Think and Act Locally - Deer Park, La Porte, Pasadena
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Controversial Insights: Smart Meter Debate Unveiled in Our Community

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Think and Act Locally - Deer Park, La Porte, Pasadena

Think and Act Locally - Deer Park, La Porte, Pasadena

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Controversial Insights: Smart Meter Debate Unveiled in Our Community

Controversial Insights: Smart Meter Debate Unveiled in Our Community
Discover the latest in local growth, learning, and service in Deer Park, La Porte, and Pasadena! From new dining spots like Bubba's 33 to exciting community events like the Father Daughter Dance, there's something for everyone. Don't miss out on important updates on the upcoming State Senate race and local elections - your vote matters! #EmpowerYourCommunity

David Campbell

Feb 8, 2026

Think and Act Locally

Empowering Deer Park, La Porte & Pasadena

Liberty • Prosperity • Service • Growth

Election Special: Your Vote, Your Neighborhood, Your Future February 8, 2026 | Deer Park • La Porte • Pasadena

Nine days.

 

That's how long you have before early voting starts for the March 3 primary. And this isn't one of those elections happening a thousand miles away that you can't do anything about.

 

This one is personal. The person who represents Deer Park, La Porte, and Pasadena in Congress? That seat is being decided right now. The state representative who has spoken for Deer Park and La Porte since 2017? Leaving. The state senator who covers our area? Gone too, running for Attorney General.

 

Every single layer of government that touches your daily life — your water bill, your property taxes, your kids' schools, your streets — is being reshuffled in the next 90 days.

 

Nobody else is going to walk you through this. That's our job.

Trivia Question❓

Q: Texas has an "open primary," which means you don't register with a party. So how many Texans actually vote in primary elections — what percentage of registered voters typically show up?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Quote Of The Day

"The ballot is stronger than the bullet." — Abraham Lincoln

Secret Little Hack

Find out EXACTLY what's on YOUR primary ballot — in 2 minutes.

 

Go to votetexas.gov → click "Am I Registered?" → enter your info.

 

Then go to harrisvotes.com → click "Sample Ballots" → enter your address. You'll see every race, every candidate, every proposition on your specific ballot — before you ever walk into the polling place.

 

Bonus: Texas primaries are OPEN. You don't register with a party. You choose which party's ballot you want when you show up. But once you vote in one party's primary, you can't vote in the other party's runoff. Choose wisely.

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

 

Local Business Feature: Bishop's Feed and Seed LLC - Pasadena, TX

 

A community-favorite local feed and seed store with a strong neighborhood presence. Residents rely on Bishop’s for feed, gardening supplies, and expertise — supporting backyard farmers, pet owners, and hobby growers alike.

 

That's the kind of local business worth knowing about.

 

📍 2305 Preston Ave, Pasadena, TX 77503

 

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

What's for dinner tonight?

Bubba's 33

 3221 East Sam Houston Pkwy S, Pasadena, TX 77505

 

Burgers, pizza & beer served alongside many large-screen TVs showing sports & music videos.

Bonnie's Donuts

2047 W Main St STE A4, League City, TX 77573

 

Glazed, cake and fruit donuts, plus pastries like apple fritters, cinnamon rolls and kolaches.

7Spice

3421-B Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, TX 77504

 

Casual, fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in seafood cooked in Cajun style, along with gumbo and poboys.

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

 

 
 
🚨 FOSTER NEEDED ASAP! 
 
We just had a foster back out 30 minutes before pickup and now this sweet girl has nowhere to go.
We are a foster-based rescue, which means we don’t have a shelter building — homes are our shelter.
 
She is:
 
Good with kids
Good with other dogs
Likely cat friendly
Freshly groomed
Vaccinated & UTD on preventatives
 
She is READY for a home… she just needs a couch to land on.
Please help us keep her out of boarding tonight.
🙏 If you can foster or know someone who can, message us ASAP.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Ways to Make a Difference

Volunteer Spotlight

 

Be An Election Worker

Harris County needs election workers for early voting (Feb 17-27) and Election Day (March 3). You get paid, you serve your community, and you see democracy up close.

 

Apply at harrisvotes.com/work-election.

 

This is civic service at its most direct — and most needed. Low turnout primaries are where your single vote carries the most weight. Help make sure every vote counts.

