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Election News and Endorsements
Early voting has begun for the 2012 Primaries. Vote today or on election day - May 29, 2012 (the day after Memorial Day).
Please remember these endorsed* candidates when you head to the polls. Only candidates with opponents in the primary are listed below:
Federal Races:
US Senate - David Dewhurst
US Representative, District 2 - Ted Poe
US Representative, District 7 - John Culberson
US Representative, District 8 - Kevin Brady
US Representative, District 9 - Al Green
US Representative, District 10 - Michael McCaul
US Representative, District 22 - Pete Olson
Statewide Races:
Railroad Commission: Comm. Barry Smitherman
Texas Supreme Court, Seat 2: Justice Don WillettTexas Supreme Court, Seat 4: Justice David Medina
Texas Supreme Court, Seat 6: Justice Nathan Hecht
Texas Senate:
District 4 - Sen. Tommy Williams
District 11 - Larry Taylor
Texas House:
District 3 - Cecil Bell, Jr.
District 15 - Rob Eissler
District 18 - John Otto
District 29 - Ed Thompson
District 85 - Lee Duggan (former HAA member)
District 127 - Dan Huberty
District 129 - John Davis
District 131 - Alma Allen
District 132 - Bill Callegari
District 133 - Jim Murphy (HAA member)
District 138 - Dwayne Bohac
District 147 - Garnet Coleman
District 150 - Debbie Riddle
Texas District Court 165:
Harris County Races:
County Court at Law, Place 1 - Debra Ibarra Mayfield
County Court at Law, Place 2 - Theresa Chang
Sheriff - Adrian Garcia
Tax Assessor-Collector - Mike Sullivan
Commissioner, Precinct 4 - Jack Cagle
Harris County Justices of the Peace (includes all races, contested or not):
Precinct 1, Place 1 - Dale Gorczynski
Precinct 2, Place 1 - Jo Ann Delgado
Precinct 3, Place 1 - Mike Parrott
Precinct 4, Place 1 - J. Kent Adams
Precinct 5, Place 1 - Russ Ridgway
Precinct 6, Place 1 - Richard Vara
Precinct 7, Place 1 - Holly Williamson
Precinct 8, Place 1 - Tommy Ginn
Harris County Constables:
Precinct 3 - Ken Jones
Precinct 4 - Ron Hickman
Precinct 5 - Phil Camus
Precinct 6 - Victor Trevino
Precinct 7 - May Walker
Precinct 8 - Phil Sandlin
Click on the county name below to find out where and when you can early vote!
Austin County (click on May 29, 2012 Polling Locations)
Matagorda County (click for Democratic and Republican Party locations)
If you have any questions about HAA's government affairs activities, please contact the Public Affairs Department.
*The Houston Apartment Association Better Government Fund endorses candidates for local and state races. The Texas Apartment Association Political Action Committee and National Apartment Association PAC make endorsements in state and federal races. The list above represents a compilation of endorsements from across the PACs. HAA membership dues never are used to fund campaign contributions. Only contributions to the HAABGF or PACs are used for contributions to candidates.
Summer Swim Safety
Did you know the YMCA of Greater Houston holds a yearly Water Wise program dedicated to teaching free swimming skills to area apartment communities? Six YMCA swim instructors visit area properties to teach basic swim instruction and water safety to residents one hour a day for one week. Teams visit four different apartments weekly. The swim lessons are provided to all children who show up for the lessons. The cost of the program is $650 per property. And, while not included in the program, the YMCA also encourages residents to register for a CPR training course.
Sign up for the Waterwise program by visiting www.haaonline.org/Splash
“In previous years, we’ve been able to decrease and even eliminate drowning in apartment property swimming pools, so we know educational programs work. I encourage apartment communities to continue to participate in Water Wise to help both parents and children learn how to be safer in and around water," HAA President Jenifer Paneral said.
Midnight Madness
Several HAA members including Guardian Equity Management, Keystone Resources and Magnolia Sky Communications are supporting an event to raise money for a disabled child. Please read below to find out how you can get involved or attend this event.
3rd ANNUAL MIDNIGHT MADNESS MARATHON BASEBALL GAME FOR CHARITY TO TAKE PLACE AT THE SUGAR LAND SKEETERS MINOR LEAGUE STADIUM
What: 3nd Annual Midnight Madness Marathon Charity Baseball Game. Come see local celebrities and baseball players compete in a home run derby and participate in a marathon 12-hour baseball game!
