Jarvis Johnson For Congress

Thank You For Your Support

2010-03-08T17:09:00.000-06:00

Thank You For Your Support

Less than 70 days ago I stood with my family, friends, and supporters in front of the Mickey Leland building to announce my candidacy to be the congressman representing the United States 18^thCongressional District. We chose the Mickey Leland building, because we wanted our race to be about the people. While growing up, I had the opportunity to work under Mickey through the Mickey Leland Youth Task Force (MLYTF), and I saw that he was about the people. We set out to empower and represent the people of the 18^thCongressional District, and we wanted to engage the people in the political process. With your help we were able to do that.

I would like to thank each of you for your support. With your help we were able to create a spirited debate about the issues important to you. Some of you picked up the phone to garner support, some of you contributed dollars, others volunteered your time at the campaign office or in the community, some of you gave in-kind donations, and then others of you helped spread the news via Facebook and Twitter. Your efforts are truly appreciated!

I enjoyed meeting you at your neighborhood meetings, at your church, and at other places in the community.

The race is not over.

To my constituents in District B, I look forward to continuing to serve you as your city councilman.

I will continue to be a work horse for you – championing your issues!

Sincerely,

You have the opportunity to bring in a New Direction By Voting!

2010-03-01T23:05:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow is the day when you get to choose who will represent your issues. I began my campaign earlier this year, because of the missed opportunities in the 18^th Congressional District. The current dropout rate, unemployment rate, incarceration rate, and poor health care of the 18^th Congressional district are unacceptable. The incumbent has had sixteen years to make the 18^th Congressional district better than she received it, but she has failed and time is up. It is time for a New Direction!

I am the Right Choice for a New Direction, because I have and will always be an advocate for the people. I began my career as an advocate for children and education, I later became an advocate for families, then seniors, and when I saw that there was a greater need I ran for City Council. As a councilman, I have been a work horse for the citizens of District B. Now there is a greater need from the people, and I am asking you for your support in helping me fill that need by being your representative for the United States 18^th Congressional District.

Vote tomorrow at your polling location for Jarvis Johnson - Democrat for Congressional District 18. Position No. 1 on your ballot.

Click Here to View Polling Locations

Click Here to View a Sample Ballot

VOTING DAY SCHEDULE:

Charlene and I will be voting tomorrow at Precinct 365 located at Saint Pius the Tenth High School, 811 W. Donovan St., at 7:15 a.m. For a map of 811 W. Donovan St., Houston, TX 77091, follow this link: Saint Pius the Tenth High School

After my wife and I vote, I will be headed to Fox 26 for a live in studio interview.

At 11 a.m., I will be on air with Kandi Eastman of Majic 102 (KMJQ).

Throughout the day, I will be visiting several polling places to talk with you.

ELECTION NIGHT CELEBRATION:

Join us in celebrating OUR campaign taking the 18th Congressional District in a NEW DIRECTION!! The celebration will be @ Avant Garde located at 2020 Leeland, Houston TX 77003 after the polls close at 7 p.m. For a map of 2020 Leeland, Houston, TX 77003, follow this link: Avant Garde

Debate Challenge & Jarvis Johnson’s TV Appearance Tonight!

2010-02-26T16:21:00.000-06:00

We find it amusing this is the first time we’ve ever seen a press release from Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee saying she is on the house floor “fighting for jobs and health care.” During this campaign she’s had every opportunity to stand beside Jarvis Johnson and debate and answer questions about why she has failed miserably in getting jobs created in the 18^th Congressional District. She has ducked and avoided just about every opportunity to debate her opponents during this election.

Again we ask her to come and be held accountable to the people who put her in office. We extend yet another invitation to debate the issues and to answer for the deficiencies in her record. The House is not in session this weekend through Tuesday, March 2^nd and we hope she accepts this challenge.

FYI: You can watch Jarvis Johnson tonight, Friday, February 26, at 9 p.m. on PBS Channel 8’s “Red, White and Blue”.

