12; Brian Staley, former candidate for Harris County Civil County Court at Law No. Earlier this year, Republican Commissioners Jack Cagle and Tom Ramsey unveiled their own budget proposals that would have fully funded Gonzalezs request, along with an ask by District Attorney Kim Ogg for 125 new employees. I reduced crime by 27% in Pasadena by building accountability and flexibility into the system. 8; Incumbent Judge Jeff Williams, a Republican, isnt running for reelection. Democrats on Harris County Commissioners Court are poised to adopt more modest funding boosts for the sheriff and other law enforcement offices, arguing that steeper spending hikes would come at the expense of key services, such as the health department and library system. 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. Its fair and just. I am a small business co-founder on the East Side of Harris County and an elected School Board Trustee. JPs have the ability to proactively provide legal aid information to tenants as well as coming to agreements on potential payment plans. Transparency is key in making sure evictions are handled in accordance with the law. At the time, Hidalgo said the two GOP budget plans read like a horror story.. By Jishnu Nair They have a unique opportunity to resolve conflicts before they get to county courts. It thereby has the greatest duty to perform at the highest standards of both the law and morality. Vega: Making sure public safety/health is secure and fully operational is extremely vital to our citizens and our economy. Cagle won re-election that year, while Morman lost to Democrat Garcia, whom he is running against to reclaim his seat. Do you believe tenants should be evicted for nonpayment of rent during a pandemic? Its $1.9 million fundraising haul between July and the end of September came from just six contributors, including $1 million from the private equity firm Trinity Equity Partners, $500,000 from Don McGill of Katy LTD, $300,000 from the Republican State Leadership Committee and $125,000 fromApache Corp. Follow him on Twitter @jishnews for news updates. 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 currently have my own practice where I deal with business law, construction law, and personal injury matters. Would you continue to implement any of the emergency measures after the pandemic? The winners 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. 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. 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. Dolores has spent years organizing for quality education, gender equity, and equitable development throughout Harris County. Why or why not? 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. not have been determined by a final judgment of a court exercising probate jurisdiction to be: partially mentally incapacitated without the right to vote. Incumbent Judge Lucia Bates, a Democrat, is running for reelection. Last night, two Republican candidates who lost the November 2022 election in Harris Countyincluding Alexandra del Moral Mealer, former candidate for Harris County Judgeannounced they will challenge the results of The race was not the only close margin in a Harris County judicial election last month. Brian Staley, former candidate for Harris County Civil County Court at Law No. What is the role of the JP in trying to improve the justice system? Why are you running? The (county) administrators office accounts for maybe $3 million, and that wouldnt fund a fraction of this proposal that Ive seen, Garcia said. "But we also know that in order to curtail crime, we've got to make quality of life investments. Why or why not? 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. Incumbent Judge Louie Ditta, a Republican, is running for reelection. Harris County votes still being counted 9 days after Election Day Election 2022: Full results from Texas primary runoff elections Primary runoff sets up mid-term contests for AG and Lt. Gov. Do you believe tenants should be evicted for nonpayment of rent during a pandemic? Harris County faces many challenges. The Coalition Por For Texas PAC has contributed $450,000 to the Texas Latino Conservatives PAC, which made donations in October to Morman and Jack Cagle, GOP candidates for Harris County Commissioners Court. Jones won by 449 votes out of more than 1 million ballots cast in the race. Especially now that the limit for civil cases has been raised to 20,000. 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. J. Manlove: Crime is a top priority, if we no longer feel safe in our community we are losing our personal freedom inch by inch. Since July 1, Mealer has raised $8.6 million and spent $8.2 million, unprecedented numbers in an election for Harris County judge. Many of our law enforcement need new equipment such as cars, vests, riot gear and new technologies to keep up with investigation processes in solving more crimes.D. Jason: In March 2020 the radio told me if I went to church, I would be arrested. A yard sign in Houston supporting the Stop Houston Murders PAC photographed on Nov. 3, 2022. 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. Why are you running? Manlove: Deferred maintenance is crippling our roads and infrastructure. Among those filing challenges are Harris County Republican candidate Alex Mealer. 