Democrat Ron Reynolds and Libertarian Derek Grayson are candidates for District 27 State Representative. Their responses to questions from Fort Bend Now have been published as submitted, without editing.
Why should you be elected As State Representative for District 27?
Grayson
I am a citizen that became tired of the support of special interests and abuse of my tax dollars, so I decided to run for State Representative in District 27.
I am educated as an accountant with an accounting degree from the University of Houston Downtown, but spent most of my time at Texas A&M in College Station. I passed the CPA exam but decided to pursue a career in sales servicing the power industry, where I have worked most of my career. I am currently employed as a Sales Director supplying emission control systems to power plants. I am NOT an attorney and I believe that the State Legislature is over represented by lawyers and needs members from other professions to properly represent the citizens of Texas.
During my career, I have traveled all over the country and the world. During my travels, I realized that Texas was the best place to work and live. I have lived in Texas my entire life, and I have had many opportunities to move away, but I always stayed. The reason that I stayed and was not lured away for better weather or scenery was that Texas offered the greatest standard of living for my family. It offers the best jobs, the lowest cost of living, and the freedom to succeed without interference from the State. I realized when we live in a country that has elected a statist President and Congress that we could not take our liberty for granted. I decided that it was my dutyto step up and do my part to keep Texas a state that supports liberty and a free economic system.
Reynolds
Gandhi’s profound words inspire me, “we must be the change we wish to see in the world.” Those who know me know that I embody an inherent fervor for helping others. Therefore, as long as I have breath, I vow to give of my time, talents, and treasures to improve our community.
I’m qualified to be elected as State Representative for District 27 because of my education, background, experience and passion for public service. I believe that “to whom much is given…much is required”. I’ve been very blessed with a beautiful family and career. I grew up in Fort Bend County and attended public school in FBISD. I graduated from college #1 in my class and earned a law degree from Texas Tech School of Law. After I graduated from law school I taught at Texas Southern University and was the youngest person to be appointed as Associate Municipal Judge for the City of Houston. I also became a partner in a law firm. Our law firm is one of the largest minority owned law firms in the state of Texas. However, my passion has been civic/community engagement. When I’m not working are spending quality time with my wife and daughter I’m usually doing volunteer work at church are volunteering at local schools reading to children and raising money for local charities. I have the temperament and background to be an effective legislator for District 27. I know how to work with individuals from both sides of the political isle to accomplish common goals that will improve our community.
My legislative priorities are advocating for a quality public education, affordable healthcare and economic empowerment in Fort Bend County. I currently serve on the FBISD Bond Advisory Committee, Constable Ruben Davis Advisory Committee, Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class, Past President of the Houston Lawyers Association and numerous other non-profit boards and organizations.
I have received numerous endorsements from local, state and federal elected officials in Fort Bend County. I’ve received endorsements from The Texas State Teachers Association, Texas Medical Association PAC, Houston Realtors Association PAC and countless other key organizations. Most importantly, I have a great working relationship with key stakeholders in Fort Bend County that are both Democrat and Republican. I pledge to work in a bi-partisan fashion to accomplish common legislative goals that are in the best interest of the residents and businesses within District 27.
The State of Texas is currently projecting an almost $20 billion budget shortfall for the next biennium. What would you propose to address the situation without eliminating critical services?
Reynolds
Legislators are going to have some very difficult challenges ahead with the projected budget shortfall. The Texas Constitution requires that we have a balanced budget. There are NO easy solutions to this complex problem. First of all, I’m opposed to raising or creating any new taxes. I would propose that the State of Texas dip into the Rainey Day fund that is estimated to be around $8 billion dollars. I would suggest creating several task forces that are charged with the responsibility to eliminate wasteful spending and ensure that each state agency is being run as cost effectively and fiscally prudent as possible. I also would consider finding additional sources of revenue such as gaming and other things that could help raise money to keep Texas moving forward.
Grayson
The best area to cut state spending is under Article VII of the state budget, “Business & Economic Development.” The state and federal governments need to get out of the business of “picking winners” and corporate welfare. This type of tax dollar allocation is much too tempting for politicians to allocate to their cronies and supporters.
The excesses of administrators in both our higher and public education are out of control, and the state needs to stop subsidizing it. You cannot balance the budget without taking budget money from higher and public education. It was 44% of the budget in the last budget, so it has to be cut. I also believe that education is the greatest area of waste in our system, so cutting spending in this area should hurt less, if waste is reduced.
There are far too many levels of administration involved in the processing of our state tax dollars and our local property taxes. This makes as much sense as paying federal taxes to then try and have them redistributed to the state level. Property taxes for schools need to be uniform across the state and collected by the state to then be handed back to the citizens through school vouchers. This will reduce the amount of waste involved in distributing our sales and property taxes utilized for education. I will discuss this in more depth below.
I disagree with my opponent’s stance on allowing casinos into the state as a method to balance the budget. Casinos do not create wealth, they actually remove it. I have witnessed the devastation to communities around the country that allow casinos in their area. They prey on the uneducated and poor as a get-rich-quick attempt to avert their poverty. The state should not become a commissioned agent in extracting wealth from our communities to send it to a corporate entity away from the state. Every time the state gets in a financially difficult spot, the casino PAC funds some legislators to put it on the ballot. I will shoot that vulture, if elected. Remember, the casino has to be in someone’s neighborhood, just like the landfill. Do you want a casino in your neighborhood?
What services/programs would you be unwilling to cut?
Grayson
Health and Human Services for children and the disabled are OFF of the list for cuts. Investing in the education and health of our children is an INVESTMENT not an expense. Caring for the disabled is a matter of ethical behavior and cannot be cut. I do agree with the method that the State utilizes in providing services through not-for-profit managed entities.
Reynolds
I would be unwilling to cut funding for public education and any other essential services/programs that are essential to protecting the future of our great state.
What services/programs would you be willing to cut?
Reynolds
I realize that we are going to have to make some budget cuts in order to reduce our projected budget shortfall. However, it’s premature for me to say what services/programs that I would be willing to cut without first doing my due diligence and engaging community leaders in Fort Bend County. I would listen to my constituents and do what was in the best interest of the residents in District 27. This would require extensive dialogue with various stakeholders of District 27 and determining what impact it would have on our community.
