I grew my residential real estate firm from a tiny concern with 3 agents to be in the top 25 in her field with 50 agents before I sold the company in 2008. I know hard work and getting the most for every dollar spent is key to success. Now more than ever, small businesses are complaining that fines, fees and red tape hamper their success. I know how much thriving good neighborhood businesses impact quality of life. Small businesses can not only enhance our property values but many collect sales tax revenue. They save us time, gas and employ young people close to home. They are important members of our communities. Karen Derr is proud to have worked on successful shop local campaigns like Heights First Saturday and White Linen Night. As your At Large City Council member, I will encourage small business development and help, not hamper, getting good, clean businesses online with the City in record time. They are one of the City’s best opportunities to keep our economy strong.
My concern for Houston youth is a year round passion but particularly when school is in session, Houston’s lack of sidewalks is problematic. Please remember to take care and drive the speed limit. With many parents and children forced to take to the street rather than safe sidewalks, drivers must be cautious to avoid disaster. I see many neighborhoods that not only lack sidewalks, but have dangerous debris with glass and paint dumped right beside where students walk when I’m out these days assessing needs in neighborhoods. I’ve worked with neighborhood education committees to focus on the 40 Developmental Assets youth need in their community to succeed. I also have organized with neighbors to jumpstart a stalled hike and bike trail which was stalled by government bureaucracy for 10 years after it was funded. I am a candidate that cares about our youth and a pedestrian friendly city.
Karen Derr is proud to receive the endorsement of two neighborhood clubs, the Oak Forest and the Spring Branch Democrats in August. Their support is particularly meaningful to Derr who is running on a platform of neighborhood concerns which she feels are key to Houston’s future growth and prosperity. “If we continue to let our City of Houston neighborhoods become more blighted, we will be hard pressed to maintain our tax base or attract new industry,” says Derr. The two neighborhood Democratic clubs screened candidates after requiring a completion of an in depth questionnaire which focused both on political values and knowledge of neighborhood issues. All candidates endorsed by the Spring Branch Democrats won in a vote by 75% or more of the member in attendance. Karen Derr has also received the endorsement of the Seafarers’ Union, the C.W.A. Union, and the Houston Stonewall Young Democrats.