Before coming to the Chronicle, Jen spent three years covering City Hall for Houston's NPR station. I graduated with my JD from South Texas College of Law and received my LLM in International Law from University of Houston. Incumbent Judge David Patronella, a Democrat, isnt 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. Known as JPs, these are the judges who decide matters like misdemeanors, small civil disputes and truancy cases. Would you continue to implement any of the emergency measures after the pandemic? Morman's mid-October fundraising report in 2018 showed $68,260 in contributions, including $4,900 of in-kind political contributions. "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. Harris County Republican Party Chair Cindy Siegel indicated there could be more election contests to come. I want to set an example for my two young sons. He was previously a staff writer with the Dallas Observer and has written for Chicago's South Side Weekly and the Chicago Reader. I am running for this bench because I feel that I am the most qualified candidate. Below the Waterlines: Houston After Hurricane Harvey, Houston-Area Judges Are Evicting Renters Who Could Be Protected Under Federal Order, After secret negotiations, Houston City Council will vote on a new contract with the police union. More than one-third of her October fundraising total came from a $75,000 donation from Commissioner Garcia and a $100,000 loan from Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis. This year, voters are electing the place 2 judges in each precinct. ELECTION ROUNDUP: Who won and who lost in the 2022 midterm elections across Houston and rest of Texas? My goal is to transform this process into one that is more transparent. 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. The. Mouton: As the mayor of Deer Park, I quickly realized flood mitigation is a moving target that requires continuous focus and investments. | 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. Jen Rice is a reporter for the Houston Chronicle covering Harris County government. Call the Elections Administrator Office at (713) 755-6965, Email the Elections Administrator Office at. A Precinct 2 commissioner should provide public safety while ensuring the blessings of liberty to our constituents.J. Fifteen candidates are vying for the position of Harris County judge in the upcoming March primaries, including nine Republicans and six Democrats. Im a husband and father. 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. Incumbent Judge George Risner, a Democrat, isnt running for reelection. The mailing address is: Isabel Longoria, Elections Administrator, P.O. 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. 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. 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. More than a dozen Republican candidates who lost their races for various elected offices in Harris County during the 2022 elections are disputing the legitimacy of Harris County's election results. As the first point of contact in eviction cases, JPs have the best opportunity to refocus the process on avoiding evictions rather than just processing paperwork. What is the role of the JP in trying to improve the justice system? Do you believe tenants should be evicted for nonpayment of rent during a pandemic? We've got to address health care. I am running to bring a fresh new perspective with a wide range of personal and professional experiences. 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. 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 Menu. "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?" Incumbent Judge Laryssa Korduba, a Republican, is running for reelection. Jason: In March 2020 the radio told me if I went to church, I would be arrested. There is no greater calling than to be of service to others. 12; Brian Staley, former candidate for Harris County Civil County Court at Law No. 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. After representing tenants facing retaliatory evictions in 2019 and 2020, I realized the need to rethink the role JP courts play. Do you believe tenants should be evicted for nonpayment of rent during a pandemic? Should they require a moratorium of evictions the courts should follow. JPs have to follow the law, but they should also do as much as they possibly can to extend eviction protections for renters. Law enforcement needs better support and so do crime victims.R. Community activist, Political and Business Consultant and mediator. Previously, he worked as a digital producer for a television station in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and studied at Syracuse University's Newhouse School. It is is not in the best interest of our community to just evict a tenant without trying to help them as best as we can legally do so during the worst pandemic of our lifetime. 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 Matters is on the air now! Would you continue to implement any of the emergency measures after the pandemic? Denise F. Graves is the only Republican Party candidate in the race. An immediate assessment of needs must be done to see what damage the incumbent Democrat has done. Several Democratic and Republican candidates are gunning for the top position of the Out of Harris County during the early voting period and on Election Day; 65 years of age or older on Election Day; or confined in jail, but eligible to vote. Meet the Republican Candidates September 29, 2022 After Lina Hidalgo's challenger announced she was contesting results, several others followed suit. PAY TO PLAY: Harris County commissioners hide where most of their campaign cash comes from. Still, he acknowledged crime remains a serious issue for Harris County voters. The campaign received $375,000 from Vega Energy Partners president David Modesettand $100,000 from John McGill, owner of Don McGill Auto Group. The winners 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 Jen Rice is a reporter for the Houston Chronicle covering Harris County government. Houston Public Media is supported with your gifts to the Houston Public Media Foundation and is licensed to the University of Houston. 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. ELECTION MAP: See if your Harris County neighborhood voted for Greg Abbott or Beto O'Rourke in the 2022 midterms. 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. No Democratic Party candidates filed to run. A yard sign in Houston supporting the Stop Houston Murders PAC photographed on Nov. 3, 2022. Find a polling location near you for early voting or Election Day. How can JPs play a role in helping to reduce the number of nonpayment of rent evictions in their precinct? "The county will now have to spend substantial resources handling these contests, time that could instead be spent serving the people of Harris County, he added. The largest contributor to Stop Houston Murders, the Judicial Fairness PAC, started in 2020 to support GOP candidates for the Texas Supreme Court. 4.; Mark Goldberg, former candidate for Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. Biographical statement: No Republican Party candidates filed to run. Why are you running? When you're talking about 5 percent in a budget, yes, we can find that, Mealer, who is spearheading the plan, said at a news conference. 