 

 

North Pasadena Community Outreach

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)

Valentine Market

Sat, 14 Feb, 2026 at 09:00 am to 02:00 pm (CST)
 
4711 Center St, Deer Park, TX 77536-6354
 
50+ local vendors...Shop Small...Buy Local
FREE family fun-FREE entry-FREE parking
Lovely Bling by Cynthia-Paparazzi will be at the event
Luv's Petal-wreaths and flower arrangements will be at the event

Father Daughter Dance Deer Park, TX

Fri, 13 Feb, 2026 at 06:00 pm (CST)
 

St. Hyacinth Catholic Church

2921 Center Street, Deer Park, TX, United States


Join us for dinner, dancing and fun!
Purchase tickets online at https:/square.link/u/YE44HyF2

Lomax Night at SkateWorld

Wed, 11 Feb, 2026 at 06:00 pm to 08:30 pm (CST)

 

Skate World

410 W Pasadena Blvd, Deer Park, TX, United States

 

All skaters must complete a waiver

https://qr.codes/ti2MI9

 

Cousins Maine Lobster at Dakota at Deer Park

Wed, 18 Feb, 2026 at 05:00 pm to 08:00 pm (CST)

 

800 W Pasadena Blvd, Deer Park, TX 77536-5707, United States

 

Cousins Maine Lobster is rolling into Deer Park for a delicious evening you won’t want to miss! 

 

📅 February 18
🕔 5pm – 8pm

📍 Dakota at Deer Park

 

Come grab your Maine faves 🦞:


• 🥖 Maine, Garlic, & Connecticut Lobster Rolls
• 🌮 Lobster Tacos & Quesadillas
• 🥔 Lobster Tots and Lobster Tails
• 🧀 Lobster Grilled Cheese
• 🍲 Creamy Lobster Bisque or Clam Chowder
• 🧁 Whoopie Pies & more!

 

📲 Preorder & earn rewards with the CML App!

👉 A perfect evening to grab dinner without leaving home! 🚚🦞💙 

 

This Month

Upcoming Events

 

Friday, Feb 13 Candidate Filing Deadline — Last day to file for May 2 city council and school board elections in Deer Park, La Porte, and Pasadena.

 

If you've ever thought about running — this is the day.

 

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

 


Save the Date

 

Premier Pasadena Gun Show — Feb 14-15, Pasadena Convention Center, 7902 Fairmont Pkwy. Sat 9 AM–5 PM, Sun 9 AM–4 PM. Check premiergunshows.com for admission.

 

Thursday, February 19 — Pasadena State of the City Luncheon, Pasadena Chamber of Commerce

 

Saturday, February 21 - Mardi Gras on Main, 4-8 PM at Five Points Town Plaza (FREE)  
downtown La Porte. Jazz, food trucks, craft beer garden, New Orleans-style market. All ages. FREE.

Greater Houston Train Show — Saturday, Feb 21, 10 AM–4 PM, Pasadena Convention Center, 7902 Fairmont Pkwy. Adults $5. Great for kids who love trains.

Just Released!  Local Theory New Album - Flesh and Blood

WEATHER FORECAST

Warming up with a chance of storms late in the week.

COMMUNITY VOICES

Letter of the Week

[Featured reader submission]

Q&A Corner

Q: "What are your thoughts on this year's Super Bowl halftime show?"

 

A: check back next week for responses

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

Typically less than 15% of registered voters show up for Texas primary elections. In many local primaries, it's closer to 5-8%. That means in a city like Deer Park (roughly 25,000 registered voters), as few as 1,250-2,000 people may decide who represents the entire community. Your vote in a primary carries 5-10x more weight than your vote in a general election. That's not an opinion — that's math.

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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

Lalo Tovar in Southeast HTX Neighborhood News FB Group:

 

"Shoutout to the Youth"

 
Local Youth ICE Protests
 

The Domino Chain: How One Senate Race Reshuffled Everything

Here's something most people don't realize about how representation actually works.

 

AG Ken Paxton decides to run for U.S. Senate → the Attorney General seat opens → Sen. Mayes Middleton runs for AG → Senate District 11 opens → Rep. Dennis Paul runs for SD-11 → House District 129 opens → Rep. Briscoe Cain runs for the new TX-9 Congressional seat → House District 128 opens.

 

One decision created four open seats that directly govern our communities.

 

Four new people are about to start making decisions about your tax dollars, your water, your schools, your streets.

 

The dominoes always fall downward — from federal to state to local. But the impact goes the other direction. Your city council member has more direct control over your daily life than your U.S. Senator.

 

Pick one race. Learn the candidates. Show up to vote. That's local action.

Liberty Watch

ELECTION CENTRAL: The Races That Decide YOUR Future

 

This isn't national politics. Every race below directly governs YOUR streets, YOUR schools, YOUR tax dollars. Early voting starts February 17.

 

U.S. Congress — TX-9 (NEW DISTRICT)

Texas Legislature redrew the congressional map in August 2025, creating a brand-new district that covers Deer Park, Pasadena, Baytown, east Houston, and Liberty County.

 

This is OUR district. Trump carried it by 20 points in 2024, making the March 3 Republican primary effectively the general election.

 

Nine Republicans are running. Two frontrunners:

Briscoe Cain — Deer Park native. State Rep for HD-128 since 2017. Graduated Deer Park High School, UH-Downtown, South Texas College of Law.

