Lake Houston - Humble - Kingwood Edition | October 2024

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Lake Houston Humble

Kingwood Edition VOLUME 9, ISSUE 6 OCT. 18NOV. 18, 2024

2024 Voter Guide

Flood control seeks tax rate increase

Voters will decide in November whether the Harris County Flood Control District will receive an additional $240 million through a proposed tax rate increase to fund critical maintenance projects. Pictured here, the West Fork of the San Jacinto River overowed its banks near Hwy. 59 in early May.

COURTESY KEVIN BONDY

critical maintenance projects, stang needs and new resident-focused communication initiatives. “It’s important that as we recover from [recent storms] and look to make our area more resilient, that we invest in the maintenance side of it as well,” Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey said.

repairs in the next 20 years, ocials said. At the upcoming Nov. 5 election, Harris County voters will choose whether to fund the HCFCD’s pro- posed tax rate of $0.04897 per $100 of valuation—a 58% increase from the previous scal year. If the tax rate increase passes, HCFCD ocials said an additional $113 million would go directly into a dedicated maintenance fund supporting

BY HANNAH BROL & MELISSA ENAJE

Aging infrastructure and deferred maintenance projects are among the most pressing ood miti- gation concerns facing the county, Harris County Flood Control District ocials said. Nearly 40% of ood control infrastructure in the county has less than 10 years left on its overall life- line, with at least 35% of projects needing serious

CONTINUED ON 21

Also in this issue

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Government: Humble City Council approves 8% tax rate increase amid infrastructure needs (Page 9)

Education: Humble ISD trustees approve zoning map for upcoming Lake Houston Middle School (Page 10)

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Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Asia Armour Angela Bonilla Melissa Enaje Wesley Gardner Cassandra Jenkins Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Nichaela Shaheen Jessica Shorten Haley Velasco Aubrey Vogel Carson Weaver Graphic Designers Richard Galvan Ellen Jackson Matt Mills

Kinsey Crabtree General Manager

Martha Risinger Jesus Verastegui Taylor White Ronald Winters Senior Managing Editor Matt Stephens Senior Product Manager Kaitlin Schmidt Quality Desk Editor Sierra Rozen

Hannah Brol Editor

Jason Culpepper Publisher

Correction: Volume 9, Issue 5 Humble ISD passed a balanced general operating budget for scal year 202425. The planned $15 million decit to fund food services projects came from the child nutrition fund, which is not funded by local taxes.

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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION

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Impacts

99 TOLL

VALLEY RANCH PKWY.

494

Coming soon

LAKE HOUSTON WILDERNESS PARK

FORD RD.

3 Rise Modern Wellness The business will offer cryotherapy, infrared sauna therapy, dry salt therapy, red light therapy, compression therapy and body sculpting. • Opening in November • 14555 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Ste. D, Houston • Facebook: Rise Modern Wellness - Lake Houston, TX 4 Round1 Bowling & Arcade Coming soon to Deerbrook Mall, the entertainment venue will offer activities such as bowling, billiards, karaoke, ping pong and arcade games. • Opening in February • 20131 Hwy. 59, Ste. 1228, Humble • www.round1usa.com 5 Crust Pizza Co. Based in The Woodlands, this pizzeria serves “Chicago- style” thin-crust pizzas as well as calzones, pasta and sub sandwiches. • Opening in December or January • 14433 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Houston • www.crustpizzaco.com 6 Unique Kids Pediatric Dentistry Construction began in late September on this practice, which offers “extensive, gentle and comfortable” dental services for children. • Opening date TBD • 14433 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Ste. 200, Houston • www.uniquekidsdentistry.com

WOODLAND HILLS DR.

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Kingwood

LAKE HOUSTON

UPPER LAKE DR.

4 12 13

1960

HOUSTON AVE.

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1960

W. LAKE HOUSTON PKWY.

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AVE. G.

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MADERA RUN PKWY.

ALDINE BENDER RD.

