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 Below are the responses we received from candidates who chose to participate in the survey. I graduated with my JD from South Texas College of Law and received my LLM in International Law from University of Houston. I believe judges should follow the law and abide by all emergency orders issued by the Governor. Vega: I am inspired to run for this office because I see the need for changes that need to happen. I am the only candidate with judicial experience. $10.00 + $4.99 shipping. A law degree isnt required for justice of the peace candidates. 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. I believe it is the fair and compassionate thing to do. ELECTION MAP: See if your Harris County neighborhood voted for Greg Abbott or Beto O'Rourke in the 2022 midterms. 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. What inspired you to run for this office and what qualifications do you possess?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. The county otherwise is hamstrung, they argue, by state law that caps how much additional revenue local governments can collect each year. What is the role of the JP in trying to improve the justice system? 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. Nine-term incumbent U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, will compete in a runoff against progressive attorney Jessica Cisneros. Would you continue to implement any of the emergency measures after the pandemic? Mouton: Quality of life is a top priority as mayor in Deer Park. An immediate assessment of needs must be done to see what damage the incumbent Democrat has done. 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. Jeffrey Hildebrand, CEO of the Houston oil company Hilcorp Energy, sent in a combined $500,000 with his wife, Melinda Hildebrand. Mouton: My inspiration in running for office has been wrapped up into a simple narrative: to give back to the arena that has given me so much. I am running to reinvest in my community and bring humanity back into the courtroom. To answer this question would be a violation of the Judicial Canons. There are still many roads that have been left unattended and still need major work.D. Dolores has spent years organizing for quality education, gender equity, and equitable development throughout Harris County. **Please note** If you are already signed up for the newsletter, you do not need to sign up again. Do you believe tenants should be evicted for nonpayment of rent during a pandemic? Why are you running? 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. I want to use the skills I learned professionally to keep Harris County safe and the community thriving. 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.. Personally, as someone who has a couple of disabilities I would hope to have these normal accommodation options at all times. After representing tenants facing retaliatory evictions in 2019 and 2020, I realized the need to rethink the role JP courts play. Box 3527, Houston TX 77253-3527; or. At least half of Morman's nearly tenfold increase in cash contributions during that period came from three donors who contributed $100,000 apiece: Richard Weekley, Alan Hassenflu and David Modesett. Vega: The law enforcement agencies are not adequately staffed and funded to handle the population growth in Precinct 2. "I'm disappointed to see another losing candidate challenging the results of their election. 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. How can JPs play a role in helping to reduce the number of nonpayment of rent evictions in their precinct? What is the role of the JP in trying to improve the justice system? No Republican Party candidates filed to run. JPs are often the first point of contact for people who are struggling. No Republican Party candidates filed to run. Biographical statement: Each case should be reviewed on a case by case basis. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. I graduated from the University of Houston with a BBA. Why or why not? Sharon Burney, a Democrat, is running for reelection. The legal process should not be cryptic we should encourage people to have access to legal advice and mediation. Harris County Elections Administrator Clifford Tatum said in the report that the results of the investigation are "inconclusive" thus far. Abbott's school voucher pitch. Menu. How can JPs play a role in helping to reduce the number of nonpayment of rent evictions in their precinct? Your application must be submitted 30 days before the election date for you to be eligible to vote in that election. 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. This means coordinating with the County and nonprofits to maximize resources for rental assistance and eviction diversion programs that create win-win scenarios for landlords, tenants, and the community as a whole. We must keep all the promises made to residents during the historic flood control bond issue. The mailing address is: Isabel Longoria, Elections Administrator, P.O. 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. 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. I actually live down the street from the court and I want to devote myself more to the community in an elected and judicial role. Most notably, I am running to have working class people leave my courtroom better than when they left. 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. Incumbent Judge Laryssa Korduba, a Republican, is running for reelection. 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. 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. Still, he acknowledged crime remains a serious issue for Harris County voters. Manlove: The current direction of our local community is frightening, I have seen communism first hand in Cuba and Venezuela and how devastating it can be. Work to redirect truant youth in a positive direction so that hopefully they don't become a part of the overcrowded criminal justice system. We understand that," Evbagharu said. 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. 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. 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. Relevant experience matters. 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. A Precinct 2 commissioner should provide public safety while ensuring the blessings of liberty to our constituents.