Author of the Texas Heartbeat Act. Endorsed by Gov. Abbott, 48 state House colleagues, Oil & Gas Workers Association, and dozens of local precinct chairs.

 

What he'd bring: Deep local roots and name recognition. Has won elections covering Deer Park and La Porte for nearly a decade. Knows the petrochemical corridor and Ship Channel economy firsthand.

 

Alex Mealer — West Point graduate, Army captain, energy finance background. GOP nominee for Harris County Judge in 2022. Serves on METRO transit board. Endorsed by Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), Club for Growth, National Border Patrol Council, Houston Region Business Association, and multiple law enforcement organizations.

 

Held a campaign rally in Pasadena in late January with Jim Jordan.

What she'd bring: Military leadership and business finance experience. Has outraised Cain in fundraising. Washington conservative establishment backing plus local law enforcement support.

 

Also running (R): Jaimy Blanco (Pasadena), Michael Curran, Dan Mims (San Jacinto College trustee, Channelview), Crystal DeLeon Sarmiento (Manvel city councilor), Dwayne Stovall (Cleveland), Steve Stockman (former U.S. Rep), Terry Thain.

 

Democrats: Al Green (moved from old TX-9), Earnest Clayton, Peter Filler, Terry Virts (retired astronaut), Marty Rocha (deputy sheriff), Mayra Guillén, and others.

 

📋 Your action: Research both frontrunners. Visit their campaign websites. Ask yourself: Who will fight hardest for the Ship Channel economy, for petrochemical workers, for our communities?

🏛️ State Senate — SD-11 (OPEN SEAT)

Why it's open: Sen. Mayes Middleton is leaving to run for Attorney General (because AG Ken Paxton is running for U.S. Senate). The domino chain means our state senator's seat is wide open.

 

SD-11 covers parts of Harris, Galveston, and Brazoria counties — including our coverage area.

 

Dennis Paul (R) — State Rep from HD-129 (Clear Lake area) since 2015. Engineer. Endorsed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick — the most powerful person in the Texas Senate.

 

Democrats running: Shannon Dicely, Cameron Rollwitz.

📋 Your action: Your state senator votes on property tax policy, school funding, water regulation, and infrastructure spending — everything that hits your household budget directly. This race deserves your attention.

 

State House — HD-128 (OPEN SEAT)

Why it's open: Briscoe Cain is leaving to run for Congress. This seat has represented Deer Park and portions of La Porte, Baytown, and Crosby since Cain won it in 2016.

 

Multiple candidates filed for the Republican primary before the December 8 deadline. This is the person who votes on your property taxes at the state level, school funding formulas, water policy, and environmental regulation of the Ship Channel corridor.

 

📋 Your action: Check your sample ballot at harrisvotes.com to see who's running in YOUR district.

 

Harris County Judge (OPEN)

County Judge Lina Hidalgo won't seek a third term. This is the top elected position in Harris County — overseeing a $5+ billion budget that funds flood control, roads, public health, and emergency management.

 

Democrats: Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker, Houston City Council member Letitia Plummer, Matt Salazar.

 

Republicans: Six candidates including Marty Lancton (fire fighters union president), Orlando Sanchez (former county treasurer), and four others.

 

📋 Your action: Harris County decisions directly affect Deer Park, La Porte, and Pasadena — especially flood control and infrastructure. This race matters to your neighborhood.

 

🗳️ May 2 Local Elections — THE MOST IMPORTANT VOTES YOU'LL CAST

These are the races with the lowest turnout and the highest impact per vote. Your city council members decide your water rates, your street maintenance, your building permits, your local tax rates.

 

Filing deadline: February 13 (this Friday!)

DEER PARK City Council Positions 4, 5, and 6 — All at-large, two-year terms, no term limits Info: deerparktx.gov/267/Elections

 

LA PORTE City Council At-Large Position B, District 1, District 6 Shoreacres Consolidation Election — both cities must approve Street Tax Reauthorization Info: laportetx.gov/154/ElectionsElecciones

 

LA PORTE ISD School Board Positions 1, 2, and 3 Info: lpisd.org/elections

 

DEER PARK ISD School Board positions — check dpisd.org for details

 

📋 Your action: Go to your city's website THIS WEEK and find out who filed. If you've ever thought about running — the deadline is Thursday.

La Porte Election Watch

Filing is OPEN through February 13 for three City Council seats — At-Large Position B and Districts 1 and 6. Election day is May 2, 2026. If you've thought about running, the window is closing.
Info at laportetx.gov.

La Porte

  •  

    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.  