Proceeds from the event will go directly to the family of David Gonzalez, a 16-year-old Waller high school student with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). David is wheelchair bound and has special medical needs that are not covered by insurance.
When: 10 a.m. Sunday May 20
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Home Run Derby
12 noon – 12 midnight – Midnight Madness Marathon baseball game
Where: Sugar Land Skeeters Minor League Stadium, 1 Stadium Drive
Sugar Land, 77498 (across from Sugar Land Regional Airport)
Who: Ball players aged 14-64. Special guests include Bob Ford, the voice of the Houston Astros, Miss Houston, Miss Teen Houston, recording artist Mary Sarah sings the National Anthem. Former major leaguer baseball players and other celebrities are also scheduled to appear. Professional players who participated last year include Justin Thompson (Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers) and Jeff Sparks (Tampa Bay Devil Rays).
Global Sports Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity, hosts the event. It is organized by David Fantin, a local businessman, philanthropist and competitive amateur baseball player. His employer, Liberty Real Estate Advisors, is the Grand Slam Sponsor.
Giveaways include gift cards to popular retailers, and sports memorabilia. The playground and concessions stands will be open, so bring the entire family. Admission is free. Donations are welcomed and needed for the recipient.
To learn more about Global Sports Foundation, the baseball charity marathon game, or to donate, visit: www.globalsportsfoundation.org
Sports Challenge Winners
Thanks to our many HAA members who participated, volunteered and sponsored our recent All Star Sports Challenge. We had 30 teams participate and raised close to $18,000 that we will donate to the Alliance of Community Assistance Ministries. This alliance represents a group of ministries that serve a large number of renters in the Houston area. We will help a lot of school children who might not otherwise have their supplies to start the school year off right!
The Ipad2 raffle tickets brought in $2,046.00 and our lucky winner was Janett Hernandez of Astro Towing.
Please be sure to thank the sponsors when you see them because without them we would not be able to hold this event and donate such a large amount of dough - AAA Plumbers, Apple Termite and Pest Control, BAC Products, CAMP Construction Services, Craven Carpet, Direct Energy, For Rent Media Solutions, HD Supply, Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search, Houston Pest, The Liberty Group, MAB Flooring, Total Package Turnkey and Top Gun Security and Investigations.
| Team | Place |
| Texscape Services | 1 |
| Maintenance Supply HQ | 2 |
| Century A/C Supply | 3 |
| HD Supply | 4 |
| Milestone Mgmt "HB" | 5 |
| Fire Safe Proctection | 6 |
| Redi Carpet | 7 |
| Greystar 6 | 8 |
| Milestone Mgmt "CTT" | 8 |
| Greystar 7/Camp | 10 |
| Lincoln Property 1 | 10 |
| Greystar 5 | 12 |
| Rockstar Mgmt 2 | 13 |
| H M Equity | 14 |
| Camden | 15 |
| Lincoln Property 2 | 16 |
| Astro Towing Solutions | 17 |
| Hettig Mgmt | 18 |
| Embrey Management | 19 |
| Texas Interfaith Tornados | 19 |
| Belfor | 21 |
| Greystar 2 | 22 |
| Impact Floors | 23 |
| Rockstar Mgmt 1 | 24 |
| Greystar 3 | 25 |
| Greystone Asset Mgmt 2 | 26 |
| Greystar 1 | 27 |
| Mosaic Residential | 27 |
| Greystone Asset Mgmt 1 | 29 |
| Riverstone | 30 |
Flood the Hill on May 9
Alert: Request Senate Action on Reform of the National Flood Insurance Program |
Send Letters and Make Calls to Senators on |
Wednesday, May 9, 2012 |
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With the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) set to expire on May 31, Congress must once again race against the clock to complete work on legislation to reauthorize this critical program. The NFIP has operated on a series of extensions since 2008, and it is time for Congress to advance much needed reauthorization and reform legislation. |
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While the U.S. House of Representatives already passed a bill (H.R. 1309) that reauthorizes the program for five years, the Senate has yet to schedule its version of the bill (S. 1940) for a vote. |
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Time is running out. You can help. |
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NAA/NMHC have partnered with more than 20 real estate, financial institution and insurance trade associations on a campaign to “Flood the Hill” and urge Senate members to pass S. 1940. Join us by sending letters and making calls to your senators on Wednesday, May 9, 2012. |
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Broad support exists for extending the NFIP and initiating a number of key reforms that would benefit multifamily properties. Action on the bill should not be further delayed. |
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Your Message: Bring S. 1940 to the floor of the Senate for a vote. |
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Participating is easy. Just follow these instructions: |
