Think and Act Locally

Empowering Deer Park, La Porte & Pasadena

Liberty • Prosperity • Service • Growth

Tomorrow Changes Everything — Then the Real Work Begins

March 1, 2026 | Deer Park - La Porte - Pasadena

This is issue #11. Eleven weeks of showing up.

Tomorrow is primary day. March 3. If you haven't voted yet, early voting is over — this is your last window. Your assigned polling location, 7 AM to 7 PM.

The SD-11 state senate seat, the HD-128 state house seat, the Harris County Judge race — decided tomorrow by whoever bothers to show up.

Turnout in primaries runs under 15% of registered voters. That means a small number of people make the call for everyone else.

Don't be everyone else.

But here's what matters after Tuesday: the primary is the opening act. The May 2 elections — city council seats in Deer Park and La Porte, school board positions, the La Porte street tax reauthorization, and the historic Shoreacres consolidation vote — those are decided by hundreds of voters, not thousands.

Your neighbors almost certainly won't show up. That's where your single vote carries the most weight of anything you'll do in 2026.

This week we continue The Hidden Levy series — Part 3 goes deep on what industrial users along the Ship Channel actually pay versus what you pay. More on that below.

Make it a great day.

David Campbell

Q: Your water rate in Deer Park, La Porte, or Pasadena is set by whom — and how often can it be changed?

"I know of no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves." — Thomas Jefferson

Find your polling location before you leave the house tomorrow.

harrisvotes.com → "Find My Polling Location" → enter your address.

On primary day you must vote at your assigned location — not just any Harris County site.

Bring a valid photo ID. Texas driver's license, passport, military ID, or handgun license all work. Full list at votetexas.gov.

Hours: 7 AM to 7 PM.

GROWTH & LEARNING

What Are Your Kids Actually Learning About Money?

Most kids graduate high school without ever learning how a bank works, what inflation is, or why saving matters. The curriculum never got there. That gap gets expensive.

The Tuttle Twins book series teaches economic and civic concepts to kids ages 5-11 through illustrated stories — free markets, personal responsibility, property rights, individual liberty. My kids have learned more about how the world actually works from these books than from most of what they pick up at school.

Activity workbooks turn passive reading into active learning. This is exactly the kind of thing we mean by taking 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

Shuko's Avenue 502

3601 Center St. (next door to Planet Fitness) Deer Park, TX

Deer Park Snack Bar

2506 A Center St, Deer Park, TX 77536

Mexican-style snack bar offering snow cones, corn-in-a-cup, shave ice, mangonadas, elotes and more.

The Tamales Spot III

3501 East Blvd, Deer Park, TX 77536

Breakfast tacos, tamales, and other Mexican fare offered in a relaxed atmosphere.

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

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 found 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.

84% of students at La Porte Elementary live below the federal poverty level. This is your neighbor's kid.

• 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 | Facebook: Loving La Porte

GROWTH & LEARNING

The Treasurer's Report — Week 32

Thirty-two consecutive profitable weeks.

This week's numbers: Net options income: $724.26 Deployed capital: $22,750 Weekly return: 3.18% — more than triple the 1% target Running all-time net income: ~$24,864

The week's main story was a QUBT roll — managing a put position that moved against us by executing a disciplined roll for net credit rather than taking assignment or panicking. No drama. Just mechanics.

The Gold/Silver Challenge — Week 5:

Gold closed today at $5,385.99 — up $518 in a single week. Silver hit $93.76 after a 5.77% surge on Friday alone. If we'd held the physical metals, they'd be worth $58,071. The LST Gold and Silver accounts sit at ~$49,637 including $4,637 in earned income. Metals lead by $8,434.

I'm not hiding it. Gold is the story — we sold at $4,371 in January and it's now $5,386. That's a $6,527 miss on gold alone. Silver is a different conversation: we sold at $76.58, it crashed hard, and it's only now recovering above our sale price. The timing on silver was defensible.

