Voting Matters

It is that time again.  The deadline for registering to vote is October 11, and early voting starts October 24. To check whether you are registered go to https://teamrv-mvp.sos.texas.gov/MVP/mvp.do.

No matter your political persuasion, hopefully, we can all agree that every person in a democracy should be able to fully participate in the political process in order to protect our civil rights.  To be  clear, there is a regressive, illiberal movement afoot.   Rights that people fought and died for can no longer be taken for granted.

There is no indication that this movement is temporary. The only way to protect ourselves and each other is to exercise our right to vote and put people in office who respect the democratic principles guaranteed to all citizens. 

Elections affect every area of our lives.  As the Supreme Court forces decisions back to the states, it is even more important to participate in all elections - local, state and midterm.  For information about where to vote and other instructions, go to Vote411.org.  

                                                  

The hope of a secure and livable world lives with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood.  Martin Luther King, Jr.

An Example of the Historical Architecture of Riverside Terrace

John Chase - Texas' First Black Architect

Personal Residence in Riverside Terrace

John S. Chase overcame much to become a trailblazer among black architects.  He enrolled at the University of Texas  as soon as it desegregated and became the first black-licensed architect in Texas.  He also served as the first black president of Texas Exes, the UT Alumni organization.

When he graduated from the University of Texas in 1952 he launched his own firm because no one in Texas would hire him. He built a house for his own family to demonstrate how his modernist style played out in residential projects. 

The home in Riverside Terrace was built in 1953 as a one-story home built around courtyard complete with a fish pond, which was a novel idea for its time.  A second story was added to the home, which included the courtyard.  The interior courtyard area became the focal and gathering place for years.

In its heyday, the home was legendary for its parties, political fundraisers and other gatherings that drew Hollywood celebrities as well as community and cultural leaders.

The house sold to a new owner in 2021 after Chase's wife, Drucie, died.  John Chase died in 2012.

David Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Austin

    Chase is especially well known for his design of        churches.  He purposefully marketed to pastors          and congregations and attended services all over        Texas.

 

The new book celebrates this historic figure - John S. Chase - The Chase Residence by John Heymann and Stephen Fox, published by University of Texas Press.

John Chase - The Chase Residence

Architect, John Chase

Property Tax Relief

Vote for Proposition 2

May 7 is Election Day. For all homeowners concerned about the high property taxes in Houston, it is important that you vote.

Proposition 2 will increase the Homestead Exemption from $25,000 to $40,000.  Houstonians could save an average of $176 per year.  Every little bit helps.

Midterm elections are notoriously known for low turnout, so your vote is even more significant.  Remind your neighbors, friends and family to show up and vote for Proposition 2. 

 

Flood Insurance

 

According to he Harris County Flood Control District, approximately two-thirds of the damage from Hurricane Harvey occurred outside the 100-Year Flood Plain.  Because of our elevation, heavy rainfall, stronger hurricanes and sea-level rise, any part of Houston may flood under the proper conditions.  Between 2014 and 2018,  40% of flood insurance claims were for policy holders outside of high-risk flood areas.

FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency,  is the federal agency that calculates risk and provides insurance to protect your home in case it floods. Most home insurance policies do not cover flood damage.  FEMA has changed how it calculates flood risk.  It now uses the history of flooding for the property and the cost to rebuild rather than just the sea level of the property.

Due to the increased flooding and the amount of money that the agency has paid in the past, the price for flood insurance has increased.  The National Flood Insurance Program is sponsored by FEMA, and the cost of flood insurance is set by the agency.  Check out the web page, and find out how the agency can assist you in finding coverage.  And note, any insurance company that offers home owner insurance should be able to assist you in purchasing flood insurance.

Be sure to protect your property as soon as possible. There is a time limit required before the policy takes effect.  Don't wait until a hurricane is identified in the Gulf to contact your insurance agent!    

No Place Like Home

Homelessness

We have a large homeless population in Houston, but it pales in comparison to cities in the west and northwest of this country.  The problem of homelessness is a complicated and multifaceted one, and  I don't pretend to understand it completely or have the ultimate solution.

According to the Coalition for the Homeless, Houston has approximately 3,055 homeless as of January 2022.

When we face a large and complex problem, we sometimes have the tendency to just think that I, as an individual, can do nothing to help solve the problem.  But perhaps if we all do our small part, we can help alleviate some of the pain and suffering of the homeless.  

How Can an Individual Help?

You can contribute to organizations that help the homeless such as the Coalition for the Homeless.  If you are not financially able, you can volunteer your time and energy.  If you are really fortunate, perhaps you own real estate that can be used by government or nonprofit organizations that provide housing through grants or vouchers.

Of all the things in my life that I am grateful for, having a place to call home is always at the top of my list.  I want that for everyone.  It is a human right.

 

Today's very important reminders are from my guest author.

                           

        Janice Newsum

TEXAS PRIMARY VOTING TIPS

January 31, 2022 is the last day to register to vote for the March 1, 2022 Primary Election. Vote by mail – call for your vote by mail application (received, not postmarked) or apply online on your County Elections website (in Harris County, harrisvotes.com) by February 18, 2022.  Mail in ballots will not be sent to you automatically anymore. 

Early voting will be held February 14th to February 25th.  Vote early to avoid long lines on election day (March 1, 2022). Only 375 polling places available.

Vote down the ballot!!  Many important races are toward the 

bottom of the ballot. Know the candidates, go to ballotpedia.org,

vote411.org or your County Clerk website (Harris County,

https://www.harrisvotes.com/?lang=en-US).

Drive up voting is still available for disabled voters. Know your rights. Senate Bill 1 election law information can be found at https://www.harrisvotes.com/faq/sb1faq?lang=en-us

Make sure you are still on the voting rolls (in Harris County go to https://www.harrisvotes.com/voterregistration/search) and bring the proper identification with you.  There are new ID requirements for voting by mail. Here is a list of the acceptable forms of photo ID for in person voting:

• Texas driver license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)

• Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS

• Texas personal identification card issued by DPS

• Texas license to carry a handgun issued by DPS

• United States military identification card containing the person’s photograph

• United States citizenship certificate containing the person’s photograph

• United States passport (book or card)

With the exception of the U.S. Citizenship Certificate, which does not expire, for voters aged 18-69, the acceptable form of photo identification may be expired no more than four years before being presented for voter qualification at the polling place. For voters aged 70 or older, the acceptable form of photo identification may be expired for any length of time if the identification is otherwise valid. 

Happy New Year