FUNDRAISER - American Menu Stage Play @ Ensemble Theater - Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010

2010-02-24T12:31:00.000-06:00

AS A GIFT TO OUR SUPPORTERS, TICKETS ARE NOW $50 for the American Menu stage play fundraiser at the Ensemble Theater. Call (713) 225-1616 to reserve your $50 ticket. THIS IS A LIMITED TIME OFFER!

The Women for Jarvis Johnson present an Evening at the Ensemble Theater Fundraiser for the Jarvis Johnson For Congress Campaign.

Featuring delectable Hors d'oeuvres and a Wine reception as well as a wonderful stage play, American Menu, by Doug Wilson Glenn and directed by Eileen J. Morris.

In honor of Black History Month, this play celebrates special moments shared by many at a time in history when history was in turmoil. It’s May 1968, shortly after the murder of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and a month before the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy. Five Black kitchen workers at a segregated lunch counter are forced to engage in painful self-examination brought about by yet another senseless death in their town. Through passionate conversations, these women face the realities of life on the cusp of change. Jammed in a hot, airless room they must battle prejudice, poverty, ignorance and each other as they search for inspiration. Yet in the midst of this seeming endless time, they manage to find humor that helps bridge the gaps and reconnects them to their humanity.

The admission for the evening:

Speaker of the House Seat: $250.00 per person
Majority Whip Seat: $150.00 per person
Congressional Seat: $100.00 per person

Faithfully,
Charlene Ward-Johnson
Chairperson

Money Does Not Vote

2010-02-22T18:42:00.000-06:00

DATE: February 22, 2010

HOUSTON— When we launched our campaign for Congress forty-five days ago we knew full well that the incumbent, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, had close to a half of million dollars in the bank. We recognize that our opponent’s campaign is being financed by those that want to “play it safe” and support the incumbent. Our campaign is being supported by the people in the 18^th Congressional District who yearn for a new direction. Remember, people vote, not money.

Last November’s city elections once again proved that the candidate with the most money doesn’t always win. Our opponent keeps dodging us and refuses to participate in many debates throughout the district where voters can ask all the candidates questions about job creation and eliminating the drop-out rate. She even backed out of tonight’s debate at Rice University. Our opponent refuses to participate because her record on these issues is one of ineffectiveness.

Our campaign has been enthusiastically embraced by the voters. This past week our phone calling picked up a tremendous amount of positive responses by voters saying they are supporting my candidacy and had already voted early. We will continue our grassroots effort that we strongly believe will lead us to victory on March 2.

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www.jarvisforcongress.com

18th Congressional District candidates speak out: Jarvis Johnson

2010-02-22T09:20:00.000-06:00

By Tom McIlroy

HOUSTON CHRONICLE

Feb. 19, 2010, 7:40 a.m.

Texas on the Potomac has offered every candidate in contested congressional primaries an extensive opportunity to weigh in on their qualifications for office and their positions on the major issues facing the district.

The candidates' comments will be published in the order in which they are received.

Today we hear from Democratic candidate Jarvis Johnson:

Why would you be the best candidate for the House seat?

My candidacy offers a new direction for the people of the 18th Congressional District. The people of the 18th Congressional District need a strong fighter who will be a champion for our seniors and children, build a consensus and bring results back to the community.

Developing new and small businesses is the key to creating jobs for the District. As a member of the Houston City Council, I established a record on creating jobs and I continue to work tirelessly with our city's business and civic leaders to help create business and economic opportunities for our community. I am also the most forceful advocate on behalf of small and minority/women owned businesses and professionals in their effort to win city contracts that create jobs in our community.

My efforts resulted in the "unbundling" of large contracts to allow opportunities for Small and Minority/Women owned businesses to go after and secure city contracts. I'll make it my priority in Congress to recruit businesses within the District to prepare them to compete for federal contracts.

We must put the highest priority on closing the achievement gap, eliminating the drop-out rate and making sure that all the children of the 18th Congressional District get a quality education.