5 6

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Relocations

2 Bobcat of Houston The business offers compact construction equipment for sale or rental including skid-steers, compact track and wheel loaders, mini excavators, compact tractors and utility vehicles. • Opened Sept. 16 • 24415 Hwy. 59, Porter • www.bobcatofhouston.com

Now open

7 Desiree’s Daycare Center Owned by Desiree Hargrave, this child care center for ages 18 months and older, has moved from Porter to Humble. The relocation began in May and a grand opening was held at the new location on Aug. 17. • Relocated July 1 • 5737 FM 1960 E., Humble • www.desireesdaycarecenter.com

1 Ollie’s Bargain Outlet This national retailer sells closeout merchandise and excess inventory with items ranging from housewares and sporting goods to clothing and food items. • Opened Sept. 26 • 7130 FM 1960 Road E., Humble • www.ollies.us/home.htm

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8 Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Previously located at 601 Rockmead Drive, Kingwood, the medical and rehabilitation center offers physical and occupational therapy for patients ages 7 and up. • Relocated in August • 722 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood • www.memorialhermann.org/smrkww

13 Kay Jewelers Renovations of this Deerbrook Mall jewelry store wrapped up on Aug. 17, and included new carpet, customer seating, digital displays and wall finishes. • 20131 Hwy. 59, Ste. 2144, Humble • www.kay.com 14 Dollar Tree The discount store located in the Deerbrook Crossing shopping center is slated to undergo a $250,000 renovation beginning Feb. 3 and wrapping up by April 28, according to a Sept. 18 TDLR filing.

In the news

9 Humble Middle School Officials with Humble ISD unveiled a new outdoor obstacle course and fitness area at the campus on Sept. 20. The course was designed by Cunningham Recreation and was inspired by the obstacle challenges seen on “American Ninja Warrior.” • 11207 Will Clayton Parkway, Humble • www.humbleisd.net/o/hms 10 Chez nous In September, this French fine dining restaurant celebrated its 40th anniversary. Most recently, the restaurant’s three private dining rooms were refurbished and new local art debuted in the building’s art displays. • 217 S. Ave. G, Humble • www.cheznoushumble.com 11 Scrubway Wash & Lube Construction is expected to begin on a new car wash location Nov. 1 and wrap up by Sept. 1, according to a July 29 filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The business also offers oil changes and basic repair and maintenance services. • 80 Sorters McClellan Road, Kingwood • www.scrubwaywashandlube.com 12 Foot Locker & Kids Foot Locker Both Deerbrook Mall shoe stores underwent renovations that began Sept. 8 and concluded a few days later. The upgrades include new fixtures for merchandise as well as new paint and millwork. • 20131 Hwy. 59, Ste. 2324 and 1407, Humble • www.footlocker.com; www.kidsfootlocker.com

• 216 FM 1960, Humble • www.dollartree.com

15 Kroger The 68,208-square-foot grocery store in Kingwood is slated to undergo a $150,000 remodel beginning Nov. 11 and wrapping up by Jan. 11, according to a Sept. 19 TDLR filing. In addition to interior renovations, the store’s pick-

17 HTeaO Construction is expected to begin March 10 and wrap up by Aug. 12 on a new 2,206-square-foot Humble location, according to a Sept. 19 filing with the TDLR. The Texas-based business serves a variety of sweet and unsweet flavored iced teas as well as hot coffees and tea lattes. • 17622 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Humble • www.hteao.com

up department will also be expanded. • 3410 Northpark Drive, Kingwood • www.kroger.com

16 Insperity Renovations at the human resources company’s headquarters in Kingwood are expected to begin Oct. 31 and wrap up by Feb. 10, according to a Sept. 18 TDLR filing. The $1.3 million project will be an interior renovation of the 15,400-square-foot office space. • 22900 Hwy. 59, Kingwood • www.insperity.com

The Good Feet Store The Valley Ranch Town Center store offers arch supports available in more than 300 styles, flexibilities and sizes to meet the unique needs of every client. • Opened in September • 21856 Market Place Drive, Ste. 800, New Caney • www.goodfeet.com Italiano’s Restaurant The fifth location of this Italian eatery will offer a selection of pizzas, pasta, calzones, soups and salads as

