Property taxes continue to skyrocket. Please encourage others within our community to follow us. By Wesley Gardner Imbalanced public services can be detrimental to our communities. There is a significant amount of misinformation being put out by the current commissioners that no one has the ability to correct or provide accurate data on. The Justice of the Peace should follow the state and federal law regarding evictions. Visit official websites like Ready.gov, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to learn more about how to reduce risks to life and property in the event of any major disaster. Five candidates are running for the two positions, with incumbent Kevin Brost vying to keep his position and four new candidates: Joel Ocasio, Christopher David, Dorothy Dalton, and Zach. Thanks to the work of our current board this plan can be implemented without the need for debt or higher taxes by utilizing funds set aside in past budgets. Prior to joining CI, Wesley served as the editor of the Lockhart Post Register and as a reporter for the Bastrop Advertiser and Fort Bend Herald. We currently use Sonim cellular devices that fire departments, and EMS field staff have reported that they cannot communicate efficiently. Do you believe tenants should be evicted for nonpayment of rent during a pandemic? It is also the court where most parties are attending without the help of lawyer. No Republican Party candidates filed to run. Yes. Harris County, Texas, held general elections for sheriff, county court at law, county attorney, county clerk, county department of education, district attorney, tax assessor-collector, commissioners, justice of the peace, constable, and multiple judgeships on November 3, 2020. Biographical statement: Emergency services are very critical to that mission. Why or why not? No Democratic Party candidates filed to run. Zach Dunlap, who appears fifth on the ballot, shares a campaign website with Dalton. Expose aid and resources to renters through churches and community organizations. Order Declaring the Election of Two Unopposed Candidates for Election to Be Held May 7, 2022 for Two Commissioner Positions on Board of Emergency Services Commissioners Texas Ethics Commission - Forms and Instructions 7601 Uvalde Road, Houston, Texas 77049 Social Media HCESD No. The ESD has increased capital assets for the district with additional fire stations, fire trucks and ambulances to meet the increasing needs of the Cy-Fair community, all while staying within budget. 16, HCESD16 - Klein Fire Department Reaches 5K. Incumbent Teneshia Hudspeth defeated Stan Stanart in the general election for Harris County Clerk on November 8, 2022. I lead the initiative to obtain [controlled air-purifying respirators] to be utilized in the field for added respiratory protection. Some of the qualifications for applicants are: Personally, as someone who has a couple of disabilities I would hope to have these normal accommodation options at all times. In the Navy, all Sailors are trained to be firefighters. I have an extensive legal background as an attorney and former Chief of Staff to Representative Hernandez. Should they require a moratorium of evictions the courts should follow. Justices of the Peace are essential because they are part of most people's introduction to our justice system. Make a plan now! To meet those needs the current commissioners developed a long-term plan which includes the addition of 500 full time personnel, 10 new stations, and the purchase of all needed support equipment. (Courtesy Adobe Stock). The Republican Party candidates are Zee Adam Gire, Bret S. Kisluk and Bob Wolfe. Address: 16810 Squyres Rd Spring, TX, 77379-7489 United States Phone: Website: www.hcesd16.org Employees (this site): Modelled Employees (all sites): Modelled Year Started: ESG ranking: ESG industry average: What is D&B's ESG Ranking? I will continue to have multiple weekly meetings with the staff and ESD 11 committee members to ensure all goals are on track and being properly managed. I understand how the court works and how we can make it better. Would you continue to implement any of the emergency measures after the pandemic? Why are you running? We dont know if we are going to get proper emergency care. The community has already seen improvements in the number of ambulances on the road, response times and efficient operations. We're in the process of transitioning services for our Today in Houston newsletter. During this time I have developed methods to expedite dockets while providing the public with fairness and confidence in the system. Fire departments have worked hundreds of hours to prepare and upkeep these preplans that are essential to emergency responders. Our Justice of the Peace courts can serve as a resource for community members dealing with evictions. The clinical care has declined significantly, and our citizens do not have access to medical resources they previously did. An Emergency Services District (ESD) is a local government agency created by a vote of the public to provide fire protection and/or emergency medical . 16, To protect and serve the Klein community by minimizing the loss of life and property from fire, medical, or other emergencies, Privacy Policy |Terms & Conditions| I want to have free computers and WiFi available, and offer alternative hours such as Saturday and evening court. Would you continue to implement any of the emergency measures after the pandemic? 