Protestors rally against high rises' property tax bills

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- As Houston City Council spent the day dealing with its budget, there was a big money protest near City Hall.

Hundreds of people marched on Chase Tower, trying to get big building owners to pay more taxes. They argue that would help the city.

At a time when skyscrapers have fewer vacancies in downtown Houston and sale prices are going up, protestors say tax bills for those big buildings are going down. They're fighting their bills - just like lots of homeowners do - but protestors say the system is unfair.

They are the buildings that define downtown Houston. They are the shapes of our skyline, the homes to some of the nation's most powerful companies. And not surprisingly, the places where our area's largest property tax bills are sent.

On Wednesday, members of the Texas Organizing Project and striking union janitors marched on Chase Tower, downtown's tallest and owner Hines Interests' most valuable building. They carried a nearly $7 million supposed tax bill for what protestors say is unpaid property tax Hines owes because the system's been so successful fighting property tax appraisals.

"These large entities keep robbing us of monies that they are due to pay. Then we lose," said Roselyn Johnson with the Texas Organizing Project.

"But they're paying their bills, Roselyn," we said.

"They're not paying their fair share," she said.

Protestors say successful appeals have lowered the tax bills for buildings like these -- $6.6 million in 2011 alone, and $ $1.7 million of that would go right to the city.

"This week, the city of Houston is talking about their budget and how much more can that help," said Gloria Villareal with the Texas Organizing Project.

The protestors say the system works to benefit big companies because of access to high-priced lobbyists and lawyers. It's an argument that only goes so far, since every one of us can appeal and protestor Roselyn Johnson has.

"Have you ever appealed yours?" we asked Johnson.

"I have, twice," she said.

"How did it work out for you?" we asked.

"I don't pay tax any more," she said.

Yes, she is complaining about breaks to big companies, and at the same time benefiting from breaks the system gave her and homeowners across our area.

More money may help the city of Houston with its budget, so long as it comes from someone's wallet -- and who's going to volunteer to pay more first -- you, me or the corporations with the sky-high offices?

The Harris County Appraisal District does say it feels outgunned trying to increase the value of big buildings downtown, even when rents are going up and occupancy going down.

We called Hines twice looking for comment but heard nothing.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more In Focus »

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Protesters rally to fire vet cemetery director

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- It's the Fourth of July and all across the nation people are turning out to celebrate America's independence. But there are some in Houston who say one of our guaranteed freedoms is still under fire.

A local congregation of pastors is calling for the removal of the director of Houston's National Cemetery because of what they call religious bigotry. A crowd of more than a thousand gathers in the hemicycle of the Houston National Cemetery. And this rally, on the country's 235th birthday, ironically is about independence. "Lack of religious freedom, lack of religious expression is not religious freedom; it is a form of tyranny unfortunately," protester Brett Meyer said. The rally was born after a lawsuit and several complaints were filed against Houston National Cemetery Director Arleen Ocasio. A local pastor got a restraining order against the cemetery after being told to edit "Jesus" from his prayer during the Memorial Day weekend. Other veteran groups complained after they too were told to refrain from using "God" or "Jesus" during funerals. They also allege Ocasio closed the chapel and turned it into a conference room. "I brought my Bible, because I think it's important. I need to stand up for God. I need to stand up for Jesus Christ. Somebody's got to do it. I'm here," protester Nolan Connally said. The director claims she was only trying to make prayers more inclusive of other religions but a backlash now has state and federal politicians calling for her to be fired. "She needs to be terminated and so that's my opinion. I hope the Veterans Administration terminates her and gets someone in here that actually believes in the First Amendment," Congressman Ted Poe said. "I just don't think that when you're in a position of public trust that she holds, that she represents the values of the people of this state and this country," Congressman Allen Fletcher said. And many feel what's happening in Houston is part of a much larger issue across the country. "There is very much and agenda to remove God and all types of Christian things from our nation," Connally said. A nonprofit has also filed a lawsuit against the Veterans Administration and the Houston National Cemetery alleging "religious hostility" and "unlawful censorship." Messages for director Ocasio were not returned. (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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'Stop the violence' rally to be held at Worthing HS

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Students and teachers will come together this morning at the scene of a tragic shooting at a high school that left one person dead in March.

The rally to stop the violence is planned at 7:30am on the track at Worthing High School in southeast Houston.

The shooting happened during a powder puff football game. A car drove onto the track and football field complex. One passenger began firing. An 18-year-old former student Tremaine Paul was killed.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)

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