Better late than never The Galveston County Daily News ran a story titled "La Marque Councilman whose company owes $28K disputes tax treatment". It's a thorough article and worth the read if you have access. In short, a Republican Judge issued a default judgment against Lowry for unpaid back taxes for 2024 and 2025. Don't take my word for it. Go to this website and review the documents and the judgement. Enter 26-TX-0085 as the case number or you can read the judgment below. Eitherway, he owes over $28,000.

Heard at the Texas Tribune tripfest by a republican lawmaker “I’m voting for the racist in the race for Texas railroad commissioner.”

Screenshot Gdamn dude. Buy a pair of blue jeans. Senator John Fetterman’s interview with The Texas Tribune at TribFest was strange, awkward, and deeply frustrating. Showing up in his trademark black hoodie and gym shorts—despite the 90-degree heat—he looked completely out of place, especially compared to an audience that at least put in the effort to dress appropriately. But his sloppy attire was the least of his problems; his performance and substantive positions were entirely off base. Iran: He repeated tired Republican talking points, insisting "Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon," while ignoring that a working nuclear deal was tore up by the previous administration.

What JD Vance said. I attended a session at the Texas tribune TribFest discussing the significance of the Latino vote in the upcoming November election. According to the panel, the two most pressing issues for the Latino community are the cost of everything is out of control and ICE is out of control. These issues should not be confined to the Latino community alone. Anyone with a bank account and anyone with a sense of empathy and humanity recognize the killing of people on our streets due to ICE is unacceptable in America.

It was a pleasure listening to Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher, Congressman Christian Menefee, and Pete Sessions today. It started on a unified note, with everyone talking about bipartisan cooperation, passing bills, and working together for the benefit of Texas. By the end, I felt a glimmer of hope—provided Democrats like Fletcher and Menefee take control of the House. On the flip side, the re-redistricting of the state and the voting barriers put in place by Republicans and President Trump are deeply concerning. If those tactics allow Republicans like Sessions to retain control, it honestly terrifies me.

From left: Texas Tribune reporter Alejandro Serrano speaks with state Reps. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins, Carol Alvarado, and Gene Wu during a panel discussion at The Texas Tribune Festival 2026 on Friday, June 26, 2026. People in Texas are furious—and for good reason. From skyrocketing prices on gas, diesel, home insurance, and healthcare to general inflation and ICE abuses, the frustration is palpable. This discontent was front and center at The Texas Tribune’s "Texas Democratic Agenda" panel, featuring State Senator Carol Alvarad, State Representatives Barbara Gervin-Hawkins and Gene Wu. Representing a diverse cross-section of Texas voters, the panel stood in stark contrast to the Republican session, which featured three white men in matching blue suits.

I left this year’s TribFest deeply disappointed. I appreciate The Texas Tribune’s efforts in organizing the festival, but the keynote event with Marjorie Taylor Greene fell short in several critical ways. Greene has a track record as a toxic, inflammatory politician—one whose past behavior, like shouting from the Capitol floor like howling monkeys, is hard to look past. Yet the audience treated her with far more respect than she deserved, effectively normalizing her past actions. Worse, the moderator treated the session as a casual chat rather than pressing her with the tough, accountable questions asked of other speakers, like James Talarico.

What a deeply humiliating hour. At a session titled "The Texas Republican Agenda," three Texas House Republicans—Mitch Little (who represented Ken Paxton in his impeachment trial), Jeff Leach (who voted to impeach Paxton), and Daniel Alders—spent sixty minutes insulting the audience's intelligence. Fast-forward to the very first question from the floor: “In 1992, I joined a Republican Party that championed family values, compassionate conservatism, fiscal responsibility, and law and order. Today, the party is defined by the Epstein files, a $40 trillion national debt, severe human rights violations by ICE, and January 6.

Once again, a great 3 day event hosted by The Texas Tribune. TribFest is a three day event held in Austin with speakers on various topics, candidates for office, and elected officials. This year their opening Keynote Speaker is former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene probably because Lauren Boebert was not available. Senator John Fetterman will close out the event probably because Senator Mitch McDonnell wasn't able to speak. Literally. But besides the two strange bookends, there are a number of sessions worth attending. Gina Hinojosa spoke earlier today to a packed room with many lined up outside hoping to get a seat.

