Would you continue to implement any of the emergency measures after the pandemic? "But the reality is, to campaign and to win, more and more I think both parties are having to rely upon larger donors, PACs as sources of funds to be able to help win their election.". Would you continue to implement any of the emergency measures after the pandemic? Menefee blasted the candidates in the Friday release, stating that, this is a shameful attempt by a group of losing candidates who couldnt win the hearts and minds of Harris County voters and are now throwing nonsensical legal theories at the wall to see what sticks. The (county) administrators office accounts for maybe $3 million, and that wouldnt fund a fraction of this proposal that Ive seen, Garcia said. Commissioners Court is weighing a $2.2 billion proposed spending plan for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1, which includes some $880 million for the sheriffs office and eight constables. - 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. What is the role of the JP in trying to improve the justice system? Biographical statement: "I want to send a message to the Harris County elections administrator," Taylor said. PAY TO PLAY: Harris County commissioners hide where most of their campaign cash comes from. There are still many roads that have been left unattended and still need major work.D. HPD | Surveillance or savior? I'll create a model court that leads with innovative solutions to the eviction crisis. Through June, the county had reported 307 homicides this year, down slightly from the same point last year but up significantly from the first half of 2019. MORE ON ELECTIONS: Election-denying Houston Republican Mike May takes his case to the Texas House after 6,000-vote loss. Jason: Texans are smart and Texas doctors are great and these two should make their medical decisions not the government!J. Born and raised in Houston, Texas. 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. Your subscription will be migrated over. JPs are often the first point of contact for people who are struggling. 8; Weekley and Hassenflu each wrote another $100,000 check, and more than two-thirds of the donations were large in-kind contributions from PACs and other conservative groups primarily paying for campaign ads: $228,000 from the Houston Region Business Coalition, $138,000 from the "C" Club of Houston, $38,000 from the Protect and Serve Texas PAC and $25,000 from the Texas Latino Conservatives PAC. Michael Wyke/Contributor. Theyve got to come out with some of those hot-button issues, I think somewhat to deflect the attention of the other issues that tend to favor the Democrats.. You cannot tell me this is an efficiently operated (budget)., On HoustonChronicle.com: Harris County inches ahead on budget and tax rate after state acknowledges comptroller cannot block approval. Gundetection data raises concernsAftermath | West Texas town looks like Mars after dust stormGrind | Houston is the No. Much like the rest of the country, the Harris County political climate has grown increasingly divisive, with Republican and Democratic campaigns hoping to sink their opponents on emotionally charged themes that are playing out nationally, including crime and reproductive rights. The day before Harris County Commissioners Court was set to certify the results of the November election, the Texas Attorney General's Office filed a last-minute petition to throw out 2,000 provisional ballots cast during an extended hour of voting on Election Day. Why or why not? The Democratic Party candidates are Luis Garza and Angela D. Rodriguez. Its objective is voting out Democratic judges, though its impact likely has extended to the county judge race, in which Republican Alexandra del Moral Mealer is challenging Democratic incumbent Lina Hidalgo. "Mr. Tatum, your day of reckoning has just started.". 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. The trend began around the start of the COVID pandemic, with Harris County including Houston and the other incorporated cities seeing a 42 percent jump in murders in 2020, according to the Department of Public Safetys index crimes report, which collects data from local law enforcement. Commissioner Jack Cagle speaking at the press conference at the Harris County Deputies Organization in Houston. Below. How would you work to prevent future flooding in the district or minimize its effects? Denise F. Graves is the only Republican Party candidate in the race. Monday is the first day of early voting in the Texas March 1 primary election. Crime and murder rates are tragically high and so is wasteful spending. CAMPAIGN FINANCE IN TEXAS: Greg Abbott, Beto ORourke shatter records in governors race. Would you continue to implement any of the emergency measures after the pandemic? By Jishnu Nair 1. Public safety, good roads, quality of life enhancements like parks and programs for seniors, economic development, public health. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. 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 Its fair and just. Work to redirect truant youth in a positive direction so that hopefully they don't become a part of the overcrowded criminal justice system. HARRIS COUNTY, Texas The race for Texas Attorney General was already heated. Incumbent Judge Angela Rodriguez, a Democrat, is running for reelection. This year, voters are electing the place 2 judges in each precinct. I obtained a bachelor's degree in business and have experiences with finances and finding solutions to budgets our county needs. 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. 