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 will keep measures put in place during the pandemic. 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. What is the role of the JP in trying to improve the justice system? Jason: Texans are smart and Texas doctors are great and these two should make their medical decisions not the government!J. 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. Your application must be submitted 30 days before the election date for you to be eligible to vote in that election. The use of video conferencing is long overdue. 1 most stressful city for workers in U.S.Change | Crosby ISD adopts 4-day school week, a first in Harris County. A dozen losing Republican candidates in Harris County have filed election contests to void the results of their races in the November 2022 election, according to the Biographical statement: Box 3527, Houston TX 77253-3527; or. Much of Mealer's funding has come from a handful of Houston-based donors, including $400,000 each from Weekley and Alan Hassenflu, CEO of Fidelis Realty Partners and a board member of Weekleys Texans for Lawsuit Reform group. On the ballot this year are half of Harris Countys justice of the peace seats. Mouton: Quality of life is a top priority as mayor in Deer Park. Jasper Scherer covers Texas politics and government for the Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News. Judge Lunceford previously served on the bench, so I trust she understands the seriousness of asking a court to disregard the votes of over a million residents across Harris County," Menefee said. We've got to address public housing. What is the role of the JP in trying to improve the justice system? More former Harris County GOP candidates move to overturn elections. You must be at least 17 years and ten months of age on the date your application is submitted. The campaign then raised an eye-popping $811,000 in October, according to Morman's latest report. Why or why not? How soon before an election can I register and be able to vote? The Democratic Party candidates are Ron Campana, Steve Duble, Victor Lombrana, Sonia Lopez, Jonathan JP Preston and Chris Watson. Incumbent Judge Angela Rodriguez, a Democrat, is running for reelection. I am committed to making sure the business of the court proceeds in a timely and efficient manner. Abbott's school voucher pitch. 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. Our community has felt the impact of rising eviction rates, a lack of access to social services, and a continuous struggle to close the school to prison pipeline. I served our country in the United States Army with experiences that would benefit our county. They also decide eviction cases. 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. In a statement, Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee said his office will keep a close eye on Lunceford's election contest. This will allow more dockets for evictions and small claims. Garcia, meanwhile, said he supports the idea of hiring more law enforcement personnel but does not see how eliminating administrative positions would cover the cost. How can JPs play a role in helping to reduce the number of nonpayment of rent evictions in their precinct? I am 36 years old born and raised here all my life. Last week, Mike May, the GOP nominee who ran against state Rep. Jon Rosenthal in House District 135, filed a petition challenging Rosenthals win. For the latest and best from Chron, sign up for our daily newsletter here. I am the son of two hard working people who taught me the value of hard work, service, and dedication. Cagle won re-election that year, while Morman lost to Democrat Garcia, whom he is running against to reclaim his seat. Jason: The flooding issue, I will study after being elected and implement my decisions.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. Jeffrey Hildebrand, CEO of the Houston oil company Hilcorp Energy, sent in a combined $500,000 with his wife, Melinda Hildebrand. 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. 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. The LAST DAY to vote is Saturday, May 1, 2021 from 7 AM 7 PM. Incumbent Judge Louie Ditta, a Republican, is running for reelection. 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. 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. 5; Chris Daniel, former candidate for Harris County District Clerk. Born and raised in Houston, Texas. I want to continue to serve this community by implementing creative ideas. Harris County Republican Party | 8588 Katy Freeway, Suite 445 Houston, TX 77024 | (713) 838-7900 Business hours | 10 am - 4 pm Monday through Friday Not JPs have the ability to proactively provide legal aid information to tenants as well as coming to agreements on potential payment plans. Roads have always been a major issue and remain to be. Why or why not? I obtained a bachelor's degree in business and have experiences with finances and finding solutions to budgets our county needs. 1. Democrats hold a 3-2 edge on the court. 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. My name is Herbert Alexander Sanchez, I am 37 years old, a husband, and a father to 3 children ages 4, 16, and 19 years old. During this time I have developed methods to expedite dockets while providing the public with fairness and confidence in the system. I will limit the number of persons and hearings by appropriate scheduling to avoid unnecessary close contact. 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. Sharon Burney, a Democrat, is running for reelection. Watch: Astros SP Luis Garcia debuts new windup after rule changes, Oops! Her reporting has aired nationally on NPR's Morning Edition, All Things Considered and Here & Now. Who is eligible to register to vote in Harris County elections? "And, yet, that's not the way it's breaking.". Gundetection data raises concernsAftermath | West Texas town looks like Mars after dust stormGrind | Houston is the No. I believe the pandemic created a situation that no one was expecting and as a result extenuating circumstances existed that should be taken into consideration before allowing an eviction. By being active with people that come before the JP this improves the over all function of the court. My office will be involved in the case every step of the way to ensure peoples votes are protected.". Mealer said she wants to increase longevity pay and offer more competitive salary and benefits to encourage deputies to stick around, though she acknowledged we will not be able to hire 1,000 on Day One., In a statement Wednesday, Hidalgo noted that Harris Countys law enforcement agencies currently have more than 400 fully funded yet unfilled positions. Republican judicial candidate Erin Lunceford filed a petition seeking a new election in Harris County's 189th judicial district court race after losing by 2,743 votes. Mouton: The power under the Constitution will always be in the people. Angela Rodriguez, a Democrat, is running for reelection. Why are you running? "This case will focus on the details of every aspect of the November 8 election in Harris County. No Democratic Party candidates filed to run. Morman: Public safety, good roads, quality of life enhancements like parks and programs for seniors, economic development, public healthR. 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