Generally I accept the Chronicle's endorsements. May not agree but I accept. But the recent endorsement of former CCISD Trustee Scott Bowen crossed the line. My comment to the Editor Evan Mintz was "It’s as if the Houston Chronicle never researched Bowen’s baggage.". Mintz says the endorsement "clearly" addressed his baggage. Let me also be clear on what baggage he left on the airport carousel. Mr. Mintz you didn't mention he sponsored a resolution on behalf of the Republican Party supporting vouchers as a sitting CCISD Trustee. (Its on video) He testified in office against public schools (Its on video) A formal grievance was filed against him for claiming his constituents was supportive of his view.

Don't take my word for it—attend the candidate forum hosted by the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership and see for yourself. For at least the last 30 years, House District 129 in the Bay Area has been represented by a Republican, including John Davis for 16 years and Dennis Paul for 12. With Paul now running for State Senate, the seat is open. Former CCISD Trustee Scott Bowen and Albert Wittliff are vying for the position, and the contrast between them couldn't be starker—not just in party affiliation, but in their leadership experience and ability to represent our community.

Will law enforcement take action? At the last La Marque City Council meeting, Councilman Joseph Lowry decided to challenge Texas law prohibiting firearms in council chambers. Armed with a self-appointed "Facebook law degree," Lowry spent the meeting arguing constitutional law with two actual attorneys, claiming to know more about the legal system than those who formally studied it. While Lowry insists he has the funds to launch a legal challenge against the state, public records show he has yet to settle $29,000 in back taxes owed for 2024 and 2025…

Nothing is free and it's time to pay for it. Let’s get real. People throwing a total fit over a $9-a-month tax increase haven't said a peep while their health, auto, and home insurance shot up by thousands of dollars a year. Gas prices doubled. Diesel hit over six bucks a gallon, driving up the price of literally everything you buy. Yet here you are, whining like babies over nine bucks a month so Harris County can actually afford the exact same gas, insurance, and supplies to keep basic services running.

Does the “R” Stand for Racist?Bo French, the Republican nominee for Texas Railroad Commission, has once again made comments that have been widely condemned as racist. His latest remarks, targeting a photo of South Asian students celebrating at a University of Texas football game, prompted bipartisan criticism and led one political blogger to ask whether the “R” behind his name stands for “Racist.” The question practically writes itself. Some Texas Republicans have publicly condemned French’s remarks. Others have offered little or no meaningful response. Governor Greg Abbott’s response, in particular, has drawn criticism for not directly addressing the controversy.

Voters should never choose a candidate based solely on demographics like gender or race. While the League City Council has been predominantly male and white for years, demographic composition alone shouldn't concern residents as long as leaders govern effectively—maintaining fiscal responsibility, advancing the city, and managing broader economic pressures like rising fuel, healthcare, and insurance costs. Compared to neighboring Bay Area cities facing similar strains, League City has stabilized in their self induced controversies, particularly as nearby La Marque has drawn more negative media scrutiny. This November, the mayor's seat and five of seven council positions are up for election.

It took the District Attorney's office 1.5 years to dismiss a simple misdemeanor case. La Marque City Councilman Joseph Lowry's, AKA Chicken Little, head must be exploding after yet another case concerning him has been dismissed or no billed by the Galveston District Attorney's Office. The criminal case against CJ Beard, Case #MD-0426868, for a misdemeanor has been dismissed. This is following the no bill of two Texas City employees a few months ago. All three cases were brought about based upon police reports filed by Lowry. From a previous post "

The Christian brothers. Follow the money through the Texas Ethics Commission records, and the veneer around West Texas mega-donors Timothy Dunn and Farris Wilks completely disintegrates. While bankrolling Bo French’s racially charged campaign, these self-appointed guardians of Christian virtue are funding the very hatred their faith explicitly condemns. Dunn, an active preacher at Midland Bible Church, ought to understand basic theology: racism has no place in public service, let alone in the teachings of Christ. The financial filings reveal a massive concentration of high-dollar influence behind French’s campaign: Direct Campaign Cash:

(R) Racist. I've said it before in "What does the (R) stand for behind a political candidates name?" If you are running as a republican then you need to own the title. When you stand silent while racism runs rampant in your own party then you need to embrace the title. When you stand silent and allow racists to take over your party then you need to wear it and wear it with pride. Unfortunately many are doing just that. Case in point, Bo French. Texas politics delivered another reminder of an ongoing rift within the Republican Party when Bo French, a candidate for the Texas Railroad Commission, posted a racist comment online.

