Think and Act Locally

Empowering Deer Park, La Porte & Pasadena

Liberty • Prosperity • Service • Growth

Know Your Government: Week 3 - Harris County Commissioners Court

Last week we looked at your school boards. This week, we go up a level to the body that controls the largest chunk of your property tax bill: Harris County Commissioners Court.

What is it? Despite the name, this isn't a courtroom - it's the governing body for Harris County. Five elected officials control a budget of over $5 billion and make decisions affecting 4.7 million residents across more than 30 cities.

Who sits on it?

• County Judge: Lina Hidalgo (elected countywide, presides over meetings)
• Precinct 1: Rodney Ellis
• Precinct 2: Adrian Garcia ← Your commissioner
• Precinct 3: Tom S. Ramsey, P.E.
• Precinct 4: Lesley Briones

Why should you care? Commissioners Court sets your property tax rate. They fund criminal justice, roads, bridges, and flood control. When you complain about potholes in unincorporated areas or wonder why flooding keeps happening - this is where those decisions get made.

When do they meet? Tuesdays at 10:00 AM at the Harris County Administration Building (1001 Preston, Houston). Meetings stream live and are archived at harriscountytx.gov.

How to participate:

• Watch the agenda (published 3+ days before meetings): agenda.harriscountytx.gov
• Register to speak: appearancerequest.harriscountytx.gov
• Contact Commissioner Garcia's office: hcp2.com

One Action This Week: Look up the next Commissioners Court agenda and find one item that affects your daily life. You might be surprised what's being decided without your input.

Q: Harris County Commissioners Court controls a budget larger than the budgets of how many U.S. states?

"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." — Martin Luther King Jr.

Find out what Commissioners Court actually decided: After each meeting, the County Clerk publishes the official results showing how each commissioner voted.

Search "Harris County Commissioners Court Meeting Results" or go directly to: cclerk.hctx.net/applications/websearch/CCExceptions.aspx

Even better: Commissioner Ramsey's office (Precinct 3) publishes detailed "Court Recap" summaries after every meeting at pct3.com/About/Commissioners-Court. 

It's the easiest way to see what happened without watching hours of video.

GROWTH & LEARNING

Tuttle Twins

Speaking of taking ownership of your children's education...

If you've ever wanted to introduce your kids to concepts like free markets, personal responsibility, and individual liberty—but weren't sure how to start—the Tuttle Twins book series makes it easy.

Written for kids ages 5-11, these illustrated books teach economic and civic concepts through engaging stories. My kids have learned more about how the world actually works from these books than from most of what they get in school.

The curriculum includes activity workbooks that turn passive reading into active learning. Perfect complement to our "Know Your Schools" philosophy: take ownership of what your children learn.

[Check out the Tuttle Twins here] (affiliate (affiliate link)

Prosperity Spotlight

Supporting Local Business & Entrepreneurship

GROWTH & LEARNING: 

Stealing Yourself Wealthy

I've spent a lot of ink in this newsletter talking about holding government accountable for financial sustainability. But here's an uncomfortable question: How sustainable are your own finances?

Back in August, I started applying a simple options trading framework called Low Stress Options. The pitch sounded almost too boring to be true: target 1% per week, spend just 1-2 hours managing it, avoid the drama of day trading.

Four months later, I've collected nearly $25,000 in premium income.

No, that's not a typo. And no, I'm not glued to a screen all day. I run multiple businesses, write this newsletter, and chase kids around. This fits because it was designed to fit.

The framework is built on the same philosophy we preach here: systems over speculation, consistency over chaos, and taking control of what you can actually control.

The founder learned this mindset during 1980s Brazilian hyperinflation - his host father "stole" small amounts from the family businesses, converted them to dollars, and saved three franchises when everyone else went under. Same principle: small, consistent actions compound into something significant.

If you're looking to make up for lost time on retirement, smooth out the peaks and valleys of entrepreneurial income, or just put your money to work harder than a savings account's pathetic 0.45% annual return - this is worth your time.

Check out Low Stress Options →

Full disclosure: This is an affiliate link. But you know the rule - sponsors support the mission, never influence the message. I don't recommend anything I don't personally use.

FOOD SCENE UPDATE

Colonial House of Sandwiches La Porte

The Brisket House

Ken's Restaurant Deer Park, Texas

Long-running eatery offering home-cooked comfort food including a popular breakfast menu.