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well as chicken, veal and seafood dishes. • Opening in the first quarter of 2025 • 18934 E. Industrial Parkway, New Caney • www.italianosrestaurant.net

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Government

BY SHAWN ARRAJJ, ATIRIKTA KUMAR & JESSICA SHORTEN

Harris County approves increase in property tax rate

North Harris County Regional Water Authority drops rates At a Sept. 16 meeting, the North Harris County Regional Water Authority voted to reduce surface water rates and groundwa- ter pumpage fees, according to a Sept. 18 news release. This is the board’s third rate reduction since 2023. In a nutshell The board voted to reduce surface water rates to $3.05 per 1,000 gallons from $4.05 and groundwater pumpage fees to $2.60 per 1,000 gallons from $3.60, according to the news release. The rate cuts went into effect Oct. 1. The reduced rates are continued efforts by the board to provide relief to area taxpayers, board President and Director Melissa Rowell said in a statement.

Contracts approved for patrol vehicles, radar equipment Humble City Council members voted on Sept. 26 to approve $1.44 million for the lease of new patrol vehicles and traffic radar equip- ment for the Humble Police Department. The details City Manager Jason Stuebe said the agreement needed to be approved by council following a review of the agreement with D&M Commercial Leasing for 14 Chevrolet Tahoes for $1.29 million. “Given the auto market every year and the allocation of Tahoes and the timing, I had to go ahead and sign the lease agreement that was in excess of $50,000 last week so that we could secure our place in line,” Stuebe said. The second lease agreement—a $149,711 expenditure—with Stalker Radar is for a 36-month contract to provide radar equipment for the HPD to assist with traffic enforcement efforts in the city. Harris County commissioners approved an increase in the county’s property tax rate Sept. 19. The takeaway Commissioners approved the following prop- erty tax rates per $100 valuation for three taxing entities: $0.38529 for Harris County, $0.00615 for the Harris County Port of Houston Authority and $0.16348 for the Harris Health System. Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey cast the dissenting vote on the county and hospital district tax rates; the port tax rate vote was unanimous. Commissioners also approved a property tax rate of $0.04897 per $100 valuation for the Harris County Flood Control District in August, which will require voter approval on Nov. 5. What readers should know If voters approve the tax rate increase for the HCFCD in November and the overall tax rate is set, the owner of a home valued at $300,000

Harris County overall property tax rate (per $100 valuation)

$1.00 $0.80 $0.60 $0.40 $0

$0.63

$0.6039

NOTE: THE OVERALL TAX RATE COMPRISES TAX RATES FOR HARRIS COUNTY, THE HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT, THE HARRIS HEALTH SYSTEM AND THE *INCLUDES HCFCD’S PROPOSED TAX RATE OF $0.04897, WHICH WILL BE UP FOR VOTER CONSIDERATION DURING THE NOV. 5 ELECTION

HARRIS COUNTY PORT OF HOUSTON AUTHORITY SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

would pay roughly $1,450 in annual property taxes after the county’s 20% homestead exemp- tion is factored in. Under the current property tax rate, that homeowner pays about $1,272 in annual property taxes.

Humble City Council approves 8% tax increase Humble City Council members unanimously approved an 8% tax rate increase for fiscal year 2024-25 during a Sept. 26 meeting, while narrowly missing a voter-approval tax rate election. What you need to know Type of tax rate No-new-revenue tax rate

Tax rate (per $100 valuation)

$0.2427

Voter-approval tax rate

$0.2526

During budget workshops in early August, city officials discussed $27.2 million worth of infra- structure improvements that would be necessary in the next fiscal year, including: • $12.5 million for wastewater projects

Approved tax rate/ de minimus tax rate

$0.2614

SOURCE: CITY OF HUMBLE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

city to collect an additional $500,000 in property tax revenue without requiring a election if it surpasses the voter-approval rate. The breakdown While the approved tax rate is higher than the voter-approval tax rate, no election is required since it does not exceed the de minimus rate of $0.2614 per $100 of valuation. The city also expects an additional $61,033 in revenue from new property roll additions. “This budget represents our collective commit- ment to investing in our community with an eye towards the future as it addresses numerous needs and long-overdue improvements throughout the city.” City Manager Jason Stuebe said.