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1. Send a letter. Write your own letter or simply use the sample letter provided in the NAA Action Center. Be sure to personalize the letters by including your company letterhead or logo. It is important to let your senators know about your firm’s connection to his or her state. |
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Either fax or email the letter to both of your senators. |
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2. Pick up the phone. Letters are great, but a letter followed-up with a phone call generates maximum impact. NAA/NMHC have provided instructions for calling your senators, along with a script. |
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3. Report back. Once you’ve sent your letter and made your call, please let us know. Send an e-mail to NAA Government Affairs at government_affairs@naahq.org with your contact information, the names of the senators you contacted and any other pertinent information. Don’t forget to include copies of your letters. You can also fax them to NAA at 703/248-9440 |
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If you have any questions, please contact NHMC Vice President of Business and Risk Management Policy, Jeanne McGlynn Delgado at jdelgado@nmhc.org or 202-974-2344 |
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Rockwell Announces Grand Opening
On Thursday, May 3rd, 2012, Rockwell Management Corp. is hosting a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting event for Sterling Grove, LP that will feature the reveal of Houston’s Newest Multi-family treasure, the Reserve at White Oak Apartments. The property is situated at 6240 Antoine Drive in Houston, Texas.
Attendees will be hosted to lunch and personal tours of this property from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Jerry Gontownik of Sterling Grove, LP and Linda Crosson from the City of Houston will be conducting the ribbon cutting ceremony which will take place promptly at 11 AM. Property tours, as well as lunch buffet, and various visual presentations will be on-going from 11:15 AM to 1:00 PM. Attending will be officials from the City of Houston, State of Texas and leaders from the Near Northwest Management District.
The $12 million dollar renovation of the Reserve at White Oak was made possible by Federal Ike Recovery Funding that was awarded to the City of Houston as part of a total $33 million dollar renovation of multi-family properties situated along the Antoine Corridor. After two years of renovation the property formerly named Sterling Grove Apartments has undergone a complete exterior and interior renovation and it is our honor to formally present this remarkable apartment community to the residents of the City of Houston.
Reserve at White Oak will provide affordable housing for low income households, within a family-oriented environment. One to three bedroom apartments and townhomes are available, and all units will have energy efficient appliances, double paned windows, faux hardwood floors, faux granite countertops, bookshelves, and generous closet space. Each apartment offers a view of either landscaped courtyards or pools. Additional amenities include an activity center with planned activities, business center, playground, and dog run.
About Rockwell Management Corp.
Rockwell Management Corp. was founded in 1994 by Etan M. Mirwis and has since evolved into a leading property management firm in Southeast Texas. Headquartered in Houston, RMC currently manages 23 multi-family properties with over 5,000 units and 6 office buildings totaling 570,000 sq.ft. Rockwell Management Corp. ranks among the top property management firms in the greater Houston area in terms of total portfolio size and strives to create a total community environment at all it’s properties. For more information, go to www.rockwellmgmt.com.
Houston Water Bill Crackdown
The City of Houston announced today that it will begin enhanced collection tactics in dealing with properties that have delinquent water bills. Multifamily rate payers will have a two week grace period, before being turned off as part of the enhanced collection effort.
The full press release from the City is included here:
City of Houston Launches Enhanced Effort to Collect Delinquent Water Payments
Customers Face Loss of Service
Effective today, the Houston Department of Public Works and Engineering (PWE) has started an enhanced effort to cut off water service to commercial customers with seriously past due water bills. Similar action will follow in two weeks for multi-family and residential property owners who do not pay off their delinquent accounts. More than 22,000 city water customers are more than 200 days past due on their water bills. The number of days past due averages 231 and the total amount due the city exceeds $13 million.
“We started increased termination of water service to delinquent commercial customers this morning, but will provide a two week grace period to allow multi-family and residential property owners one last chance to make good on their past due accounts and avoid loss of service,” said Mayor Annise Parker. These customers have been notified repeatedly that their accounts are past due. It is not fair to our customers who pay on time or fiscally responsible for me to allow this situation to continue.”