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. Misinformation, rumors and politics have been distracting from what is being accomplished. JP Judges should have strong relationships with non-profit organizations, with all levels of government, and with the private sector to establish programs that can aid tenants and landlords receive the necessary assistance prior to any eviction. Each case should be reviewed on a case by case basis. Over the next decade Cy-Fair will grow to have a population the size of Denver. We must continue ensuring that our communities are well looked after and responsibly. Mikah joined Community Impact Newspaper as a reporter in January of 2022 after graduating from Sam Houston State University with a degree in mass communications and a concentration in multiplatform journalism. All candidates must file an application with an ESD board secretary or other officer appointed to carry out election duties. I had no idea what happened with the situation of Cypress Creek EMS being removed as the EMS provider for my area. No. I was born to a single Mexican-American Mom who is now a family court judge herself. Cypress Creek EMS took more than 30 minutes to get to a very close friends 3-year-old that was not breathing. Ive lived in Harris County for close to 35 years. Note: As of the time of publication, candidates David, Dalton and Dunlap had not responded to requests for comments. Incumbent Judge Sharon Burney, a Democrat, is running for reelection. 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. An Emergency Services District (ESD) is a grassroots government created by voters in an area to fund fire protection, emergency medical services, or both. Accessibility, Fire Department Website Design Experience ProvidedBy:Clicktunity, We reached a milestone today of 5,000 followers. Our ambulance fleet is outfitted with the latest in life-saving medical equipment and supplies. This includes proactive land acquisition and station building, equipment and fleet purchasing, adequate staffing and training, and working closely with community entities to predict and forecast our future needs. #hcesd16 #kleinfire #fireprevention #communityfirst, Every year, the United States observes National Preparedness Month in September to remind Americans to be ready for any disaster man-made or natural that could affect them, their homes, communities, or businesses. Dorothy Dalton is the fourth candidate appearing on the ballot. Harris County ESD 12 Captain David Lee Retires JPs have the ability to proactively provide legal aid information to tenants as well as coming to agreements on potential payment plans. 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. Currently Im employed with Fort Bend County District Attorneys Office. 16, To protect and serve the Klein community by minimizing the loss of life and property from fire, medical, or other emergencies, Privacy Policy |Terms & Conditions| I am active in progressive politics, I've worked extensively on voter protection, and I've brought a strong social and racial justice lens to my programming work with Harris County Democratic Lawyers. Our current use of the Logis CAD dispatch system hasnt been used in Harris County, and it lacks the necessary information needed in an emergency situation, such as preplans for apartments and businesses. The last couple of years have shown the current commissioners do not have the public's best interest at heart. Mailing Address for. Why are you running? I graduated with my JD from South Texas College of Law and received my LLM in International Law from University of Houston. 820 Gessner, Suite 1710 Houston, Texas 77024-4298 Commissioner Candidate Application To have the name of a candidate placed on the general election ballot, you may download an application. Why are you running? I am running for this bench because I feel that I am the most qualified candidate. Yes. Evictions are devastating to families and communities, so it's vital that everyone has full access to the protections of the law. I believe judges should follow the law and abide by all emergency orders issued by the Governor. Lucia Bates, a Democrat, is running for reelection. As of September 1, 2022, Harris County ESD 16 has completed the transition with Klein Fire Department to become the direct service provider for fire protection and rescue services in the Klein area. The ESD became its own self-operated EMS provider called ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare. What are the largest effects of the COVID-19 pandemic you have seen in ESD 11, and what role do you believe local government entities should play in addressing the pandemic? Why are you running? The three candidates with the highest number of votes in the May 7 election will serve four-year terms. Having someone in this position that understands the community is key to ensuring that everyone feels comfortable participating in our legal system. We have set aside funds for future development in the department territory to make sure we do not have to take out loans and create debt. In the order they will appear on the ballot,. I am running to bring a fresh new perspective with a wide range of personal and professional experiences. Harris County ESD 11 is holding a commissioners election on May 7, 2022. Accountability for the public is paramount. I am a former Harris County Prosecutor and am a strong conservative Republican that adheres to the law and the constitutions of the U.S. and Texas. Click here for more information on ESDs. Many people dont realize the change that has taken place over the last year with the local EMS provider. This can give you a better chance of emerging on the other side with minimal losses. Ill halt the current $50 million development and utilize that to increase from 10 ambulances to 30 ambulances running 24 hours. This month aims to reduce the fallout of large-scale emergencies by preparing every citizen, young and old. Currently, there are more than 300 ESDs in Texas, including 31 in Harris County. It is a mobile application used on a cell phone which is causing safety concerns for the first responders and community.. 