Grayson
I believe the $20 billion shortfall can be covered through the elimination of corporate welfare and a massive restricting of how we educate our children.
Members of the Fort Bend Independent School District Board of Trustees have often blamed the state’s public school finance legislation as the cause for their recent budget deficits. Do you agree that the public school financing system needs to be changed, and if so, how?
Grayson
Education has something in common with health care. Compared to the past, we pay twice as much for education to get less of an education for our children. The system is broken, and pouring more money down the suspect and gaping hole that has become public education is not the answer.
FBISD has a capital spending problem and likes to hide behind the State for its financial woes. Its bond debt has jeopardized its financial footing and credit rating. It cannot hide behind the “problem” of an increased number of students. With these new students comes additional property tax revenue. Many of the school districts’ boards in Texas have become corrupt with support from vendors and developers who receive lucrative contracts to provide services and capital projects. FBISD continues to push for additional building funds while it reduces teaching staff, all to line the pockets of local developers. The relationship between elected school board officials and the business people they make rich has become something that we would expect in a developing nation, not the State of Texas.
The best way to cure the problem of corrupt and free-spending school districts is to implement a school voucher system, so that parents can their children to the school of their choice. The local property tax should be removed and sent directly to the State of Texas for reallocation in the form of vouchers. We have to break the local monopoly called “public education” and allow all families to have a choice. This will allow low income families to send their children to the school of their choice and not be forced to attend failing schools. Each child should come with a predetermined amount of money each year allocated by the State to attend a school. If the school costs more than the amount of the voucher, then the parents will have to make up the difference.
By allowing the free market to enter into education, failing school districts will no longer be able to exist and will go out of business. For-profit or not-for-profit corporations will educate our children. Principals will become managers who have the choice to run their school as they see fit. If the parents do not like the product, then they will not buy it. If parents value it, then they can pay more than the State allotment. Teachers will be hired, fired, and compensated based on their merits and not under union guidelines.
Reynolds
Yes, I certainly agree that the way that public schools are funded needs to be drastically changed. The school finance plan enacted by the Texas Legislature in 2006 created significant funding disparities between districts and has not kept pace with the needs of individual districts faced with changing student populations and accountability standards. Legislation needs to be implemented to end the disparities in school finance by creating a school finance system that provides districts with an adequate amount of state and local funds to prepare students to achieve rigorous academic goals, covers districts rising operating costs and funds state and federal mandates.
If elected, school finance reform will be one of my top legislative priorities for 2011. I will work diligently to implement bi-partisan support for public school finance reform.
When Reynolds was asked about referring to himself as “representative-elect,” he said that he was unaware that Derek Grayson was on the ballot. Grayson contends that Reynolds called him shortly after the primary and asked if he was going to be on the ballot and Grayson said yes. Could you both please clarify your version of events?
Grayson
Soon after Mr. Reynolds defeated his opponent in the Democratic Primary, he contacted me by telephone to ask if I were on the ballot for State Representative District 27. I stated “yes” and that was the end of the conversation.
When Mr. Reynolds began to represent himself as State Representative Elect in the press, at the FB Chamber of Commerce, and his website, I decided to remind him at the FB Chamber of Commerce that he had not been elected and should stop representing himself as such. He then began to let everyone know in the room that 1-2% of the electorate votes Libertarian and therefore he had won the election and could represent himself as State Representative Elect. An interesting fact regarding Mr. Reynolds history lesson on Libertarian voting was that I never stated that I was a Libertarian during my challenge at the Chamber, but he knew that I was running as a Libertarian.
Also, it seems reckless for Mr. Reynolds to state that he did not know he was running opposed. Does Mr. Reynolds want the voters to pick him because he is either a liar or is too incompetent to research the ballot?
Reynolds
I knew going into the primary that there wasn’t a Republican on the ballot. When I defeated incumbent Rep. Dora Olivo, I was referred to as State Representative-Elect because there wasn’t a Republican challenger in the general election. It never crossed my mind that a third party candidate had filed. I recently found out that I had drawn a Libertarian opponent named Derek Grayson. When I found out I called Mr. Grayson and asked him if he had actually filed and he said “yes”. I had never seen any campaign signs nor any literature regarding Mr. Grayson. I had no idea who he was until he showed up to an event sponsored by the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce that I was invited to speak to. There were numerous elected officials and community leaders in attendance and not a single person knew that I had an opponent nor had they EVER seen nor heard of Mr. Grayson. I called Mr. Grayson after he appeared at the chamber event to ask him if he was interested in a debate. This led to the FortBendNow questions to the candidates.
Reynolds: Do you believe that your current Texas Ethics Commission fines of $11,500, as well as the temporary suspension of your license to practice law in 2005-2006 by the State Bar Association will negatively affect your chances of being elected?
I’m the first to admit that I made some mistakes in my past. Let’s face it, we ALL sin and fall short of God’s glory. I made some mistakes as a young lawyer and I accepted responsibility for my mistakes. As many are aware, my mother has been very ill over the past 5 years. In fact, she suffered from a major stroke and brain aneurysm and has been in a vegetative state for the past several years. My priorities are centered around my faith and my family. While caring for my mother I neglected several client matters and was late filing campaign finance reports that led to fines with the Texas Ethics Commission. I haven’t paid the fines because I’m protesting the amount because of the extenuating circumstances regarding my mother’s health.
Moreover, this issue has come up again and again and again!!! I will let the voters of District 27 decide the answer to this question. However, many believed that I couldn’t defeat 12 year incumbent Dora Olivo when she and her supporters made my past mistakes as the central issue during the March Democratic primary. A smear campaign was logged against me via direct mail, various newspapers, and especially some on fortbendnow.com. Against the odds I won by an overwhelming majority garnering nearly 58% of the vote. Mr. Grayson has adopted the smear strategy used by Rep. Olivo. I refuse to lower myself to such vicious personal attacks. Instead, I will continue to stay focused on talking about kitchen table issues that affect our community and finding solutions for our economy.