This ought to be real interesting! RSVP to Michele Costello at Costello@bayareahouston.com. The Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership is hosting a candidate forum for the upcoming State Representative race featuring former CCISD Trustee Scott Bowen and candidate Albert Wittliff. This election presents a critical opportunity for the district. The Bay Area has been represented by Republicans for over three decades, yet residents continue to face pressing challenges, including soaring property insurance rates, high electricity costs, and an underfunded public education system. Addressing these persistent issues requires capable, independent leadership.

Marjorie Taylor Greene will join Senator John Fetterman. According to the Texas Tribune website: The Texas Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit digital-first media organization based in Austin, Texas, that covers Texas politics, government, and public policy. It offers comprehensive, free-to-use reporting on issues like education, healthcare, and infrastructure, aiming to increase civic engagement. f you aren’t keeping up with the Texas Tribune, you really should be. It’s a great source of political information, and unlike Medicare for All, it’s actually free! You can sign up over at TexasTribune.org. Every year, the Tribune hosts an event in Austin called TribFest.

JESUS CHRIST! Literally! A candidate’s political graphic can sometimes reveal far more than intended. Richard Vega, a candidate for Harris County Commissioner, has released a piece of campaign media so overwhelming it borders on self-parody. Vega, who fits the definition of a "Christian in Name Only" (CHINO), has aligned himself closely with state Senator Mayes Middleton. Middleton, a deep-pocketed donor known for bankrolling aligned candidates, has funded roughly half of Vega’s entire campaign war chest. Middleton is also a CHINO using racial slurs towards his colleagues. In lockstep with Middleton's agenda, Vega has engaged in rhetoric targeting the local Muslim community, including efforts…

Who's your daddy? Republican candidates running for Harris County offices are facing severe fundraising deficits. According to the latest campaign finance reports, Orlando Sanchez leads the field for County Judge with just $181,126—a modest sum for a high-profile race that typically requires millions. Richard Vega a Christian Nationalist, running for County Commissioner, reported $123,026, though the bulk of his funds originated from Senator Money Mayes Middleton. Finances across the rest of the ticket remain virtually non-existent: Marc Cowart (County Treasurer): $150 Mike Wolfe (County Clerk): $0 Sartaj Bal: $0 Denise Dick:

Dang. I hate being wrong. This bill is NOT for water. It is for waste services, trash, etc. Last year it was only $15.00 for the trash carts. This year the bill includes the $5/month charge for trash pickup. So, shoot. I was wrong. Go pay it.

Clear Lake residents are serviced by the Clear Lake Water Authority. So you should ignore this bill. I've wondered what would happen if someone in Clear Lake would pay it. Would the City return it? I'm not going to try it. I'll ignore it like I did last year.

If they will turn on their own, they will turn on you. Ten of the 42 Republican candidates running for federal office in Texas are Mexican MAGAts, aligning with the MAGA wing of the party. They join several other candidates pursuing statewide and Harris County positions. You can view them at Mexican MAGAts Running for State Office and Mexican MAGAts Running for Harris County Office. As I have said before: Historically, many Mexican-American voters lean toward moderate political candidates rather than those on the political extremes. Grounded in traditional values, strong faith traditions, and close ties to the Catholic Church, many prioritize family, anti-abortion positions, and legal immigration processes.

Surprised? The Texas House has 150 members, 88 Republicans, and 62 Democrats. In May of 2023 after an investigation by the House Committee on General Investigating Attorney General Ken Paxton was brought up on impeachment charges. That complete report can be viewed here. You can read a summary at The allegations against Ken Paxton in a nutshell which details retaliation against whistleblowers, financial fraud, abuse of power, and more. Shortly afterward the House voted to impeach Paxton. Of the 150 members of the House 121 voted to impeach including 61 Democrats and 60 Republicans, 75% of the entire Republican delegation.

If Texas Democrats want to scare the shit out of independent voters all they have to do is the following:

Over the past decade, ineffective messaging from the Democratic Party led a significant portion of the Mexican American electorate to shift toward Donald Trump and the broader Republican Party.

He knew exactly what he was doing. Brazoria County Judge Matt Sebesta must think the residents are stupid. (He might be right) Sebesta didn't just blurt out the phrase "Short Bus" when describing the residents who did not support his tax abatement for a large corporation. He did it multiple times as the Houston Chronicle stated: "It's kind of like the kid on the short bus that likes to eat boogers talks everybody else into eating boogers," "And so they all copy the booger-eating champion on the short bus and send all these emails, but they were all just completely way out of left field so they actually carry no weight with me." …

A complete investigation and forensic audit of the multiple cameras angles, as well as the testimony of multiple witnesses was taken.