An analysis of payment trends found that there are a significant number of customers who only pay their bills when they believe they are nearing the point of losing service. This is evident in the number of accounts delinquent for more than 52 days (the minimum delinquency before the city can legally cut off service. There is anecdotal evidence in the phone calls to the PWE call center from citizens wanting to know how long they can delay payment before service is disconnected. Based on collections to date, delinquent charges are nearing record levels for this year. In 2011 there was a nearly 18 percent increase in delinquencies as compared to 2010. The enhanced collection effort is aimed at reversing this downward trend.
PWE has hired temporary customer service staff to assist with service suspensions, to help with the increase in payment activity anticipated as a result of the enhanced collection effort, and also to quickly turn service back on once the payments are processed.
The city offers assistance to eligible senior citizens, the disabled and low income single-family homeowners who are financially unable to pay their water bills. There is currently more than $107,000 available in the WATER fund. A total of 1,530 customers have been assisted in the city’s current fiscal year.
Arrests of Check Fraudsters
In late 2011 and early January 2012, we posted blogs warning of rent check theft incidents occurring at apartment communities, followed by tips for both renters and managers.
HAA would like to thank the Houston Police Department and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement for their hard work and investigation that led to the arrest of more than 40 suspects on April 25 believed to have stolen checks and money orders from apartment community rent drop boxes. The checks and money orders were chemically washed, then counterfeited and either cashed locally or deposited into bank accounts. The group also targeted individuals, some of whom were homeless, to cash those fraudulent money orders.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office was able to charge 22 people in Harris County. However, investigators are seeking information about five suspects believed to be involved in the operation. Read here for more information about this story and a full list of wanted suspects.
Anyone with information can contact any of the participating law enforcement agencies or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
Bedbug Resources Available in Spanish
2012 Maintenance Mania Winners
The sixth annual Maintenance Mania Competition event was held yesterday, April 11th, at the Sam Houston Raceway Park. Over 500 competitors and spectators came out to enjoy a full-day dedicated to the celebration of HAA's maintenance and service professionals. Although we won't know for several weeks if our local winner qualified to be the Region VI rep at the National Competition in Boston this summer, we are pleased to announce the local winners in each category. Congratulations to all of our 2012 competitors! You ROCK!!!
National Championship Qualifying Program
1st Place Overall Jose Herrera, Gables Residential
2nd Place Overall Scott Heffernan, Post Properties
3rd Place Overall Carlos Galo, Camden
4th Place Overall Gerardo Urbano Greystar
5th Place Overall Gerardo Luna Milestone Management
6th Place Overall Marcos Mata Gables Residential
7th Place Overall Arcenio Fuentes Camden
8th Place Overall Miguel Meraz W R H Realty Services Inc
9th Place Overall Rolando Valdez W R H Realty Services Inc
10th Place Overall Edwin Flores Gables Residential
Dual Flush Retrofit
1st Place Scott Heffernan, Post Properties
2nd Place Jose Martinez, AMLI Residential
3rd Place Ricardo Martinez, Tarantino Properties Inc
Appliance Repair
1st Place Jose Alvarado, Rockstar Capital Management LLC
2nd Place Rolando Guillen, Lincoln Property Company
3rd Place Scott Heffernan, Post Properties
Fire & CO Safety
1st Place Israel Gutierrez, A M L I Residential
2nd Place Jose Herrera, Gables Residential
3rd Place Carlos Galo, Camden
Key Control Deadbolt
1st Place David Reyna, BG Staffing
2nd Place Carlos Galo, Camden
3rd Place Miguel Meraz, W R H Realty Services Inc
Faucet Repair
1st Place Manuel Ponce, Greystar
2nd Place Ernesto Martinez, Berkshire Property Advisors LLC
3rd Place Jose Herrera, Gables Residential
Lamp & Ballast
1st Place Marcos Mata, Gables Residential
2nd Place Jose Herrera, Gables Residential
3rd Place Carlos Galo, Camden
Ceiling Fan
1st Place Gerardo Urbano, Greystar
2nd Place Carols Trevino, Post Properties
3rd Place Juan Suazo, Riverstone Residential Group
Race Car
1st Place Gerardo Luna, Milestone Management
2nd Place Manuel Garcia, Medrano Francis
3rd Place Israel Diaz, Texas Inter-Faith Housing Corp