The full honest scorecard is in this week's Substack. At current pace — $900-1,100/week across both accounts — we close an $8,434 gap in 8-10 weeks of trading, without metals moving at all. Check back.

I sell options on Monday. They expire on Friday. I keep the money.

Want to follow along? isdavecrazy.com Want to learn the strategy? Start here → (affiliate link — I use this personally)

This is not financial advice. Options trading involves substantial risk of loss. All figures from verified Schwab transaction records.

Learn more at lowstresstrading.com (affiliate link — I use this system personally)

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)

Tuesday, March 3 — Primary Election Day 7 AM – 7 PM | Your assigned polling location — harrisvotes.com Bring valid photo ID.

Saturday, March 7 — Main Street Trade Days 10 AM – 2 PM | 200 Block Main Street & Five Points Town Plaza, La Porte Free. 165+ local vendors.

Tuesday, March 17 — Cycle the City with Mayor Helton 6:30 PM | Brookglen Community Center, 3324 Sommerton Dr, La Porte | Ride-out 6:45 PM Free. First-timers get a custom LP Bike Bell.

Saturday, March 21 — Pet Palooza & Doggie Dash 9 AM – 12 PM | Little Cedar Bayou Park, La Porte Free. Register at laportetx.gov.

Saturday, March 28 — Trash Bash 2026 Registration 8:30 AM | Cleanup 9 AM – 11 AM | Multiple sites Free. T-shirt and lunch provided. Register at trashbash.org.

Save the Date — Saturday, April 25 — Sylvan Beach Festival 70th Annual. Kids 12 & under free.

Paws and Petals Market

Save the Date: Pet Palooza & Doggie Dash — March 21

Saturday, March 21 | 9 AM – 12 PM Little Cedar Bayou Park / Dog Park, La Porte

Free. Pet vendors, animal adoptions, 1-mile Doggie Dash, pet portraits, live music. Register for the Doggie Dash in advance at laportetx.gov.

Cookie Decorating Classes with Underwater Oven

Tuesday, March 3rd at 6pm

15th Annual San Jacinto Texas Independence Fun Run

This Month

Upcoming Events

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

Movies in the Park - Monthly at various Deer Park locations

Coming Up

Main Street Trade Days — La Porte's Monthly Market

This Saturday, March 7, downtown La Porte's 200 block transforms into a marketplace with 165+ vendors — handmade crafts, vintage finds, antiques, and local food.

This is not a flea market. It's a launching pad. Local entrepreneurs — some running their first business, some building toward something bigger — test products, meet customers, and build repeat relationships here every month. Draws 600-1,000 visitors on a regular Saturday.

Saturday, March 7 | 10 AM – 2 PM 200 Block of Main Street & Five Points Town Plaza, La Porte

Vendor registration: visitlaportetx.com/mainstreettradedays. If you're shopping, bring cash.

Save the Date

Mark Your Calendar: Trash Bash 2026 — March 28

The 32nd annual cleanup of the Galveston Bay watershed. The largest single-day waterway cleanup in Texas — 4,000+ volunteers, 16 sites across the region.

Registration is open now at trashbash.org/how-to-volunteer.html.

Download the waiver form in advance — minors must have parent/guardian signature. You receive a t-shirt, gloves, bags, and free lunch. Site registrations fill up. Sign up this week.

New Album Release - Local Theory - Your Own Bank

https://radio.thinkandactlocally.com/public/tri-city-alliance

Just Released: Your Own Bank

5 albums. 120+ tracks. Sovereignty through sound.

Tune in live: radio.thinkandactlocally.com

Find us on Spotify — search Local Theory Full catalog: localtheorymusic.com

WEATHER FORECAST

Keep Your Umbrella handy

BUY ME A BEER

You're reading Issue #11. You've shown up 11 weeks in a row. That makes you different.

Everything in this newsletter — the investigations, the election guides, the financial transparency, the local business spotlights — was built by one guy with AI, from a dining room table in Deer Park.