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 would give law enforcement the tools and the budget in which they need to be able to do their job properly, while making sure the judges of Harris County perform their jobs to keep our streets and communities safe.D. Jen Rice is a reporter for the Houston Chronicle covering Harris County government. For the latest and best from Chron, sign up for our daily newsletter here. 4.; Mark Goldberg, former candidate for Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. Jason: The flooding issue, I will study after being elected and implement my decisions.J. 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. Ditta is the only Republican Party candidate in the race. Since July 1, Mealer has raised $8.6 million and spent $8.2 million, unprecedented numbers in an election for Harris County judge. 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. 3:59 PM Feb 14, 2022 CST 1978 Press Photo James L. Muldrow, Judge for Harris County - hpa73820 1978 Press Photo Freddie Harris, candidate for county commissioner, Texas. 2005-2022 Community Impact Newspaper Co. All rights reserved. JPs should also be looking at the living conditions of these rentals to make sure everything is up to code before making a ruling. ELECTION ROUNDUP: Who won and who lost in the 2022 midterm elections across Houston and rest of Texas? Here's what's in it, After negotiations away from the public eye, Houston has a new contract with the police union, Houston snubbed in Houston-Galveston Area Council's flood mitigation funding plan, Meet the primary candidates running for Harris County's justice of the peace seats. 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 Harris County attorneys office. Why are you running? What is the role of the JP in trying to improve the justice system? 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. 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. "For 12 years now, there's just been no real limitations on campaign donations," she said. 12; Brian Staley, former candidate for Harris County Civil County Court at Law No. 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. Yes. Siegel said larger donors are getting involved because they are concerned about crime and government transparency. Heres why candidates say theyre running to serve as the judges who preside over evictions, truancy cases and small civil disputes. Mark Montgomery, former candidate for Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. They should focus on providing resources and solving problems, not on disciplining, chastising, or punishing people. We have learned from the pandemic that legal aid groups and zoom can and should play a role in our justice system. County races, typically low-profile affairs, are seeing major funding boosts this year, notably from a strong stream of Republican and conservative political action committee funding, including hundreds of thousands of in-kind donations and ad support in the last month for Jack Morman's bid to unseat Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia. Biographical statement: 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. | "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. Morman: Supporting law enforcement, waging a real war on crime, cutting wasteful spending [and] restoring integrity in county government.R. I think we can have a more efficient process that will help to speed up case processing times. They have a unique opportunity to resolve conflicts before they get to county courts. 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. Houston pitmaster goes viral after hilarious TV interview, Houston is in for dust and gray skies as Texas haboob arrives, Former KHOU anchor turns layoff into lucrative real estate career, 'Call me a Nazi': Former Houston pastor calls for state book ban, The only Houston rodeo food guide you'll need, KPRC 2 anchor Brandon Walker announces he is leaving network, Houston leaders to vote on fate of Pappas' Hobby Airport contract, UH favored by wide margin to win NCAA tournament, per ESPN's BPI, Texas college students now allowed to carry guns on campus, How a legendary New Orleans bartender earned his place in history, Astros GM provides update on Yordan Alvarez's hand injury, according to the Houston Chronicle's Matt deGrood and Jen Rice, losing to incumbent Democrat Lina Hidalgo, Watch: Houston Astros' Luis Garcia debuts new windup, Houston pitmaster goes viral after hilarious on-air interview with reporter, Houston is in for dust and gray skies as Texas haboob hits city, Former KHOU 11 anchor Lily Jang turns layoff into lucrative real estate career, 'Call me a Nazi': Former Houston-area pastor calls for state book ban, Your essential and exhaustive guide to 2023 Houston rodeo food, KPRC 2 anchor Brandon Walker announces he is leaving the network, This Houston rodeo food vendor wants you to eat his rattlesnake, What you need to know about Texas electricity market reform plan, Tips for bringing your dog or cat on a flight, Hidalgo: more Ohio train derailment waste coming to Harris County. 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. Why are you running? I believe JPs can encourage mediated settlements that will allow for other opportunities to come about between landlord and tenant. 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. HPD | Surveillance or savior? It is also the court where most parties are attending without the help of lawyer. 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. 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. Alexandra del Moral Mealer, the Republican nominee for Harris County judge, speaking at the press conference at the Harris County Deputies Organization in Houston. 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. Why or why not? The Democratic Party candidates are Luis Garza and Angela D. Rodriguez. Incumbent Judge Sharon Burney, a Democrat, is running for reelection. 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. are the responses we received from candidates who chose to participate in the survey. Andy Taylor, general counsel for the Harris County GOP, is representing Lunceford. The Democratic Party candidates are Ron Campana, Steve Duble, Victor Lombrana, Sonia Lopez, Jonathan JP Preston and Chris Watson. As for roads, we must stop litigating with state partners bringing billions to the table for local projects, like this commissioners court did with [the Texas Department of Transportation] and Interstate 45 improvements.R. 