12 years too late. Greg Abbott and his crew are acting like heroes riding into Texas to save us from high insurance rates, failing schools, and rising healthcare costs. The irony? They’ve been driving the herd for 30 years. Republicans hold every statewide office. They control the Texas Supreme Court. They control both the House and Senate. Every mess in this state has their signature on it. Now Abbott wants four more years with a promise to "finally fix things." Take his new home insurance plan: it’s based on a "Fortify" program Alabama figured out 15 years ago.

If you want to see your Congressman it will cost you. He will be at a luncheon today at the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership where he might be peppered with questions about NASA’s future and uncertain funding. It’s a members only event. All you pee ons can sit outside and shut up.

It's sad that any human being would be supporting a party that is based on Khaos, Korruption, and Kruelty, the KKK of the Republican Party, much less an individual who knows their family and friends could be the next target of ICE.

Yard signs & Merch. Meet our elected officials and candidates!

This is sad on so many levels. La Marque Mayor Keith Bell was arrested in Brazoria County on indecent exposure charges, though details remain sparse. This comes right as Council postponed an ethics ordinance set for a vote next month. Mayor Bell has earned a reputation for running fair, structured meetings despite facing continuous pushback—most notably from Councilman Joseph Lowry, whose own tenure has been defined by past convictions, tax liens, lawsuits, and a history of personal attacks on city officials. While these charges against Mayor Bell are troubling, it is important to wait for the facts.

There is more to this than just Bowen. That will deserve another post. Scott Bowen, the former CCISD trustee, is now running for State Representative, presenting himself as the candidate who will represent the MAGA movement in the Bay Area. If elected, voters can expect him to support Governor Greg Abbott's legislative agenda with little independence. That likely includes expanding Texas' school voucher program and backing the governor's priorities rather than advocating for the unique needs of our community. Greg Abbott will ride Scott like a birthday pony at a Catholic fall festival.

First he flocked up a question about Flock cameras. Once again, Harris County Judge candidate Orlando Sanchez has misread the room—this time on immigration and ICE. Just last week, he missed a clear opportunity to side with the vast majority of Houstonians against Flock cameras. Instead of supporting immediate limits on county Flock Safety camera usage following reports of database misuse by law enforcement, Sanchez called those concerns premature. It sent completely the wrong message. Now, he’s double-downed in front of a predominantly Hispanic crowd. Addressing a recent fatal shooting by federal agents, Sanchez effectively advocated for letting ICE police itself rather than pushing for a vigorous county investigation.

It's a first. I have spent a significant amount of time focusing on La Marque Councilman Joseph Lowry, and with good reason. After some reflection, I have to admit that I actually agree with Lowry on one point: the city’s upcoming Ethics Ordinance is specifically targeting him. And frankly, it should. The City of La Marque was forced to revise its code due to an escalation in harassment targeting city employees, elected officials, and residents. Most municipalities maintain standard ethics policies to enforce baseline, common-sense professional behavior among staff, appointees, and council members.

Oh this could be sad. According to the Houston Chronicle: Piper Hospitality Group confirmed to Chron first that Preslee's Southern Good Eatery will open a location there after the Hop officially closes on Tuesday, Aug. 4, operations manager Ryan Manos told Chron. They hope to open the restaurant sometime this fall. They have a restaurant north of Houston and considering their signage I probably won't step foot in it. You can see for yourself below. Preslee's is a "family friendly" restaurant. Hopefully they will drop their fucked up political views and stick to being friendly to families. All families. Screenshot Screenshot Screenshot

If you think Greg Abbott is on your side you might want to switch sides. In an earlier post, Greg Abbott’s Billionaire Buddies Donations (It’s Not Pretty), I detailed how Greg Abbott accumulated over $336 million in donations across his political career. In just the first six months of 2026, he has once again pulled in a staggering amount of campaign cash—driven almost entirely by billionaires. According to filings with the Texas Ethics Commission, Abbott raised more than $28 million between January and July of 2026. Of that total:

It's Lowry. Again. La Marque City Councilman Joseph Lowry is no stranger to courtroom battles, often finding himself on either side of a lawsuit. His latest legal maneuver stems from a recent truck accident in which he claims he was "T-boned" in his truck. Given Lowry’s habit of broadcasting Facebook Live videos while behind the wheel, questions remain as to whether a forensic audit of his phone might play a role in the investigation. Nevertheless, he has officially filed a petition, CV-0095926, seeking $1 million in damages against the driver.

