Greg Travis (politician)

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Greg Travis
Member of Houston City Council
for District G
In office
January 2, 2016 – February 2, 2022
Preceded byOliver Pennington
Succeeded byMary Nan Huffman
Personal details
Born
Gregory R. Travis

(1963-06-07) June 7, 1963 (age 60)
Political partyRepublican
Domestic partnerJulie Cumley
Alma materWestminster College (BA)
University of Texas, Austin (JD)
OccupationAttorney
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Air Force
RankOfficer

Gregory R. Travis (born June 7, 1963) is a Houston politician and attorney who represented District G of the Houston City Council from 2016 to 2022.

Personal life[edit]

Gregory R. Travis[1] was born on June 7, 1963.[2] He attended Westminster College and received a bachelor's degree in business and philosophy. Additionally, he has his JD from University of Texas School of Law. He also served as an officer in the United States Air Force. Travis owns The Travis Law Firm, P.C., which is a law firm, where he works as an attorney. He also teaches business law at Houston Community College. He has done volunteer and charity work for Chain Reaction Ministries; has been a mentor and coach for Depelchin Children’s Center; and supports animal rescue groups.[3][4] He is engaged to Julie Cumley, and is a member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church.[3]

Political career[edit]

In 2002, Travis was a candidate for District 28 of the Texas House of Representatives.[2]

Houston City Council[edit]

Travis assumed office to represent District G of the Houston City Council on January 2, 2016, succeeding Oliver Pennington.[4][5] District G is the wealthiest district in Houston and is considered to be one of the wealthiest areas in the United States.[6] Travis is currently serving his second term.[4]

In December 2020, Travis faced criticism for posting an internet meme on his personal Facebook account depicting Michelle Obama and Melania Trump. The meme portrayed Melania Trump in a positive manner while portraying Michelle Obama negatively. Houston Black Lives Matter, among others, called for his resignation.[7][8][9]

In October 2021, Travis announced he would be running for a seat in the Texas House of Representatives, which was effectively an announcement of resignation from the Houston City Council because the Texas Constitution forbids council members from campaigning for another office.[10] He left office on February 2, 2022, and was succeeded by Mary Nan Huffman.[11]

Policies[edit]

Travis is affiliated with the Republican Party.[12]

Travis believes that city government should be fiscally responsible and a "sturdy but quiet force."[3] He was an opponent of the Houston HERO ordinance, which was intended to be an anti-discrimination ordinance for LGBTQ Houstonians.[6] He gained his support from the Houston Police Officers' Union by budgeting money to fund bulletproof vests for the Houston Police.[13] He has cited issues in District G drainage, roadways, and a lack of police presence in the community.[14] Travis supports improvements to infrastructure for bicycling in Houston.[15] In March 2020, Travis criticized Mayor Sylvester Turner's decision to cancel the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[16]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "State Bar of Texas| Find A Lawyer| Gregory R. Travis". www.texasbar.com. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  2. ^ a b "The Voter's Self Defense System". Vote Smart. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
  3. ^ a b c "City Council District G". www.houstontx.gov. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
  4. ^ a b c "Greg Travis". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
  5. ^ "City Council District G". 24 November 2015. Archived from the original on 24 November 2015. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
  6. ^ a b Chronicle, Copyright 2015: Houston (24 September 2015). "Editorials: For District G". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 11 March 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  7. ^ Walker, Brandon (30 December 2020). "Houston City Councilman Greg Travis faces backlash over Facebook comments". KPRC. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
  8. ^ "Houston councilman defends unflattering Michelle Obama meme: "I like Black women"". Newsweek. 30 December 2020. Retrieved 27 November 2021.
  9. ^ Rouner, Jef. "Council Member Greg Travis Goes On Misogynistic Facebook Nonsense Rant". Houston Press. Retrieved 27 November 2021.
  10. ^ McGuinness, Dylan (27 October 2021). "Greg Travis launches bid for Texas House, resigning his seat on City Council". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 2 February 2023.
  11. ^ "Greg Travis". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2 February 2023.
  12. ^ "Greg Travis – Off the Kuff". Retrieved 11 March 2020.
  13. ^ "District G Councilman Greg Travis finds council district Budget monies to fund 200 Level 4 bullet-proof vests – Houston Police Officers' Union". Retrieved 11 March 2020.
  14. ^ Whalen, Emma (10 September 2019). "Houston Voter Guide 2019: City Council District G candidates". impact. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
  15. ^ "City Council District G". Retrieved 11 March 2020.
  16. ^ "Houston councilman blasts mayor over coronavirus emergency". ABC13 Houston. 11 March 2020. Retrieved 1 February 2021.