I've also built 10 courses, a podcast, a radio station, 6 albums, and an Academy for my kids. Same tools. Same table. And I'm just getting started.

But I can't do this alone. I need partners. I need neighbors. I need you.

The Remnant is where all of this comes together — $5/month. Think of it as buying me a beer.

If you're part of the solution, welcome. Mi casa su casa.

Buy me a beer → skool.com/think-and-act-locally-8057/about

COMMUNITY VOICES

Letter of the Week

[Featured reader submission]

Q&A Corner

Q: If you could change anything in Deer Park, La Porte, and/or Pasadena, what would it be and why?

A: check back next week for responses

Water rates in Deer Park, La Porte, and Pasadena are set by each city's council — no voter approval required. A council can change the rate at any regular meeting. Most residents have never attended a session where rates were discussed.

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

Your Complete March 3 Primary Ballot Guide

Polls Open 7 AM — 7 PM | Find Your Vote Center: harrisvotes.com

Tuesday is primary day. If you're registered in Harris County and haven't voted early, you have one chance left. Polls open at 7 AM and close at 7 PM. You can vote at any Harris County vote center — not just your assigned precinct. Bring a valid photo ID.

How Texas primaries work: You choose one party's primary — Republican or Democratic. You cannot mix. If no candidate wins 50% or more, the top two advance to a runoff on May 26. Whichever primary you vote in today, you can only vote in that same party's runoff.

FEDERAL

U.S. Senate — Full six-year term

Republican Primary: John Cornyn (incumbent), Ken Paxton, Wesley Hunt, Sara Canady, Anna Bender, Virgil John Bierschwale, John O. Adefope, Gulrez "Gus" Khan

Democratic Primary: Jasmine Crockett, James Talarico, Ahmad Hassan

Why it matters locally: The U.S. Senate confirms federal judges, approves treaties, and controls spending that flows to Harris County infrastructure, flood control, and environmental oversight — all issues that directly affect Deer Park, La Porte, and Pasadena.

U.S. House, District 9 — New district lines after 2025 redistricting. Covers much of the southeast Houston area including our three cities.

Republican Primary (9 candidates): Alex Mealer, Brandon Cain, Brandon Mims, Michael Blanco, Bernadette Curran, DeLeon Sarmiento, Steve Thain, Brandon Stovall (suspended but remains on ballot), Steve Stockman

Democratic Primary (6 candidates): Terry Virts, Leticia Gutierrez, Earnest Clayton Jr., Todd Ivey, Marty Rocha, Peter Filler

Independent (General Election only): Henry Morales

STATE — STATEWIDE RACES

Governor — Four-year term. Abbott seeking unprecedented fourth term.

Republican Primary: Greg Abbott (incumbent), Evelyn Brooks, R.F. "Bob" Achgill, Charles Andrew Crouch, Arturo Espinosa, Mark V. Goloby, Kenneth Hyde, Stephen Samuelson, Ronnie Tullos, Nathaniel Welch, Pete "Doc" Chambers

Democratic Primary: Gina Hinojosa, Chris Bell, Bobby Cole, Patricia Abrego, Zach Vance, Carlton W. Hart, Jose Navarro Balbuena, Angela "Tia Angie" Villescaz, Andrew White (withdrew — name still on ballot)

Lieutenant Governor — Second-highest state office; controls the Texas Senate agenda.

Republican Primary: Dan Patrick (incumbent), Perla Muñoz Hopkins, Timothy Mabry, Esala Wueschner

Democratic Primary: Vikki Goodwin, Courtney Head, Marcos Vélez

Attorney General — Paxton vacating to run for U.S. Senate. Open seat.

Republican Primary: Chip Roy, Mayes Middleton, Joan Huffman, Aaron Reitz

Democratic Primary: Nathan Johnson, Joe Jaworski, Tony Box

Comptroller of Public Accounts — Manages state finances, tax collection, and now administers the school voucher program.