• $7.4 million for road projects • $3.9 million for water projects • $3.4 million for drainage projects

According to budget documents, the most critical project is the replacement of the main sewer line connecting the northern part of the city to the water and sewer treatment plants in the city. As a result of these improvements, council members agreed to utilize a special tax rate known as the de minimus rate. According to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, the de minimus rate is a special tax rate that municipalities with a population of less than 30,000 can use to fund necessary infra- structure improvements. The rate will allow a

LAKE HOUSTON - HUMBLE - KINGWOOD EDITION

Education

Humble ISD trustees approve zoning map for Lake Houston Middle School

New Humble ISD middle school zones for 2025-26 school year

W. LAKE HOUSTON PKWY.

WOODLAND HILLS DR.

Humble ISD trustees approved a new zoning map Aug. 13 for the upcoming Lake Houston Middle School, which is scheduled to open at the beginning of the 2025-26 school year. The overview Lake Houston Middle School will be located at West Lake Houston Parkway and Timber Forest Drive near Centennial Elementary School. The new middle school was included in a roughly $775 million bond package approved by voters in May 2022. Construction on the project began in November, district officials said. While the new zoning map will affect students residing in 15 neighborhoods, district officials said currently enrolled students will be allowed to remain at their current middle school through the completion of eighth grade.

West Lake

A closer look Officials said the attendance zone was devel- oped after gathering input though a survey, submitted comments, and the work of parents and residents who served on the district’s Student Attendance Area Committee. Additionally, students residing in the following neighborhoods who were previously zoned to attend Humble Middle School will be zoned to attend Autumn Ridge Middle School beginning in the 2025-26 school year: • Canyon Gates at Park Lakes • Carrington at Park Lakes • Sierra Meadows In an Aug. 15 news release, HISD officials said students currently enrolled at any of the affected

Lake Houston Middle School

Humble

Autumn Ridge

Woodcreek

SOURCE: HUMBLE ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

middle schools will be granted transfer requests to remain at their middle school through the comple- tion of eighth grade. Officials also noted siblings of students whose zoning is being affected will be allowed to attend the same school to keep family members at the same campus. Transportation to and from school for all transfer students is the parent’s responsibility, officials said.

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Ground breaks on new facility for Mosaic program Humble ISD trustees and community members celebrated an Oct. 3 groundbreaking ceremony for a new facility designed to support young adults with disabilities as they transition out of high school. Zooming in 1960

Humble ISD trustees vote to lower tax rate Despite Humble ISD trustees voting to lower the district’s tax rate for the sixth consecutive year, some residents will still see an increase on property taxes owed. The details During the board’s Sept. 10 meeting, trust- ees adopted a tax rate of $1.1052 per $100 valuation for fiscal year 2024-25, down from last year’s rate of $1.1075 per $100 valuation. While district data shows the average market value of homes within HISD decreased from $351,816 in 2023 to $346,198 in 2024—or about 1.6%—the taxable value of residences within the district rose by around 3.5%. According to district documents, the taxes due on an average residence in HISD will rise by $91.55 annually.

HISD acting Superintendent Roger Brown said the facility will serve as a permanent location for students enrolled in the district’s Mosaic program, which serves students ages 18-22 who received special education services through the district and qualify for educational services after high school. Currently, HISD’s Mosaic program is housed in portable buildings outside the district’s Commu- nity Learning Center. Officials said the 56,600-square-foot facility will feature classrooms, a student recreation room and three mock apartments where students can learn daily living skills such as laundry, meal prepara- tion and bed-making. The building will also include a production lab

where students can create items for sale at the spirit store on campus and in the district’s main administration building. Outdoor learning spaces, including a garden, will further enrich the educa- tional environment, officials said. The project was included in the district’s $775 million bond approved by voters in 2022. Officials said the district’s new Mosaic facility is projected to open in November 2025.

