CitizensNet

October 20, 2017

Houston urges all registered voters to cast ballots on important propositions

Early voting starts Oct. 23 for the Nov. 7 election on five city bond propositions. The City of Houston urges all registered voters to cast ballots on these important propositions.

Passage of the bonds would not require a tax increase.

Proposition A is part of what is called the Houston Pension Solution. It would allow the city to issue bonds that are part of a reform plan that shrinks the city's debts to the pension funds that benefit police, fire and municipal employees. The reform plan has already been approved by the Texas Legislature and saves the city millions of dollars.

But if voters say no, pension officials would have the option of unwinding the pension reforms they agreed to, which included the reduced payments by the city. Rejection of Proposition A would cost the city $159 million in the next budget year and more later.

That's why I consider Proposition A to be crucial to the financial health of our city.

Proposition B, the Public Safety Improvement Bond, would provide about $159 million for improvements at neighborhood police stations and fire stations citywide. Proposition C, the Parks Improvement Bond, would provide $104 million for improvements at parks citywide. These include pavilion replacements, swimming pool upgrades, ball field lighting upgrades, and replacement of aging playground equipment.

Proposition D, the Public Facilities Improvement Bond, would provide $109 million for renovations to health facilities, sanitation/recycling and essential improvements at city facilities.

Proposition E, the Library Bond, would provide $123 million in funds for library improvements. These include replacement and/or rehabilitation of existing neighborhood libraries.

Please go to https://www.houstontx.gov/2017election.html to:

Read the official wording on the ballot in English, Spanish, Vietnamese or Chinese.

Find links to early voting locations, election day voting locations and voting by mail information.

View a sample ballot.

See where to call with voting questions.

Thank you for staying engaged in our community,

Sylvester Turner, Mayor