Republican Primary: Kelly Hancock (acting incumbent), Don Huffines, Christi Craddick, Michael Berlanga

Democratic Primary: Sarah Eckhardt, Michael Lange, Savant Moore

Commissioner of the General Land Office — Manages 13M acres of state land; administers disaster aid.

Republican Primary: Dawn Buckingham (incumbent, uncontested)

Democratic Primary: [search harrisvotes.com for your sample ballot]

Commissioner of Agriculture — Miller seeking fourth term.

Republican Primary: Sid Miller (incumbent), Nate Sheets

Democratic Primary: Clayton Tucker

Railroad Commissioner — Regulates oil and gas, critical to our petrochemical corridor.

Republican Primary: Jim Wright (incumbent), plus several challengers including James "Jim" Matlock

Democratic Primary: [check harrisvotes.com]

Texas Supreme Court — Four seats on the ballot (Chief Justice, Places 2, 7, and 8). All Republican incumbents uncontested in GOP primary.

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals — Three seats (Places 3, 4, and 9).

15th Court of Appeals — New court created in 2023. Chief Justice and Places 2 and 3 on ballot.

Note: The specific judicial candidates vary by district. Use harrisvotes.com to look up your exact ballot.

STATE — LEGISLATIVE

Texas Senate, District 11 — Covers La Porte and parts of Harris County.

Republican Primary: Dennis Paul (incumbent)

Democratic Primary: Shannon Dicely, Cameron Rollwitz

Texas Senate, District 4 and District 13 — Also covering portions of Harris County. Check your specific district at harrisvotes.com.

Texas House, District 128 — Open seat (Wayne Faircloth departed; Briscoe Cain vacating to run for Congress in CD-9).

Republican Primary: Tom Butler

Democratic Primary: Desiree Klaus

Texas House Districts 126–150 — All Harris County House seats are on the ballot. Check harrisvotes.com for your specific district.

State Board of Education — Eight of 15 seats up for election. Sets curriculum standards and textbook policy for Texas public schools.

Check harrisvotes.com — your SBOE district depends on your address.

COUNTY — HARRIS COUNTY

Harris County Judge — Top executive overseeing a $2B+ budget. Lina Hidalgo not seeking re-election. This is the biggest open seat in the county.

Republican Primary: Orlando Sanchez (former county treasurer), Marty Lancton (firefighters union president), Aliza Dutt (Piney Point Village mayor), Warren Howell, Oscar Gonzales, George Zoes

Democratic Primary: Annise Parker (former Houston mayor), Letitia Plummer (city council member), Matt Salazar

Why it matters for us: Harris County Judge oversees flood control spending, emergency management, and the county budget — all decisions that hit Deer Park, La Porte, and Pasadena directly.

Harris County Attorney — Special election for unexpired term.

Democratic Primary: Abbie Kamin, Audrie Lawton Evans

Republican Primary: [check harrisvotes.com]

Harris County Commissioners Court:

Precinct 2: Adrian Garcia (D, incumbent) vs. Republican challengers Raquel Hernandez-Boujourne and Richard Vega

Precinct 4: Lesley Briones (D, incumbent) vs. Steve Radack (R)

Harris County Clerk

Republican Primary: Lynda Sanchez, Mike Wolfe

Democratic Primary: Teneshia Hudspeth (incumbent, uncontested)

Harris County Treasurer

Republican Primary: Marc Cowart, Hayley Hagan

Democratic Primary: Carla Wyatt (incumbent, uncontested)

Justices of the Peace and Constables — These vary by precinct. JP courts handle small claims, evictions, and Class C misdemeanors — the courts most residents actually interact with. Check harrisvotes.com for your precinct's races.

Judicial Races (County and District Courts) — Harris County voters will also see dozens of judicial races including civil courts at law, criminal courts at law, probate courts, district courts, juvenile courts, and family courts. These judges make decisions that affect your neighbors every day — evictions, child custody, criminal cases.