I believe that my victory against the incumbent was proof that the majority of America and the residents of District 27 are sick and tired of the dirty and divisive politics that has become the norm in campaigns. I believe that I won by focusing on the issues that matter most of the residents of District 27. I ran on a platform of advocating for a high quality public education, affordable health care for all Texans and economic empowerment for local businesses. I further believe that voters chose me because I’ve been very active in the community over the past 10 years. I worked with numerous elected officials on both sides of the isle and people of all races to improve the quality of life in Fort Bend County. I’ve made a difference in public schools by the countess hours that I’ve volunteered and input given to students, teachers and administrators. I’ve worked with and supported various businesses in our community to achieve high levels of economic prosperity. I’ve raised thousands of dollars for local non-profits and charities. I’ve received support of numerous elected officials, community leaders and pastors in Fort Bend County.
Some of my recent accomplishments include being named as “Houston’s Top Attorney” by H Texas Magazine for the last 2 years, receiving the American Red Cross Humanitarian Award in 2009, EEOC Civil Rights All-Star Award, YMCA Minority Achievement Award, being named as Houston’s Top 40 Leaders Under 40 by Rolling Out Magazine in 2008, Texas Leader of the Future Award by State Senator Rodney Ellis, and numerous other award for my community service.
In sum, I stand on my strong record of public service and community involvement! I look forward to letting this issue be decided by the residents of District 27 and not the chattering class of characters that seek to divide.
Grayson: Do you think you legitimately have a chance to win the election? What has your campaign done to get your name known and to inform voters of your position on issues?
This election year is historic in that we are beginning to see cracks in the political establishment that has grown ineffective, bloated, and irresponsible. The country is deeply divided over those who want to return the government to protecting individual liberty and responsibility versus those who want to use government to enrich their supporters. Considering the environment and outrage of the voting public this November 2, I believe I can be elected. My opponent, Mr. Reynolds, has a website embracing President Obama and the Democratic political machine that is deeply engaged in wealth redistribution and in rewarding fat-cat supporters.
I am an ordinary citizen that is tired of sending corrupt individuals to Austin and Washington, so I decided to run for office. I chose to talk to people face-to-face and not take campaign contributions. I am running a true door-to-door campaign. I greatly appreciate Fort Bend Now for creating a forum for Mr. Reynolds and me to discuss some of the issues, so that the voters have a concrete method of deciding who to support.
Congratutation to you Ron Reynolds but remember people while be watching and her our voice. I am a voter in all city, county, state and federal election.
I do not see why people are going back over what has already been posted like we are children going back and forth. I am an adult and we all need to act as one. Especialy Mary!!!!
Second chances are one thing …. but a pattern of questionable behavior is another. As individuals, we may want to forgive 70 times 7 times, but as voters, we are stewards of our State and must therefore shun those who show disdain for ethics.
Jeff Daiell
Jeff,
The constituents of District 27 have spoken! I received 85% of the vote in an election that Democrats didn’t fare very well. I’m very appreciative of the overwhelming support that I received from the voters. Now that the election is over I hope that you and several others can move on with your life. It’s time to move forward and work together and make Fort Bend County the best place to live, work and play! I pray for peace among ALL those that sought to destroy me! I thank God for his continued FAVOR!!!
Congratulations Ron!
Thanks Mary, I really apprecite your strong support! Thanks for standing up to ALL the negative post on this blog. You are a brave woman to use your REAL name and stand behind me when many posters were attacking me and trying to destroy me.
THANK YOU….THANK YOU…God bless you and your family!!!
Ron,
Congratulations on your victory. Will you fare as well with the TEC?
Jeff Daiell
I, too, will congratulate you. I hope that you will bring the ideas that were presented in this forum to the state. You should also know that there is an army of people that are watching you and how you are voting and spending our money.
I am personnally tired of having some government, whether state, local or federal stealing money out of my pocket to finance their irresponsible behavior. I no longer want be an enabler to such irresponsibility and I did say stealing! It is stealing, because I sacrifice a higher standard of living so that I can save for my family’s retirement, any unforeseen medical expenses and my kid’s college. I set aside 20-25% of my family’s pay for these types of expenses and another 25-35% for taxes, which means I live on about 50% of what I make. I plan and act responsibly; it is the parasitic governments that do not. The government is taking money that I earned away from me and giving it to programs that do not have public support or to people that did not earn it.
Can you be a big enough man to stop irresponsible spending and save your citizens from being over burdened from taxes?
Jeff,
The elections are over. You need some help! Don’t be a sore loser!!! I will pray for you and several others. The people have spoke and I won with a whopping 85% of the vote. I earned bi-partisan support by working with everyone regardless of race are party affilation. Why must you keep up the negativity?
I’m ready to move forward and work together for Fort Bend County! We have alot of challenges ahead with the economy, budget deficit and numerous other issues. We must put aside the petty bickering and find solutions to these complex challenges.
You can work with me are get out of the way!
I do not understand Mary McClure why you are upset that any one who has a right to vote exercise their First Amendment under Freedom of Speech.
It the shoe fit wear it and do not fault people when you do not like the questions or comments that are being posted. We do not live in a third world country. Ron Reynold is no more than a person wants to be elected and if the District 27 elects him than it shall be.
How do you dare talk about the President of USA but a person running for office that is not even elected you got a problem and coming out slinging mud. Who do you think you are? What makes you more important than anyone else? Be more open mind and if you do not what is being posted on this blog do not read it.
So people continue writing and express yourself and views I am enjoying reading them. This is why we are free in America. This is not a thrid world country that certain people can express themselves it is everyone as equal.
Since comments are reopened, I’ll address golden12 in the proper thread today. golden12, based on the three comments I made in this thread, I cannot understand why you wrote what you did nor do I believe anyone else would understand either. It simply makes no sense and is an illogical attack on my comments. Anyone can read through the thread and see this for themselves. However, I also pray for peace amongst those of you who seem so unhappy and attack relentlessly so often without cause.
I have to agree with Ron and without partisan bias…the past is the past and despite what people may say…he is the candidate that has been visible in District 27 and worked with the electorate body to effect change that has benefited the constituents of this fine district. I don’t ever like to see a one-sided battle and I know that at the end of the day, everyone deserves a chance to right the wrongs in our life.
