Why or why not? Two Republican candidates Pete Flores and Raul Reyes are moving onto the runoff in Texas Senate District 24, as they hope to succeed Dawn Buckingham. "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. The last few years have been difficult and stressful for all members of our community. When I am not practicing law I am spending time with my family. (Community Impact Newspaper staff). Why or why not? 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. Mouton: The power under the Constitution will always be in the people. With three out of five seats on Commissioners Court in competitive races Nov. 8, the balance of the court is up for grabs. Harris County Republican Party chair Cindy Siegel said the shift in funding for county races indicates that running campaigns has gotten more expensive and donors are stepping up. Several Democratic and Republican candidates are gunning for the top position of the Join others and make your gift to Houston Public Media today. Mouton: As the mayor of Deer Park, I quickly realized flood mitigation is a moving target that requires continuous focus and investments. If elected I'll be the first gay JP in Harris County. To answer this question would be a violation of the Judicial Canons. Why are you running? No Democratic Party candidates filed to run. I am running to bring a fresh new perspective with a wide range of personal and professional experiences. I was born to a single Mexican-American Mom who is now a family court judge herself. Biographical statement: Would you continue to implement any of the emergency measures after the pandemic? On HoustonChronicle.com: Harris County approves $25M plan to house jail inmates at West Texas facility, The GOP plan comes as law enforcement agencies across the country, including in Houston and Harris County, are struggling to recruit and retain officers. Do you believe tenants should be evicted for nonpayment of rent during a pandemic? There are many parks within the precinct that have been neglected for many years. The county otherwise is hamstrung, they argue, by state law that caps how much additional revenue local governments can collect each year. I will continue to use whatever measures that are available to keep dockets moving. 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 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. How can JPs play a role in helping to reduce the number of nonpayment of rent evictions in their precinct? 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. Updated While Cagle had no in-kind political contributions on his Oct. 31 report in 2018, his 2022 report from the same period shows in-kind contributions totaling $158,000 from the Houston Region Business Coalition, the Texas Latino Conservatives PAC and the Protect and Serve Texas PAC. Would you continue to implement any of the emergency measures after the pandemic? 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. 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? What is the role of the JP in trying to improve the justice system? This court has been particularly affected. How can JPs play a role in helping to reduce the number of nonpayment of rent evictions in their precinct? 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. "But we also know that in order to curtail crime, we've got to make quality of life investments. 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. I am the most experienced person on the ballot. GOP commissioner candidate Jack Morman speaking at the press conference at the Harris County Deputies Organization in Houston. Its not a real attempt at governing a community through the challenges that were currently facing., Cagle contended during the press conference that eliminating all of the new bureaucracy added since Republicans lost their court majority would produce enough savings to fund the new proposed law enforcement officers without having to raise taxes on the public.. 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. Manlove: I would begin working on prevention more than reaction. 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 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. I want to have free computers and WiFi available, and offer alternative hours such as Saturday and evening court. Vega: My top three priorities include law enforcement, flooding and bail reform. It is important for us to fix our parks so they can be more desirable for families. What is the role of the JP in trying to improve the justice system? 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. Incumbent Judge Angela Rodriguez, a Democrat, is running for reelection. Five Republican candidates are running for Harris County's Precinct 2 commissioner seat in the upcoming March primaries. Eviction petitions must be handled with transparency, compassion, and competence to uphold the law. I graduated with my JD from South Texas College of Law and received my LLM in International Law from University of Houston. Ditta is the only Republican Party candidate in the race. Justices of the Peace are essential because they are part of most people's introduction to our justice system. Parks and roads must be supported. For the latest and best from Chron, sign up for our daily newsletter here. What inspired you to run for this office and what qualifications do you possess?J. "Mr. Tatum, your day of reckoning has just started.". After representing tenants facing retaliatory evictions in 2019 and 2020, I realized the need to rethink the role JP courts play. The Democratic Party candidates are Eman Afshar and Roderick D. Rodgers. Why are you running? 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. "You want a good base of the small donors because someone who gives $10 who maybe is on a fixed income, they're probably equally if not more invested in your campaign or your party than someone who can easily write a $1,000 check," Siegel said. Jen Rice is a reporter for the Houston Chronicle covering Harris County government. Heres why candidates say theyre running to serve as the judges who preside over evictions, truancy cases and small civil disputes. The Democratic Party candidates are Luis Garza and Angela D. Rodriguez. My office will be involved in the case every step of the way to ensure peoples votes are protected.". 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. We understand that," Evbagharu said. As a Justice of the Peace, it will be my responsibility to make sure this happens. Originally from New Jersey, Jishnu covers the North Houston metro area, including Community Impact Newspaper's Montgomery County markets. "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. 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. I am running for this bench because I feel that I am the most qualified candidate. There needs to be massive hiring initiatives at most of our local law enforcements in Harris County Precinct 2. Her reporting has aired nationally on NPR's Morning Edition, All Things Considered and Here & Now. I obtained a bachelor's degree in business and have experiences with finances and finding solutions to budgets our county needs. Burney is the only Democratic Party candidate in the race. Last week, Mike May, the GOP nominee who ran against state Rep. Jon Rosenthal in House District 135, filed a petition challenging Rosenthals win. Get highlights, trending news, and behind-the-scenes insights from Houston Public Media delivered to your inbox each week. Why are you running? I have practiced in JP Courts handling small claims matters as well as landlord tenant matters. To answer this question would be a violation of the Judicial Canons. I want to set an example for my two young sons. What is the role of the JP in trying to improve the justice system? 