LAKE HOUSTON - HUMBLE - KINGWOOD EDITION

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Transportation

BY WESLEY GARDNER

Northpark Drive reconstruction project begins design phase

Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority officials have entered the design phase of the Northpark Drive reconstruction project as work continues on the adjacent Northpark Drive over- pass project, officials confirmed in October. About the project Construction began on the Northpark Drive overpass project in April 2023. The project will include the construction of an overpass over the Union Pacific Corp. railroad tracks and Loop 494 along with westbound and eastbound frontage roads beside the overpass. Additionally, the project will widen Northpark Drive between Hwy. 59 and the overpass. Initial schematics were submitted for the Northpark Drive reconstruction project earlier this year, which will expand Northpark Drive from four to six lanes between Woodland Hills Drive and Russell Palmer Road, replace both bridges at the Kingwood Diversion Ditch and the crossing at Ben’s

Branch, and install drainage infrastructure along the roadway, LHRA officials said. Ralph De Leon, LHRA and Tax Increment Rein- vestment Zone No. 10 administrator, said the two projects combined will cost roughly $149.6 million. What’s happening? Concerning the Northpark Drive overpass project, De Leon said utility relocations have been completed as of early October as crews continue work on drainage infrastructure. De Leon noted he expects work to begin on the frontage roads along the planned overpass in January. Construction on the overpass itself is projected to begin by the end of 2025, officials said. De Leon said initial schematics have been submitted for the Northpark Drive reconstruction project, noting officials are now in the process of conducting land surveys and obtaining rights of entry needed for construction. Additionally, De Leon said officials are

Reconstruction project Cost: $72.7M

494

NORTHPARK DR.

Overpass project Cost: $76.9M

conducting environmental studies that will need to be completed before construction can begin, which he said should be completed next year. Why it matters Officials have said the project aims to alleviate congestion, enhance accessibility and increase safety in the Kingwood area. De Leon added the overpass will provide an additional evacuation route in the case of future flooding.

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LAKE HOUSTON - HUMBLE - KINGWOOD EDITION

Election

BY HANNAH BROL

Voter Guide

2024

Dates to know

Where to vote

Oct. 21: First day of early voting Oct. 25: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Nov. 1: Last day of early voting Nov. 5: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or Nov. 6 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election on Election Day)

Harris County residents can vote at any polling location during early voting or on Election Day. Visit www.harrisvotes.com for polling locations.

Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.

KEY: D Democrat G Green L Libertarian R Republican *Incumbent

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 7 R Gina Parker D Nancy Mulder Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 8 R Lee Finley D Chika Anyiam State Senator, District 6 R Martha Fierro D Carol Alvarado* State Senator, District 15 R Joseph L. Trahan D Molly Cook* State Representative, District 127 R Charles Cunningham* D John Lehr

Harris County commissioner, Precinct 1 R Gerry Vander-Lyn D Rodney Ellis* Harris County commissioner, Precinct 3 R Tom Ramsey* D Saleem Malik Harris County constable, Precinct 4 R Mark Herman* D Sam “Hutch” Hutchison

Sample ballot

Federal elections U.S. Senate R Ted Cruz* D Colin Allred L Ted Brown U.S. Representative, District 2 R Dan Crenshaw* D Peter Filler U.S. Representative, District 18 R Lana Centonze D Sylvester Turner U.S. Representative, District 29 R Alan Garza D Sylvia Garcia*

Harris County Flood Control District, Proposition A What it says: Approving the ad valorem tax rate of $0.04897 per $100 valuation in Harris County Flood Control District for the current year, a rate that is $0.01581 higher per $100 valuation than the voter approval tax rate of Harris County Flood Control District, for the purpose of operating and maintaining the district’s flood risk reduction infrastructure. Last year, the ad valorem tax rate in Harris County Flood Control District was $0.03105 per $100 valuation. What it means: Allows the HCFCD to increase its property tax rate from $0.03316 to $0.04897 per $100 of valuation to fund maintenance projects Lone Star College board, District 1 Michael (Mike) Stoma* Shashanka P. Ashili Paul A. Santillan Lone Star College board, District 2 Ernestine M. Pierce* Daniel “Danny” Meza North Harris County Regional Water Authority director, District 4 Mark Ramsey* Alan Rendl North Harris County Regional Water Authority director, District 5