REAL ESTATE PULSE

Featured Property - For Lease

4422 Meadow Way Dr, Deer Park, TX 77536

Beautiful one-story home with a split floor plan featuring high ceilings in the living area. Upgraded flooring throughout. The primary bath includes a garden tub, separate shower, and large walk-in closet. Great outdoor kitchen with space to entertain. Washer, dryer, and refrigerator included with $2500 lease. No damage during the 2021 freeze or flooding during Harvey. Owner is willing to lease the house with the furniture currently in the home. Tenant must pay and use the current lawn maintenance company.[Link to full listing]

ADOPT A FRIEND

Pet of the Week

Meet Moto Moto — with a name so nice you have to say it twice. This chunky, charming senior terrier is looking for love. Moto Moto is a fixed male with a big heart, a cozy vibe, and a love for the simple things in life (snacks, naps, and back scratches).

He may be a little older, but he’s still got that smooth confidence.

 

If you’re looking for a laid-back companion who’s all about comfy couches and good company, Moto Moto says, “Hello there.”

 

Now up for adoption!

 

Give this big boy the forever home he deserves — because legends like Moto Moto belong in loving homes, not the wild. 

 

If you’re ready to meet your new best friend, come visit us and see them in person at:

 

Deer Park Animal Shelter and Adoption Center

4221 Luella Ave, Deer Park, TX

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Ways to Make a Difference

Volunteer Spotlight

Volunteer Spotlight: Your School District Needs You

With our "Know Your Schools" series (see last week's issue), here are ways to get involved beyond just attending board meetings:

• Campus Volunteer Programs - All three districts welcome parent and community volunteers
• Mentoring Programs - La Porte ISD's HELPS Mentoring Program matches adults with students who need support
• Education Foundation Support - All three districts have education foundations accepting donations and volunteer help
• Career Day Speakers - Share your profession with students in CTE programs

Contact your district's volunteer coordinator to learn more.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Ways to Give Back This Week

Loving La Porte: Feeding Students at the Library

Michael and Kristy Hanks discovered Joseph Daughtery feeding 80-150 kids at the La Porte Library after school—out of his own pocket, three to four times a week.

They didn't just admire it. They joined him.

Now "Loving La Porte" is growing into something bigger: a vision for a community center where families can access a food pantry, receive clothing, learn life skills, do laundry, get tutoring, and more—all under one roof.

84% of students at La Porte Elementary live below the federal poverty level. This isn't abstract. This is your neighbor's kid.

How to Help:

• Volunteer: Setup begins at 2:15 PM weekdays at the Harris County Library in La Porte
• Donate: Contact Michael Hanks at 832-867-3499 or mhanks11@hotmail.com
• Learn more: LovingLaPorte.org or Facebook: Loving La Porte

[Full story in Around La Porte, Pages 1 & 4]

Blue Santa Milestone

The La Porte Police Department's Blue Santa Program served nearly 1,000 children this holiday season—up from 600-700 in previous years. The program has grown from helping 10 families in 2009 to this record-breaking year.

Partners who made it happen: La Porte Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, La Porte Police Officers' Association, Underwood Baptist Church, and dozens of local businesses.

If you missed the chance to help this year, mark your calendar for October 2026 when registration opens again.

[ALP, Page 2]

GROWTH & LEARNING

Education & Personal Development

Library Preserving Local History

The La Porte Public Library received a $20,000 grant from the Ladd and Katherine Hancher Library Foundation to digitize decades of historic newspapers, including The Bayshore Sun.

Why This Matters: These archives contain La Porte's stories, milestones, and cultural history. Once digitized, they'll be searchable online for residents, students, researchers, and former community members worldwide.

This is how communities preserve their identity. Support your local library.

[ALP, Page 2]

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT:

What If Healthcare Worked Like a Community?

Here's a question I've been wrestling with: We talk a lot in this newsletter about broken systems in government. But what about the healthcare system?

My family of four has never had traditional health insurance. For years we used Medishare, a health sharing ministry. Earlier this year, we switched to CrowdHealth - and I want to tell you why.

The model is simple: You pay a $55/month subscription per person for access to their platform and advocacy team. Then each month, you contribute to help crowdfund another member's medical bills - never more than your set maximum. When you have a health event, you pay a $500 commitment, and the community funds the rest.

Right now, we're testing this in real time. My family had a $6,000 ER visit. CrowdHealth is negotiating that bill down, I'll pay $500, and the crowd will cover the remainder. No claims department. No denial letters. No fighting with bureaucrats.

Our monthly cost for a family of four: roughly $400-660/month, depending on community needs that month. Compare that to $1,500-2,500 for traditional family coverage in Texas.

But here's what really sold me: Unlike insurance companies, CrowdHealth doesn't profit from sickness. There's no incentive to deny your claim. The whole model is built on members helping members - mutual aid, not corporate gatekeeping.

It's healthcare that works like a community should work. And that's exactly what Think and Act Locally is about.