I embrace President Obama's initiative that focuses on early childhood education and investment in K-12 education. The "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act" includes $5 billion for early learning programs, $77 billion for reforms to strengthen elementary and secondary education, and $30 billion to address college affordability and improve access to higher education. I will be aggressive in making sure our federal dollars are brought back to students and schools in the 18th Congressional District.

It is inexcusable for the 18th Congressional District to be among the nation's leaders of having the most residents without access to affordable health care in a community that neighbors the Texas Medical Center. We need a greater sense of moral leadership on this very critical issue. I'll utilize my experience to get more residents the health care they deserve and access to the best treatment facilities in the area. Our leadership has allowed the big insurance companies to dictate to the residents of the Eighteenth Congressional District who can have access to health care. I will do all that I can to ensure that Washington hears the voice of my constituents on this issue.

How would you describe your political philosophy?

I believe in the core values of the Democratic Party- protecting the interests of working class families; fighting for equal opportunities and equal justice for all Americans; maintaining the constitutional rights and liberties of all Americans. I also believe that small businesses are the driving force of our nation and that they are the key to our market success. Finally, I believe that corporations should be treated the same as individuals in that they have the same social responsibility to their employees and neighbors that we expect of the individual citizen.

What are the most important steps you would take to produce jobs in the district and the country?

Small businesses are responsible for 70% of all new jobs that are being created. We need to support policies and incentives that allow for their growth. I'll be aggressive in making sure the District's small and minority/women owned businesses are accessing federal contracts. I'll hire an economic development specialist in my office. We will work with the Greater Houston Partnership, local chambers of commerce, educational institutions, and local governments to put forward strategies on how we can attract and/or develop new businesses in the district with a focus on marketing the District's abundance of affordable undeveloped land that can attract green industries.

What would you do to reduce or eliminate the federal deficit?

I will support policies that foster business and job growth and that in turn will create new tax revenue that helps reduce the deficit. I would support the President on the creation of a Bipartisan Budget Deficit Commission.

What are your top priorities in fighting international terrorism?

I support the President's policies in Afghanistan and Iraq to fight and defeat Al-Qaida. I support funding for security enhancements for our airports and ports. I support better coordination between all federal agencies and departments with national security functions. We should make available resources to nation partners that are cooperating in the war against terrorism. We should also make sure the local law enforcements agencies are cooperating and working with state and federal law enforcement agencies and sharing valuable information.

Do you favor full funding for the Constellation program or should NASA use the money for other priorities?

I would work with the local congressional delegation on a strategy to dialogue with The White House on continued funding of the Constellation program. I would encourage the creation of local bipartisan task force made up of prominent Houstonians to work with the local congressional delegation on this issue.

Do you favor comprehensive immigration reform? If not, what would you do to fix the broken immigration system?

I favor comprehensive reform that includes enacting the provisions of the DREAM Act, a pathway to citizenship and legal status for the millions of those that are undocumented that have been productive residents; and border security that includes cooperation and coordination with the various local government agencies.

Houston Press Interview Part 3

2010-02-19T14:31:00.002-06:00

Houston Press Interview Part 2

2010-02-19T14:13:00.001-06:00

Houston Press Interview Part 1

2010-02-19T14:00:00.000-06:00

Debates and Facebook Mixer

2010-02-19T13:03:00.003-06:00

Untitled Document

A Message from Jarvis Johnson for Congress

I would like to take this time to thank you for all of your support this week. Early voting began on Tuesday, and you showed up to the polls in a major way. Early Voting continues next week. If you have not early voted, you still have an opportunity to beat the rush by going to the polls between now and February 26, 2010.

Thank you also for supporting me in the debates over this past week. When asked what I would do differently in Congress, I said that I would focus on the district instead of being all over the planet chasing every media opportunity. I also stated that I would stay focused on the needs of the people of the 18th Congressional District by creating tax incentives to bring new jobs and business opportunities to them as well as providing them with access to affordable healthcare and access to a quality education. I believe the 18th Congressional District deserves a leader who will listen to its people and serve their local needs first.

