Controversy swirls around councilmember's visit (Firefighters contact mayor re safety concerns)

ABCKTRX-TV ^ | January 15, 2011 | Cynthia Cisnero

[Cincinatus' Wife]

The allegations are against Houston city Councilmember Jolanda Jones concerning an unannounced visit Friday to Fire Station Number 8 in downtown Houston. Firefighters there allege Jones used profanity and other inappropriate comments. The complaints were made by firefighters to their union president, who is out of town and spoke to us over the phone.

"She said, 'You guys got four (expletive) stoves and four (expletive) refrigerators' and she went on like that," said Jeff Caynon with the Houston Professional Firefighters Association.

Caynon also alleges the councilmember had disparaging remarks regarding the behavior of the firefighters at Station 8.

"She says, 'You guys don't work. You come here and just sit around and sit down on your recliners and watch TV,'" said Caynon. "The problem is its once again another in a pattern of erratic behavior we've seen from Councilmember Jones."

The councilmember's office confirms she was at the station Friday on a scavenger hunt with staff members. When asked about the colorful language, her office would only reply, 'She's a colorful person.'

... Councilmember James Rodriguez, whose district includes Station 8, issued this response:

"This is a very serious allegation. I am concerned about the safety of my constituents and the firefighters that serve our city. I have asked Mayor Parker to look into this matter.....

Video of this "visit" linked in thread source.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

-- Jeff Caynon, president of HPFFA has concerns about her "pattern of erratic behavior."

Houston City Council Woman Jolanda Jones
has been holding people's feet to the fire over
incidents of sexism and racism inside HFD

Some history re Council Woman Jolanda Jones [Davey D's Hip Hop Corner: Hip Hop and Politics] - Aug 2009 -

[Excerpt] Houston TX) we have a problem. Sadly its the age old problem of racism and sexism which was supposed to be disappearing in this new Era of Obama within a city that is now the third largest in the country. For those who haven’t been following the drama, what’s been going on is an ugly series of racial incidents including 2 or 3 noose hanging incidents, racial epithets being spewed over the departments tactical radio system and disturbing remarks targeting two women sprawled on the walls of Houston’s fire station #54.

At the center of the most recent controversy are two women Paula Keyes and Jane Draycott who reported that for months they’ve had to endure a series of incidents including the recent defacing of a picture of Draycott’s daughter who was killed in a car accident. Someone wrote ‘dead’ across the photo while referring to her as a ‘nigger lover’ and a writing the words ‘die’ on her picture. Here’s a link to a local news report on this incident.

[snip]

The other incident involves a white HFD captain named Keith Smith who was discovered to have a noose hanging in his locker earlier this year. Smith was reprimanded by the Chief for the incident while the City Council coughed up a bunch of money-60 thousand dollars for sensitivity training. Smith a 28 year veteran who has held the rank of captain for 15 years recently issued a public apology where explained that he kept the noose as some sort of memento for his training days. He said he had no idea the noose meant something racial.

One has to wonder what sort of training Smith had received. Maybe things were more racial charged 28-30 years ago. I find it hard to believe that Smith was that oblivious when you consider the national brouhaha that occurred because of the noose hanging incidents in Jena, La (Jena 6) which is about 6 hours away from Houston. Was Smith not following the news when all this went down back in Fall of 2007?

What’s even crazier is that Rev D.Z. Cofield vice president of the Houston NAACP defended Smith saying he was unfairly being put on blast and they recommended that the letter of reprimand be removed from the captain’s record.

[snip]

"Since our interview a group of women firefighters have met with Houston Mayor Bill White to say that they are proud of of the fire department and that although there are some problems things aren’t all that bad."[End Excerpt]

[Cincinatus' Wife]

OBAMA:

"I don’t know – not having been there and not seeing all the facts – what role race played in that, but I think it’s fair to say, number one, any of us would be pretty angry; number two that he Cambridge police acted stupidly in arresting somebody when there was already proof that they were in their own home," Obama said in response to a question from the Chicago Sun-Times's Lynn Sweet.

Gates, Obama allowed, "is a friend, so I may be a little biased here. I don't know all the facts."

However Gates, he continued, "jimmied his way to get into [his own] house."

"There was a report called in to the police station that there might be a burglary taking place – so far so good," Obama said, reflecting that he'd hope the police were called if he were seen breaking into his own house, then pausing.

"I guess this is my house now," he remarked of the White House. "Here I’d get shot."

