We've got to address health care. Im a husband and father. On HoustonChronicle.com: Comptrollers defunding accusation could cost Harris County law enforcement millions in budget increases. Since July 1, Mealer has raised $8.6 million and spent $8.2 million, unprecedented numbers in an election for Harris County judge. WebNikita Harmon Ryan Patrick David Mendoza Texas judicial district 230 Chris Morton Texas judicial district 232 Josh Hill (Texas) Texas judicial district 234 Lauren Reeder Texas judicial district 245 Angela Lancelin Texas judicial district 246 Angela Graves-Harrington Texas judicial district 247 Janice Berg Texas judicial district 248 Hilary Unger By Jishnu Nair Manlove: The county governments core mission is to help the unincorporated areas of the county, which is nearly 50%. Below are the responses we received from candidates who chose to participate in the survey. Let the Houston Public Media newsroom help you start your day. Web1982 Press Photo Governor Bill Clements at GOP Convention, Harris County, Texas. Ditta is the only Republican Party candidate in the race. During the pandemic, JP courts have implemented a number of emergency procedures that changed the eviction process, like access to virtual hearings via Zoom/phone, allowing legal aid attorneys to provide assistance to tenants during court proceedings, and limiting the size of eviction dockets. There are still many roads that have been left unattended and still need major work.D. Taylor accused Harris County Elections Administrator Cliff Tatum, who took over the office starting in August, of intentionally causing ballot paper shortages in Republican-leaning neighborhoods. JPs have to follow the law, but they should also do as much as they possibly can to extend eviction protections for renters. Precinct 1 and the community deserve the most experienced and knowledgeable person to serve as their Justice of the Peace. Born and raised in Houston, Texas. The campaign also received $92,400 from the Conservatives for Law Enforcement and Border Security PAC, which is funded by Republican state Rep. Mayes Middleton. Morman: Public safety, good roads, quality of life enhancements like parks and programs for seniors, economic development, public healthR. "During the last month, we've had a lot of our candidates that were in very close races that have been talking to us wanting to know the information that we've accumulated and have reported," Siegel said. Manlove: I would begin working on prevention more than reaction. What is the role of the JP in trying to improve the justice system? The petition, which names Lunceford as the contestant and Craft as contestee, claims numerous violations of the Texas Election Code, including a failure to provide a sufficient amount of ballot paper to 25 polling locations. Traditionally, vendors and contractors have filled the election campaign coffers for Harris County Commissioners Court members and candidates, but that story is changing with an influx of money from more politically driven contributions. Why are you running? Monday is the first day of early voting in the Texas March 1 primary election. I understand how the court works and how we can make it better. 3:59 PM Feb 14, 2022 CST Each case should be reviewed on a case by case basis. No, there are currently many resources now in place for both landlords and tenants alike before they arrive at the eviction process stage. I would also want to see if we could institute night court either physically or online a few days a week for those who cannot afford to miss work and come to court. Would you continue to implement any of the emergency measures after the pandemic? They should know all needs keeping everyone in mind when making vital decisions that impacts the county as a whole. Vega: The law enforcement agencies are not adequately staffed and funded to handle the population growth in Precinct 2. Why or why not? Alexandra del Moral Mealer, the Republican nominee challenging Hidalgo, estimated the addition of 1,000 new law enforcement officers, at a cost of about $100,000 each in salary and benefits, would amount to roughly 5 percent of Harris Countys annual budget. I will limit the number of persons and hearings by appropriate scheduling to avoid unnecessary close contact. Changes I would implement include having a "zoom room" for legal aid and law clinic representatives to meet virtually with those in need. Its now being reported AZ Governor Katie Hobbs as well as several Maricopa County Supervisors may have accepted bribes from the Sinaloa cartel in the form of phony mortgages or deeds of trust. I believe that JP court justices should play a part in helping to distribute information to the public on the process. Abbott's school voucher pitch. No Democratic Party candidates filed to run. (Community Impact Newspaper staff). A native Houstonian, Jen graduated from Barnard College at Columbia University and earned a master's degree from University of Texas at Austin's LBJ School of Public Affairs. Rene Cross, senior director