Submit your questions here for the District 18 Congressional Discussion Debate scheduled for Monday, February 22, 2010 @ Rice University form 6 9 p.m.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT QUESTIONS FOR THE DEBATE

I WOULD LOVE TO CONNECT WITH YOU THIS WEEKEND AT ONE OF MY EVENTS

Friday, February 19: Facebook Mixer @ Beaucoup Bar & Grill @ 7 p.m.

A recent Houston Chronicle blog said that "Johnson is a high-tech whiz who has harnessed the power of Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, a blog and other web tools against the eight-term Democratic incumbent."

So, let's celebrate at Beaucoup Bar & Grill

Saturday, February 20: South Side Embraces Jarvis Johnson @ Emancipation Park @12-5 p.m

The South Side Communities of the 18th Congressional District are coming together to EMBRACE Houston City Council Member Jarvis Johnson in his candidacy for U.S. Congress!

Sunday, February 21, 2010: Poetry & Politics @ The Shadow Bar @ 10 p.m.

You are already clapping. Now it's time to Vote! Houston City Council Member Jarvis Johnson is hosting Da Poetry Lounge.

Come out for the best poetry in the nation and get a chance to share your political issues with Jarvis Johnson, candidate for the U.S. 18th Congressional District.

Thank you,

Jarvis Johnson

Candidate for Congress, Eighteenth District

Paid for by

The Jarvis Johnson for Congress Committee

Facebook Mixer

2010-02-18T22:37:00.000-06:00

FACEBOOK MIXER

So, let's celebrate at Beaucoup Bar & Grill

Friday, February 19, 2010

@ 7 p.m.

Beaucoup Bar & Grill

3102 Old Spanish Trail Houston, TX 77054

Early Voting:

EARLY VOTING began on February 16, 2010 at many polling locations throughout the city.

Stob by anyone of the early voting locations and cast your ballot for a New Direction.

Early voting is convenient, and allows you to beat the voting rush. Click Here for Early Voting Locations.

58% of the Voters on a Social Media Poll are saying YES TO Jarvis Johnson!

2010-02-18T21:52:00.001-06:00

Fox 26 News Reporter and Blogger, Isiah Carey, conducted a poll on two social media sites (Twitter and Facebook) on Tuesday, February 15, 2010. 58% of those polled said YES TO JARVIS JOHNSON. Read More Here from Isiah's blog.

Early Voting Starts Today - Don't Miss Your Chance to Vote in a New Direction - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE POLLS

2010-02-15T18:56:00.012-06:00

Two years ago at this time, you, I and many other Houstonians put forward a herculean effort to help Barack Obama overwhelmingly carry the 18^th Congressional District and Harris County during Presidential Primary. We were driven to victory then because of our desire to see dramatic change in the leadership of our great nation. My candidacy offers a new direction for the people of the 18^th Congressional District.

We can embrace the new direction today by Voting Early. I urge you to get family, friends, and co-workers to take the time and Vote Early.

During this campaign, I have been asked why I am running and can I win? My response has been as follows: America is a great democracy where the people are given the opportunity to choose leadership. We choose our leaders by their examples of delivering meaningful services to their communities. With your assistance, we can have a campaign where the voters of the 18^th Congressional district can be provided a choice and elect a member of congress that will provide leadership in a new direction.

For more information on Early Voting you can visit http://www.jarvisforcongress.com/voterinformation.

JOIN THE NEW DIRECTION!

WE NEED 20 VOLUNTEERS TO WORK THE POLLS ON WEDNESDAY - E-MAIL US HERE TO VOLUNTEER

EVENTS FOR THIS WEEK:

HOUSTON COMICS FOR HAITI - Wednesday, February 17, 2010 @ 8 p.m. Houston IMPROV – 7620 Katy Fwy. I will be speaking in support of continued relief efforts for our neighbors in Haiti.