     

    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: February 17th - 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:

     

    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

 

Meetings of the Council

Regular meetings of the Council are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month unless said Tuesday is a holiday; in which case the meeting shall be rescheduled within the next three business days. Council may hold as many additional meetings during the month as may be necessary. Special meetings may be called at any time by the Mayor as necessary. Procedures for meetings shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas for open meetings, and as provided by the Charter and City ordinances not in conflict therewith. All meetings of the Council, regular or special, shall be open to the public and shall be held at the City Hall of the City.

 

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Mapping Our Community
The Hidden Levy, Part 2: The Smart Meter Question

Last week we told you that nobody votes on your water rate. This week, it's worth knowing that Deer Park has been rolling out 12,262 smart water meters as part of their Advanced Metering Infrastructure project.

 

Here's why this connects to our investigation:

Smart meters give the city real-time data on your water usage. That can mean more accurate billing, faster leak detection, and better infrastructure management. All good things.

 

But it also means the city has granular data on when you use water, how much, and in what patterns. And the rates those meters measure? Still set by council without a public vote.

 

We're not saying smart meters are bad. We're saying citizens should ask smart questions:

  • How will this affect my billing — will the new meters read differently than the old ones?
  • What data is being collected and who has access to it?
  • Will this technology be used to implement tiered pricing in the future?
  • What's the total cost of this rollout and how is it being funded?

 

📋 Your action: Check whether your meter has been replaced yet at deerparktx.gov/2195. Pull out your most recent water bill and compare it to one from six months ago. 

 

If something looks different, call Utility Billing at 281-478-7200.

 

Then email us what you find: david@thinkandactlocally.com

SUBMIT YOUR CONTENT

Share Your Story:

Community events

Business features

Volunteer opportunities

Letters/Q&A

Email me - david@thinkandactlocally.com

Deadline: Thursday 5 PM for Sunday publication

Value4Value

A Different Way to Build Community

 

How Think and Act Locally Works

This newsletter operates on the Value for Value model - a simple concept that reflects our core philosophy: We provide value freely, and you contribute back based on the value you receive.

No paywalls. No subscriptions required. Just real local content that matters.

 

We do feature paid sponsorships from local businesses - because supporting local prosperity is part of our mission. But here's our promise: Their support will never influence our message. We will always Think and Act Locally, speak truth about local issues, and put community first.

 

Three Ways to Provide Value

⏰ Time

  • Share this newsletter with neighbors who care
  • Attend the events and meetings we highlight
  • Report back on what you discover
  • Join the conversation in our Facebook groups
  • "Hit people in the mouth" (spread the word about Think and Act Locally)

🎨 Talent

  • Submit local stories and tips
  • Share photos from community events
  • Contribute your expertise on local issues
  • Help identify volunteer opportunities
  • Create content that strengthens our community
  • Become an Ambassador for the movement

💰 Treasure

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  • Sponsor content if you're a local business (while respecting our editorial independence)
  • Every dollar goes directly to building this movement
  • One-time or recurring - you decide

 

Why This Model?

We believe in treating you like the responsible adult you are. You know better than anyone what value you're receiving and what you can contribute. This isn't charity - it's an exchange of value between neighbors building something together.

Our business sponsors are part of this value exchange too - they support local engagement while we support local prosperity. Everyone wins, and no one controls the message except our shared commitment to thinking and acting locally.

Support Think and Act Locally →

Choose your amount. Choose your method. Choose to make a difference.

 

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Civic Titles (Cumulative Giving): As your total contributions grow, so does your standing in our community. Reach $1,000 cumulative and you become a Citizen of the Roundtable—with a ceremony right here in the newsletter. Keep going and rise through the ranks: Precinct Captain, Alderman, Councilmember, Commissioner, all the way up to Mayor and beyond.

 

Not ready for a lump sum? Our Citizen Layaway Plan gets you there at $50/month for 20 months.


Remember: Whether you contribute time, talent, or treasure (or all three), you're not supporting a newsletter - you're investing in a movement that puts local action first.

 

Don't be a spectator. Be a producer of your community's future.

 

Make it a great day.

David Campbell

 

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Think and Act Locally - Deer Park, La Porte, Pasadena

© 2026 Think and Act Locally - Deer Park, La Porte, Pasadena.

Your weekly source for community empowerment, local opportunities, and neighbors helping neighbors across our three cities. Each week, we bring you inspiring stories of local changemakers, upcoming skillshare workshops, entrepreneurship opportunities, and volunteer spotlights that showcase the power of thinking globally while acting locally. From small business success stories to community service initiatives, educational resources to networking events, we connect you with the people and programs working to unleash human potential and strengthen the social fabric of Deer Park, La Porte, and Pasadena. Whether you're looking to start a business, learn a new skill, serve your community, or simply connect with neighbors who share your values of liberty, prosperity, service, and growth - this newsletter is your guide to creating positive change right where you live. Because when we think and act locally, there's no limit to the lives and communities we can transform.

© 2026 Think and Act Locally - Deer Park, La Porte, Pasadena.