of the Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston, said voters generally focus more on a candidates campaign promises than the details that could stymie those promises, such as funding challenges or police recruitment shortages. Do you believe tenants should be evicted for nonpayment of rent during a pandemic? JP Judges should have strong relationships with non-profit organizations, with all levels of government, and with the private sector to establish programs that can aid tenants and landlords receive the necessary assistance prior to any eviction. Evbagharu said contributions from Garcia and Ellis have helped Briones run against a well-funded incumbent, who began the race with name identification anda fundraising advantage. Would you continue to implement any of the emergency measures after the pandemic? I am trying to team up with rental assistance programs to assist people with sources to help pay their rent so that they can remain in the homes/apartments. No Republican Party candidates filed to run. Yes. Andy Taylor, general counsel for the Harris County GOP, is representing Lunceford. Alexandra del Moral Mealer appears to be the likely winner of the Republican nomination for Harris County judge, with 117 of 260 voting centers reporting election day results. What needs do you see for parks and roads in Precinct 2 and what can be done to improve them?J. Harris County Democratic officials slammed Mealer on Friday for announcing a Jason: Parks and roads, I need to research when elected and implement my decisions.J. - Houston suspends sister city ties with Russian cities on the one-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine, - Mayor Turner's office accuses Pappas of 'smear campaign' on Hobby deal, says city followed its rules, - Houston leaders divided on support for controversial affordable housing projects, - Five years after Santa Fe massacre, relatives still denied records of loved ones' last moments, - Kingwood operators released sewage in creek that feeds into Houston's drinking water, HPD alleges. "These election contests are frivolous attempts to overturn the votes of more than a million residents in the third largest county in the country," Menefee continued in the release. **Please note** If you are already signed up for the newsletter, you do not need to sign up again. Alexandra del Moral Mealer, the Republican nominee for Harris County judge, speaking at the press conference at the Harris County Deputies Organization in Houston. The county cannot afford to be wasteful with the budget and during COVID-19 response. Morman: I served two successful terms as the Harris County commissioner of Precinct 2. May's election contest is ongoing. I believe that JP Judges should ensure that tenants have all available resources at their disposal that can aid in paying their rent during a pandemic. The county otherwise is hamstrung, they argue, by state law that caps how much additional revenue local governments can collect each year. Follow him on Twitter @jishnews for news updates. Currently, I am the in-house attorney for the Houston Federation of Teachers, the largest union for teachers in the area. The petition is filed in Harris County, but the case will be heard by a judge from outside the county, according to Menefee's office. I am a former Harris County Prosecutor and am a strong conservative Republican that adheres to the law and the constitutions of the U.S. and Texas. Would you continue to implement any of the emergency measures after the pandemic? Do you believe tenants should be evicted for nonpayment of rent during a pandemic? Morman: Supporting law enforcement, waging a real war on crime, cutting wasteful spending [and] restoring integrity in county government.R. How can JPs play a role in helping to reduce the number of nonpayment of rent evictions in their precinct? That is about $97 million more than what those offices received in the countys most recent annual budget, though short of what Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, a Democrat, and other public safety leaders sought. Below. Vega: Making sure public safety/health is secure and fully operational is extremely vital to our citizens and our economy. No Republican Party candidates filed to run. It is important for us to look at other coastal regionsthey have similar landscapes as oursto see what has been successful so we can possibly implement it in our county.D. When I returned home, I complained to God and the Holy Spirit challenged me to run for office to turn this government back to God.J. Angela Rodriguez, a Democrat, is running for reelection. "For 12 years now, there's just been no real limitations on campaign donations," she said. The campaign then raised an eye-popping $811,000 in October, according to Morman's latest report. The Stop Houston Murders PAC largely is funded by other PACs, including $750,000 from the Judicial Fairness PAC and $150,000 from the Coalition Por For Texas PAC, along with other major donations including $500,000 from Don McGill