Undergirding the long digression, though, was Obama's place as a new symbol of racial reconciliation, and his long past in the trenches of the politics of race and discrimination in the Illinois State Senate.

"Separate and apart from this incident is that there’s a long history in this country of African-American and Latinos being stopped by law enforcement disproportionately," the president said, eagerly engaging the issue of racial profiling, a concern earlier in his career that has seen little White House attention to date......Politico -- July 2009

[Cincinatus' Wife]

[Quoted in Post #1] “Sadly its the age old problem of racism and sexism which was supposed to be disappearing in this new Era of Obama within a city that is now the third largest in the country.”

What's happening around Houston for MLK Day

[snip} WEDNESDAY • University of Houston history professor Tyrone Tillery, a former Detroit NAACP director and an award-winning author, will consider how King might have viewed current U.S. race relations in a 4 p.m. presentation at Smith Neighborhood Library, 3624 Scott.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Jan 14, 2011 - Victim Thanks Houston Firefighters for Rescue

A man rescued from his burning home by Houston firefighters got the chance to show his gratitude Friday.

The fire happened at a home on Wilmington near Cullen in southeast Houston.

Fire officials said he was saved not only by the courageous firefighters but by a new drug that’s being carried on most squad cars.

“Thank you sir. God bless you all,” said an enthusiastic Parris Flowers.

Burns are still evident on his hands as Flowers shook the hands of the men who saved his life.

“They risked their life to save my life, someone they don’t even know. That surely touches my heart,” said Flowers.

The story began Nov. 1 with a fire that ripped through the home.

“It was nothing but smoke billowing when we tried to get through the front door. It was just black. We couldn’t see anything,” said Juanita Spencer, a resident.

Neighbors realized Flowers was still inside.

“I just started crying and praying and saying, ‘I don’t think he’s gonna make it,’” said Spencer.

Firefighters fought through smoke and fire to save Flowers from the burning building and once out, it was not immediately good news.

Flowers had a pulse but was not breathing. The medic on the scene administered a Cyano-kit, a series of drugs used to fight the cyanide poisoning found in fire smoke.

“I think without that drug, five more minutes he would be dead. There’s no question,” said Capt. Mo Davis, with the Houston Fire Department.

After three months in a coma, Flowers is thankful to the brave firefighters.

“They saved my life. I couldn’t have made it without (them). If it weren’t for them, I would be long, six-feet under,” said Flowers.

“It’s what we joined the fire department for. You know, all the other stuff you hear, it’s why we join the fire department,” said Davis.

The Cyano-kit that was used is carried by most fire medics. It’s been in effect in Houston for about a year and credited with saving at least a dozen lives.

http://www.firehouse.com/news/top-headlines/victim-thanks-houston-firefighters-rescue

[Cincinatus' Wife]

April 12, 2009 — HFD mourns firefighters killed in line of duty

Two Houston firefighters died early Easter morning trying to save an elderly couple from their blazing home.

Capt. James Harlow, 50, and rookie firefighter Damion Hobbs, 30, didn’t know the homeowners had already escaped. The couple, both in their 80s, were safely down the street by the time firefighters arrived.

The fallen firefighters never made it out of the sprawling one-story, 4,170-square-foot home on Oak Vista.

They missed roll call after the rest of their colleagues from Fire Station 26 in southeast Houston were ordered out of the blazing home.

“Unfortunately, there are inherent dangers in our profession,” said Jeff Caynon, president of the Houston Professional Firefighters Association. “From the time the call goes out, there are dangers.”

Witnesses said it took another hour to suppress the fire enough for firefighters to retrieve bodies.

Although their colleagues tried desperately to resuscitate them on the lawn, the two men were pronounced dead at the scene. ...................

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6370042.html

[DainBramage]

You fail to mention that one of the females was alleged to have written the defamatory notes herself and was forced to take handwriting analysis and lawyered up. And that there was never one ounce of proof any male firefighter ever wrote any such note. All took handwriting samples also.

Some of her complaints were of urine splattered toilet seat lids and foul language.....in a station with 48 out of 50 firemen using the restroom being male. Hmmmm She sounds alot like my wife talking to me and my two sons.

When the captain with the noose in his locker came forward he stated it was from his days as a rookie in training. One of the first things a rookie fireman does in training is ropes and knots. Over and over for days you carry around a 10 foot piece of rope creating different types of knots to secure ladders, axes and supplies to be hauled over peoples heads to upper stories of buildings. While a hangmans noose isnt taught its very common to see people making them while playing around. And the article doesnt say hangmans noose, just "noose". Could have been a slip knot for all we know.

