Andrew C. Burks Jr.

www.andrewcburksjr.org

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Burks promises community center if elected
By: Pam Gibbens	October 10, 2001

Andrew C. Burks, Jr., candidate for Houston City Council At-large Position 3, said he is as tenacious as a "pit bull that bites and doesn't let go." Burks has been running for public office since 1988.
In 2000 Burks was an At-Large delegate to the National Democratic Party Convention in Los Angeles, California.

In 1999 Burks ran against Orlando Sanchez for the same position. According to Burks, he received 85,000 votes after raising only $11,000.
"My opponent spent $250,000 and received 95,000 votes," said Burks.
Burks is the president and CEO of AM-PM Telephone Service, Inc. He is also Pastor of Bailey Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Houston.
A native Houstonian, Burks grew up in the Third Ward. He is married to Thyra L. Burks. They are the parents of three children and four grandchildren.
Today, Burks claims to have gathered more supporters and more money to run his At-Large Position 3 campaign.
Issues that are important to Burks include formulating a health insurance pool, provided by small businesses, for self-employed people who reside in the city of Houston.
Another plan Burks hopes to implement is a fire and police academy at Houston Community College (HCC) to augment the staffing problem within the Houston Fire Department.
"Why don't we merge HCC with the city of Houston," said Burks. "We could send cadets to HCC. Mayor Brown has said no, but I think he is speaking as an ex-police chief."
Burks explained that the city of Houston could keep the same budget and save money at the same time.
"I asked Sylvia Garcia about this," said Burks. "She said there would be a substantial savings. The fire chief liked the idea too."
Burks commented on METRO's controversial light-rail project being constructed in downtown Houston.
"Light rail should be for everyone," Burks stated. "But I don't like the speed. Why should I go 9 or 10 miles-per-hour. That's really going slow. Many businesses have been displaced and have lost money due to the construction. I think those businesses should have a tax abatement or have no water bill for 2 years."
Houston shouldn't be in the hotel business either, said Burk.
"If the developers don't want to build a hotel, why should the city? I don't think we are capable of being in the hotel business."
If elected Burks promised to work with Kingwood's district council member and the super neighborhood council. He would work to establish a community center for the Kingwood area.
"Every community needs a center. After Kingwood was annexed they just gave you the crumbs."
Other issues which Burks plans to tackle if elected are flooding and infrastructure problems and potholes on city roads.
"My neighborhood is 50 years old. The drainage system is also very old and in need of repair. Air and water issues are important also."
The at-large council position should free up the district council member to work on specific issues, said Burk.
As executive director of a program called "Wise Up," Burks works to prevent children from getting involved in crime. He is the president of the 276 Community Club, Inc., a civic club in Southeast Houston. Burks is also a member of the Mayor's Ministerial Advisory Board.
As a businessman and pastor, Burks believes his greatest assets he would bring to city council are his compassion and understanding of the city and its daily operations.

©Kingwood Observer 2001