Article on the $21.65 wage and FBI involvement

From the Desk of Ray “RC” Jones

President, Northside Political Action Group

To My Fellow Citizens,

Commissioner Rodney Ellis recently sent out a message celebrating a supposed minimum wage increase to $21.65. But let us be real this is not about helping the everyday worker. It is a political stunt, aimed at getting votes for Christian Menefee, who is running for Texas’ 18th Congressional District.

I have spent over 50 years involved in Houston and Harris County politics. I know how this game is played. This $21.65 wage talk will not benefit the general public, it is for a select few hand-picked by Ellis. Contractors do not get paid the minimum wage; they get paid based on the total value of a contract over a period of time. So, this number is being used as bait to buy political favor, not to bring real change.

And now the FBI is involved. The Northside Political Action Group stands with Kim Ogg. For those who have doubted it before, it is time to pay attention. The FBI does not investigate without cause. Maybe you have not experienced what I have in this arena, but I have seen enough corruption and retaliation to last a lifetime.

Let me tell you something about several of us. Back when Gene Locke was commissioner in office, we were lined up for millions of dollars in contracts. But when Rodney Ellis came to power, he canceled them immediately. When he wrongfully took out William McLeod as judge, then appointed Judge Lesley Briones not long after, I was hit with a half-million-dollar judgment and a receivership. That was not random. That was Rodney Ellis trying to get back at little old me.

They did not expect me to speak up. But I will.

I am also proud to be sharing my wisdom, knowledge, and experience with Mr. Fred Woods, President of the Northwood Manor Civic Club. He is a rising leader in our community who takes this work seriously. Even if you do not see him at every meeting, rest assured we talk. He is learning what is really going on behind the scenes.

Rodney Ellis wants to look like a champion of the people, but it is all a setup to boost Christian Menefee and maintain control of the 18th Congressional District. If you choose to stand with that team, you are showing exactly what kind of politics you support.

This is not about tearing anyone down without reason. It is about telling the truth and protecting our community from being misled.

Stay informed. Stay alert. And vote with your eyes wide open and be sure to pay attention to how the FBI plays this out.

Sincerely,

Ray “RC” Jones

President, Northside Political Action Group

832-498-3705

12/9/24

From the Desk of Ray / RC Jones

President, Northside Political Action Group

I am deeply concerned that no Black political organizations have addressed the troubling actions of Michael P. Doyle, who currently holds both the Chair and Treasurer positions in the Harris County Democratic Party. Reports indicate that thousands of dollars donated by Black judges to the Democratic Party were not spent in Black communities, such as Acres Homes or Northeast Harris County. Sources suggest that millions of dollars were contributed, yet there is no evidence these funds were used as intended.

This unprecedented situation, with one individual serving as both Chair and Treasurer, raises significant questions about transparency and accountability. In my 48 years of political experience, I have never witnessed such a consolidation of power in the party’s leadership. Even during the tenure of former chairs like Lillie Schechter, there was always a clear division of responsibilities and a stronger respect for these roles. Are we willing to let this mismanagement continue? If the Harris County Democratic Party’s leadership remains unchanged, we can expect further down-ballot defeats in 2026.

Currently, it seems that only a small group of individuals, led by Commissioner Rodney Ellis, are influencing Black politics in Harris County. This concentration of power undermines the broader community's involvement and hinders progress. The Harris County Executive Committee, along with organizations such as the Harris Black American Democrats (HBAD) and the NAACP, must take this matter seriously. The lack of outreach to critical voting blocs is evident. Tens of thousands of eligible voters in Northeast and Northwest, Harris County were unaware of judges on the ballot. This failure to engage the community not only disrespects the contributions of those who invested time and resources in these campaigns but also jeopardizes the future of our local leadership.

To the judges who lost their races, I urge you to run again. Your defeat should not be seen as a reflection of your qualifications but rather as a failure of the system to support and promote your candidacy effectively. Your contributions were mismanaged, and the community deserves better.

To the younger generation, It is time to become more involved in politics. Stand firm in your convictions and resist undue influence from those not prioritizing the community's best interests. Leadership is needed now more than ever to restore accountability and integrity to our political processes.

Let us work together to address these critical issues and rebuild trust within our communities.

Sincerely,

Ray / RC Jones

President, Northside Political Action Group