How many times have you heard of a sexual accusation against a coworker that turned out to be false? Often right? A male accused doesnt stand a chance to rebutt even with witnesses if they are male.

What they wont tell you is that women who become firemen often dont have to pass the same physical tests as males in order to satisfy quotas, though a few do. Males resent it, and who wouldnt when 5000 males try out, 100 females try out and 100 males are chosen and 30 females? I have worked with several females who were very capable, strong, smart and great to have on any crew, but they were few and far between.

I think there is much more to the problem than this article and your assessment takes into account.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Thank you for adding that information! I was hoping other posters would comment and add more.

I just found this article in "African-American News and Issues" written by Councilwoman Jolanda Jones May 18, 2009 that leaves me shaking my head. Her comments are erratic. Who is the real Jolanda Jones? She shoots from the lip.

-------------

Firefighters do More Than Save us From Fires -- By Jolanda Jones May 18, 2009

God Bless Fire Fighters! I say that because I have a new-found respect for them after doing a stint at Fire Station 25 (“25’s”). Initially, all I thought they did was rescue us from fires. I don’t say that lightly because they do save our lives during fires; they rush into the heat when we’re trying to rush out. Boy was I wrong! It’s just that after I accompanied the 525 ambulance on its 24 hour B Shift, I realized that it’s much more than I envisioned. It’s a grueling job. And most importantly, it’s a job that we’d better hope they’re always around for.

I thought it was going to be no big deal. I’m a former world-class athlete who still works out (weights, cardio and abs) and who is as tough as any guy. I arrived about 7:00 a.m., after the shift change with A Shift. I was full of energy and excited. I had my pink bag with toiletries, a change of clothes, and my own sheets and pillow. Boy, did I have a lot to learn. The restrooms, especially in the watch room, were not a place I wanted to use or shower in. The mattresses were not a place I wanted to sleep.

Breakfast was ready and cooked by Engineer Operator Morris—eggs, bacon, pancakes and coffee. I began to make my plate when the red light and sirens went off. I found out real quick how to make a pancake sandwich. I hopped on the pumper and away we went. The first call was an assault at a local university. I won’t go into details, but it was very interesting. The 525 took a person to the hospital. I went back to 25’ with the pumper. I ate some more bacon.

The next call was a cardiac arrest. I was able to share in the most phenomenal experience. I have known the family of the cardiac arrest patient since childhood. They kept asking me questions. Although I knew the patient wasn’t breathing without the aid of CPR, I kept advising them that the patient was being worked on, which was absolutely true. I got to see 25’s EMTs and paramedics, from another station, work as a team and bring someone back to life. It was incredible! I saw all these strong men manually doing CPR and switching out because it was so tiring and just going on and on and on. I’d lost faith that the person could be saved, but they didn’t. They just worked exhaustingly for at least 30 minutes. Then we rushed off to Ben Taub, with everyone except me still performing CPR. The patient wasn’t breathing on their own. By the time we got there, they’d brought the patient back to life. I was AMAZED and so proud of them. I was also happy for the family of the patient.

We went back to 25’s. I was advised that the ambulances were the busiest. That was it for me, I wanted to be busy. I wanted to ride with the ambulance. I still had energy. After that, it was the 525, the number assigned to one of the ambulances at 25’s.

We made other calls. We went to “Fill the Boot” on the corner of Scott and Elgin. I was surprised to find out that you didn’t get off the clock to do “Fill the Boot;” that you had to raise money for charity in between runs. Dispatch came on and ordered us on a run. We packed up our boots, hopped in the pumper, and we were off. We made runs, some serious, where lives were saved, and some a lesson on why we need universal health care. We made runs to homes for what should have been doctor visits. We also made runs for boyfriend/girlfriend drama. Some lady couldn’t get her baby’s daddy to answer the phone. She didn’t want him going out to the club, so she called the ambulance and said her child was sick. It didn’t work. He still didn’t show up. What a waste of tax-payer money.

We were dispatched on a call where mental illness was involved. EO Morris was doing his best to calm every one down, especially the patient and his family. He did all he could to keep the family members from asking the patient questions, speaking with him and approaching him. He tried to just have the patient’s mom speak with him.