I want congratulate Mr. Grayson and his supporters for the passion that they displayed during the campaign. I want to thank everyone that supported me and encouraged me all the way to the very end. Now that this election is over I look forward to working with everyone to build a stronger community.
I hope that we can put aside our partisan differences and work together during these challenging times. We must unite as a community and do whatever it takes to find solutions to our problems.
Again, I’m overwhelmed with joy and words cannot express my sincere appreciation for helping me become the next State Representative from Fort Bend County – House District 27.
Noel, thank you for your kind words! It’s always great to see you at school board meetings and speaking out on issues that affect our community. Keep up the great work and I look forward to working with you.
The primary source of crap promulgated anonymously and continuously on FBNow for years now is a very angry individual and has been for many years. Why? I have no idea. All I do know is that crap is crap.
…and if this comment of mine is attacked, then I suppose the shoe fits.
P.S. For those unaware, the crap I just referenced above is and has been directed at individuals belonging to different political parties and schools of thought for years now on FBNow and the crap was promulgated by this same individual long before FBNow even came into existence. Therefore, this anonymous crap is not partisan mudslinging by nature. It is all about the author of the crap as an individual, and this I do know for a fact.
…and again, if this comment’s P.S. of mine is attacked, then I suppose the shoe fits.
It will be interesting to see the disposition of the State Bar charges against Mr. Reynolds.
Jeff Daiell
Jeff,
You continue to spread lies in an attempt to help your candidate Mr. Grayson. There are NO charges pending against me with the State Bar.
Why not focus on the issues and STOP with the negative smear tactics! However, your desperate attempts to attack me don’t bother me at ALL. In fact, most people that I come in contact with are sick and tired of this crap.
The election results will determine the majority opinion! I look forward to hearing what the constituents of District 27 have to say. Let’s see what you have to say when the ballots are counted tonight.
jdaiell, his concurrent sanctions ended last year and ran for several years from what I read. Yes it would be interesting to see this candidate at least answer 1 of the many questions posted below for him like the ones asking if he ever paid the settlements to his former clients that sued him or the basis for his TEC appeal on the ethics fines or the status of his payments in that court case he lost to a former client for $150k. The article on that seemed very expressive about the judges opinion in that matter.
Yes, the public does have a right to know and have their questions answered regardless of what a voter does. I’ve never seen someone going into office with this much high profile problems before. It should be interesting to watch how he plans to represent us or the special interests posted from his campaign finance reports, another interesting read.
Good luck Mr. Grayson!
Nolimit, I’m sure that Mr. Grayson will win the election because he speaks for the people!
” I haven’t met ANYONE that knows you!” Mr. Reynolds…. that is one of MANY reasons why Mr. Grayson has my vote.
Ranelle,
WOW…Seriously, are you kidding me? You haven’t met ANYONE that knows me…Best wishes to you and Mr. Grayson!
The next session of the Legislature will address issues too important for voters to take a chance on Mr. Reynolds. I hope to see Mr. Grayson prevail Tuesday.
Jeff Daiell
Jeff,
I cannot wait until the results come out tomorrow so that people can see which candidate the constituents of District 27 cast their ballot for. You and a few others keep posting negative stuff about me whle trying to sway the voters in Mr. Grayson’s direction.
I hope that you will respect the will of the people! Even if the majority doesn’t agree with your slanted views. I’m very confident that most people that actually live in Fort Bend County HD 27 don’t share your views!
If Mr. Grayson wins the election then I will be among the first to congraulate him for his victory! I would also work with him to make District 27 the best place to live in Texas.
Win or lose…I’m going to keep serving our community!
I refuse to follow your lead and be a negative person. However, I’m going to defend myself from ALL the negative crap that you keep coming my way!
Have these questions been answered yet by Mr. Reynolds?
I hope you will answer my questions:
1. Have you paid your former clients the damages of approximately $150,000 (including punitive damages for malice) assessed in one of your civil cases?
http://www.fbherald.com/opinion/article_df067d53-7512-548b-82e2-75dd423c2558.html
http://myfortbend.net/news/local/politics/1298-fbh-ron-reynolds-glosses-over-texas-bar-sanctions
2. How can a voter verify that you have paid all your debts to your former clients?
Thanks for prompt answers,
Michael
Ron,
I hope you will answer my questions:
1. Have you paid your former clients the damages of approximately $150,000 (including punitive damages for malice) assessed in one of your civil cases?
http://www.fbherald.com/opinion/article_df067d53-7512-548b-82e2-75dd423c2558.html
http://myfortbend.net/news/local/politics/1298-fbh-ron-reynolds-glosses-over-texas-bar-sanctions
2. How can a voter verify that you have paid all your debts to your former clients?
Thanks for prompt answers,
Michael
Michael,
I’m going to let my voice be heard loud and clear on tomorrow night when the results come out. Let’s finish this discussion on Tuesday night! Elections Matter!!!!
It has indeed been a lively discussion. I hope to see a more detailed discussion, however, of the disciplinary action Mr. Reynolds was subjected to by the Texas Bar.
Jeff Daiell
Ron – I noticed you did not answer any of my questions below. I am a financial guy and am concerned about controlling the state budget. Please expound upon your ideas to control the state budget.
I believe anyone who seeks public office has a noble spirit. I applaud you and Mr. Grayson for that spirit.
I confess that I did not know much about you prior to doing some research. Feel free to clear up any misunderstanding I might have about you. Here is a snipet from the FB Herald:
” Reynolds treated the action taken by the State Bar District No. 4F 12 Grievance Committee as if it was no big deal, but it was. Actually, it was three big deals, and one of them came with a price tag.
Reynolds didn’t just make one mistake, he was judged on three mistakes and had to sit out a year as an attorney, surrendering his law license from April 1, 2005, to March 30, 2006. He remained on active suspension (probation) through March 31, 2009.
That means he was on probation when he ran against Olivo the first time, and is only now less than a year out of hot water.
