With Council Member Wanda Adams’ tenure on city council coming to an end, a field of both new and familiar names has emerged, each vying for the opportunity to advocate for the issues and concerns of the residents of District D. South Side Spotlight has provided a forum for you to hear directly from the candidates.

Tell district residents a little about yourself.

Boykins: I was born in District D and raised by a single parent with 6 brothers. My mother taught her boys basic values such as always put God first and receive a strong education. Growing up I attended Whidby Elementary, Cullen Middle School and Stephen F. Austin High School. I received my BBA in Marketing from Texas Southern University and I am now the President of d Boykins Consulting Firm, LLC. My wife, Genora, and I have been married for 24 years and we are committed to serving the community that never turned its back on us.

Caldwell: I am a 39 year old resident of Sunnyside, Texas. I have nearly two decades of managerial experience, and I currently manage a rental car agency at George Bush Airport. Prior to 2013, I was an Executive Assistant Manager for Walgreens Drug Store in the Montrose area of Houston for 15 years.

Edwards: An educator for 37 years, I have served the Houston community as teacher, Magnet Coordinator, Assistant Principal, and Principal. I received my BA degree from Dillard University, M.Ed. from Texas Southern University, and advanced studies at the University of Houston. A 44-year resident of District D, I desire to continue to serve my community. Community service: Assisting Rita/Katrina donation drives, providing scholarships for youth, fundraising for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and St. Jude’s Hospital, supporting the Mayor’s after school program at Windsor Village Elementary School, and Breast Cancer Awareness, secretary to the State Democratic Convention and delegate to the 1984 Democratic National Convention.

McGee: I’m a native Houstonian who was born and raised in the historic Sunnyside community of District D. I attended B.H. Grimes, Crispus Attucks, and graduated from Evan E. Worthing where I participated in track and basketball. I briefly attended Texas Southern University for Criminal Justice until I couldn’t afford it anymore. I worked various jobs before becoming a licensed barber in 2002 and owner of McGee’s Hall of Famer’s Barbershop in 2005. I have been married for over 10 years to Nikea Bradford-McGee and the proud father of four beautiful children TraVecia, Nia, and twins Leana and Travis Jr.

Provost: I am a business owner for over fifty years, (Provost Studios) proud graduate of Texas Southern University; with advanced studies at University of Houston; Winona National Professional Photographers School; and Intercollegiate Press, Graphic Arts/Marketing/Sales. I am a community activist, participating in the cultural, educational, humanitarian, political and religious sector of Houston life. I am a consummate community volunteer and part of the dynamic fundraising team of Helfman/Provost.

Richards: I was raised by my grandparents in South Park and graduated with honors from Jesse H. Jones High School. As a senior in high school, I became a single mother to my son Jamal, who is now serving in the United States Navy. With the support of Project Row Houses, I earned a degree in Sociology at the University of Houston, and received a full fellowship to Penn State University. There I completed my Masters and PhD before becoming an Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh. I moved back to Houston in 2008 to work with the communities that have always supported me.

Robinson: I live in the district, am a homeowner, a Houston business owner and local licensed attorney. In 1986 I was arrested off of Cullen for a crime I did not commit, I was convicted and sentenced to 27 years in TDC. After release in 1996, I worked for 3 years on parole to pay for my DNA test. In 2000, I was pardoned for innocence. Since my release, I have been fighting to protect and defend the rights of Texans, both in and outside the District.

Why are you running for Houston city council?

Boykins: I have an ingrained desire to better my community. I have the knowledge, passion and skill set needed to make a difference in District D. I want to put District D residents back to work, ensure community safety and assist the elderly in the community.

Caldwell: My reason for running for Houston City Council is simple, but twofold: I want to give back to District D, because I received so much growing up, as well as an opportunity to pay it forward to a community that made me the man that I am today.

Edwards: Having run for District D in 2007, I have chosen to run again in 2013 because I desire to serve the constituents and improve the quality of life through effective and continuous service. Through my communication with constituents of District D, we have already identified areas that need to be improved—positive changes that will enhance the pride of residents and the desire of others to reside in our communities.

McGee: Since I’m not a politician, I’m not running for office but instead I’m running for “We the People,” 100% for “We the People.” I believe any elected official has to represent our best interest and not their hidden agendas 365/24/7. That’s why we need a Robin Hood from our hood to stop the city from robbing our hood.

Provost: As a servant, I want District D to prosper like the other parts of the city. I am sick and tired of the District not receiving city services, some parts of the District looks like a third world country. Clean-up the District! Reduce crime and unemployment; establish new business, such as a grocery store; create programs and jobs for youth; programs for our valued senior citizens.

Richards: I was born in District D and it will always be my home. I am in the community daily working at Project Row Houses and as the Vice Chair of the Houston Housing Authority. I have become a bridge and advocate for our community with city government. I have the relationships and experiences that allow me to represent the array of community voices and help the city meet community needs.

Robinson: Since CM Adams cannot run again to represent the District, I felt we, the residents of the District, deserve a choice in electing another council representative with the proven leadership skills, experience, training, commitment and determination to protect our interests, to fight for our “fair” share of services and demand our rights as citizens be respected. What happens in the District affects me, my family, our quality of life.

What are the top 3 things that you hope to accomplish?

Boykins: I will work with the Mayor to ensure District D receives its fair share of new streets. I will also work toward developing new incentive programs that will assist seniors with minor home repairs and secondly create long-term job opportunities for residents in District D.

Caldwell: As a Council Member my vision for District D includes: 1.) Create safer communities. 2.) Economic development. 3.) Better quality of life for seniors. 4.) Improving after school programs.