Local elections Harris County district attorney

State elections Texas railroad commissioner

R Dan Simons D Sean Teare Harris County attorney

R Christi Craddick* D Katherine Culbert L Hawk Dunlap G Eddie Espinoza Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 2 R Jimmy Blacklock* D DaSean Jones Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 4 R John Devine* D Christine Vinh Weems Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 6 R Jane Bland* D Bonnie Lee Goldstein L J. David Roberson Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, presiding judge R David J. Schenck D Holly Taylor

R Jacqueline Lucci Smith D Christian D. Menefee* Harris County sheriff R Mike Knox D Ed Gonzalez* Harris County tax assessor-collector R Steve Radack D Annette Ramirez Harris County Department of Education, Place 3 R Danielle Dick D Richard Cantu*

Roy Burroughs Kelly Fessler*

SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, HARRIS COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY VANESSA HOLT & DANICA LLOYD

KEY: D Democrat R Republican *Incumbent

Harris County commissioner, Precinct 3 Harris County constable, Precinct 4 Mark Herman* Occupation & experience: constable for Harris County Precinct 4; 39 years in law enforcement www.constablemarkherman.com Saleem Malik Occupation & experience: police officer with Harris County Constable’s Office, Precinct 4; managerial position with retail chain; real estate agent 832-837-2220 www.saleemmalik.org Tom Ramsey* Occupation & experience: retired civil engineer, small-business owner, current Precinct 3 commissioner 713-274-3000 www.commissionertomramsey.com

Why are you running for this position, and what qualifies you for the role? As the current Precinct 3 commissioner, I want to make sure residents live in safe neighborhoods; are protected from flooding in their homes, businesses and schools; have good roads to drive on; and that we use our tax dollars responsibly and with transparency.

What would you do to ensure the precinct’s flood control needs are met? I will continue to advocate for adjacent counties to adopt flood mitigation measures to protect Precinct 3. We’ve invested over half of our $300 million infrastructure budget in flood control. I’ll continue our program of aggressively maintaining roadside ditches and creeks.

Being a resident of Harris County, Texas, for the past nine years, I believe the people of Harris County deserve more than just building roads and bridges. I am a public servant working as a police officer for about seven years. I am already serving the residents of Harris County.

I will work on increasing the budget and reducing the cost of maintenance and plan ahead of time for the future flooding.

What do you think is the most pressing issue for law enforcement in Harris County Precinct 4? As our deputies continue to fight crime and make arrests of suspects, our county with certain segments of our court system has made our county a county of little consequence when breaking our laws.

Why do you think you are the best candidate for the position? I have been employed at the Precinct 4 Constable’s Office for 39 years, and worked my way to the number one spot in the department. I understand and lead our close to 700 employees, but more importantly understand the safety needs of the hundreds of communities throughout Precinct 4.

I’m the best candidate because I lead with honesty, respect and integrity—values that can rebuild trust between law enforcement and our community. With crime up, I’ll hold deputies accountable and ensure ethical practices, bridging the gap and creating safer, more respectful neighborhoods in Harris County Precinct 4.

The most pressing issue for Harris County Precinct 4 is the lack of transparency and trust between law enforcement and the community. With an increase in public complaints, I will push for higher standards, more support for deputies and community policing to foster positive interaction and accountability.