South Side Communities Embrace Jarvis Johnson For Congress - Saturday, February 20, 2010 -The South Side Communities of the 18th Congressional District are coming together to EMBRACE Houston City Council Member Jarvis Johnson in his candidacy for U.S. Congress! JOIN THE CARAVAN - Emancipation Park - 3018 Dowling St. Houston, TX 77004 - 12 - 5 P.M.

Poetry and Politics - Sunday, February 21, 2010 - Houston City Council Member Jarvis Johnson is hosting Da Poetry Lounge. @ 10 p.m. -Shadow Bar – 213 Milam, Houston, TX 77002

Show your support of Jarvis Johnson For Congress by adding one of the Jarvis Johnson For Congress Avatars to your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or MySpace Profile – CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE IMAGE AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT.

Jarvis Johnson challenges Sheila Jackson Lee

2010-02-15T15:21:00.000-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: February 15, 2010

CONTACT: Marc Campos

713-861-2244

Jarvis Johnson challenges Sheila Jackson Lee

HOUSTON—Council Member Jarvis Johnson challenged Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee at the debate hosted by the Harris County Council of Organizations on Saturday, February 13, at SHAPE Community Center. The Congresswoman declined an earlier opportunity to face off with Council Member Johnson and fellow candidate, Sean Roberts, on KTSU that morning.

Council Member Jarvis Johnson questioned her at the afternoon debate for taking credit for the work of other people. Instead of claiming to have brought $59 billion dollars back to Houston, he asked her to tell exactly how much money she specifically wrote into legislation; and exactly how much of that money will come back to Congressional District 18. To-date the voters are still waiting for a response to that question.

When asked what he would do differently in Congress, Council Member Johnson said that he would focus on the district instead of being all over the planet chasing every media opportunity. He also stated that he would stay focused on the needs of the people of the 18th Congressional District by creating tax incentives to bring new jobs and business opportunities to them as well as providing them with access to affordable healthcare and access to a quality education.

“I believe the 18^th Congressional District deserves a leader who will listen to its people and serve their local needs first,” said Johnson.

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www.jarvisforcongress.com

Early Voting Starts Tomorrow - Don't Miss Your Chance to Vote in a New Direction

2010-02-15T12:52:00.002-06:00

Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek. ~ President Barack Obama - EARLY VOTE TOMORROW CLICK HERE FOR LOCATIONS http://ow.ly/17Ank

Jarvis Johnson Supports First Lady Michelle Obama's Initiative to Raise a Healthier Generation of Kids

2010-02-12T11:57:00.000-06:00

I would like to take the time to congratulate our First Lady of our Great Nation, Michelle Obama, on her courageous move to remedy the epidemic of childhood obesity in the United States. Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” initiative is the perfect investment into a generation that will “BE THE CHANGE” that we all desire to see in our country, our state and in our city. To increase awareness of childhood obesity, is to increase awareness of what kinds of foods we bring into our home and schools, how much physical activity are our children getting and the health risks that are associated with childhood obesity.

Last year, we began the “B Healthy” initiative in Houston’s District B because we believe that a “once of prevention beats a cabinet full of medication any day.” As a parent, I do my best to make sure my children eat healthy meals and get plenty of exercise and I encourage everyone to do the same. Healthy eating is the beginning of prevention and combined with increased physical activities for your children is your way of establishing a healthier and prolonged life for them. – helping them avoid life threatening diseases that plague our nation.

I am aware that the cost of eating healthy foods is more expensive and that it can be challenging to poor and underserved communities. That is why I am pushing for more jobs for the 18^th Congressional District that pay sustainable income. I am also pushing for physical education programs and athletics to be reinstated in schools. I believe that people make better decisions, when they have better options and more resources.

I look forward to working with our First Lady on this initiative. We want to help rid the 18^th Congressional District of childhood obesity and degenerative diseases in general. I want to Lead by Example and take a New Direction in our Health.

Make a promise with me today. Promise me that you’ll join me in taking better care of ourselves.

Let’s get behind our First Lady in the fight to save our future. Her success is our success.

Thank you

Voters are Saying Yes to the New Direction!