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. A Justice of the Peace should be fair, effective and efficient. 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. Do you believe tenants should be evicted for nonpayment of rent during a pandemic? 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Joaquin Castro diagnosed with cancer, undergoes surgery, Texas House Speaker appoints committee for gun legislation, Santa Fe families still denied video, records from 2018 shooting, Hill Country Republican seeks to ban voting on college campuses, Three misleading statements in Gov. It is imperative that the Justice of the Peace Courts enter the 21st century and use all available technology to provide the best and most efficient service to our community. I want to continue to serve this community by implementing creative ideas. I am married for 35 years, have 3 grown children and 2 grandchildren. The LAST DAY to vote is Saturday, May 1, 2021 from 7 AM 7 PM. Gundetection data raises concernsAftermath | West Texas town looks like Mars after dust stormGrind | Houston is the No. Why or why not? I would still leave in place all of the accommodating options. By the end of the day, that number was up to 19, according to the Houston Chronicle's Matt deGrood and Jen Rice. The Democratic Party candidates are Lucia Bates, Ashleigh Roberson and Herbert Alexander Sanchez. Do you believe tenants should be evicted for nonpayment of rent during a pandemic? Manlove: The role of county government is primarily crime, infrastructure and economic development. I believe I bring a unique skill set to this court. 5; Chris Daniel, former candidate for Harris County District Clerk. Her reporting has aired nationally on NPR's Morning Edition, All Things Considered and Here & Now. Dolores is on the founding team of Impact Hub Houston, a locally rooted, globally connected nonprofit organization working to make Houston a role model for how the world solves its most pressing issues. 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. We have learned from the pandemic that legal aid groups and zoom can and should play a role in our justice system. What is the role of the JP in trying to improve the justice system? May's election contest is ongoing. 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. Mouton: Quality of life is a top priority as mayor in Deer Park. Taylor alleged 80 percent of polling places with paper shortages on Nov. 8 were in areas considered Republican strongholds. Relevant experience matters. "We've got this small group of donors who are influencing not only the election outcomes but I would say the likely public policies that are created and implemented. positions JPs should also be looking at the living conditions of these rentals to make sure everything is up to code before making a ruling. It is important for us to fix our parks so they can be more desirable for families. "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. 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. The campaign then raised an eye-popping $811,000 in October, according to Morman's latest report. "Several of them are considering election contests.". It is the countys job to make sure resources continue to flow through the proper channels to reach our community. To answer this question would be a violation of the Judicial Canons. As a successful mayor of the city of Pasadena along with my hispanic heritage and business experience I believe Im the most qualified candidate.What would your top priorities be if elected?J. I am running for Harris County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Place 2, because I want to usher in the new era into this JP court. He has also reported on local politics for both papers. Eviction petitions must be handled with transparency, compassion, and competence to uphold the law. Jason: When vehicles are broken into my residents [in] Precinct 2 should contact the police then my office and we will see these people are hunted down, arrested and jailed!J. 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. I believe it is the fair and compassionate thing to do. Most notably, I am running to have working class people leave my courtroom better than when they left. So, at first glance, this proposal does not seem serious. 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. 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 Democratic Party candidates are Ron Campana, Steve Duble, Victor Lombrana, Sonia Lopez, Jonathan JP Preston and Chris Watson. Morman: Supporting law enforcement, waging a real war on crime, cutting wasteful spending [and] restoring integrity in county government.R. "Mr. Tatum, your day of reckoning has just started.". Alexandra del Moral Mealer, the Republican nominee challenging Hidalgo, estimated the addition of 1,000 new law Jen Rice is a reporter for the Houston Chronicle covering Harris County government. Nine-term incumbent U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, will compete in a runoff against progressive attorney Jessica Cisneros. Why or why not? Law enforcement needs better support and so do crime victims.R. Vega: County government or elected officials are to be servants to the county. 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. We're in the process of transitioning services for our Today in Houston newsletter. 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. 