Sam “Hutch” Hutchison Occupation & experience: police officer; over a decade in law enforcement, half of the time as sergeant with Harris County www.hutchforconstable.com

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LAKE HOUSTON - HUMBLE - KINGWOOD EDITION

Election

BY WESLEY GARDNER

BY HANNAH BROL

KEY: D Democrat R Republican *Incumbent

What is the biggest issue the district faces, and how will you address it? The district is very diverse with parts needing jobs programs for high school graduates to make a living wage, crime and drugs are common in certain districts harming our citizens and the illegal alien invasion is putting a strain on all city and community services throughout. We are a city …

How will you work to address flooding issues in your district? It’s more than flooding. It’s the comprehensive flood control of more than our district involving multiple counties, state and federal funds and completion of the hurricane evacuation route the woke left worked so hard to stop on I-45 from downtown to Greenspoint connects. Stopping it was stupid and foolish and…

Why do you feel you are the best candidate for this position? I believe a person should be judged by their actions. As a representative on the Humble ISD board of trustees, the Humble City Council and now in the Texas Legislature, I’ve built a proven record of delivering common sense solutions to our shared challenges.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing this district? Completion of the Lake Houston Dam Flood Gates will be one of the district’s biggest challenges. I was able to secure $50 million in state funding for the Lake Houston Spillway Dam Improvement Project last session. I will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure the project’s completion.

Texas Senate, District 15

Texas House, District 127

Molly Cook* Occupation & experience: Texas state senator, District 15; ER nurse, hospital; community organizer, Yes on Prop B, Stop TxDOT I-45 www.mollyfortexas.com Joseph L. Trahan Occupation & experience: technology innovator, angel investor, community developer, citizen statesman, Children’s Educational Charities for Career Readiness www.josephltrahan.com

Charles Cunningham* Occupation & relevant experience: energy consultant (retired); I have served my community at the local, regional and state level. 281-446-0574 www.charlescunninghamtx.com John Lehr Occupation & relevant experience: pest control https://johnlehr.nationbuilder.com

I oppose school vouchers, [advocate] for strong public schools to ensure every child has access to quality education and [believe] in investing in public education rather than diverting funds to private schools.

Incompetent school boards, flood control and electrical infrastructure

Low voter turnout. Whether it is fully funding our schools, reducing gun violence or expanding Medicaid, the vision and values of Texas Senate District 15 will not be realized until we increase voter turnout and make changes to our statewide leadership.

I have worked for years to address the increase in flooding from irresponsible transportation infrastructure development. We must invest in flood resilient infrastructure at every level of government and place reasonable guardrails around new development to reduce and prevent flooding.

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

PORTER 23611 Hwy 59 (281) 354-0733 HUMBLE 19322 US-59 (281) 540-7202

KINGWOOD 1420 Kingwood Dr (281) 359-7115 ATASCOCITA 7034 FM 1960 E (281) 812-3100

Election

BY HANNAH BROL & CASSIE JENKINS

KEY: D Democrat R Republican *Incumbent

Why do you feel you are the best candidate for this position? Since my election to represent the Second District of Texas in 2018, I have fought for this district on the issues that matter most. I have passed legislation to mitigate flooding risk and improve our preparedness, secure the southern border and protect the oil and gas industry.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing this district? Flooding is the most pressing local issue for our district. That is why I have secured significant funding for flood mitigation projects across our district. Texas is severely impacted by the [Joe] Biden-[Kamala] Harris border crisis, which is why I’ve passed legislation securing the southern border and combating the Mexican drug cartels.

U.S. House, District 2

Dan Crenshaw* Occupation & experience: United States Congressman, Navy SEAL (retired) lieutenant commander www.crenshawforcongress.com

My priorities are serving honestly as a public servant. I have served our community for over 30 years with honor and dignity. I believe that I’m the best candidate. The position demands a leader who has proven experience serving the public and is willing to lead with integrity.

Our district faces many public safety challenges that threaten our health. I will address these concerns with results-based solutions that meet the needs and expectations of our community. These will include gun safety programs, proactive flood prevention plans and increased protections for chemical plants to prevent environmental disasters.

Peter Filler Occupation & experience: educator; I unify teams and empathize with my students, leading each class

with integrity. 281-460-8155

Why do you believe you are the best candidate for this position? I believe I am the best candidate because my heart is for the community and building it up. I will focus on crime, educating the community on human trafficking and bringing in more affordable housing. Also, focusing on small businesses to build District 18.