of Katy LTD, $210,000 from Richard Weekley and $250,000 each from OTA Holdings and Texas Transeastern. Would you continue to implement any of the emergency measures after the pandemic? Call the Elections Administrator Office at (713) 755-6965, Email the Elections Administrator Office at. Abbott's school voucher pitch. I believe in building bridges, not walls, providing a hand up not a handout, and closing the gap between the public and the officials who serve them. I want to use the skills I learned professionally to keep Harris County safe and the community thriving. Graduated of Texas Southern University. Five Republican candidates are running for Harris County's Precinct 2 commissioner seat in the upcoming March primaries. Resources like these are made possible by the generosity of our community of donors, foundations, and corporate partners. I believe I bring a unique skill set to this court. What is the role of the JP in trying to improve the justice system? Harris County Judge is on the ballot in the 2022 Texas Primary Election. Mouton: The power under the Constitution will always be in the people. These procedures should have been implemented long before the pandemic because everyone deserves a more convenient courtroom experience and access to equitable legal representation. The current 3-2 Democratic majority could switch to a Republican-led court depending on the winners of the races for county judge and two commissioner seats. While much of their campaign funding has come from traditional sources relatively modest contributions from Houston-area business interests including engineering firms Cagle and Morman have added funding from GOP PACS since they last ran in 2018. Each of them should be deeply embarrassed and these claims should not be taken seriously by the public.. Unlike a regular contract violation an eviction could potentially put people on the street and have future impacts on ability to rent and as a result the JP should attempt to get parties to resolve their issues before even having to get to the eviction stage. If any of the information on the application is incomplete, you will be notified and required to send a second application. You must be at least 17 years and ten months of age on the date your application is submitted. The largest source of that committee funding is the Stop Houston Murders PAC, which formed this year and has spent more than $2 million in this year's county elections. positions Harris County officials released a report on Dec. 30 detailing their investigation into a slew of issues at polling places ranging from late openings to paper ballot shortages. How can JPs play a role in helping to reduce the number of nonpayment of rent evictions in their precinct? I have practiced law in Houston for more than 37 years, serving Texans in the areas of real estate law, business law, construction law, and government law. "He can make back his investment in Alex Mealer by building one subdivision under the old Republican flood plan and flood control requirements," Evbagharu said. If elected, Mealer said she would meet with the countys law enforcement leaders within 30 days of taking office to identify where officers are most needed. Do you believe tenants should be evicted for nonpayment of rent during a pandemic? Box 3527, Houston TX 77253-3527; or. I reduced crime by 27% in Pasadena by building accountability and flexibility into the system. She called the GOP plan illogical and said it would create hundreds of new positions that may never be filled, while preventing raises for the current police officers and cutting critical funding for flood control, public health, and other areas.. With three out of five seats on Commissioners Court in competitive races Nov. 8, the balance of the court is up for grabs. Over the last five years, the crime rate in Deer Park decreased approximately 15%. It's all about control of the county.". An immediate assessment of needs must be done to see what damage the incumbent Democrat has done. HPD | Surveillance or savior? During the pandemic, JPs have been in the spotlight as more than 63,000 eviction cases have been filed in Harris County over the past two years. Incumbent Judge Lucia Bates, a Democrat, is running for reelection. MORE ON ELECTIONS: Election-denying Houston Republican Mike May takes his case to the Texas House after 6,000-vote loss. "I want to send a message to the Harris County elections administrator," Taylor said. I obtained a bachelor's degree in business and have experiences with finances and finding solutions to budgets our county needs. Why are you running? Korduba is the only Republican Party candidate in the race. I am the most experienced person on the ballot. Jen Rice is a reporter for the Houston Chronicle covering Harris County government. It could galvanize their base to oppose the mobilization that we may see among the Democrats with some other high-ranking issues, such as abortion, she said. Taylor said. We have learned from the pandemic that legal aid groups and zoom can and