tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30840999.post5276326219199491291..comments2023-10-19T08:26:02.437-05:00Comments on The Caucus Blog: Noel Freeman and Andy Neill Endorse Melissa NoriegaThe Caucus Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15089798243403673919noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30840999.post-85975623024066153782007-05-22T22:37:00.000-05:002007-05-22T22:37:00.000-05:00Ever since I formally endorsed Melissa Noriega, I ...Ever since I formally endorsed Melissa Noriega, I have witnessed widely different reactions. I'd like to talk about that here if you will indulge me for a bit.<BR/><BR/>I've experienced everything from welcoming and grateful to openly hostile. A lot of people chalked my endorsement up to one issue - same sex partner benefits for City employees, and just today I was even asked if this meant I had officially switched parties.<BR/><BR/>My endorsement wasn't easy, nor was it single-issue. I am also not the only Republican supporting Melissa. I endorsed Melissa because even though we disagree in several areas, we agree on a number of issues that affect us all. Sure, same sex partner benefits is one, but we also both see the benefits of some of METRO's proposals. We recognize a need for real flooding and drainage solutions NOW, and she recognizes the real impact public works has on Houston's future, which is something very close to my heart, and (no surprise) was the cornerstone of my Four Point Plan for Houston's Future. <BR/><BR/>Melissa is the only candidate who expressed real interest in what I had to offer Houston as a candidate and City employee. She was the only candidate who expressed a desire to help make part of my vision become a reality. I don't care who gets the credit, as long as we make make a better future for Houston.<BR/><BR/>On top of the issues, Melissa brings with her a lot of great relationships in Austin - on both sides of the aisle. She is also someone I feel we can trust. This is not to say anything negative about Roy Morales, but Melissa has been nothing but open and honest with me, and we have built what I think will be a great friendship. She is interested in building bridges, which is something I have yet to see from her opponent.<BR/><BR/>In my opinion, there is a lot to be said for a willingness to embrace non-partisanship. As a moderate Republican, the concept of non-partisanship in City politics has always been very important to me. With that in mind, I put my money where my mouth is and endorsed a candidate I feel can and will do the most for Houston.<BR/><BR/>This campaign was a wild ride. Quite frankly, I'm glad it's over. I want to thank all of you who shared the experience with me, and my partner Brad deserves a lot credit for being by my side and being forced to live with a candidate for four months. I will not be running in any race this November, but I will continue to do my part to make Houston a better place as just an active citizen or perhaps if the future holds something else. <BR/><BR/>Thanks for everything.<BR/><BR/>NoelAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30840999.post-37593557708072880452007-05-22T11:17:00.000-05:002007-05-22T11:17:00.000-05:00Both those guys ROCK! C'mon Melissa !!!Both those guys ROCK! C'mon Melissa !!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com