Edwards: I hope to: 1.) decrease crime through increased police visibility and collaboration among police, constables, Metro police, etc., monitoring of neighborhoods, and volunteer and monitored neighborhood watches; 2.) improve and modernize drainage, filling ditches; and 3.) increase economic development by enhancing existing businesses and encouraging new business development in the community which will enhance the pride of residents.

McGee: The three top issues in our area are crime, drainage, and education. As a council member I hope to reduce crime in District D by enforcing truancy and curfew. I will also advocate for community policing by all law enforcement agencies. I will hold the city accountable for every penny of drainage fees it collects from us. I will continue to oppose school closures and advocate to keep trades in them so children can benefit from them.

Provost: 1.) Improve the infrastructure. 2.) Reduce crime. 3.) Clean-up District with a beautification program.

Richards: 1.) Increase development and revitalization by creating ongoing partnerships between public and private entities, and engaged residents. 2.) Build community capacity by strengthening grassroots organizations and non-profits, as well as increasing resident participation across the district. 3.) Improve transparency and responsiveness of city government by providing my residents with timely information and new channels for community input, which eliminate barriers to participation.

Robinson: 1.) I will continue to work on the projects CM Adams has pushed forward to improve the quality of life in the District. 2.) I will work with Public Works to get a true assessment of the sewers and storm water systems to improve drainage without waiting for another flood to get the city’s attention. 3.) I will work on policy and policing strategy changes to improve how HPD interacts with citizens in the District and city.

What have you done to help the residents of District D?

Boykins: I volunteered as a board member under former Mayor Bill White on The Hurricane Ike Relief Fund Board and under current Mayor Annise Parker on the ReBuild Houston Oversight Committee.

Caldwell: As a member of the A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) we educate the public about the importance of voting and not who they should vote for. We also give $1,000 scholarships to children in our organization to assist with their college tuition throughout the duration of their college education as they continue to work in the organization. We give back to our seniors by providing community service at multipurpose centers, as well as host back-to-school drives.

Edwards: As an educator in Houston for 37 years, I have touched thousands of lives as a mentor, teacher, and administrator. I have successfully educated and mentored thousands of youth, who are currently leaders in District D. I have overseen millions of dollars to enhance programs for both our privileged and underprivileged youth. I have also worked to enhance services in our parks and libraries and encouraged the use of after-school programs.

McGee: As a Sunnyside/South Park civic leader I fought for our schools, better drainage, and better police presence. I have spear-headed various projects such as sidewalks, street lights, street pavement, speed humps, sewer lines, demolished over 40 dangerous buildings, jobs and drainage. I am involved with the following: mobile food pantries; Summer lunch programs; turkey drives; toy drives; 3M Scholarship Fund; back-to-school drives; mentorship programs; assisting seniors with home repair programs.

Provost: A consummate volunteer, I serve as the Community Relations Director at the The Forward Times, finding solutions to citizens concerns and issues. I also serve as the Director of the ‘TSU Do The Math” campaign (raises money for scholarships and student services). I am the Director for the Our Mother of Mercy Parish Civil Rights Classes. I have been blessed with many skills, talents and resources, to help others.

Richards: As the program manager of the Young Mothers Residential Program at Project Row Houses, I have helped numerous mothers and their children complete their education and become strong, self-sufficient parents and members of our community. As the Vice Chair of the Houston Housing Authority, I was able to get a grocery store off of 288 and Airport, and a grocery store and housing off of Bellfort and Cullen.

Robinson: I have worked with families in the District to build a solid economic base for their future by helping them establish and grow their own businesses. I have advocated for improved training and better relations between HPD and citizens (both in and out of court). I have fought to protect and defend the civil rights of ordinary people, even when they have little or no ability to fight for themselves.

Where will residents see you working if you don’t win?

Boykins: I will continue to serve my community working with nonprofits, civic clubs and community organizations.

Caldwell: I will continue to help our seniors, mentor our youth and continue the fight as if I was a member of City Council. I will also continue to work with any council member that is elected in District D.

Edwards: As the residents of District D become more knowledgeable of the qualifications, education, and affiliations of the candidates, I expect to be their candidate of choice. However, if I do not become the effective, elected voice of District D, I will continue to serve my community with my sorority Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Breast Cancer Awareness, as well as work to provide scholarships and mentor our youth.

McGee: I have been and will continue to be very active after city council. I am more concerned with voters knowing who they are voting for versus losing the race. I will continue to be in the trenches in District D in the following capacities: CEO of Jireh Community Life Center; President of We the People of Sunnyside Garden/ Bayou Estates; Vice President of Sunnyside/South Park Super neighborhood; President, 3M Scholarship Fund; TOP Member; advisory board of Worthing High School

Provost: In my business, Provost Studios; campaign to keep youth in school; education oriented activism and continue to provide the community with information they can use.

Richards: You will find me in the same place I am today — at Project Row Houses, as the Vice Chair of the Houston Housing Authority, at Sankofa Research Institute, and teaching at the University of Houston. My work in the community will never falter and I am dedicated to continuing my role as an advocate for our communities and as a bridge between our communities and local government.

Robinson: I will be working in the Criminal Justice Center in Downtown Houston to help those citizens who tried to improve and change the District but were unsuccessful in making a difference and must continue to suffer because too many others did not want to make a change. l

South Side Spotlight attempted to contact all registered candidates for District D. The candidates included in this forum represent those who submitted responses to our requests.

City Council, District D, election, politics