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. Overall violent crime has stayed comparatively flat over the same period, rising nearly 4 percent from 2019 to 2021, before falling about 6 percent in the first half of this year, according to DPS data. Fifteen candidates are vying for the position of Harris County judge in the upcoming March primaries, including nine Republicans and six Democrats. (Community Impact Newspaper file photo) Editor's note: This article has been updated to include responses submitted by Alexandra del Moral Mealer. May's election contest is ongoing. These emergency procedures should have been available before the pandemic and should continue to be available to ensure a streamlined process where all parties can benefit. What is the role of the JP in trying to improve the justice system? 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. Abbott's school voucher pitch. 4.; Mark Goldberg, former candidate for Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. Why are you running? Over the last five years, the crime rate in Deer Park decreased approximately 15%. Do you believe tenants should be evicted for nonpayment of rent during a pandemic? What is the role of the JP in trying to improve the justice system? Get highlights, trending news, and behind-the-scenes insights from Houston Public Media delivered to your inbox each week. Absolutely, technology has improved and our justice system needs to adapt. Expose aid and resources to renters through churches and community organizations. Why are you running? Jishnu joined Community Impact Newspaper as a metro reporter in July 2021. To find out which precinct election youll be voting in, you can search your address using, We asked residents what questions they have for people running for justice of the peace and included some of those questions in a survey we sent to the candidates to learn more about their platforms. Why are you running? Jasper Scherer covers Texas politics and government for the Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News. No Republican Party candidates filed to run. No, there are currently many resources now in place for both landlords and tenants alike before they arrive at the eviction process stage. Should they require a moratorium of evictions the courts should follow. 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. I also have a clean record with the State Bar of Texas and with the Judicial Commission. Harris County faces many challenges. Michael Murney is a reporter at Chron and a reporting fellow with the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting. 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. Morman: Restore the money defunded to law enforcement agencies; fully back law enforcement; unclog the courts; and push for sensible bond practices that keep families safe.R. The GOP plan in some ways resembles Gonzalezs request earlier this year for 1,019 new employees including 645 patrol deputies, 150 investigators and 118 jail staff that would have grown his staff by some 20 percent. Also, hold public clinics and aid expos in the community. Filings have now returned to pre-pandemic levels, causing some crowded courtrooms despite continued concerns about COVID-19 spreading. 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. Several Democratic and Republican candidates are gunning for the top position of the They also decide eviction cases. The role of the JP is to be a community leader that understands the needs of the people and use their discretion for maximum community benefit. 1 most stressful city for workers in U.S.Change | Crosby ISD adopts 4-day school week, a first in Harris County. Mouton: As Precinct 2 Commissioner, my focus will be on elevating levels of public safety, including ensuring that our constables are fully funded, greater investment in infrastructure/flooding mitigation, and better financial management and planning. Biographical statement: To answer this question would be a violation of the Judicial Canons. However, the county has become overly politicized and has become a political tool for incumbents.How would you work to prevent future flooding in the district or minimize its effects?J. 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. Biographical statement: Would you continue to implement any of the emergency measures after the pandemic? I graduated from the University of Houston with a BBA. The Harris County Republican Party filed a lawsuit in November accusing Tatum and the county of several state election code violations, which Taylor said is on the back burner until after the election contests are resolved. State and county Republican officials have made several attempts to cast doubt on the results of the November elections in Harris County. My experience as a community advocate and attorney have prepared me to serve our community in this capacity. We must keep all the promises made to residents during the historic flood control bond issue. | Elections 2022 Judicial Local News Democrat Judge Disqualifies Harris County GOP Judicial Candidate, Texas Supreme Court Intervenes After an unusually speedy trial, a jury decided that because a candidates spouse had witnessed signatures while the candidate signed a related affidavit, some signatures were fraud. Holly 1978 Press Photo James L. Muldrow, Judge for Harris County - hpa73820 1978 Press Photo Freddie Harris, candidate for county commissioner, Texas. Final decisions should be made once all other resources have been exhausted. Morman: Parks and roads must be supported. 