At the time, I thought that was insensitive. A younger fire fighter kept asking if the police had been called. EO Morris kept saying, “no, not yet.” Let’s only do that as a last resort. Finally the mom convinced her son to go to the hospital. As soon as the patient got in the ambulance, the police come running with their hands on their guns. An escalation was averted.

He later explained to the younger fire fighter that in situations where mental illness is involved, the situation should be calmed down, if possible. He said he wanted to see if the patient’s mom could talk the patient into being taken to the hospital; that all the questions from family members might agitate the mental health patient even more and escalate the atmosphere; and that you only call the police as a last resort because sometimes mental illness and law enforcement don’t mix. We’d continued to make non-stop runs all day. Capt. Dean and EO Morris were right—I should have grabbed rest whenever I could. At about 8:00 p.m., 14 hours into my shift, I was running on empty. I hopped in the bed, every time I could, clothes laid out perfectly to jump into in less than one minute, to get quick power naps to re-energize myself.

Then EO Morris came in and advised that we had lost two fire fighters. It was sobering. It was the last six hours of the shift. Morris asked if I wanted to come to the Medical Examiner’s office. I said I was a part of their team that night. When it was time to go, we boarded the pumper, this time with no lights and sirens blasting; just thinking and appreciating life. The boxes were on runs. When we arrived at the ME’s office, other pumpers, ladders and boxes and squads and chief cars were there. The Honor Guard was there too. It was drizzling, but that didn’t matter. Everyone got out and communed. Others, including Dean and Morris, figured out the logistics of how to salute the fallen fire fighters. All the apparatuses were lined up along OST. HPD drove by in unison as well. When the boxes carrying Harlow and Hobbs arrived, the apparatuses were lit up. All the fire fighters were lined up along the street in a salute. What camaraderie, friendship and respect.

The stretchers were carried by fellow shift men of the two fallen heroes – Capt. James Harlow and Fire Fighter Damion Hobbs, with American flags draped around the stretchers. It was later explained to me that Capt. Harlow and Hobbs would not ever be left alone. There was a lot of emotion- a lot of grown men crying and needing help to stand. The uniqueness of the bond of fire fighters was a sight to behold.

After Capt. Harlow and Hobbs were safely at the ME’s office, we headed back to 25’s. Not much talking took place, just a lot of reflecting, at least for me. I heard some sniffles, but I understood. It’s a dangerous job and someone’s got to do it. I was with the men/women (although there were no women on B Shift) who do it day in and day out. When we got back, I couldn’t sleep, even though I was tired. I sat there until the shift was over. I don’t even remember if there were more runs. I was just numb.

My 24 hour shift with 25’s taught me so much and gave me a better understanding of what it is that fire fighters do. They do so much more than just save us and our property from fires. They come to help us when we are in the most need, most embarrassing, most helpless and most un-dignified moments. Notwithstanding these not-wished-for moments, they help us without embarrassing us. They work in a dignified manner, even when we are helpless.

Since my service with 25’s, I did a 24 hour shift with the D shift at 46’s. That’s another story for another day, but it’s the same story. Day in and day out, literally, fire fighters are there to rescue us. If you don’t respect them, you should! They are the ones, when it comes to sickness, that hold down the fort and try to stabilize us until we make it to the hospital. Firefighters are my heroes!

The recent loss of two Houston Firefighters, Capt. James Harlow, 50, and Damien Hobbs, 29, reminded us all of just how dangerous the occupation can be.

[End of her column]

[DainBramage]

Houston firefighter at center of a harassment scandal arrested for shoplifting at Walmart

| By Allison Triarsi at KHOU News, Houston

A firefighter who sparked a citywide controversy after claiming she was harassed by members of the Houston Fire Department is facing a new legal battle. Jane Draycott was arrested for shoplifting at a Spring Walmart on FM 2920 Monday evening. Court documents acquired by 11 News state Draycott was arrested by Precinct 4 deputy constables for unlawfully taking one Digital Video Disc Player, or DVD player, around 9:45 p.m. Draycott was charged with theft and given a $500 bond. She bonded out around 2:45 a.m. Tuesday. Draycott and another female firefighter filed a lawsuit claiming harassment and discrimination while employed by the Houston Fire Department. The harassment investigation began in 2009 when Jane Draycott and the other firefighter said racist and sexist graffiti was scribbled on their lockers at Fire Station 54.

