Lee Kaplan

A successful small businessman bringing a selfless, dependable focus towards making government work for all of us in our hometown.

[Lee Kaplan @kaplanformayor]

Undecided friends & family? No Problem! Share this voter guide with them: https://t.co/pQzC5b8QSX
You can find your nearest polling location by visiting: https://t.co/a4tyxAUplA
See the acceptable forms of Voter ID here: https://t.co/U0fHHqVYRe #Houtx #vote

[Lee Kaplan @kaplanformayor]

Dropping off donated clothing at Goodwill Industries.  Accepted by Lawrence Green.

[Lee Kaplan @kaplanformayor]

It is no secret that Whitmire represented special interests while serving as a public servant, but did you know that he even worked on legislation benefiting certain groups before signing them as clients in the private sector? #Hou #HouMayor #HouVote #HouNews #txlege

[Lee Kaplan @kaplanformayor]

A 1996 audit of the Harris County Adult Probation Department found that Whitmire was receiving $4k/month as a consultant, but there were no invoices. The audit said “apparent conflicts of interest were pervasive, and competitive bidding was the exception rather than the rule”#Hou

[Lee Kaplan @kaplanformayor]

Whitmire was a member of the Coalition of Harris County Democratic Elected Officials, which has been called “a smoke-filled, backroom, old-boy type thing.” (Chron) #Hou #HouMayor #HouVote #HouNews #txlege

[Lee Kaplan @kaplanformayor]

Whitmire accepted at least $115,500.00 from banks and cash advance companies between 2000 and 2022 (Texas Ethics Commission) #Hou #HouMayor #HouVote #HouNews #txlege

[Lee Kaplan @kaplanformayor]

Despite Whitmire’s so-called progress on reducing crime, Houston was the most dangerous city in Texas based on violent crimes in 2022 (PopulationU) #Hou #HouMayor #HouVote #HouNews #txlege

[Lee Kaplan @kaplanformayor]

Whitmire refused to vote in favor of a bill that would increase restrictions on payday lending, arguing that it would limit local freedom, but in voting against Houstonian’s wishes #Hou #HouMayor #HouVote #HouNews #txlege

[Lee Kaplan @kaplanformayor]

Whitmire accepted at least $45,750 from pharmaceutical interests between 2000 and 2022, and pharmaceutical companies that contributed to Whitmire held at least 101 state contracts between 2015 and 2023 worth over $113 Million #Hou #HouMayor #HouVote #HouNews #txlege

[Lee Kaplan @kaplanformayor]

Whitmire accepted at least $278K from energy interests between 2000 and 2022 and energy companies that contributed to Whitmire held at least 118 state contracts from 2015 - 2023 worth almost $110 Million #Hou #HouMayor #HouVote #HouNews #txlege

[Lee Kaplan @kaplanformayor]

Whitmire accepted at least $58,050 from bail bond agencies and organizations between 2000 and 2015 #Hou #HouMayor #HouVote #HouNews #txlege

[Lee Kaplan @kaplanformayor]

Sick of career politicians? There's a better choice for Houston Mayor. Vote Lee Kaplan, Nobody's Mayor But YOURS!

[Lee Kaplan @kaplanformayor]

The proportions of incarcerated individuals are deeply unequal in Texas. In 2010, Black folks comprised 12% of the Texas state pop. but 32% of the Texas prison population, while white folks comprised 45% of the Texas state pop. but only 33% of the Texas prison population. #Hou

[Lee Kaplan @kaplanformayor]

Whitmire championed bills in ‘93 and ‘95 that caused the prison population to skyrocket, and the prison industrial complex paid him back with $384,750 in campaign cash between 2000 and 2022. #Hou #HouMayor #HouVote #HouNews #txlege

[Lee Kaplan @kaplanformayor]

From 1982 to 2019, crime rates in Texas remained significantly higher than national crime rates during Whitmire’s tenure in the State Senate. #Hou #HouMayor #HouVote #HouNews #txlege

[Lee Kaplan @kaplanformayor]

Whitmire’s bill created the State Jail Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), which authorized private vendors to operate certain corrections facilities. #Hou #HouMayor #HouVote #HouNews #txlege

[Lee Kaplan @kaplanformayor]

Whitmire has supported efforts to expand concealed carry permissions to college campuses, lower gun license fees, make it easier to obtain a concealed handgun license, all while accepting money from various gun lobby organizations #Hou #HouMayor #HouVote #HouNews #txlege

[Lee Kaplan @kaplanformayor]

Under Whitmire’s watch, violent crime remained steadily higher than the national crime rate. #Hou #HouMayor #HouVote #HouNews #txlege

[Lee Kaplan @kaplanformayor]

Whitmire calls himself a crime fighter, but the truth is that he is in the pocket of the gun lobby, so it’s no surprise that he failed to improve public safety in Texas after 50 years in office! #Hou #HouMayor #HouVote #HouNews #txlege

[Lee Kaplan @kaplanformayor]

Whitmire has a long history of voting against Houston’s best interests. In 1995, he was at the forefront of a public campaign to repeal laws that created an emissions testing program. #Hou #HouMayor #HouVote #HouNews #txlege

[Lee Kaplan @kaplanformayor]

In a conversation with Steve Bickerstaff with the Austin American-Statesman, Whitmire said “Steve, there is no one in the current political environment who can dare oppose my plan to repeal the emissions testing program.” (Dec. 1994) #Hou #HouMayor #HouVote #HouNews #txlege