2010-02-09T21:37:00.000-06:00

Jarvis Johnson Campaign Committee Voter Poll

Saturday, January 30, 2010*

Respondents who said they will vote for Jarvis Johnson: 55%

Respondents who said they will vote for other candidates: 20%

Respondents who are still undecided: 24.5%

* Sample size: 1,775 households

Sunday, January 31, 2010*

Respondents who said they will vote for Jarvis Johnson: 60%

Respondents who said they will vote for other candidates: 18.3%

Respondents who are still undecided: 21.5%

* Sample size: 1,240 households

Monday, February 1, 2010*

Respondents who said they will vote for Jarvis Johnson: 54%

Respondents who said they will vote for other candidates: 21%

Respondents who are still undecided: 25%

* Sample size: 1,237 households

US Rep Sheila Jackson Lee gets rare challenge

2010-02-09T20:48:00.000-06:00

Feb. 9. 20-10, 2:59 p.m.

HOUSTON — Sheila Jackson Lee's appearance at Michael Jackson's funeral in Los Angeles last summer helped convince a three-term Houston city councilman to give the ubiquitous congresswoman her first credible re-election challenge since she won her seat 16 years ago.

"To say the least, the question 'Why?' came to mind," says Jarvis Johnson, who hopes to end Jackson Lee's tenure in Texas' 18th Congressional District by winning the March 2 Democratic primary. "Why are you there?"

Jackson Lee makes no apologies for taking the stage at Staples Center to exhibit a large framed congressional resolution honoring the dead pop star as a "world humanitarian."

"It's a wonderful resolution," she says, even if such activities go beyond the scope of representing central Houston. "I don't shy away from it and never will."

No one ever could accuse Jackson Lee, 60, of being shy. Even her supporters joke about her frequent speeches, broadcast on C-SPAN, to an empty House chamber. Her efforts to nab just the right seat at high-profile events to maximize on-camera time are legendary.

Johnson sees her antics as style over substance and illustrative of what's wrong with the way Jackson Lee does her job in a solidly Democratic district where winning the party primary guarantees victory in November.

"At the end of the day, people say you need to take care of your district, and being in California is not taking care of your district," he said. "We have a multitude of issues right here — unemployment, dropout rate, quality of life."

Incumbents who don't get challenged get lazy and complacent, he said.

The race offers an interesting historical parallel.

Jackson Lee was in her third term on the Houston City Council in 1994 when she beat incumbent U.S. Rep. Craig Washington on the theme that he was out of touch with his district. Johnson, 38, just won his third term to his council seat that's within the 18th Congressional District. The congressional district takes in much of urban Houston, is about 40 percent black with the remainder split between whites and Hispanics. It accounts for about a quarter of the city's more than 2 million residents.

Jackson Lee is miffed by the accusation she's out of touch.

"I'd like to think if you call me late at night, which people do, and there is a need, I will try to respond," she said.

Their campaign styles offer great contrast.

Jackson Lee kicked off her re-election bid at a downtown Houston union hall where supporters were served a catered buffet and entertained by a mariachi band and Pakistani dancers. She made a grand entrance some two hours after the event began and reminded people of her work arranging help for earthquake-ravaged Haiti, assistance for hurricane victims and federal money to ease the debt burden of Texas Southern University.

"Sheila is everywhere," said supporter Arthur Schechter, a supporter. "No one can outwork her."

Johnson's supporters began their admittedly uphill effort munching on doughnuts in a strip of connected rented mobile homes. After prayer and brief remarks, Johnson dismissed his supporters with guidance that it now was "time to get to work" knocking on doors and making calls.

"We need something new and fresh that is motivating, encouraging and full of humility," Darlene Evans, 56, of Houston, said. "I think (Jackson Lee) got off on the power."

A third Democrat, Houston attorney Sean Roberts, also is on the primary ballot. It's his first bid for political office.

"We're running as the non-politician in the race," he said.

Jackson Lee has drawn primary opposition only once before, in 2002, and steamrolled with 94 percent of the vote.