Completing probation was grounds for celebration for Reynolds, but certainly not grounds for a flippant dismissal of the three cases that placed him on the legal sidelines for a year.
Twice, Reynolds lost lawsuits for separate clients because he failed to respond to motions for summary judgments against his clients. Both lawsuits were dismissed with prejudice — meaning the cases can’t be refiled — and he didn’t notify his clients to inform them, either.
In the third case, he repeatedly failed to follow through with his client to inform him of the outcome and actions needed to be taken, including having his client sign a final accounting and distributing of funds settlement statement.
In one of those first two cases, the former client sued Reynolds and his firm, Brown, Brown & Reynolds, Houston, and not only received a jury award of $100,000, but also $50,000 in punitive damages after the jury finding of malice in the case.
Reynolds forgot to pull that out of his briefcase last Wednesday.” FB Herald (http://myfortbend.net/news/local/politics/1298-fbh-ron-reynolds-glosses-over-texas-bar-sanctions)
I understand that you are disputing the fines from the state. I tend to believe a person will treat their constituents much like they have treated their clients in the past. Did you ever reimburse or compensate your clients when you were the one negligent in responding? If so, can you provide proof to FBN? Can we expect more of this behavior from you, if you are elected?
If you truly have a noble spirit, why would you neglect and/or show such disrespect toward your clients this way? What proof can you provide that you won’t neglect consituents? Will you work to represent what is best for your district and the state of Texas or the just your contributors?
TexasRex,
I’ve answered enough questions. I’m going to let me voice be heard tomorrow night when the results come in. The beauty of a Democracy is that the majority rules. I look forward to seeing what the constituents of District 27 have to say on election day.
I’d be eager to hear what you have to say tomorrow night! Then perhaps we can move forward and actually work together and do what’s be for Fort Bend County.
I’m proud of diverse group of supporters and contributors to my campaign. I have the support of individuals and business owners within Fort Bend County. As I stated before, on Nov. 2nd the residents of District 27 will decide which candidate they want to represent them in Austin.
I sure hope to hear from you around 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 2nd! Then we can discuss who represents the values of the district.
Slapandtickle, your sarcasm doesn’t bother me. While I disagree with you, I respect your Free Speech opinions. I want be intimidated by any of the negative views that are perpetuated on this site.
Ron,
Why is your name on this list? Please do not say this is “old news”.
DELINQUENT FILER LISTS
Candidate/Officeholder
Updated October 27, 2010
Last Name First Name Fine
Reynolds Ronald E. $11,500
http://www.ethics.state.tx.us/dfs/COH_delinquent.htm
Again, my name is still on the list because I filed an appeal because I dispute the amount of the fine.
What is the basis of your appeal?
I am concerned about disciplinary action taken against Mr. Reynolds by the Texas Bar Association.
Jeff Daiell
I have never made a threatening statement about suing Mr. Grayson. Mr. Grayson wasn’t in my vocabulary until he showed up at the Fort Bend Chamber sponsored event that I was the keynote speaker to confront me. There were numerous elected officials, business and community leaders that were appalled by his disruptive conduct. I was very respectful towards Mr. Grayson.
To my knowledge Mr. Grayson hasn’t received a single endorsement from ANY elected official in Fort Bend County. I’ve received endorsements from countless school board members, local Mayors, City Counilman, State Senators and Congressman in Fort Bend County.
I look forward to seeing what the constituents of District 27 have to say on election day! Then, I pray that we can move forward as a community and stop the petty bickering and focus on how we can work together towards a brighter future!
It is clear that Mr. Grayson is the more taxpayer-friendly of the two.
Jeff Daiell
Knowing Ron Reynolds as we do, I will say this re his candidacy, Ron does and will work with people from both sides of the aisle. He is a very respectful, extremely intelligent, extremely qualified, and extremely kind person that we are honored to call our friend. I also know for a fact we share many core values.
Mr. Grayson provides a breath of fresh air in this polluted environment. How very sad and typical that Mr. Reynolds dodges answering direct questions; hiding behind one’s “religion” is so unbecoming. It would appear that Mr. Reynolds wants to have his cake and eat it too. He points out that some topics are done and over as they occured when he was runing against Dora Olivo, but refers to this very race if it appears to him that it will enhance his appeal. How refreshing it is to read as Mr. Grayson boldly states his position on matters of importance to the voters of Fort Bend County. Mr. Grayson, you have my full support, and my vote! I would be honored to help you defeat Mr. Reynolds.
We voted Democratics district judge candidats, county Judge(cand.) Rodrigo Carreon an others liberals cand. Grayson tobe elected.
An additional way the state can save money is to prolong the hours at its current buildings, instead of building a new building to house more employees, just extend the service hours.
Surely citizens can see that Mr. Reynolds represents the overspending, “Let’s just add some more taxes” mantra of the Obama Administration. People are tired of that, and that’s why Conservatives are going to take back the House and the Senate next Tueday. Voters shouldn’t lose sight of that because the same principles are at play right in your hometown.
The State is already thinking about using the school districts’ Fund Balances to balance the state budget. What will school districts do then, Mr. Reynolds? Will your only solution to the deficit be to raise our taxes?
Mr. Grayson appears to be able to see that CUTTING spending is the answer, not establishing more taxes.
If Ft. Bend ISD (which is where most of your tax dollars go after the FEDS get their cut) is like KATY ISD where I live, you pay your superintendent way too much for a guy with three education degrees, you have probably many times more administrators than you had ten years ago and they haven’t increased in correspondence with your student increases. You have buildings all built by probably two or three architects, who, if Ft Bend is like Katy, are actually telling your administrators what to build, donating big time to the PACS that push your bond issues, and then getting the no-compete bid after the bond gets passed to build those same buildings they suggested that you “needed.”
The vendor pigs are taking your tax dollars, both locally and all over the state, and it looks to me like Mr. Grayson is the only hope you have for electing someone who might help stop all of that!