should play a role in our justice system. Homicides in Harris County rose again last year, from 566 to 632. No Democratic Party candidates filed to run. Her reporting has aired nationally on NPR's Morning Edition, All Things Considered and Here & Now. Why or why not? Expose aid and resources to renters through churches and community organizations. To fund his proposal, Cagle would have slashed funding for the public defenders office by 68 percent, Community Services by 53 percent, Public Health by 47 percent, the engineering department by 28 percent and the county library system by 25 percent, among other cuts, according to an analysis by the county budget office. Houston has 3 law schools with excellent clinical programs that courts should encourage people to use. Why are you running? CAGLE'S RACE: Harris County's redrawn maps mean longtime incumbent Cagle will have to fight to keep Precinct 4 seat. In 2024, the place 1 judges will be up for election. Jason: The government is to promote small business and dont infringe on Texans' God-given rights! Do you believe tenants should be evicted for nonpayment of rent during a pandemic? Do you believe tenants should be evicted for nonpayment of rent during a pandemic? Cagles proposal also would have eliminated funds for several departments created since Democrats took control in 2019, including the county administrator, elections administrator, Commissioners Court analysts office and Justice Administration Department. Siegel's counterpart, Odus Evbagharu, chair of the Harris County Democratic Party, said a large real estate developer like Weekley could have a different motivation for contributing to county races. We've got to address public housing. Denise F. Graves is the only Republican Party candidate in the race. A native of San Francisco, he graduated from Northwestern University in 2017 with degrees in journalism and political science, and has interned for the Tampa Bay Times, Washington Post and Fortune magazine. Dorris: Harris County Jail needs to be more efficiently funded and staffed. New jails may need to be built. More robust program to tackle and root out human trafficking. Ensure commissioners court cannot take away money from constables. Develop an interactive map to highlight where crime has occurred to help keep our residents informed. 2. Lunceford's opponent, Democrat Tamika Craft, won the election by 0.26 percent of the vote. Would you continue to implement any of the emergency measures after the pandemic? Justices of the Peace are essential because they are part of most people's introduction to our justice system. The landscape of Harris County races is changing as GOP PACs throw more cash toward ads, candidates, Black trail riders head to Houston rodeo parade after grueling, joyful 6-day journey. Incumbent Judge Sharon Burney, a Democrat, is running for reelection. Filings have now returned to pre-pandemic levels, causing some crowded courtrooms despite continued concerns about COVID-19 spreading. Law enforcement needs better support and so do crime victims.R. As a lower level court my role as a JP will be one of compassion, empathy, education, and to bring about a more in touch approach with the demographic of precinct 1. What is the role of the JP in trying to improve the justice system? are the responses we received from candidates who chose to participate in the survey. Weekley, a Houston real estate developer and major donor to Mealer, also is behind another top contributor to the Stop Houston Murders PAC the Coalition Por For Texas PAC, which started last year with Weekley and three other contributors donating $250,000 apiece: Harlan Crow, Robert Rowling and Hilwood Development Co., all based in Dallas. Biographical statement: In this case, Cross said, the GOP plan is likely aimed at turning out as many conservative voters as possible. Houston Public Media is supported with your gifts to the Houston Public Media Foundation and is licensed to the University of Houston. Doug Griffith, president of the Houston Police Officers union, speaking at the press conference at the Harris County Deputies Organization in Houston. I am a resilient and passionate individual who will fight for community safety but at the same time ensuring equality and fairness for all who come before my court. I have practiced in JP Courts handling small claims matters as well as landlord tenant matters. How can JPs play a role in helping to reduce the number of nonpayment of rent evictions in their precinct? Complete a postage-free post card application and mail it, or take it in person to: Our main office at 1001 Preston, 2nd Floor, Room 200, in Downtown Houston; or the Election Technology Center, located at 11525 Todd St., Houston, 77055. During this time I have developed methods to expedite dockets while providing the public with fairness and confidence in the system. Cagle and Republican Jack Morman, a former Precinct 2 commissioner who is aiming to win his seat back from Democratic incumbent Adrian Garcia in November, joined Mealer at