Learn how CrowdHealth works →

Full disclosure: This is a referral link. But you know the rule - sponsors support the mission, never influence the message. I've been a paying member since January.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

This Week's Must-Attend Events

Featured Events

Send us your events (david@thinkandactlocally.com)

MLK Unity Parade

Pasadena Fairgrounds - Campbell Hall

Tex's Winter Wonderland

• Saturday, January 24, 2026
• Sensory Hour: 11am - 12pm
• Main Event: 12pm - 4pm
• Jimmy Burke Activity Center
• All ages
• $10 pre-sale; $15 at the door

Tex the Reindeer is sticking around after the holidays to keep the magic alive with a day full of winter fun!  Bundle up and join us for a frosty adventure featuring real snow play areas, thrilling snow slides and toasty s'mores by the fire.

Meet friendly animals at the petting zoo, enjoy pony rides, face painters, characters and discover plenty more surprises throughout the event.  It's the perfect way to celebrate the season and make new winter memories with family and friends.

This Month

Upcoming Events

Art in the Park - Monthly at Dow Park, Deer Park

Movies in the Park - Monthly at various Deer Park locations

Check the Deer Park "Deer in the Spotlight" January 2026 Newsletter for more city events!

Coming Up

January 24-25 - Disney Voice Actors at Pasadena Celebrity Comic Con (Jodi Benson, Richard White, Bruce Reitherman)

Monday, January 26 - La Porte City Council, 6:00 PM

Save the Date

Friday, February 7 - Father-Daughter Masquerade Ball, 6-9 PM at Sylvan Beach Pavilion ($15/person, register at LaPorteTx.gov/Register)

Tuesday, February 3 - Marketing SBA Session, 2-3 PM at La Porte City Hall

Saturday, February 21 - Mardi Gras on Main, 4-8 PM at Five Points Town Plaza (FREE)

Local Theory Playlist - Check out New Year, New Mountain - Kick of 2026 strong

WEATHER FORECAST

Enjoy the cooler weather.  Chance of rain later in the week.

COMMUNITY VOICES

Letter of the Week

[Featured reader submission]

Q&A Corner

Q: [Reader question about local topic]

A: [Your answer or community expert response]

At least 6. Harris County's $5+ billion budget exceeds the general fund budgets of Wyoming, Vermont, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Alaska.

Unrivaled Travels

Great travel deals - Find out more click here

NEIGHBORS IN NEWS

A tip of the hat to Around La Porte

Our friends at Around La Porte dropped their January 2026 issue this week—16 pages of community coverage from the team led by Maggie Anderson Eddy (now in their 15th year of publication!).

This month's issue covers the consolidation election story, the incredible work of Loving La Porte volunteers, Blue Santa's record year, Fairmont Parkway improvements, and much more.

We don't compete with Around La Porte—we complement them. They report what's happening. We ask what citizens can DO about it.

Subscribe: $40/year delivered to your home Website: aroundlaporte.com

Facebook: facebook.com/aroundlaporte

Facebook Buzz

Liberty Watch

Know Your Government Week 3: Harris County Commissioners Court

Your city council handles your neighborhood. Your school board handles education. But the body that takes the biggest bite of your property tax bill? Harris County Commissioners Court.

The Basics: Five elected officials—County Judge Lina Hidalgo plus four precinct commissioners—control a $5+ billion annual budget affecting 4.7 million residents. Despite the name "court," this isn't a courtroom. It's the governing body for the third-largest county in America.

Your Commissioner: Adrian Garcia (Precinct 2) represents Deer Park, La Porte, Pasadena, Galena Park, and Baytown. His office: hcp2.com

What They Control:

• Your property tax rate
• Criminal justice funding (jails, courts, public defenders)
• Roads and bridges in unincorporated areas
• Flood control district funding
• Public health programs
• Parks and community centers

Next Meeting: Thursday, January 22, 2026 @ 9:00 AM 📍 1001 Preston St., 1st Floor, Houston 🔗 Watch live: harriscountytx.gov/Government/Court-Agenda/Court-Videos

What's On the Agenda: This week's "Business Court" is mostly routine approvals, but a few items matter for our area:

• $9.3 million for a countywide drainage master plan study (flood control planning)
• Prototype flood warning system for Harris County roads
• Commissioner Garcia's Houston Livestock Show scholarship fundraiser approval

How to Participate:

• View agendas 3+ days before meetings: agenda.harriscountytx.gov
• Register to speak: appearancerequest.harriscountytx.gov (submit 1 hour before meeting)
• Email comments: CommissionersCourt@hctx.net
• Speakers get 1 minute total—be prepared

The Strong Towns Question: When Commissioners Court approves infrastructure spending, are they accounting for the full lifecycle cost—including 50 years of maintenance? Or are they adding to the county's unfunded liabilities?

One Action This Week: Look up one agenda item from the January 22 meeting and read the backup materials. You'll be shocked how much detail is publicly available—and how few citizens ever look.