3:59 PM Feb 14, 2022 CST, Five candidates are competing in the Republican primary election for Harris County commissioner Precinct 2. Hoping to unseat County Judge Lina Hidalgo and retake political control of the county, Republicans have centered their campaigns this year around crime and public safety, arguing Democrats have failed to devote enough funding to county law enforcement since gaining a majority on Commissioners Court in 2018. These measures have improved the accessibility of the court, and I am strongly in favor of not only continuing but also expanding them. Over the last five years, the crime rate in Deer Park decreased approximately 15%. 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. I served our country in the United States Army with experiences that would benefit our county. However, most of the resources are being used to underwrite Houston and its social programs. An immediate assessment of needs must be done to see what damage the incumbent Democrat has done. I have witnessed firsthand the detrimental impacts of inequality in public services. What is the role of the JP in trying to improve the justice system? Your application must be submitted 30 days before the election date for you to be eligible to vote in that election. Denise F. Graves is the only Republican Party candidate in the race. Biographical statement: What needs do you see for parks and roads in Precinct 2 and what can be done to improve them?J. Mark Montgomery, former candidate for Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. Originally from New Jersey, Jishnu covers the North Houston metro area, including Community Impact Newspaper's Montgomery County markets. Incumbent Judge David Patronella, a Democrat, isnt running for reelection. 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. Your subscription will be migrated over. I raised my family in Precinct 1, and I have lived in the precinct for more than 30 years. What is the role of the JP in trying to improve the justice system? JPs are often the first point of contact for people who are struggling. 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. To answer this question would be a violation of the Judicial Canons. 4.; Mark Goldberg, former candidate for Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. She contended the cost could be covered, at least in part, by cutting administrative staff, though she did not reveal specific plans or commit to any cuts to core services. He was previously a staff writer with the Dallas Observer and has written for Chicago's South Side Weekly and the Chicago Reader. We were able to make this happen despite the criminal justice system failing our community by allowing criminals to be released. Texas Attorney General candidates waiting on 10,000 mail-in ballots to be counted in Harris County The 6,000 Democratic and 4,000 Republican ballots are The incumbent candidate is Adrian Justice Courts should be people centered and no one should feel that the legal system is working against them. I want to use the skills I learned professionally to keep Harris County safe and the community thriving. Do you believe tenants should be evicted for nonpayment of rent during a pandemic? A Precinct 2 commissioner should provide public safety while ensuring the blessings of liberty to our constituents.J. When I am not practicing law I am spending time with my family. $10.00 + $4.99 shipping. Many of the major milestones in my life would not have been possible without them, and I hope to provide those same opportunities to others.J. Expose aid and resources to renters through churches and community organizations. Jasper Scherer covers Texas politics and government for the Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News. The legal process should not be cryptic we should encourage people to have access to legal advice and mediation. Do you believe tenants should be evicted for nonpayment of rent during a pandemic? To answer this question would be a violation of the Judicial Canons. Jason: Parks and roads, I need to research when elected and implement my decisions.J. How can JPs play a role in helping to reduce the number of nonpayment of rent evictions in their precinct? Mouton: The power under the Constitution will always be in the people. Angela Rodriguez, a Democrat, is running for reelection. What is the role of the JP in trying to improve the justice system? ELECTION MAP: See if your Harris County neighborhood voted for Greg Abbott or Beto O'Rourke in the 2022 midterms. Find a polling location near you for early voting or Election Day. People will not want to move here," she said. Get highlights, trending news, and behind-the-scenes insights from Houston Public Media delivered to your inbox each week. 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Alexandra del Moral Mealer, the Republican nominee for Harris County judge, speaking at the press conference at the Harris County Deputies Organization in Houston. No Republican Party candidates filed to run. Andy Taylor, general counsel for the Harris County GOP, is representing Lunceford. Before coming to the Chronicle, Jen spent three years covering City Hall for Houston's NPR station. Jason: If the sheriffs office and [district attorney] dont hunt down these criminals and convict them then I will cut their budget 20%!J.