9 board of commissioners. Some of the challenges facing the district is rapid growth, community needs, and personnel market. Community activist, Political and Business Consultant and mediator. On HoustonChronicle.com: Harris County ESD 11 Mobile Health officially takes over in north Harris County service area. Harris County Emergency Services District 12 operates two full-time fire stations covering 12 square miles and 45, 000 residents in east Harris County. Hc ESD 16 content, pages, accessibility, performance and more. 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. Why are you running? It is unclear at this time what other challenges are facing the district. Friday, January 28th, 2022 Harris County ESD 12 Firefighters participated in live fire training at the Baytown Fire Department's Training Center. As a municipal court judge for over 22 years I have proven methods to expedite dockets. Continue growing the amazing new ESD 11 Mobile Health Care service that we, the current ESD 11 board, put in place just over a year ago. Accessify.com. ESD 29 - Notice of Count (pdf) Download. 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. Continue moving forward. With these challenges we need to make sure that we are serving the needs of the community and always striving to be good stewards of the communitys tax dollars. We have learned from the pandemic that legal aid groups and zoom can and should play a role in our justice system. I'll create a model court that leads with innovative solutions to the eviction crisis. Harris County Emergency Services District #9 is a political subdivision of the State of Texas serving the Cy-Fair area as a taxing district to support emergency services, such as fire suppression and ambulance services (EMS). Visit official websites like Ready.gov, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to learn more about how to reduce risks to life and property in the event of any major disaster. Candidate responses may have been edited for length, style and clarity. Burney is the only Democratic Party candidate in the race. I have 22 years of experience as a municipal court judge. To help facilitate the continued growth of ESD 11 with quality service while maintaining one of the lowest ESD tax rates in the area. If you'd like to sign up now, fill out the form below and we will add you as soon as we finish the transition. Incumbent Judge Angela Rodriguez, a Democrat, is running for reelection. During the pandemic, the largest effect from the current ESD 11 commissioners was the defunding of EMS. Solving small claims cases through creative ideas and compromise. Biographical statement: An Emergency Services District (ESD) is a local government unit created by voters of an area to fund fire protection, emergency medical services, or both. I am married for 35 years, have 3 grown children and 2 grandchildren. Perhaps the better question is, Why is the ESD perpetually maintaining so much taxpayer money, in the absence of significant population growth?. Biographical statement: This was inexcusable. Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023 Four Harris County ESD Fire Department Captains and Firefighters from across the country, participated in the 3-Day Arkema Inc. National Industrial Fire Training. I am running to reinvest in my community and bring humanity back into the courtroom. The Justice of the Peace has the authority to determine if the claimed violation is material and if the violation should be denied. Why or why not? Your subscription will be migrated over. What is the role of the JP in trying to improve the justice system? Early voting ends Tuesday, May 3. 60 Sheldon Community Fire & Rescue ADA Notice No Republican Party candidates filed to run. I am running because it is important to have someone in this position that is competent, and compassionate. Currently, there are more than 300 ESDs in Texas, including 31 in Harris County. The contract with CCEMS expired in September 2021. Push to use whole blood and Life Flight services. Incumbent Judge David Patronella, a Democrat, isnt running for reelection. Ditta is the only Republican Party candidate in the race. Get highlights, trending news, and behind-the-scenes insights from Houston Public Media delivered to your inbox each week. There are more than 310 ESDs in Texas, 32 of which are in Harris County. Nowhere are the basic tenets of democracy more challenged than in the Justice Courts. The district appears healthy financially so it appears that immediate growth needs should be covered. Would you continue to implement any of the emergency measures after the pandemic? The commissioners spent thousands of