Good Morning every one out there. I have vote for not Ron Reynolds who is out to fool the people in District 27. He says he help everyone nor he do not. I had a grandson who is decease as of this day. He was brutal kill on April 29, 2009 by an unknown gang member who recent pleaded guility to this murder but he was an hired killer. I had requested this organization which Ron Reynold was the President of NAACP to help me. He turn his back on me in 2006. This killer Jamie Adams got 30 years in TDCJ and plea guility to this murder on September 10, 2010 and accept sentence on September 13, 2010. He will talk and name all who was involved and got him to do this. That is the day I will rejoice all these killers will be prosecuted for this hired murder.
This was because him and the Mayor William Owens of Missouri City are buddies and I know that these same police officers who beat my grandson was behind this killing of my grandson and I will prove this. It is to many people who is talking about this from Houston to Missouri City. See the woman who they got to tell lies and help to fake that burglary has talked and was insurance fraud, the other person who they fail to prosecute and still is alive is talking, and laughing about how they wrote those bogus police reports and help this woman to get paid the case is going now going to federal appeal court.
Now this is how I know that this candiate is still up to make the people in District 27 look stupid if he snow you into believing he is the best candiate. My grandson name was Andre Lewis and he was murdered on April 29, 2009 in Houston, Texas. Check out the Houston Police web site under News Release May 2009 it is the killing at 6503 Wanda Lane in Houston, Texas.
I just want the public to know you decide if this candiate is telling you the truth you decide for yourself. See it is to many people out here in Missouri City that is being racial profile, physical assaulted, and false prosecute, our children are being made criminal and when you speak out by filing a complaint our attack. This is because many of our politician who suppose to speak for us looks the other way and will not help us. Get them out of office and put new comers in office. We need frsh ideas, people who has moral and stand up, speak for us and justice. We do not need this buddy charm and grinning giving us a bunch of bogus bull talk.
Now if you want to help me stand up and do not vote this man Ron Reynolds in office you will be sorry cause he is using this race card and could care less about the black man and woman. He just want to help himself for his own agenda. Do not allow his smile to deceive you that is all fake.
Now Mr. Ron Reynold name the people you have help or better than that allow them to come forward and tell their story who will be ashame to put the story out like I am telling of my grandson!
I did not see enough evidence by either candidate on how to close a $20 Billion shortfall in the state budget. Would either candidate be in support of the state website where citizens can distribute their opinion in a form of percentages to a state budget and the state commit itself to following these suggestions? I want each department of the state to remember they should have to compete for my dollar. Throwing more money at the problem is not the solution. We have to be more efficient with what we have.
Would each candidate, if elected, be willing to abstain from votes that would benefit their contributors? What about also using the web for the state bidding process, where there are open bids for services/products and anyone who visits the site will see the last bid and qualifications of the bidders to supply the product or service? I would like to hear the thoughts of each candidate.
Texas Rex, I agree with you on being more specific. The corporate subsiby portion of the budget is approximately $500 million, which should be eliminated. The combination of higher and public school system budget made up 62% of the expenditures; therefore, is the only realistic part of the budget to cut to have a realistic way of getting into balance.
Money is flying back and forth between the state being allocated in various ways, such as funding maintenace for swimming pools at public schools as an example. The administrative cost to allocate these funds are obsurd.
Privatizing the schools is the only way of controlling the spending to eliminate the waste and potential for corruption in the process. I strongly believe that teachers salaries would significantly rise under a privatized system, since the money would be allocated more directly to the actual education of our children and away from adminstering the money.
Education is a product and it is impossible to efficiently and effectively deliver any product with a government monopoly. If you would like to discuss in greater detail, please send me an email with your contact information. My email address is derekgrayson@comcast.net.
Thank you for being involved and demanding an answer and not a political brush off.
I would vow to never vote on any legislation that benefits a contributer. Unfortunately a promise is all that can be made since the Supreme Court does allow for meaningful campaign contribution reform.
Mr. Grayson does seem more focused on the issues, Sunshine, as opposed to glossy rhetoric.
I do not believe any area of the State budget, however, should be immune to trimming.
Jeff Daiell
I would also like to state that the way most government finances its activities are going to need to be scrapped and re-evaluated. It has become an inverted pyramid and is bound to collapse under its own weight. I think each school should be a community recycling center. People that want to recycle can bring their items to their nearest school and drop it off. The cities should stop curbside service – it is an additional civil burden that taxpayers should not have to support (I know the state does not control city budgets, but it’s my two cents).
This is only part of the solution – we are going to need more revenue streams. Why do teachers work 9 months and get paid 12? Can we or should we look at cutting teacher/ administrator pay? What about offering home school programs (curriculum) with proctored tests at a local school? This could be done for a fee to homeschoolers, day cares, etc. Not to mention that we spend lots of money to get schools built and then they sit empty for two months out of the year. That is ineffectual use of my tax dollars and we should demand better from our school boards. Can we make them available as conference centers for the private sector?
$50K + salary sounds like an annual amount to me. Not to mention off holidays and summer. I also hear many of them do not like to work over time. But, my real focus is not on the teachers, but the fluff that is not directly teaching our children. Do we really need so many layers of administration?
I would like to see the state of Texas privatize its education system. Each district would need to apply to be an education corporation. These would not be limited to area – only the state of Texas. They would be paid by the state, based on the # of students enrolled. I am familiar with such groups like the Ayn Rand Institute that also donates books and curriculum to classrooms. Why are our school disctricts not taking advantage of more programs like this?
A question for Mr.Ron Reynolds.
Why are you pro-abortion and pro-gambling?
And also why it took 8 month to stop calling yourself a representative-elect?
This question come from a person who like to vote for you,however this matter to this person to answer.
Please reply Mr.Ron Reynolds.
As a devout Christian I’m not “pro-abortion”. I would never encourage anyone to have an abortion. I’m “pro-adoption”! My wife and I are on a waiting list to adopt right now. However, I do support a woman’s right to choose.
Why do you keep beating a dead horse. On Nov. 2nd this race will be decided by the constituents of District 27.
I’m not pro-gambling. I simply stated that with our anticipated budget shortfall that I’m open to new sources of revenue. I’m going to do what’s in the best interest of the constituents of District 27!
Sunshine, you can post as many old negative post as you desire. Keep them coming! There is NO substance to your tactics. Instead of focusing on the issues you choose to muddy the waters.
