take us to victory: Blockwalking/Leafletting, Fundraising, Phonebanking and building on our base. I look forward to seeing you on the trail.

Your Democratic Candidate for Texas House District 127

Joe A. Montemayor

Schools

June 4, 2008

Dear Neighbors,

Last month our campaign was a little busy. I was invited for coffee and cake at a supporter's home in Atascocita; invited to address a meeting of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees in Humble, attended a budget workshop of the Humble ISD School Board and attended Memorial Day Services in Crosby/Highlands.

At all of these events, the residents of District 127 seemed to have the same concern regarding public education funding. Perhaps it was due to the school board elections and the number of bond issues that were on the ballot, but I was repeatedly asked my position regarding the critical stage of school funding in Texas.

I reminded everyone of my positions:

• Congress should amend and fund No Child Left Behind (NCLB) so we can better prioritize federal dollars to address the needs of our children and teachers and not the wants of politicians.
• The leadership in Texas must demand reimbursement from the Federal government for state funds used to comply with the NCLB unfunded mandate.
• The state must close corporate tax loopholes that rob revenues that we allocate for education, and that only benefit corporations that outsource Texas jobs to other states and/or other countries.
• The state must demand an investigation of the present property tax system to assess the fairness of the system at all taxing levels, including residential, commercial and industrial properties. The burden should not only be on homeowners.
• Our state leaders must stop the practice of diverting education funds to other programs without the approval of the state legislature.
• We must demand an audit of Gov. Perry's $300,000,000.00 corporate slush fund controlled by a select group in his office that continues to siphon funds from all taxable revenues. Have these tax dollars directly benefited local schools?
• And we must give consideration to other revenue opportunities, such as an expansion of gambling as long as proceeds are diverted to the state's education investment, while creating local jobs, increasing sales tax revenue, and creating more small businesses. All possible sources must be on the table.

I was also asked if I would support a state income tax. (The Republican Leadership has been using this threat of a state income tax as an election platform against Democrats running for office)

As I have previously stated, I am opposed to a state income tax at this time because I believe that by implementing the above stated practices, we can better prioritze our resources, generate additional tax revenues and stimulate our economy.

I was then asked, “Mr. Montemayor, the State Controller just announced that they expect a state budget surplus of over 10 billion dollars this year. Why can’t the state just fund our schools with that surplus?” And here's my response:

The truth is that, as I understand it, during the last legislative session the Republican leadership put forth legislation to earmark tax dollars from any future budget surplus. In other words the 10 billion dollar surplus has already been allocated to line-items identified by the Republican leadership, none of which was for education. According to the Center for Public Policy Priorities (2008), any 2010-2011 surplus is earmarked for the Property Tax Relief Fund, which is already committed to pay for previous tax cuts (remember your small school property tax cut last year?), and to the Rainy Day Fund, which is reserved for emergencies. In all likelihood, the state will again be unable to fund critical public systems without new sources of revenue.

Further, Governor Perry, Lt Governor Dewhurst and House Speaker Craddick have publicly stated that they do not intend to address this issue in the next legislative section. In their opinion school funding has already been addressed and there is no reason to visit the issue again during the 2009 session. Their position is shared by one of their main supporters, my opponent, Joe Crabb.

Due to the current 26 million dollar deficit facing the Humble ISD, the number of bond proposals that were presented this last election, the number of school boards having to cut programs and electives for our children, the termination of support staff and teachers through the states and the rising dropout rate of our students, I cannot agree with the Republican Leadership's position.

We must, as leaders in our state, stop playing politics, stop using partisan scare tactics, stop diveriting our tax dollars to political slush funds, and begin finding solutions to these critical issues. Otherwise the ones who will pay a heavy price will be our children and our grandchildren.

I once again invite Mr. Crabb to join me in a meaningful discussion to try to find solutions to the challenges that are faced by residents of House District 127. I confess that I do not have the answers to all the challenges that face our community, but I do believe that if we stop playing politics and work together we can find common ground and begin working toward solutions that work.

Democratically yours,

Joe Montemayor
Candidate, Texas House-District 127

Joe Reacts to May 10th Elections

May 12, 2008

Dear Neighbors,

I wish to thank everyone that voted on May 10th.

This election established that the residents of House District 127 truly believe in the future of Texas by approving the bonds needed to expand our community colleges and our local school districts.

Humble ISD; Lone Star College System; and San Jacinto College District

I would also like to thank those individuals who supported candidate Vernon Reed who was seeking a seat on the Humble ISD School Board. Although Mr. Reed was not victorious, he proved to be knowledgeable of the issues and received the support of many local leaders. He has stated that he will continue his work with the school board to assist with the needs of Humble ISD. In my opinion, Vernon is a great asset to the community and I look forward to our continued partnership to put the needs of our school children first.

We now continue our campaign to take back the Texas House, and with your help, we shall be victorious!

Your Democratic Candidate for Texas House Dist. 127,
Joe A. Montemayor
www.VoteJoeMonte.com