Draycott’s lawsuit claimed she was the victim of repeated unwanted sexual advances from other firefighters at multiple stations where she worked, and after she reported it, she was harassed by her superiors.

After city officials found the investigation to be “inconclusive,” Draycott decided to return to her station near Bush Intercontinental Airport.

In January, Draycott returned to Fire Station 54, but left after a captain read a letter during roll call that said she wasn’t to be trusted. Several firefighters from Station 54 were reassigned due to the controversy. She returned to work again a week later, where she is a current employee.

[DainBramage]

Houston firefighter at center of a harassment scandal arrested for shoplifting at Walmart

| By Allison Triarsi at KHOU News, Houston

A firefighter who sparked a citywide controversy after claiming she was harassed by members of the Houston Fire Department is facing a new legal battle. Jane Draycott was arrested for shoplifting at a Spring Walmart on FM 2920 Monday evening. Court documents acquired by 11 News state Draycott was arrested by Precinct 4 deputy constables for unlawfully taking one Digital Video Disc Player, or DVD player, around 9:45 p.m. Draycott was charged with theft and given a $500 bond. She bonded out around 2:45 a.m. Tuesday. Draycott and another female firefighter filed a lawsuit claiming harassment and discrimination while employed by the Houston Fire Department. The harassment investigation began in 2009 when Jane Draycott and the other firefighter said racist and sexist graffiti was scribbled on their lockers at Fire Station 54.

Draycott’s lawsuit claimed she was the victim of repeated unwanted sexual advances from other firefighters at multiple stations where she worked, and after she reported it, she was harassed by her superiors.

After city officials found the investigation to be “inconclusive,” Draycott decided to return to her station near Bush Intercontinental Airport.

In January, Draycott returned to Fire Station 54, but left after a captain read a letter during roll call that said she wasn’t to be trusted. Several firefighters from Station 54 were reassigned due to the controversy. She returned to work again a week later, where she is a current employee.

[Yorlik803]

When Firemen work, they work their asses off fighting fires.
They also train in the hours they are working.What are they suppost to do when their training is done and there are no fires to fight? Do people want them to start fires so they have something to do?
I dont begudge firemen relaxing in their down time.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Indeed a bizarre case DrainBramage.

Draycott's husband, attorney blame grief for downward spiral

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Councilwoman Jones appears to be systematically stoking division and fanning hate with her repeated attacks on firefighters (and the police as I noticed in her column posted in Post #7).

[csvset]

'You guys don't work. You come here and just sit around and sit down on your recliners and watch TV,'",

That ain't workin' that's the way you do it,
Money for nothin' and your chicks for free

[Cincinatus' Wife]

She was with her staff.

Did they laugh? Did they frown? Did they feel uncomfortable? Were they embarrassed?

Was she showing off? Was she giving her staff pointers? Had she been drinking?

Inquiring minds want to know.

[csvset]

When asked about the colorful language, her office would only reply, 'She's a colorful person of color.'

Fixed it.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Councilwoman Jones employs politics of division to attract votes. She is a hypocrite who uses race-baiting, gender “equality” and no doubt national origin, as her platform.

[Right Wing Assault]

'You guys don't work. You come here and just sit around and sit down on your recliners and watch TV,'",

Councilwoman Jones, please read the fine column by someone claiming to be you in post #7. If you really DID write that, I think you need to see a doctor who specializes in multiple personality disorders and other mental illnesses.

[Condor51]

Hey Jolanda. Don't get riled up but...

A Noose once bit my sister.

Uh .. wait .... that was a Moose. Never mind Jolanda.

'series' This whole Noose Thing is idiotic.
In all of America's history, more WHITES have been lynched than Blacks. From 'witches' in New England to Cattle Rustlers in the Old West.

Not to mention that HANGING - with a NOOSE - was still the preferred method of carrying out the Death Penalty in many states until fairly recently (1950's). Like those two homos who Murdered the Clutter family, In Cold Blood, in Kansas (1957?).

[Cincinatus' Wife]

http://www.biggeststars.com/j/jolanda-jones-biography.html

Birthday: 11/06/1965
Birthplace: Houston, Texas, USA
Occupation: Reality TV Star "Survivor"
Sign: Scorpio

Jolanda "Jo" Jones attended Alief Elsik High School in Houston, Texas, where she graduated magna cum laude and was an All-American in both track and field and basketball. She is the only person to win the Texas State 5A Team Championship as an individual. After high school, Jones went on to graduate magna cum laude with a degree in political science from the University of Houston. She served on numerous university and community boards and organizations and was a member of the student government. Jones was nominated by the university for a Rhodes scholarship and received the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship. In 1995, Jones earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Houston Law Center. She is currently self-employed as a lawyer/consultant/community activist.