I would like to know which candidate is in favor of privatizing some of the services such as parks, drivers license office, parts of the DOT, and several others.
I would also like to know which candidate would support abolishing the blue laws?
I find Mr. Grayson by far the more trustworthy of the two.
Jeff Daiell
Thank you sunshine for shining the light.
I will not be voting for this SHADDY CHARACTER.
Tomorrow I will be taking some of my friend to vote,I will show my friend this article.
I hope Ron Reynolds lose the race!!!!!
Sugarland watch, most of us know who you are. You endorsed Dora Olivo in the primary and ran a failed smear campaign against me. I hope that you and sunshine are ready because I’m going to win by an even larger margin than I won in the primary!
I anticipated this mess when I agreed to a candidate forum on fortbendnow! You have NO credibility in Fort Bend County!
Sunshine, I choose to respond because I’ve had enough of the negative smear propaganda that you and several others continue to post behind screen names. I could have posted under an anonymous name but I stand behind my beliefs. People are sick and tired of your negative attacks on people that you don’t agree with.
Have some decency about yourself. Your personal attacks on me don’t bother me at all! I pray for you and others with an evil spirit.
Though truth and facts may be negative, they do not constitute “smear.” Your actions dictate what kind of person you are at heart. Considering your previous actions, I cannot in good conscience vote for you.
Reynolds said, “… most Legislators are licensed attorneys.”
Yes, attorneys (legislators) write the laws, attorneys (Governor, Lt. Governor, etc.) execute the laws, and attorneys (judges) rule on the law. The attorney’s cartel (State Bar of Texas) controls the entire Texas government – which is prohibited by the Texas Constitution.
Your license to practice law was issued by the Judicial Department of Texas. You are a member of the Judicial Department of Texas.
As a licensed attorney (member of the cartel), you took an oath to uphold the Constitution of Texas so you SHOULD know the law:
THE TEXAS CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE 2. THE POWERS OF GOVERNMENT
Sec. 1. DIVISION OF POWERS; THREE SEPARATE DEPARTMENTS; EXERCISE OF POWER PROPERLY ATTACHED TO OTHER DEPARTMENTS. The powers of the Government of the State of Texas shall be divided into three distinct departments, each of which shall be confided to a separate body of magistracy, to wit: Those which are Legislative to one; those which are Executive to another, and those which are Judicial to another; and no person, or collection of persons, being of one of these departments, shall exercise any power properly attached to either of the others, except in the instances herein expressly permitted.
Sec. 81.011. GENERAL POWERS. (a) The state bar is a public corporation and an administrative agency of the judicial department of government.
(b) This chapter is in aid of the judicial department’s powers under the constitution to regulate the practice of law, and not to the exclusion of those powers.
(c) The Supreme Court of Texas, on behalf of the judicial department, shall exercise administrative control over the state bar under this chapter.
Sec. 81.102. STATE BAR MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a person may not practice law in this state unless the person is a member of the state bar.
Sec. 82.021. SUPREME COURT AUTHORITY. Only the supreme court may issue licenses to practice law in this state as provided by this chapter. The power may not be delegated.
Sunshine, again you are trying to twist the facts. This is from a Dora Olivo supporter in 2008. Why do you keep trying to mislead the public? Again, who are you?
Sunshine, REALLY? A blog from 2008 primary with Dora Olivo. WOW!!! How desperate are you? Again, the people spoke and I won! What did you find when you researched Mr. Grayson? Answer NOTHING!!
Your views are NOT shared by the masses! Thanks for giving me the extra motivation to finish strong! I cannot wait to see the election results on Nov. 2nd!!!
Mr Reynolds pay no attn to the naysayers here. You beat Rep Olivo and thats why some are so angry
I remain positive and focused on working with anyone that wants to make our community better! I’m not the least bit concerned by the negative naysayers that NEVER supported me in the first place.
I’m not going to continue to remain silent like I did during the primary. These smear tactics are getting old and they simply don’t work. Try running on your record of service, eduction, experience and background.
Rep. Olivo and her supporters tried same smear assult on me and failed miserably! I look forward to Nov. 2nd so we can put this matter to rest!Moreover, I look forward to serving the residents of House District 27 in Austin!!!
Sunshine, I refuse to stoop to your level of misinformation! You do nothing but motivate me to start working and finishing what I started! I look forward to seeing what you have to say on Nov. 2nd around 7:30 p.m. when the election results come in.
Concerned Citizen, I’m not making excuses. I accept responsiblity for my actions. We ALL sin and fall short of God’s glory. I proudly stand on my record of public service! I’ve NEVER been disbarred and I have received numerous awards for my stellar legal work.
Rep. Olivo made these same argument’s and the majority didn’t agree with it. My faith is in God and not a few folks that don’t even know me. Let’s see what the voters have to say on November 2nd.
Concerned citizen, why do you hide behind a screen name? Do you even live in District 27? If the majority of the residents agree with you then Mr. Grayson will win.
If Mr. Grayson represents the values of the majority of citizens that live in District 27 then he will be elected on Nov. 2nd!
Sunshine, for the record, that article was written on Feb. 17th about the Democratic primary between me and Dora Olivo. It didn’t have anything to do with the general election between myself and Derek Grayson.
Sunshine, I’m talking about my record of service in Fort Bend County. What record of service do you have for Mr. Grayson?
I’ve admitted that I made some mistakes in my past. I’ve yet to meet a perfect person.
Mr. Reynolds, can you answer the questions presented or do you not have any ideas? You attempt to hide behind Jesus in response to your repeated unethical behavior, but at this point it would be nice to hear you answer a policy question.
I think the voters are tired of hearing the use of bi-partisan, listen to the voters, and establish a committee to avoid answering questions. The voters want a State Representative with an answer and plan, not for a State Representative to wait and hear what the special interests and lobbyists have to offer you. I noticed that you did not mention your support of casinos to remedy our state budget problems. Would you like to clarify your stance on allowing gambling in the State of Texas? Since you will not answer the question presented about balancing the budget, can you explain how you can balance the budget if you do not touch the 62% allocated to education? Do you advocate shutting down the prisons? I think the voters deserve an answer.