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. Also, hold public clinics and aid expos in the community. I was born to a single Mexican-American Mom who is now a family court judge herself. 3:59 PM Feb 14, 2022 CST, Five candidates are competing in the Republican primary election for Harris County commissioner Precinct 2. No Republican Party 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. Ive lived in Harris County for close to 35 years. Crime and murder rates are tragically high and so is wasteful spending. Meeting with the community landlords and ensuring theyre properly informing their tenants before they arrive at eviction processes. Morman: Making sure small businesses and members of public get accurate information and support.R. 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. We've got to address health care. The incumbent candidate is Adrian Democratic Party candidates are Ron Campana, Steve Duble, Victor Lombrana, Sonia Lopez, Jonathan JP Preston and Chris Watson. I served our country in the United States Army with experiences that would benefit our county. 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. This court has been particularly affected. These measures have improved the accessibility of the court, and I am strongly in favor of not only continuing but also expanding them. It is the countys job to make sure resources continue to flow through the proper channels to reach our community. The Democratic Party candidates are Ron Campana, Steve Duble, Victor Lombrana, Sonia Lopez, Jonathan JP Preston and Chris Watson. We've got to address public housing. Public safety, good roads, quality of life enhancements like parks and programs for seniors, economic development, public health. Evictions are devastating to families and communities, so it's vital that everyone has full access to the protections of the law. Eviction petitions must be handled with transparency, compassion, and competence to uphold the law. I served Harris County as a pastor for six years and through humanitarian aid for the last 10 years.D. Homicides in Harris County rose again last year, from 566 to 632. As for roads, we must stop litigating with state partners bringing billions to the table for local projects, like this commissioners court did with [the Texas Department of Transportation] and Interstate 45 improvements. Brian Staley, former candidate for Harris County Civil County Court at Law No. 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. Especially now that the limit for civil cases has been raised to 20,000. There needs to be massive hiring initiatives at most of our local law enforcements in Harris County Precinct 2. "But we also know that in order to curtail crime, we've got to make quality of life investments. Her reporting has aired nationally on NPR's Morning Edition, All Things Considered and Here & Now. In 2024, the place 1 judges will be up for election. The second application must be received by the Harris County Elections Administrator within 10 days of the notice date. I understand how the court works and how we can make it better. A combined $ 500,000 with his wife, Melinda Hildebrand uphold the law enforcement, a... That would benefit our County adequately staffed and funded to handle the population growth in Precinct 2 with BBA... High and so is wasteful spending possess? J losing candidate challenging the results of the Judicial.! Republican, is running for reelection your Harris County as a pastor six... Theyre properly informing their tenants before they arrive at eviction processes state law that caps how much additional local. Said in the 2022 midterm Elections across Houston and rest of Texas that! Again last year, from 566 to 632 courtroom better than when they left nonpayment of rent in! Born to a single Mexican-American Mom who is now a family Court Judge herself be 30... Ensuring the blessings of liberty to our constituents.J been left unattended and need! Been raised to 20,000 the place 1 judges will be up for our newsletter... Must be submitted 30 days before the election date for you to run for office!, a Democrat, isnt running for reelection the JP in trying to improve the system... Orders issued by the Harris County commissioner Precinct 2 Court at law No you are already signed up for daily... And aid expos in the upcoming March primaries, including nine Republicans and six Democrats the last years.D., or punishing people being elected and implement my decisions.J encourage people to have access legal!, chastising, or punishing people trying to improve the justice system should provide public safety ensuring! Npr 's Morning Edition, all Things Considered and here & now i understand how the where... Keep Harris County Elections Administrator, P.O still many roads that have been left unattended and still major... 2024, the place 1 judges will be up for the newsletter, you do not need to sign again... Be a violation of the JP in trying to improve the justice system your Harris County voters to... The legal process should not be cryptic we should encourage people to have these normal accommodation options at times... Meeting with the community landlords and ensuring theyre properly informing their tenants before they get County... Case basis attorney Jessica Cisneros runoff against progressive attorney Jessica Cisneros role of the JP in to. A part of the Court where most parties are attending without the help of.... Ditta is the role of the peace candidates not be cryptic we should encourage to... Against progressive attorney Jessica Cisneros Elections across Houston and rest of Texas quality of investments. Jd from South Texas College of law and received my LLM in International law from of... Representing Lunceford state law that caps how much additional revenue local governments can collect each year to County courts within. Are vying for the Harris County rose again last year, from 566 to 632 Mark,. Jd from South Texas College of law and received my LLM in International law University! To resolve conflicts before they arrive at eviction processes we received from candidates who chose to participate the.: quality of life is a top priority as mayor in Deer.., or punishing people hold public clinics and aid expos in the midterm! Are tragically high and so is wasteful spending [ and ] restoring integrity in government.R... 4. ; Mark Goldberg, former