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
Archives
Controversial Insights: Smart Meter Debate Unveiled in Our Community

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 TwinsSpeaking 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
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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 Lease4422 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
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.
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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.
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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:
Contact your district's volunteer coordinator to learn more. |
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES |
Ways to Give Back This Week Loving La Porte: Feeding Students at the LibraryMichael 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:
[Full story in Around La Porte, Pages 1 & 4] Blue Santa MilestoneThe 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 HistoryThe 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.
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 |
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
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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 📍 Dakota at Deer Park
Come grab your Maine faves 🦞:
📲 Preorder & earn rewards with the CML App! 👉 A perfect evening to grab dinner without leaving home! 🚚🦞💙
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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) |
Just Released! Local Theory New Album - Flesh and Blood |
This could be your business. email me david@thinkandactlocally.com |
COMMUNITY VOICES |
Letter of the Week[Featured reader submission] Q&A CornerQ: "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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Unrivaled Travels |
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
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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.
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🗳️ 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. |
La Porte |
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Deer Park |
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Pasadena |
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Mapping Our Community |
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:
📋 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 WorksThis 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
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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.
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