| Sabrina Lloyd/The Daily Cougar
Houston City Council member Ed Gonzalez spoke on Tuesday to the UH Democrats about public policy and his desire to get students involved in local politics.
For political science junior James Thomas, hearing Gonzalez speak was a chance to engage in political discussion and get advice for his own political career.
“I’d like to find out how he became a member of City Council. I have a small IT business in League City and want to find out how to make connections to run for office in my city,” Thomas said. “I enjoy meeting city leaders. In this industry, it’s all about who you know.”
Gonzalez received a bachelor’s degree from UH-Downtown and his master’s degree from the University of St. Thomas. Education is something he has always been passionate about, and he is an advocate for literacy.
“Growing up, my dad couldn’t read. I had to learn how to read very early, because it was my job to read the street signs as my dad drove,” Gonzalez said. “Education is so important to me, and I often speak in public schools to encourage young students to learn.”
Gonzalez has helped pass several initiatives since being elected to office, including the Houston Center for Sobriety.
“A major concern for public safety is people who walk around the streets intoxicated. We let people who stumble from drinking go sober up and not go to jail or be charged with public intoxication. It is smarter and more effective.”
Social media has played a large role in Gonzalez’s professional life. Among elected officials, he is known as the “technology council member” because he is active on Twitter and Facebook.
“I do my own social media and have been active for a few years. I believe government is changing in many ways,” Gonzalez said. “Constituents want more engagement to their elected officials. Social media is a great way to stay connected to the people, and it makes me seem more real and presentable.”
Gonzalez prides himself on his open-door policy and encourages students to stop by the office and spend a day with him to see what actually goes on in a professional political setting. He is optimistic about Texas becoming a blue state and thinks that young voters are key to making that happen.
“I really want to get young people active in local government. That’s why I am always inviting young people to stop by the office; I think it inspires students to realize that government is good,” Gonzalez said. “We really need (young people) involved. We will never change if we don’t hear from young people.”
Political science junior and UH Democrats President Catherine Tassin de Montaigu also strives for student involvement and encouraged students to attend a Wendy Davis for Governor event.
“It is a great opportunity to meet her and talk with her in an intimate setting,” Montaigu said. “We want to make you guys aware of things in student government and get everyone involved.”
UH Democrats meetings are at 5:30 p.m. every Tuesday in Agnes Arnold Hall, Room 7.
Yes, please get involved, don’t be a low information voter. Why? Politicians are incredibly powerful. They can make or break entire businesses, livelihoods, cities, even countries.
One of the 5 most powerful people in the U.S. is The Speaker of the House. Very few things in life should frighten you more than when passing a bill which was >2 THOUSAND pages resulting in 11 THOUSAND pages of regulations, which effected the entire population of the U.S. and 1/3 of our economy, and THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE, Nancy Pelosi, DEMOCRAT, who didn’t even read the bill, say’s this about the bill: “we need to pass it to find out what’s in it.”
That should send shivers down your spine, if it doesn’t, please educate yourself!
Please think before you vote.
Democrats are a menace, eh? I don’t suppose you quite realize Republicans have:
-Nearly caused the country to default on debts (you know, the ones they themselves racked up) numerous times.
-Choke the middle class (and I doubt you’re making 200k or more) with their tax breaks…for billionaires and corporations. Don’t give me that “it creates jobs” junk, they pocket it for private jets, golf trips, and Viagra.
– Screw over small businesses, while claiming to be for the common man. This past fiscal year there was a bill calling for tax cuts for people making less than $250,000, but no avail: lobbied Republicans said no. You can’t outsource small businesses people.
-This list could go on and on, really. Also please note I am not a Democrat or anti-Republican (because honestly a list similar to his could be made for Democrats) but please don’t have the audacity to spew propaganda like this.
The only legs Republican politicians can really stand are the ones they grow using the Southern Strategy, honestly, and they are all fed by lobbyists.
Umm, what propaganda am I spewing? Are you trying to rewrite history or something?
http://youtu.be/KoE1R-xH5To
Regarding your comments, GOP against tax cuts?? You’re not being honest. Why don’t you tell the whole story behind your accusations against the GOP? If you don’t know it, educate yourself. At a minimum, take an Econ class.
Awesome seeings students involved!
Lovely how the College Republicans’ meeting are ignored by this paper.