Johnson hopes to take advantage of anti-incumbent voter sentiment as illustrated by the election last month of a Republican to the U.S. Senate from Democrat-strong Massachusetts. That outcome was a fluke, Jackson Lee insisted.

Her view isn't shared by Gerry Birnberg, chairman of the Harris County Democratic Party. "Right now, I'd have to say she's the favorite, but I can't say she's a shoo-in," he said.

He called Jackson Lee as an "indefatigable" campaigner, but said some resentment may remain from Jackson Lee's backing of Hillary Clinton over Obama for president in 2008.

She's determined to defend her record and her clout. On the first visit by the new director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to Houston, Jackson Lee shepherded him to her district even though it was dozens of miles from the areas most devastated by Hurricane Ike in 2008.

As of the end of 2009, she had nearly $500,000 in campaign cash. By late January, Johnson had yet to make a financial filing with election officials.

Jarvis Johnson sponsors Veterans Benefits Seminar

2010-02-08T23:44:00.001-06:00

HOUSTON – Council Member Jarvis Johnson will be sponsoring a free Veterans Benefits Seminar Thursday, February 11, at the West Gray Adaptive Recreation Center, 1475 West Gray, Houston, TX 77019 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“Many service members and their families have made sacrifices to protect the democratic values that we in the

United States

hold sacred. Therefore, we must provide services and opportunities in an effort to give back some of what they have lost,” said Johnson.

The seminar will feature free health screenings that will be conducted from 9 a.m. until noon followed by four panel discussions on; Social Services/Health Care, Employment/Entrepreneurship, Incarcerated/ Homeless Veterans and Veteran Benefits. Free lunch will be provided.

TxPotomac poll: The Sheila Jackson Lee/Jarvis Johnson race

2010-02-08T21:18:00.001-06:00

By Richard Dunham

Contributions by Mike Glenn

HOUSTON CHRONICLE (Chron.com)

January 5, 2010

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who has represented Houston's 18th Congressional District since 1994, found out Monday that she will not be going back to Washington without a fight.

Houston City Councilman Jarvis Johnson took the oath of office for his third term Monday morning and then went to Harris County Democratic Party headquarters, where he filed to challenge the eight-term congresswoman in the March 2 Democratic primary.

A challenge to Jackson Lee was not unexpected. Her steadfast support of then-Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton during the 2008 presidential campaign irked supporters of Barack Obama in her district and almost guaranteed that she would attract an opponent.

Johnson, 38, is a Houston native who began his community involvement as the director of a youth center in District B, which he has represented on the Council since 2005. He easily won re-election last November.

"We're going to have a frank discussion on who's capable of bringing and creating good-paying jobs for the people of the district," Johnson said in a statement Monday.

"It's a democracy," he told bloggers in an interview at Harris County Democratic headquarters Monday. "It makes incumbents stronger to have an opponent."…

Breaking news: Jarvis Johnson files against Sheila Jackson Lee

2010-02-08T19:59:00.001-06:00

By Richard Dunham

HOUSTON CHRONICLE (Chron.com)

January 4, 2010

Houston will play host to the best congressional primary in Texas. Houston City Council Member Jarvis Johnson today filed to run against longtime incumbent Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee. This could be the best congressional primary in Houston since, well, Jackson Lee unseated Craig Washington.

We'll have complete coverage on chron.com — with Joe Holley reporting on the Houston Politics blog and Stewart Powell on Texas on the Potomac. Click here for a report from the Musings blog.

And we'll give you comprehensive coverage of this Democratic showdown from now through primary day, March 2.

Jarvis Johnson receives endorsements of My Houston Texas Information and South Houston Communities

2010-02-08T18:59:00.001-06:00

February 8, 2010

HOUSTON – Jarvis Johnson, candidate for the 18^th Congressional District of Texas received the endorsements of My Houston Texas Information (www.MyHoustonTexas.Info) and South Houston Communities (i.e. www.SouthMacGregor.biz; www.SouthParkTx.biz;www.SouthUnion.biz; and www.SunnysideTx.biz).