Jones was the 1989 US Track and Field Heptathlon Champion and earned an unprecedented three NCAA heptathlon championships. She was the runner-up for SWC Female Athlete of the Decade for the 80s, two-time Academic All-American while at the University of Houston and a 1989 NCAA Top Six Award winner.

An abusive relationship forced Jones to retire from track and field for seven years. Despite the odds, she resumed training while working part-time as a corporate lawyer. Within three months, she had qualified for the 1996 US Olympic Trials. Unfortunately, her 19 year-old brother was murdered two weeks before she was to compete. His death and her meager five months of training proved too much to overcome (although she did win the high jump portion of the heptathlon and was in sixth place after three events). After competing in three events, she became severely dehydrated and was forced to withdraw.

Such accomplishments have earned Jones a spot in the Cougar Hall of Fame at the University of Houston Athletic/Alumni Center. She was inducted into the GTE (Verizon) Academic All-America Hall of Fame in 1999. She was inducted into the Texas Black Hall of Fame in 2003.

Jones largely credits her success to her tumultuous childhood. When she was 13 months old, her father committed suicide while she was in the room. Her mother had four more children, and Jones became their primary caretaker while their mother worked. There were times when the family went without water, electricity or heat. When Jones was a teenager, their rented house burned down due to the use of candles in place of electricity. Two of her uncles committed suicide, her aunt was murdered and various members of her family are in prison and on welfare. Jones credits her criticizing mother and supportive grandmother for teaching her to be the best and stand up for the poor and disenfranchised.

Jones' niece died of SIDS in 2000. Consequently, she sits on the board of the 501c(3) named after her niece, the U'jana Conley Foundation for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. She also sits on the board of the Land Assemblage Redevelopment Authority for the City of Houston.

--------------

http://www.buddytv.com/info/jolanda-jones-info.aspx

Biography
Reality Show Survivor: Palau (Season 10)- 1st voted out

Born on November 6, 1965, Jolanda “Jo” Jones was a student of Alief Elsik High School in student, where she was an All-American track and field and basketball player. After she graduated magna cum laude, she enrolled at the University of Houston, from where she again finished magna cum laude with a degree in a political science. Jonas went on to acquire her Juris Doctorate from the University of Houston Law Center. Among her other accomplishments are receiving a nomination for a Rhodes scholarship and an NCAA Postgraduate scholarship, becoming the 1989 US Track and Field Heptathlon Champion, working as a board member of both the U’jana Conley Foundation for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and the Land Assemblage Redevelopment Authority and being inducted into University of Houston’s Cougar Hall of Fame. Although she stepped away from track and field due to an abusive boyfriend, Jones returned to the sport after seven years, only to withdraw from the 1996 Olympic Trials after learning her brother was murdered.

Her perseverance and strong spirit led her to audition for Survivor: Palau, but she was only able to stay in the island for three days. Jones was one of the two contestants tasked to choose members for her tribe, Ulong, on Day 2, but following Ulong’s defeat at the first immunity challenge, her fellow Ulong tribe members ousted her for coming on too (cuts off here)

------------

http://www.houstontx.gov/council/5/

Jolanda Jones believes in a Houston where a kid like her can grow up to be a successful lawyer and businesswoman, a homeowner, even a member of City Council, and most importantly, a mom who can afford to give her son the opportunity for a bright future.

From a childhood of poverty to the Academic All American Hall of Fame, then on to a successful career as an attorney fighting to reform our criminal justice system, Jolanda Jones' personal story sheds light on the kind of leadership, commitment, and teamwork she brings to Houston's City Council. ---------------------

----------------

The councilmember's office confirms she was at the station Friday on a scavenger hunt with staff members. When asked about the colorful language, her office would only reply, 'She's a colorful person.'

Staff: http://www.houstontx.gov/council/5/staff.html

[Condor51]

*** self-employed as a lawyer/consultant/community activist.******

Well. That explains it. Another community activist.

As to her traumatic childhood and what she had to 'overcome',
Jolanda .....

Mine wasn't exactly a bed of freaking roses, either!
But I didn't have AFFIRMATIVE ACTION to prop me up.