What do you believe is the most pressing issue facing District 18, and how will you address it? The most pressing issues of District 18 are crime, the economy and human trafficking. With crime on the rise, we need to invest in our officers so our community and its residents stay safe. I will give them the tools needed to get the job done…

U.S. House, District 18

Lana Centonze Occupation & experience: former federal officer www.lanacentonzeforcongress.com

There are many, including the cost of living. I will work to restore and expand safety net programs, bring family-sustaining jobs to our district, raise the minimum wage, pass paid family and medical leave, make the child tax credit and earned income credit permanent, expand health care and support workers.

As Houston’s former mayor, a state representative and a private citizen, I have worked closely with the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, United States presidents, cabinet secretaries and federal departments at the highest levels to bring federal resources into the 18th Congressional District and improve the lives of its residents.

Sylvester Turner Occupation & experience: attorney; former Mayor of Houston, Texas State Representative for District 139 and Texas House Speaker Pro Tempore www.sylvesterturner.com

12310 W. Lake Houston Pkwy. Houston, TX 77044 713.852.6700 TexasBayCU.org

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY MELISSA ENAJE

KEY: D Democrat R Republican *Incumbent

How would you address understang at Harris County jails?

Harris County sheri

Why are you running for Harris County sheri?

Law enforcement has always been a passion. I see what is going on in Harris County and believe I can do a better job. The sheri should be an advocate for the people of Harris County. I will be advocating for public safety to be priority No. 1 in Harris County.

Stang retention involves more than hourly wage. Employees must feel relatively safe, appreciated and see opportunities for advancement. None of which are present in the jail. I will work to make the pay competitive, improve the standards of continuing education and will promote from within the department.

Mike Knox Occupation & experience: retired consultant, retired Houston Police Department ocer, small-business owner, former Houston City Council member, author/expert www.mikeknox.org Ed Gonzalez* Occupation & experience: Houston police ocer: 18 years; Houston City Council member: three terms; Harris County sheri: two terms www.edgonzalez.com

As sheri, public safety is always my north star. We’re bringing accountability by requiring body cameras for all deputies and detention ocers. We’re making our county stronger against natural disasters, leading rescue operations during emergencies. We’re doing more to keep women and families safe. I am the only pro-choice candidate.

Our jail is now in full compliance with the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. I’ve advocated for higher pay for our detention personnel, and as a result, our workforce is more stable and attrition rates have improved. We are now consistently hiring more ocers and sta than are leaving.

Harris County district attorney

What makes you stand out as a candidate?

If elected, what would your top priorities be?

Confronting courthouse case backlog, building a team of “play-no-favorite” prosecutors, making sure the oce runs eciently, and building strong coalitions with law enforcement and all communities.

I grew up homeless and in foster care. At 12, I moved in with friends to graduate high school. I joined the Air Force as a cop. I was a child victim from 8 to 15 years old. I would be the rst Thurgood Marshall District Attorney in Harris County.

Dan Simons Occupation & experience: former Harris County prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, 16 years combined solo business experience www.dan4da.com

My top priorities as district attorney would be reducing violent crime, expanding diversion programs for nonviolent oenders and improving case management. I’ll also focus on rebuilding morale within the oce, retaining experienced prosecutors, and ensuring a fair, transparent justice system that protects our community.

With over a decade of experience as a prosecutor, including six years leading the Vehicular Crimes Division, I’ve handled a wide range of cases, from misdemeanors to capital murder. My deep roots in Harris County, coupled with my commitment to justice and community safety, set me apart as a candidate.

Sean Teare Occupation & experience:

former Harris County prosecutor, 11 years; division chief, Vehicular Crimes Division, six years; criminal defense attorney www.seanteareforda.com

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GUITAR EXPLORTIONS FEATURING GREG PETITO Friday - November 8 - 7:30 pm Strawbridge United Methodist Church 5629 Kingwood Dr, Kingwood, TX 77345

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FEATURING GREG PETITO Friday - November 8 - 7:30 pm Strawbridge United Methodist Church 5629 Kingwood Dr, Kingwood, TX 77345

$30 General $20 Seniors 55+ $5 Students $30 General $20 Seniors 55+ $5 Students

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