Houston City Council Member Melissa Noriega hosted a fun event on Wednesday night that drew dozens of community leaders, political candidates and their supporters.
“Let the Games Begin “ served as a political fundraiser and official celebration to mark the end of the filing period for the City of Houston elections.
People interested in running for office had until 5pm Wednesday to file the necessary paperwork and pay a fee. The party began thirty minutes later at Cafe Adobe near Shepherd and Westheimer.
As promised, there was plenty of food, drinks and political gossip to keep people entertained throughout the night.
Noriega was thrilled that she did not draw a last minute opponent to challenge her for the At-Large Position 3 seat she currently holds. Some of her colleagues are also breathing a sigh of relief. Newly elected district H council member Ed Gonzalez and District I council member James Rodriguez do not have opponents.
But , other incumbents will have to work the campaign trail to stay on city council, including Council Member and Mayor Pro-Tem Sue Lovell who has four challengers, District D Council Member Wanda Adams, who drew two opponents, and District E Council Member Mike Sullivan who has one opponent. (Jolanda Jones At-Large Position 5 is also being challenged, but she didn’t attend the event)
Other candidates in the mix Wednesday night: Lane Lewis for District A, Noel Freeman for At-Large Position 4, Rick Rodriguez for At-Large Position 1, Karen Derr for At-Large Position 1, Steven Costello for Position 1, and Ronald Green for Controller.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2009. Let The Games Begin!