July Newsletter

Governor Abbott pushed the pause button on reopening Texas, which no doubt was a very difficult decision for him to make.  What the Governor did was hard and will be criticized.  Covid-19 is not discerning in who it affects.  We have seen over the last few weeks positivity rates spike in places where there were protests and other large gatherings, such as the 60,000 people protest that took place in Houston a couple of weeks ago.

Thankfully, so far Houston has been spared the major violence and destruction that other cities have seen.  We have, however, seen looting, damages to businesses and subsequent boarding up of other businesses, as well as the desecration of some monuments and statues.  From Christopher Columbus to George Washington to Abraham Lincoln, America has an amazing history, but we know it is not perfect.  We can and should learn from it.  We are a nation of laws and inclusion, and there must be a process to this conversation—not mob rule.  

There is no doubt in my mind that we Americans are being tested.  Republicans must remain calm and thoughtful and demand enforcement of our laws.  Our police stand ready and willing to do their part.  We need our elected officials to do the same.  Republicans and like-minded folks who believe in the Rule of Law are the last line of defense against anarchy and chaos. 

There are those who seek to politicize and weaponize the pandemic and peaceful people.  Don't take the bait.  Celebrate and protect freedom.  That’s the best birthday gift we can give to the good ‘ole USA.  Happy birthday, ‘Merica! 

• Beverly Roberts is working to ensure our fine candidates have the resources they need to reach voters, and has invited them to serve as a sponsor for our Centennial Celebration Women’s Right to Vote. 
• Kathy Taylor has been busy showcasing our vendors and some of their items on Facebook Social Media.
• A suffragette historical exhibit is planned with the help of Penny Remick and will also include elements of the Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park 19^th Amendment exhibition.
• A special Centennial Commemorative pin has been created with the help of Carolyn Hodges and will be given to the first 100 registered.

It seems that in times of urgency we hear a lot from the Harris County Judge. Remember Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, and the important role he played during Hurricane Harvey (and multiple natural disasters before that)? Judge Emmett served as head of Harris County from 2007-2018. Now it seems we hear all the time from his successor, Judge Lina Hidalgo who has issued countless lock down and face mask orders during the Covid-19 pandemic. Yet, the Harris County Judge does not preside over a court of law – he or she resides over Harris County Commissioners Court – the body of elected officials which govern Harris County. 

Harris County Commissioners Court is analogous to Houston City Council in many ways, and our Harris County Judge serves in a similar role to Houston’s mayor – except Commissioners Court jurisdiction encompasses all of Harris County. See here. The court, which has only four major seats, often flies under the radar. Its meetings, while public, are far less attended and scrutinized by voters than Houston City Council’s. Yet, our County officials have an enormous impact on our daily lives.

“Harris County Unincorporated” would be the second largest city in Texas, the fifth largest in the U.S. and has a larger population than 14 U.S. states. Harris County itself has more population than 26 states including each of the states that border Texas (Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas and New Mexico). Source. 

The approved 2020 budget is over three billion dollars of your tax dollars: Click Here. What is staggering is that this budget is controlled by five individuals – Four County Commissioners and the County Judge.

Who is on Commissioners Court?
Currently we have two Republican commissioners – Steve Radack (Precinct 3) and R. Jack Cagle (Precinct 4). Our County Judge, Lina Hidalgo, and two remaining commissioners, Rodney Ellis (Precinct 1) and Adrian Garcia (Precinct 2) are all Democrats. As you can see, changing one seat can sway the vote. 

With an enormous amount of power and an annual budget of roughly $ 3 billion, it’s time you knew exactly what your county commissioners are doing.

What does the Commissioner’s Court Do?
The court serves as the main governing body for the entire county, which includes adopting its budget, setting tax rates, calling for bond elections, building and maintaining roads and bridges, setting boundaries for voting precincts, and overseeing the county Sherriff’s Department, county courthouses, jails, libraries and parks (i.e., those libraries and parks not run by the City of Houston, such as the 7,800-acre George Bush Park in the Barker Reservoir or the Spring Branch Memorial Library in Hedwig Village).

Are there term limits?
None. Seats on the court can be held for decades.

What is a precinct?
It’s one of four geographic voting boundaries within Harris County. (These are not to be confused with the eight precincts patrolled by the various constables’ offices, nor with the 1,012 voting precincts where residents go to cast their ballots.)

Where is my precinct?
You can find a map at the Harris County website, but keep in mind the court redraws/gerrymanders the boundaries of those districts every 10 years—yes, there have been lawsuits over that sort of thing—so they’re subject to change.

Why are November’s County elections so important?
There are numerous county positions on the ballot this November including the Harris County Clerk (who controls the election process), the County District Attorney, Many state and county judges, and one County Commissioner’s seat – Precinct 3. These elections are extremely important.This November Tom Ramsey will be on the ballot to replace Steve Radack who is retiring after decades of service to our community.

When a commissioner’s seat is vacated, it makes it possible for the opposite party to gain a seat. This is because many of the commissioners serve for a long time and are considered impossible to beat. For example, after the death of the death of longtime Commissioner El Franco Lee in January 2016 Republican’s missed their opportunity to elect a candidate to the Precinct 1 seat. No Republicans ran for the seat during the March primaries, as they didn’t have the necessary time to get anyone on the primary ballot after Lee’s death. (There were no Republicans on the ballot before Lee’s death because Lee ran uncontested for years and was basically unbeatable after three decades on the court.) Neither did the Democrats have time to change course, which is why Lee’s was the only name on the ballot, and he was elected—posthumously—as their candidate. That allowed the Harris County Democratic Party chairs to select Lee’s replacement for Precinct 1. Rodney Ellis has occupied that seat since.  

Republican’s must keep Commissioner Radack’s seat. That will make it possible to regain the majority of Commissioners Court in 2022 when Lina Hidalgo is sure to face a Republican opponent.

What Can I Do?
Educate your friends and family. Stress to them the importance of voting for all of our Republican candidates in 2020. There is no more straight ticket voting. If our voters don’t take the time to vote in every race, whether they know the candidate or not, Democrats will continue to run Harris County. Lets make 2020 a Republican WIN in Harris County for a change!

Here are some helpful links for Commissioners Court:
Click here to view the Newsletter.
Tuesday, June 30, 2020 - Commissioners Court Agenda
Supporting documentation for agenda items will be available at 12 noon to registered users.
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