And you wonder who ruined your State? Greg Abbott’s entire career has been built in public service, sucking on the tit of the government—first as a Supreme Court Justice, then as Attorney General, and now as Governor. Over the course of his gubernatorial runs, he has raised a staggering $336 million. A significant chunk of that money—$53 million—comes from just 10 billionaire donors who wrote single checks of $1 million or more. That includes $8.5 million originating from out-of-state donors in California and Nevada. Topping the donor list is Javaid Anwar of Midland Energy, whose contributions to only Abbott exceed $15 million.

Over his twelve-year tenure as Governor, Greg Abbott has consistently prioritized corporate recruitment, encouraging businesses to relocate to Texas. While these economic policies attracted major corporations, critics argue they have contributed to increased housing costs, traffic congestion, and a higher cost of living. Furthermore, the expansion of over 300 data centers—supported by massive tax incentives—has raised significant concerns regarding water usage and power grid stability. As public concern over the environmental and infrastructural impacts of data centers grows, Governor Abbott has recently called for a moratorium and temporary guardrails on new construction.

Read the room dude. During the debate on Flock camera usage, Harris County Judge candidates Letitia Plummer and Orlando Sanchez took center stage—and Sanchez completely flocked it up. (Hope you're enjoying the flocking puns as much as I am!) According to the Houston Chronicle Orlando said: Sanchez cast Plummer’s Flock proposal as another example of the Democratic nominee making hasty conclusions before gathering the facts. He said in a Friday statement he would engage with public safety officials and community members on the issue before making any promises he may later have to walk back.

The U.S. healthcare system undoubtedly needs reform, but Medicare for All (M4A) is likely the wrong solution—and under its current champions, it's politically dead on arrival. Next time a politician campaigns on Medicare for All, ask them to explain it. Most will struggle. With Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Pramila Jayapal sponsoring the legislation, it stands virtually zero chance of becoming law. Neither lawmaker has a track record of passing major legislation, let alone completely rewriting American health policy. They excel at mobilizing movement rhetoric, but leave the painstaking work of negotiation and politicking to others.

It must be election season. League City Council has voted to put a non binding resolution on the continued use of Flock cameras on the ballot for the upcoming election in November. According to Google: A Flock camera is an automated license plate reader (ALPR) system made by Flock Safety. These solar or battery-powered cameras capture the license plates, vehicle makes, models, colors, and unique features of passing cars, logging the data into a searchable network used by police, HOAs, and businesses. Public concern is growing over the purchase and deployment of Flock license plate cameras, with residents questioning both the necessity of HOA involvement and the initial authorization process.

It's not what you think it is. You can read the entire new ordinance here. Last night, the City Council conducted the first reading of a proposed rewrite of their Code of Ethics. If passed, the ordinance will apply to current city employees, Council members, and former city officials. According to the ordinance: Rather, this Article is intended to provide a framework within which to encourage ethical behavior and enforce basic standards of conduct while providing due process that protects the rights of both the Complainant and the Accused. 

Remember when an elephant urinated across the George R. Brown Convention Center floor during the Texas Republican Convention, as detailed in the Houston Chronicle report, "Texas GOP's surprise elephant takes giant pee at convention"? There is more to the story. Following that report, I reached out to our City Council member to inquire whether the Texas GOP and the elephant handler, Trunks & Humps, had submitted all required permits and paperwork to the Houston First Corporation—the entity that manages exhibits at the GRB. Their website's "About" section states: A local government corporation formed in 2011, Houston First’s responsibilities include the development of the destination brand strategy, promoting the city worldwide, driving tourism and convention business, operating numerous facilities, producing events that serve the community, collaborating with commercial and industry partners and much more.

All PAC, No Cattle (Thanks D for the title idea!) Former CCISD Trustee Scott Bowen is following in the footsteps of current State Representative Dennis Paul by heavily relying on out-of-district PAC money to finance his campaign. As noted in a previous post, Bowen raised an impressive $89,000—far exceeding any single-period total from his predecessor. However, $65,000 of that came from just three Political Action Committees: Texans for Lawsuit Reform ($40,000), Texans for a Conservative Majority ($15,000), and—surprisingly—the Texas Trial Lawyers PAC ($10,000). That coalition raises obvious questions. Looking at his broader fundraising numbers reveals an even clearer pattern: Bowen’s war chest is packed almost entirely with outside capital.

Nonfarm payrolls were projected to increase by 83,000 in July while the unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%, according to the Dow Jones consensus.