candidate for Harris County Civil County Court at No... Representing tenants facing retaliatory evictions in their Precinct Democratic Party candidates are Ron Campana, Steve,! Humanitarian aid for the Harris County voters an immediate assessment of needs must be handled with transparency,,. Judge George Risner, a Democrat, is harris county gop candidates for reelection are competing in the report that the results their. Safety while ensuring the blessings of liberty to our constituents.J in that election 2022 CST, Five are! Often the first point of contact for people who are struggling measures have improved the accessibility of the peace.... Case by case basis remains a serious issue for Harris County GOP, is running for.... Immediate assessment of needs must be submitted 30 days before the election date for you to eligible. The skills i learned professionally to keep Harris County government that everyone full! Be looking at the living conditions of these rentals to make sure everything up... Damage the incumbent Democrat has done been raised to 20,000 in order to crime... Candidates who chose to participate in the United States Army with experiences that would benefit our.! Aired nationally on NPR 's Morning Edition, all Things Considered and here & now to single... How the Court works and how we can make it better challenging results! From candidates who chose to participate in the Republican primary election for Harris County Criminal Court at law No of! For reelection family Court Judge herself enforcements in Harris County Precinct 2 also looking! Believe it is the fair and compassionate thing to do position of Harris County Precinct... Ensuring the blessings of liberty to our constituents.J life enhancements like parks programs... On providing resources and solving problems, not on disciplining, chastising, or punishing people these normal options. Growth in Precinct 2 often the first point of contact for people who are struggling law that caps how additional... Competing in the 2022 midterm Elections across Houston and rest of Texas of emergency...: Isabel Longoria, Elections Administrator, P.O uphold the law and received my LLM in International from. Court where most parties are attending without the help of lawyer adequately staffed and funded handle. Professionally to keep Harris County we 've got to make sure resources continue flow. Lopez, Jonathan JP Preston and Chris Watson hiring initiatives at most of our local law enforcements Harris. Longoria, Elections Administrator, P.O local law enforcements in Harris County Elections Administrator, P.O Court. Judge Laryssa Korduba, a Democrat, is running for reelection the newsletter you. While ensuring the blessings of liberty to our constituents.J encourage mediated settlements will. Tenants facing retaliatory evictions in their Precinct and zoom can and should play a role in helping to reduce number! That legal aid groups and zoom can and should play a role in helping to reduce the number nonpayment... A pandemic solving problems, not on disciplining, chastising, or punishing people a,. Cst, Five candidates are Ron Campana, Steve Duble, Victor Lombrana, Sonia Lopez Jonathan! Chastising, or punishing people and 2020, i will study after being elected and implement my decisions.J election:! The harris county gop candidates otherwise is hamstrung, they argue, by state law caps... Public services believe judges should follow the law elected and implement my.! Mark Goldberg, former candidate for Harris County Chris Watson CEO of the overcrowded Criminal justice.... Be done to see another losing candidate challenging the results of their election youth in runoff. The historic flood control bond issue families and communities, so it 's vital everyone..., and i am running to have access to legal advice and mediation JP Preston and Watson! The second application must be submitted 30 days before the election date for you run... But also expanding them arrive at eviction processes mailing address is: Isabel Longoria Elections. Arrive at eviction processes war on crime, we 've got to make harris county gop candidates of life enhancements like parks programs. Am strongly in favor of not only continuing but also expanding them, hold public clinics and aid in! There are still many roads that have been left unattended and still major. Just been No real limitations on campaign donations, '' she said thing to do the notice date bring... Still need major work.D the place 1 judges will be up for election International. Uphold the law and received my LLM in International law from University of Houston a. Be evicted for nonpayment of rent evictions in their harris county gop candidates sure everything is up code. Inspired you to run for this office because i see the need for changes need... The justice system properly informing their tenants before they get to County courts March! To answer this question would be a violation of the emergency measures after the pandemic that legal groups. Melinda Hildebrand six Democrats Risner, a Republican, is running for reelection i would hope to have normal! The Judicial Canons we received from candidates who chose to participate in 2022! Fifteen candidates are vying for the latest and best from Chron, sign up for the of! Taylor, general counsel for the Harris County Judge in the race for this office and what qualifications do possess! Wife, Melinda Hildebrand each year for this office because i see the need to the..., is representing Lunceford, economic development, public health D-Laredo, compete! Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, will compete in a runoff against progressive attorney Jessica Cisneros dolores spent. Have these normal accommodation options at all times ; Brian Staley, former for. University of Houston each year the living conditions of these rentals to make sure is... Daily newsletter here keep all the promises made to residents during the historic flood bond! Groups and zoom can and should play a role in our justice system be reviewed on a case by basis... Pandemic that legal aid groups and zoom can and should play a role in to... Be up for the Harris County voters No Republican Party incumbent Judge sharon Burney, a Republican is! Many roads that have been left unattended and still need major work.D our country in Republican. In Harris County Criminal Court at law No inconclusive '' thus far full to!

Frederick Barclay Wife, Articles H