La Porte

• • City Council: 
  • January 26, 2026 - 6pm
  • Location: 604 W Fairmont Parkway
    La Porte, TX 77571
  • Agenda: [Link to agenda]
  • Live Stream: Live here and Youtube channel
  • Link to most recent meeting Brief.
  • Link to most recent meeting Deep Dive.
  • Key Items: 

    About the Council

     

    All powers of the City and the determination of all matters of policy are vested in City Council. The Council executes the laws and administers the government of the City. The Mayor and the two councilpersons-at-large are elected by a majority vote of the qualified voters of the city at large. The city is divided into six districts and one councilperson is elected from each district by majority vote of the resident voters of the district. The Mayor and Councilpersons hold their respective offices for a term of three years or until their successors have been elected and duly qualified. The positions of Mayor and Councilpersons Districts 2 and 3 will be elected next in 2027 and 2030; Councilperson At-Large Position A and Districts 4 and 5 in 2025 and 2028; and Councilperson At-Large Position B and Districts 1 and 6 in 2026 and 2029.

     

    Agendas & Minutes

    The City Council meets the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at 6:00 p.m. To view the most recent agendas and minutes, view the archive. Council meeting video is available at LaPorteTX.gov/MeetingVideo. To search and/or view past meeting agendas and minutes and historical records, visit the public portal at LaPorteTX.gov/SearchRecords.

    Council Documents

    • City Charter
    • 2023 Strategic Plan
    • City Council Rules of Procedure and Ethics Policy, updated October 14, 2024
    • City Council Conflict of Interest filings
    • City Council campaign finance documents (Per EC 254.0401(b)(e-1)(g) and (h))

   

  Cycle the City with Mayor Helton

  Join Mayor Helton for a monthly bike ride to connect with the community and explore the City of La Porte together! These rides will occur on the Third Tuesday of every month, starting at 6:30 pm, summer hours are at 7 pm.  The starting point will change each month so check back for the latest details to plan your attendance.  

   

  January 20 | 6:30 PM

  The January ride will start at the Garden of Eden Tea Room, 10515 Spencer Hwy, La Porte, TX 77571.

   

  February 17 | 6:30 PM

  The February ride will begin at the La Porte Historic Depot Museum, 604 Park Street, La Porte, TX 77571.

   

  March 17 | 6:30 PM - TBD

Deer Park

• City Council: January 20th - 7:30pm
• Location: City Hall, 710 E San Augustine St
• Agenda: [Link to agenda]
• Live Stream: not available
• Key Items: Agenda not currently available for next meeting

• Meetings - 2025.12.16 (audio only) 

  • 7:30 p.m.
  • First and third Tuesdays of each month
  • Council Chambers at City Hall
    710 E San Augustine St.
    Deer Park, TX 77536

  Special meetings and workshops are held as needed. Those wishing to speak before council may do so by registering by 7:25 p.m. on the day of the meeting. For further information, call the city secretary's office at 281-479-2394.

   

  Agendas & Minutes

  Agendas and minutes are available online and posted on the city's bulletin board prior to the scheduled meeting .

   

  Public Comments

  Council passed Resolution 24-14 on the policy and rules of decorum on Public Comments during meetings.  

   

  Members

  The City Council consists of seven members, a mayor and six council members. The current members are:

  • Jerry Mouton Jr., Mayor
  • Sherry Garrison, Council Position 1
  • TJ Haight, Council Position 2
  • Tommy Ginn, Council Position 3

  • Justin League, Council Position 4
  • Ron Martin, Council Position 5
  • Georgette Ford, Council Position 6

   

  Mission Statement

  The Mission of the City of Deer Park is to deliver exemplary municipal services that provide a high quality of life consistent with our history, culture, and unique sense of community.

   

  City of Deer Park Vision Statement

  Deer Park is a vibrant, sustainable community; a safe place to work, play, and live, offering growth and opportunity to all residents and businesses.

   

  About the City Council

  The City of Deer Park has a council-manager form of government. Under this form of government, the elected City Council sets the policies for the operation of the city's government. The administrative responsibility rests with the city manager who is appointed by the City Council.

   

  Correspondence to the mayor and members of the City Council can be sent by email or mailed to:
  City of Deer Park
  P.O. Box 700
  Deer Park, TX 77536-0700

Pasadena

• City Council: January 20, 2026 - 6pm
• Location: 1149 Ellsworth 6th Floor
  Pasadena, TX 77506
• Agenda: [Link to agenda]
• Live Stream:  Youtube channel
• Link to most recent meeting Brief.
• Link to most recent meeting Deep Dive.
• Key Items: 

SUBMIT YOUR CONTENT

Community events

Business features

Volunteer opportunities

Letters/Q&A

Email me - david@thinkandactlocally.com

Deadline: Thursday 5 PM for Sunday publication

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A Different Way to Build Community

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