ABSTRACT
This chapter presents Latino political mobilization in Houston in the November 6, 1990, election centered on a residential and commercial section in the barrio of Magnolia, the largest Latino neighborhood in the city. The virtually unopposed candidacy of a local resident, the dominance of a single party, and the large proportion of immigrants living in the area were some factors related to the lack of political interest and involvement. The area people selected as their research site in Magnolia forms the eastern half of the city's census tract 310. Researchers also gathered election information from television, radio, and newspaper sources. One researcher read English and Spanish newspapers and monitored radio and television stations. Catholic churches and small businesses seemed to have promoted the election more than any other group in Magnolia. Residents of the neighborhood also raised various issues, including education, taxes, lack of political debate, voter registration, homelessness, the environment, budget problems, abortion, minority issues, and mental health programs.