dollars in litigations, instead of providing additional personal protective equipment, testing and/or vaccinations to the first responders, such as the Montgomery County Hospital District and Houston Fire Department. Please encourage others within our community to follow us. It is unacceptable that this continues to go unchecked, partly due to there being no EMS experience on this board. ESD Commissioner Elections. Chevall Pryce is a reporter for the northwest editions of the Houston Chronicle's community newspapers. Do you believe tenants should be evicted for nonpayment of rent during a pandemic? Ocasio is a 22-year pre-hospital emergency medicine veteran, serving the ESD 11 community as a paramedic and in leadership positions. This will allow more dockets for evictions and small claims. Why are you running? Do you believe tenants should be evicted for nonpayment of rent during a pandemic? I will shed light to the residents on the current systems being utilized by the first responders as there was no input from the community. Dolores Lozano is a community organizer and advocate. They have a unique opportunity to resolve conflicts before they get to county courts. Applications to be a candidate for an ESD on the General Election Ballot must be received by 5pm on February 14, 2020. Well partner with the fire departments to decrease response times, bring back blood products, and partner with Life Flight so our paramedics receive the highest level of training. Im running as a taxpayer watchdog. What is the role of the JP in trying to improve the justice system? Ditta is the only Republican Party candidate in the race. According to their shared campaign website, Brost and David are running on a platform of sustaining the recent activities of ESD 11, including lowered property tax rates and new EMS equipment. How can JPs play a role in helping to reduce the number of nonpayment of rent evictions in their precinct? Fire Department Website Design Experience ProvidedBy. Why or why not? I believe that JP court justices should play a part in helping to distribute information to the public on the process. Grundmeyer is not seeking re-election. Notice of Voting Order Priority (pdf) Download. The ESD 11 commissioners voted in 2020 to end their contract with CCEMS, giving 360 days notice. I want to use the skills I learned professionally to keep Harris County safe and the community thriving. This was all accomplished while lowering taxes and without the need to take on debt. Updated Would you continue to implement any of the emergency measures after the pandemic? Crews arrived to find heavy fire from the engine compartment. A primary was scheduled for March 3, 2020. HOW TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH Get ready for any event With the incidences of natural disasters rising year after year, it makes sense for every citizen to prepare themselves. Biographical statement: Today, HCESD 16 is an ISO Class 2 community, with a resident population of over 175,000 living in a diversified area of single-family dwellings, schools, high-density apartment complexes and high-rise condominiums, buildings, light industry, and commercial retail centers. An Emergency Services District (ESD) is a local government agency created by a vote of the public to provide fire protection and/or emergency medical services (EMS) in specific unincorporated areas of Texas. He covers education, local government, transportation, real estate development and nonprofits in the Lake Houston-Humble-Kingwood area. As such, it appears the ESD has ample funding to address any significant population growth in our district. Extended wait times at hospitals is definitely a concern across the country. Final decisions should be made once all other resources have been exhausted. Harris County ESD 12 Rebranded to Harris County ESD 12 Fire Department I am proud to say that during my previous terms we have lowered the tax rate, increased the Homestead exemption from 0% to 5%, increased the exemption for over 65 from $50,000 to $160,000, and increased the exemption for the disabled from $0 to $160,000. 2005-2022 Community Impact Newspaper Co. All rights reserved. These procedures should have been implemented long before the pandemic because everyone deserves a more convenient courtroom experience and access to equitable legal representation. Biographical statement: An important issue to address, Ocasio said, is financial accountability. Over 3 million Texans impacted as emergency New loan available to help students complete 19 women-owned businesses to support in the Pichurros Mexican Grill will soon serve traditional Texas General Land Office posts Harris County EPA: Residents affected by Jones Road superfund Speaker Phelan announces new House priority bills Gov. To answer this question would be a violation of the Judicial Canons. 11 board of commissioners may see a shift in leadership with two seats up for grabs in the upcoming commissioner election on May 7. Christopher David is the third candidate on the ballot. I think we can have a more efficient process that will help to speed up case processing times. Do you believe tenants should be evicted for nonpayment of rent during a pandemic? The election will decide two at-large positions on the ESD 11 board held by Brost and Fred Grundmeyer. To find out which precinct election youll be voting in, you can search your address using this Harris County map.