8; Bruce Bain, former candidate for the 269th District Court; Michelle Fraga, former candidate for the 281st District Court; Elizabeth Buss, former candidate for the Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. Where we Stand; Our Leadership; Precinct Chairs; Our Republican Organizations; Our Elected Officials; How can JPs play a role in helping to reduce the number of nonpayment of rent evictions in their precinct? "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. Why or why not? Currently, I am the in-house attorney for the Houston Federation of Teachers, the largest union for teachers in the area. "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. Yes. The Democratic Party candidates are Ron Campana, Steve Duble, Victor Lombrana, Sonia Lopez, Jonathan JP Preston and Chris Watson. Especially now that the limit for civil cases has been raised to 20,000. Manlove: The county governments core mission is to help the unincorporated areas of the county, which is nearly 50%. GOP commissioner candidate Jack Morman, from left, Alexandra del Moral Mealer, the Republican nominee for Harris County judge, and Commissioner Jack Cagle, at the press conference at the Harris County Deputies Organization in Houston. People will not want to move here," she said. I believe that Justice Courts can help drastically reduce the number of evictions during a pandemic by making sure each case is heard individually and everyone is given their day in court. Jen Rice is a reporter for the Houston Chronicle covering Harris County government. Let the Houston Public Media newsroom help you start your day. The Justice of the Peace should follow the state and federal law regarding evictions. Biographical statement: 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. be 18 years old (you may register at 17 years and 10 months of age); not be a convicted felon (unless your sentence is completed, including any probation or parole); and. not have been determined by a final judgment of a court exercising probate jurisdiction to be: partially mentally incapacitated without the right to vote. I am committed to making sure the business of the court proceeds in a timely and efficient manner. Ditta is the only Republican Party candidate in the race. Manlove: The role of county government is primarily crime, infrastructure and economic development. The Democratic Party candidates are Dolores Lozano and Blair McClure. As Precinct 2 commissioner I will work to ensure everyone has a safe place to live.J. Vega: I am inspired to run for this office because I see the need for changes that need to happen. The winners Overseeing the watersheds and making sure they are functioning properly; working with engineers while using the strategies to allow us to perform better in bad weather. I am the son of two hard working people who taught me the value of hard work, service, and dedication. 3:59 PM Feb 14, 2022 CST, Five candidates are competing in the Republican primary election for Harris County commissioner Precinct 2. I think we can have a more efficient process that will help to speed up case processing times. A Friday morning release from Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee's office named eight Harris County GOP candidates who lost their bids for office in November and filed paperwork to officially contest the outcomes of their elections. Republican judicial candidate Erin Lunceford filed a petition Wednesday seeking a new election in Harris County's 189th judicial district court race after losing by 2,743 votes out of more than 1 million ballots cast. Incumbent Judge George Risner, a Democrat, isnt running for reelection. 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. Justice courts played a leading role in dealing with evictions during the pandemic and will continue to do so long after COVID. - 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. No Democratic Party candidates filed to run. In his spare time, Jishnu is a soccer fan and enjoys learning about wildlife and the environment. 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 any candidate or candidates committee. 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. What is the role of the JP in trying to improve the justice system? Mealer said she envisions the new law enforcement personnel being split between patrol, for the sheriffs office and county constables, and the overburdened county jail, which falls under Gonzalezs purview. Meeting with the community landlords and ensuring theyre properly informing their tenants before they arrive at eviction processes. Precinct 2 contains many of the hardest hit areas from flooding, however, most of the flood resources are being used in other areas.What do you believe the county governments role should be in COVID-19 response?J. Do you believe tenants should be evicted for nonpayment of rent during a pandemic? It is the countys job to make sure resources continue to flow through the proper channels to reach our community. Currently Im employed with Fort Bend County District Attorneys Office. 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. Ive worked in the legal, financial, and medical fields for the last 15 years. I served Harris County as a pastor for six years and through humanitarian aid for the last 10 years.D. It thereby has the greatest duty to perform at the highest standards of both the law and morality. JPs have the ability to proactively provide legal aid information to tenants as well as coming to agreements on potential payment plans. 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. 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