For the record, I would like to state that I am pro-family, against crime, pro-education, want affordable health care, love my country, bi-partisan, will listen to my constituents, and like puppy dogs. I wanted to state that for the record, just in case I did not sound enough like a politician.
Mr. Grayson, perhaps you should re-read my responses. I’m proud to have the support of President Obama and numerous elected officials (both Democrats & GOP). I’ve never seen you at a school board meeting, city council meeting are anywhere until you came to the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerence event that I was speaking at. I attended several forums and have a tract record to stand on. Nobody has ever even heard of you and you want to question me on my stance on the issues!!!
Let’s let the citizens of House District 27 decide which direction they want to go in On Nov. 2nd!
Please list the GOP officials that support you. I am sure they would like to confirm or deny.
I can read and you do not give any answers to the policy questions. I can provide you with a link to the state budget if you need to read it to provide an answer. Not studying the issues or having an answer I guess is just another one of your sins and ommissions.
Just because I have not knocked on your door does not mean that others are not aware of me. I have many supporters in this race. You forgot to mention Jesus and your religion in your last response.
Mr. Grayson,
With all do respect, I will not dignify your questions with a response!
I can show you much better than I can tell you! One week from today will show who has the support of the citizens of House District 27. This district is one of the most diverse districts in the state of Texas. I haven’t met ANYONE that knows you! Please don’t be mislead and believe the hype of your cheerleaders on fortbendnow!
sunshine: Thanks for posting the article from the “Herald”:
“Reynolds treated the action taken by the State Bar District No. 4F 12 Grievance Committee as if it was no big deal, but it was. Actually, it was three big deals, and one of them came with a price tag.
Reynolds didn’t just make one mistake, he was judged on three mistakes and had to sit out a year as an attorney, surrendering his law license from April 1, 2005, to March 30, 2006. He remained on active suspension (probation) through March 31, 2009.
That means he was on probation when he ran against Olivo the first time, and is only now less than a year out of hot water.
Completing probation was grounds for celebration for Reynolds, but certainly not grounds for a flippant dismissal of the three cases that placed him on the legal sidelines for a year.
Twice, Reynolds lost lawsuits for separate clients because he failed to respond to motions for summary judgments against his clients. Both lawsuits were dismissed with prejudice — meaning the cases can’t be refiled — and he didn’t notify his clients to inform them, either.
In the third case, he repeatedly failed to follow through with his client to inform him of the outcome and actions needed to be taken, including having his client sign a final accounting and distributing of funds settlement statement.
In one of those first two cases, the former client sued Reynolds and his firm, Brown, Brown & Reynolds, Houston, and not only received a jury award of $100,000, but also $50,000 in punitive damages after the jury finding of malice in the case.
Reynolds forgot to pull that out of his briefcase last Wednesday.
Here’s the question: Does District 27 want a state representative whose best claim is that he wasn’t completely disbarred?”
For the record, this article was printed in the Herald on Feb. 17th 2010. This information was sent out via direct mail, push cards and reposted again and again on FortBendNow. Nevertheles, I still beat the incumbent with nearly 60% of the vote.
The bible teaches us that “let he who is without sin cast the first stone”. In spite of your focus on my mistakes I stand on my strong record of public service. I look forward to hearing what the voters of District 27 have to say when the votes are counted.
Sunshine, we live in a Democracy where the majority rules! That’s why elections matter. I simply stated that the election will be decided by the MAJORITY of the residents that live and vote in House District 27 and NOT a few bloggers on fortbendnow that don’t support me!
RE MR. REYNOLDS.
1. WHAT ANOTHER LAWYER, I DON’T THINK SO
2. DID NOT KNOW WHAT HE WOULD CUT, BUT WOULD ASK. HE SHOULD READ THE NEWS AND HE WOULD KNOW.
3. ETHICS/SUSPENSION OF LICENSE. WHAT A BACKGROUND.
4. I SAY NO WE CAN’T HAVE ANOTHER OBAMA IN OFFICE.
Thanks JML, but last time I checked President Obama wasn’t running for House District 27. Regardless of your opinion he is President of the United States of America!
I stated that it’s premature to state what I would cut without doing my due diligence and listening to the citizens that I speak for. If you support cutting funding for public education and healthcare then vote for Mr. Grayson!
I agree that you should vote for me since I have the courage to have a plan. Mr. Reynolds would like to avoid answering the questions or telling us where he stands on the issues and believes that we should vote for him based on his reputation. I will put my reputation against Mr. Reynolds any day. Search the web for my name and you will not find ethics violations, suspensions for misconduct, or losing court cases due to negligence.
Mr. Reynolds seems to have a problem with a concerned citizen running for office since he states that I should not be elected because of my lack of publicity. I will take my lack of publicity and quiet life over numerous counts of misconduct.
Mr. Grayson I don’t have “a problem with a concerned citizen running for office”. We live in a free society and anyone can put their name on a ballot. You didn’t even have to run in a primary. You spend your energy talking about me and you don’t have a record to run on.
Thanks for giving me some EXTRA motivation to hit the campaign trail! Anyone that supports you doesn’t support PUBLIC EDUCATION and HEALTHCARE!!! You will soon find out that those who promote SMEAR tactics on fortbendnow don’t appeal to the general public and LOSE elections!!!
I look forward to working with the Democrats, Republicans and Independents to make District 27 the best place to live! I don’t support ANYTHING on the Libertarian party platform!!!
It is good to know that you do not support ANYTHING on the Libertarian Party platform. That is the most direct answer to a policy question that you have offered. The opposite of Libertarianism is Statist and Socialist ideology. Voters if you support capitalism and individual rights, then you have a choice.
I met Grayson and he seems honest to me. On the other hand, Reynolds’ excuse for being fined is he neglected his clients and neglected his legal duties to file campaign reports. Yet, he deserves to be elected to a higher office??? The Texas Constitution says licensed attorneys should not serve in the Legislature at the same time.
With all do respect, The Texas Constituion doesn’t say that licensed attorneys should not serve in the Legislature. In fact, most Legislators are licensed attorneys.