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 petition is filed in Harris County, but the case will be heard by a judge from outside the county, according to Menefee's office. Jasper Scherer covers Texas politics and government for the Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News. 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. Our Justice of the Peace courts can serve as a resource for community members dealing with evictions. I currently have my own practice where I deal with business law, construction law, and personal injury matters. Do you believe tenants should be evicted for nonpayment of rent during a pandemic? Roads have always been a major issue and remain to be. How can JPs play a role in helping to reduce the number of nonpayment of rent evictions in their precinct? JPs have to follow the law, but they should also do as much as they possibly can to extend eviction protections for renters. Resources like these are made possible by the generosity of our community of donors, foundations, and corporate partners. Taylor alleged 80 percent of polling places with paper shortages on Nov. 8 were in areas considered Republican strongholds. 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. Join the conversation: Call 713.440.8870 | Email talk@houstonmatters.org | Listen Live. By the end of the day, that number was up to 19, according to the Houston Chronicle's Matt deGrood and Jen Rice. Vega: Working with local and state government is vital to our communities that flood. Before coming to the Chronicle, Jen spent three years covering City Hall for Houston's NPR station. 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 would still leave in place all of the accommodating options. Do you believe tenants should be evicted for nonpayment of rent during a pandemic? I will listen to advocates and the people most affected by the issues to achieve the most equitable outcomes possible. 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 Angela Rodriguez, a Democrat, is running for reelection. No Republican Party candidates filed to run. Five Republican candidates are running for Harris County's Precinct 2 commissioner seat in the upcoming March primaries. 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. 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. Denise F. Graves is the only Republican Party candidate in the race. Burney is the only Democratic Party candidate in the race. The largest contributor to Stop Houston Murders, the Judicial Fairness PAC, started in 2020 to support GOP candidates for the Texas Supreme Court. Monday is the first day of early voting in the Texas March 1 primary election. Would you continue to implement any of the emergency measures after the pandemic? Harris County faces many challenges. I raised my family in Precinct 1, and I have lived in the precinct for more than 30 years. Do you believe tenants should be evicted for nonpayment of rent during a pandemic? I am the only candidate with judicial experience. 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. - 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. Why are you running? Jason: The flooding issue, I will study after being elected and implement my decisions.J. Biographical statement: 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. The winners Its fair and just. Jason: In March 2020 the radio told me if I went to church, I would be arrested. 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. Having someone in this position that understands the community is key to ensuring that everyone feels comfortable participating in our legal system. The JP should strive to eliminate confusion and provide information to help people make reasoned decisions before proceeding. 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. 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. Denise F. Graves is the only Republican Party candidate in the race. Follow him on Twitter @jishnews for news updates. I will push for stronger enforcement and work to stop the restorative justice ideology that is currently driving the release of repeat offenders. The Harris County Republican Party does not endorse any candidate in contested primary elections. The Harris County Republican Party may endorse candidates in contested non-partisan elections and general elections. 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. We've got to address health care. Incumbent Judge Jeff Williams, a Republican, isnt running for reelection. Jishnu joined Community Impact Newspaper as a metro reporter in July 2021. These pandemic measures can continue to make our courts more accessible. In-kind contributions are donations of services such as media advertising or mail materials rather than monetary donations. The campaign received $375,000 from Vega Energy Partners president David Modesettand $100,000 from John McGill, owner of Don McGill Auto Group. For example, Travis County JPs extended eviction protections through March of 2022, pausing eviction trials for unpaid rent for 30 days so renters can seek rental assistance, consult a pro bono attorney, and reach a settlement without the need for an eviction. "For 12 years now, there's just been no real limitations on campaign donations," she said. 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. Louie Ditta, a Republican, is running for reelection. Do you believe tenants should be evicted for nonpayment of rent during a pandemic? 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. Voter Registration Applications may be obtained by: Sending your request by mail. The Texas Supreme Court has declined to disqualify those votes. Sharon Burney, a Democrat, is running for reelection. Vega: I am inspired to run for this office because I see the need for changes that need to happen. The Democratic Party candidates are Lucia Bates, Ashleigh Roberson and Herbert Alexander Sanchez. I believe the law must be adhere to. Vega: Making sure public safety/health is secure and fully operational is extremely vital to our citizens and our economy. Morman: Parks and roads must be supported. No one wants to be continuously stuck in traffic or hitting the same pot hole day in and day out. Lucia Bates, a Democrat, is running for reelection. CAMPAIGN FINANCE IN TEXAS: Greg Abbott, Beto ORourke shatter records in governors race. On HoustonChronicle.com: Comptrollers defunding accusation could cost Harris County law enforcement millions in budget increases. 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. Alexandra del Moral Mealer, the Republican nominee for Harris County judge, speaking at the press conference at the Harris County Deputies Organization in Houston. Why are you running? 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. Incumbent Judge Laryssa Korduba, a Republican, is running for reelection. 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. 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