the press conference Wednesday in support of the plan to hire 1,000 new officers. We must also secure state and federal funding where available, partner with other governments and the private sector and schedule projects based on real need and not politics.R. It is important for the county government reassures its community that their streets are safe whether you're driving on them or walking on them, to increase law enforcement because we care.D. Who We Are. Harris County is divided into eight justice of the peace precincts, with two elected judges in each precinct. Houston Matters is on the air now! And these business owners I think have a vested interest because if you don't have that here in Harris County, businesses will not come here. Putting flood mitigation plans in place will be a top priority as Precinct 2 commissioner so that we can be prepared for all outcomes.J. Abbott's school voucher pitch. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, left, and Alexandra del Moral Mealer, a candidate for Harris County Judge, talk to members of the Houston Chronicle Editorial Board on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, at the Houston Chronicle offices in Houston. Manlove: The role of county government is primarily crime, infrastructure and economic development. WebHarris County Republican Party | 8588 Katy Freeway, Suite 445 Houston, TX 77024 | (713) 838-7900 Business hours | 10 am - 4 pm Monday through Friday Not authorized by Monitor current developments and watersheds, and begin a real push for the development of an Ike Dike type of solution for storm surge.What kind of improvements would you make to the county criminal justice system?J. Hidalgo and other Democrats, facing attacks from Republicans for months, note they have adopted budget increases for the sheriff, constables and district attorney each year since they took office. "This case will focus on the details of every aspect of the November 8 election in Harris County. Effective interventions at this level are crucial to avoid progression within justice system. "If it was just mismanagement, it was just gross incompetence, wouldn't one think that the lack of paper would apply equally and uniformly across the map, so that there would be roughly an equivalent number of Democratic stronghold precinct neighborhoods as well as Republican precinct stronghold neighborhoods?" By being active with people that come before the JP this improves the over all function of the court. Menu. We've got to address all of these things that Republicans refuse to address and just say, 'I want to solve crime.'". No Democratic Party candidates filed to run. Democrats hold a 3-2 edge on the court. The mailing address is: Isabel Longoria, Elections Administrator, P.O. "That's why you're seeing him make such a large investment in Stop Houston Murders PAC and in Mealer's race, and in Morman's too. "Harris County will not thrive if we don't have an environment where people are safe, where people know their kids will have good schools, that you can make a nice living. This is a carousel. WebWelcome to the Website of the Conservative Coalition of Harris County CCHC PAC encourages the public to vote for conservative candidates in the general election and Mark Montgomery, former candidate for Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. He argued that scrapping the elections administrator position simply would shift the cost to another department, as the county still would be required to hold elections. It is the countys job to make sure resources continue to flow through the proper channels to reach our community. Nine-term incumbent U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, will compete in a runoff against progressive attorney Jessica Cisneros. By the end of the day, that number was up to 19, according to the Houston Chronicle's Matt deGrood and Jen Rice. Dont spend more money than we take in and reduce taxes.J. Republicans running for Harris County Commissioners Court said Wednesday they would ramp up law enforcement spending and hire 1,000 additional officers if they win a majority in November, but it was not immediately clear how much the plan would cost or how it would be funded. I have an extensive legal background as an attorney and former Chief of Staff to Representative Hernandez. I am a blind/deaf person, I love to run marathons, and coach my boys in little league baseball. The (county) administrators office accounts for maybe $3 million, and that wouldnt fund a fraction of this proposal that Ive seen, Garcia said. FACT-CHECK: Analyzing claims from Hidalgo, Mealer campaign ads in Harris County judge race, "Crime has risen in this country coming off of a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. During the pandemic, JP courts have implemented a number of emergency procedures that changed the eviction process, like access to virtual hearings via Zoom/phone, allowing legal aid attorneys to provide assistance to tenants during court proceedings, and limiting the size of eviction dockets.