“Extraordinary people and not politicians is who have endorsed me and I’m honored to have received their endorsement,” said Johnson. “The people of the 18th Congressional District of Texas deserve an effective representative who will work to build coalitions that help move the entire community forward,” continued Johnson.

Kuff's World Interview with Council Member Jarvis Johnson

2010-02-08T10:48:00.000-06:00

Kuff's World

A reader blog about politics and current events with Charles Kuffner

Interview with Council Member Jarvis Johnson

By Charles Kuffner

HOUSTON CHRONICLE (Chron.com)

February 3, 2010

Running to unseat Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee in CD18 is Houston City Council Member Jarvis Johnson, who was recently elected to a third and final term in District B. (My interview with him from that race is here.) As he observes, District B is almost entirely within CD18, so he is familiar to many of the voters there. CM Johnson is the first serious opponent Rep. Jackson Lee has faced since her victory over then-Rep. Craig Washington in 1994. Here's the interview:

LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW HERE

Where Are The Jobs? Response to Sheila Jackson Lee’s interview with Off the Kuff

2010-02-04T12:21:00.002-06:00

Where are the jobs?

Response to Sheila Jackson Lee’s interview with Off the Kuff

The link below is directed to Cong. Sheila Jackson Lee’s interview with Off the Kuff. She immediately states that her biggest accomplishment has been bringing jobs to the community. Here’s the quote: “I think bringing jobs back to this community over a long period of time.”

The evidence does not substantiate her claim. If she had brought jobs to the 18th Congressional District, we wouldn’t have 35%* of all children living in poverty.

(CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW) Off The Kuff Interview w/Sheila Jackson Lee

*American Community Survey, 2008

Who is Jarvis Johnson? A Mother's Perspective

2010-02-03T00:22:00.002-06:00

Who Is Jarvis Johnson?

A Son and lifelong Public Servant

Jarvis started his calling as a Public Servant at the age of six. He would accompany his grandparents, his dad and me to church and school where we volunteered. We instilled in him the importance of church, education and giving back to his community.

By the time Jarvis was 8 years old, I was working for the late Congressman Mickey Leland as his Special Assistant and Community Outreach Specialist. We developed programs, helped veterans, ex-offenders, senior citizens and the community at large to navigate their way through government. Jarvis and his sister Velika often volunteered with me at community events organized by Congressman Leland.

During his early teens, Jarvis and his sister Velika became two of the founding members of the Mickey Leland Youth Task Forces (MLYTF). This was one of the few programs that allowed all of the youth to develop character, inspire understanding, train the mind “how to think” rather than what to think; and provided guidance in helping youth on how to be active participants in life rather than mere spectators. This program gave him the experience and perspective he has today. Jarvis was able to take these skills with him to every position he has held.

During his high school years, Jarvis became an HIV/AIDS youth counselor in middle schools. Two years later, he worked as a juvenile peer counselor at a residential treatment center for young boys. While attending Texas Southern University, he became the Executive Director for the Phoenix Outreach Youth Center (POYC). POYC was designed to give low income youth an opportunity to learn how to live differently, with the desire to reach heights unknown. He had the responsibility of changing the lives of 45 youth his first year. Word soon spread about the awesome opportunities Jarvis offered at the POYC.

In 1996, Jarvis started “Christmas Comes to 5th Ward” as a tribute to the late Congressman Mickey Leland. Jarvis was able to build relationships with various community organizations to help coordinate this event and provide toys to many children who lived in the inner city.

Jarvis has organized issues and events in his community all of his life on different levels. What excites me about Jarvis is seeing all the young people who surround him and who shadow him in our community. Jarvis has always been a leader and motivator who encourages and gives young people an opportunity to do good for themselves and for others.

I believe that we need Jarvis Johnson in Washington D.C. because he has real experience with the community. He understands us. He wants to expand his reach to better serve us at the national level.

~ Mama Cleo