Stardig A No Show In District A Runoff Debate

If you are a candidate for Houston City Council and you get caught in a bar instead of a superneighborhood meeting, the jokes just won't stop. There's a Twitter account for Republican Brenda Stardig - @brendasbarstool - and a Twitter hashtag (#barstoolBrenda). Not to mention that wild and crazy website, www.StardigSecretPlan.com.

I have a confirmation that Stardig will be a no-show at tonight's District A Runoff Debate. The organizers are turning it into a town hall for Democrat Lane Lewis. I met Lewis early in the campaign season after I had already heard some good things about him. I came away from that initial meeting thinking, "Wow! Smart guy and knowledgeable about the issues - he just might be a good campaigner and a good City Council Member." I've been pleased to see him run a great campaign. He consistently talks about the issues important to District A, and says the same thing everywhere he goes - no pandering. Plus, he talks a lot about transparency and ethics in government - issues near and dear to my heart. Bonus: he's a responsible educator.

I got a report that District A voters comprised 11% of Monday's early vote, behind Districts G, D and C.

Here's Lewis' statement about Stardig being a no-show tonight:

  STARDIG REFUSES ONLY DEBATE

ORGANIZERS WILL TURN FORUM INTO TOWN HALL FOR LEWIS

Houston, Texas – City Council District A candidate Lane Lewis and voters are disappointed that his District A opponent is refusing to participate in the only scheduled District A candidate forum.

“It is unfortunate that our opponent is not willing to talk about the issues important to District A voters,” said Michael Kolenc, campaign manager.  “In a week where Ms. Stardig stated that she’s ‘been everywhere [she] needs to be’ and claimed to have a secret plan to address flooding that would simultaneously harm property values, voters were eager to see her debate performance.”

Debate organizers will allow Lewis to address residents and take questions in lieu of a candidate forum.  The event will take place at 7:00 pm on December 1st at Woodview Elementary School (9749 Cedardale) in Spring Branch.

"I am eager to talk to the residents that gather on Tuesday evening," said Lewis.  "It is important to hear what is on their mind so that when I am on City Council I can be accountable to their needs."

There are no other candidate forums scheduled for the District A race.  Ms. Stardig turned down multiple dates for the forum, according to organizers.

Lane Lewis has dedicated his life to serving the people of Houston.  As the proud son of a teacher and factory supervisor, Lane understood from an early age the value of hard work and helping others.  As a social worker and elementary school teacher Lane helped at-risk youth reach their potential; as a past advisor to the Houston Police Department, Lane offered leadership to help reduce crime; and as our next District A City Council Member, Lane will address our neighborhood problems, seek the community’s input, and demand solutions, all while keeping a close eye on how our tax dollars are spent.

For more information, visit www.LaneLewis.com