This is a long list that varies by district. Pull your full sample ballot at harrisvotes.com before you go.

Harris County Republican and Democratic Party Chairs — Both parties elect their county chair on March 3.

LOCAL — CITY COUNCIL AND SCHOOL BOARDS

Important note: City council and school board elections in Texas typically run in May, not March. As of publication, we have not confirmed any Deer Park, La Porte, or Pasadena city/school board seats appearing on the March 3 primary ballot.

Those elections are likely on the May uniform election date. We will cover those races in a future issue as details are confirmed.

YOUR CHEAT SHEET

Before you vote, do these two things:

Pull your sample ballot — Go to harrisvotes.com, enter your name and address, and print it. You're allowed to bring it into the voting booth.

Research the judicial races — Ballotpedia.org has candidate profiles for most judicial races. Five minutes of research on these races is worth more than five hours on the governor's race.

Runoff date: May 26, 2026 — If any race you care about doesn't produce a 50% winner Tuesday, circle that date.

🗳️ 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.

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

• • City Council: 
  • March 9, 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.  

   

  Tuesday, March 17 | 6:30 PM

  Brookglen Community Center, 3324 Sommerton Dr, La Porte | Ride-out at 6:45 PM

  
  Monthly community bike ride. First-time riders get a custom LP Bike Bell. Ride 6 times and earn the Mayor's Ride Challenge coin.

Deer Park

• City Council: March 3rd - 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: March 3rd, 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: 

Mapping Our Community

Why Shell Pays 65 Cents While You Pay a Dollar

The Hidden Levy, Part 3

Two weeks ago we showed you that nobody votes on your water rate — city council sets it without a ballot measure.

Last week we showed you Deer Park's smart meters: 12,262 of them, tracking your usage in real time, with data feeding back to the utility department.

This week: what are the industrial users along the Ship Channel paying for that same water?

The refineries, chemical plants, and petrochemical facilities that line the corridor between Deer Park, La Porte, and Pasadena consume enormous volumes of water. In many Texas cities, large industrial users negotiate rates and arrangements with local utilities that look nothing like the per-gallon rate on your residential bill.

Some pay through PILOT agreements — Payments In Lieu Of Taxes — structured deals where the facility pays a negotiated sum instead of standard utility rates and taxes. These agreements are public records, but most residents have never seen one or know to ask.

The result is a system where the family washing dishes and watering a garden pays a straightforward metered rate, while the industrial complex down the road may pay a fraction of that through an arrangement negotiated outside the standard rate structure.

We're requesting those agreements now. In coming weeks we'll show you the actual numbers.

Your action this week: File a Texas Public Information Act (TPIA) request with your city asking for: "All current PILOT agreements or payment-in-lieu-of-taxes arrangements with industrial utility customers, and all current industrial water rate schedules."

You have 10 business days to receive a response. It costs nothing. Instructions at texasattorneygeneral.gov/open-government/residents-right-know.

Next week: The Port's hidden balance sheet — who controls the water that feeds the corridor, and what it costs.

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

The HOA Report — Week Two

I got elected to my HOA board on February 18. The day before, the management company sent two violation notices — "remove unapproved modification" and "please remove items from view."

No deed restriction cited. No rule number. Just pictures of the front of my house.

The January financial report is now in hand. Annual management fee: $11,844. Annual assessment revenue: $24,510. That's 48 cents of every assessment dollar going to the management company before a single blade of grass is cut.

The HOA also budgeted $2,500 for collection fees and $2,000 for legal fees as projected income lines. The enforcement machinery isn't just a cost center. It's a revenue model.

Systems, not scapegoats. Full update at rhinodave.substack.com.

Read this week's Substack: I got elected to My HOA Board.

SUBMIT YOUR CONTENT

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

• Support our mission financially when you receive value
• 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.

Producer Credits (Per Donation):

• $50+ — Supporter (named in newsletter)
• $100+ — Associate Producer
• $200+ — Producer
• $333+ — Executive Producer

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