Think and Act Locally - Deer Park, La Porte, Pasadena
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Controversial Politics and Growth: Local Elections, DEKA Mile, and New Album Release! 🌟


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Controversial Politics and Growth: Local Elections, DEKA Mile, and New Album Release! 🌟

Think and Act Locally - Deer Park, La Porte, Pasadena
Archives
Controversial Politics and Growth: Local Elections, DEKA Mile, and New Album Release! 🌟

David Campbell
Feb 15, 2026
Think and Act Locally Empowering Deer Park, La Porte & Pasadena Liberty • Prosperity • Service • Growth |
Your Vote Starts Tuesday. Here's Your Game Plan. February 15, 2026 | Deer Park - La Porte - Pasadena |
Last week we walked you through every race that matters to our communities. This week, it's time to do something about it.
Early voting for the March 3 primary starts Tuesday, February 17. Polls open at 7 AM. You can vote at any Harris County early voting location -- you don't have to go to your home precinct.
If you read last week's issue and thought "I should look into that," Tuesday is the day. If you didn't, go to harrisvotes.com, pull up your sample ballot, and spend ten minutes with it before you go. That's all it takes to walk in informed instead of guessing.
This is also one of the biggest weeks on our community calendar all year. Pasadena's State of the City is Thursday. La Porte's Mardi Gras on Main is Saturday. And in between, there's enough happening to keep you busy every night if you want to be.
Let's get into it. |
Trivia Question❓Q: La Porte's Mardi Gras on Main is in its 11th year. How many new businesses have opened on La Porte's Main Street in the last three years? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Quote Of The Day |
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." |
Secret Little Hack |
Vote anywhere in Harris County -- here's how to find the closest location in 30 seconds.
Go to harrisvotes.com --> click "Polling Locations" --> enter your address. It'll show you every early voting site near you, with hours and wait times.
Early voting runs Tuesday, Feb 17 through Friday, Feb 27. Polls are open 7 AM to 7 PM. You do NOT have to vote at your home precinct during early voting -- any Harris County location works.
Bring a valid photo ID. Texas driver's license, passport, military ID, or handgun license all work. Full list at votetexas.gov. |
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:Dimensions Comics, Music & More - La Porte, TX
"We are Houston's FIRST Genre Comic Store. Comics, books, movies, music, collectables & so much more!" That's the kind of local business worth knowing about.
📍 323 W Main St, La Porte, TX 77571
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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? |
The Health Nut |
2606 B Center St, Deer Park, TX 77536
"We are a local mom and pop Health food store/restaurant. We have been serving Deer Park Texas for over 45 years. We are open 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM and serve lunch from 11 AM until 2 PM. We have qualified staff here to help you with all your supplement needs also." |
Monument Inn |
4406 Independence Pkwy, La Porte, TX 77571
Restaurant & banquet facility overlooking the Houston Ship Channel serving no-fuss seafood platters. |
Taquitos Don Agaves |
2302 Strawberry Rd, Pasadena, TX 77502
"Best Authentic Tacos from Jalisco Mex. Bistec, Suadero, Pastor, Pollo, Cabeza, Lengua y Tripa. Also Taquitos Dorados Birria." |
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
Looking for a furry Valentine? Meet Rex, our lovable two-year-old Akita Shepherd mix who's ready to steal your heart!
Adopt Rex and give him the forever love he deserves this Valentine's Day!
Deer Park Animal Shelter
4221 Luella Ave, Deer Park, TX, United States, 77536
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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. |
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 |
Mardis Gras on Main 2026 |
Come for the beads, stay for the eats.
While the beads are the classic souvenir, the real reason to wander down Main Street next Saturday is the menu. We’ve pulled together a lineup that covers everything from traditional bayou staples to some pretty unique twists you won't want to miss.
Everything kicks off at 4:00 PM. Whether you're here for the music, the people-watching, or just the snacks, there's plenty of room at the table.
Main Street & Five Points Plaza
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City of La Porte Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting |
Archive video recordings of meetings will not be available for viewing until 24 hours after the meeting ends.
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DEKA Mile and DEKA Strong Hosted by CrossFit Deer Park TX |
Attention Deer Park! Spartan DEKA & CrossFit Deer Park are excited to introduce our new challenge designed to test, gamify and celebrate your fitness. Spartan DEKA MILE consists of (10) functional training zones each preceded by a 160 meter run (1 mile of total running distance).
Compete and Earn your DEKA MILE Mark and start training for DEKA FIT 2026! Sign up NOW! Limited Spots Available. |
La Porte Texas Downtown Regional Roundtable |
La Porte's Main Street Is Booming
Fourteen new businesses in three years. That's the story on Main Street in La Porte, and this Friday, the city hosts the first Texas Downtown Regional Roundtable of 2026 to show off what they've built.
While other downtowns struggle with vacancies, La Porte's historic core is filling up with entrepreneurs who bet on a small-town Main Street.
That's local prosperity in action -- not a tax incentive package, not a corporate relocation deal, just people investing in a place they believe in.
If you haven't walked Main Street lately, Mardi Gras on Main this Saturday (4-8 PM, FREE) is the perfect excuse. See what 14 new businesses look like in person.
Friday, February 20, 2026
9AM - 3PM |
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
Save the Date
Thursday, February 19 — Pasadena State of the City Luncheon, Pasadena Chamber of Commerce
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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: 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 |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: 14 new businesses have opened on La Porte's Main Street in the last three years. |
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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 |
Alex Ortega in Southeast HTX Neighborhood News FB Group:
Increase in People Stealing Tires |
Liberty Watch |
EARLY VOTING IS HERE
Tuesday, Feb 17 - Friday, Feb 27 | 7 AM - 7 PM Vote at ANY Harris County location. Find yours at harrisvotes.com
The March 3 primary decides who represents you at every level -- U.S. Senate, Governor, State Rep, State Senator, and more. In our area, the SD 11 state senate seat is open after Mayes Middleton left to run for Attorney General.
State Rep Dennis Paul (HD 129) is among those running for it. These are the people who write the laws that affect your property taxes, your schools, and your streets.
Primaries are where your vote carries the most weight. Turnout is usually under 15% of registered voters. That means a small number of people make the decision for everyone else.
Don't be everyone else.
Deer Park City Council | Tuesday, Feb 17, 7:30 PM Council Chambers, 710 E San Augustine St The 3rd Tuesday falls the day after Presidents' Day. Check deerparktx.gov to confirm the meeting is on schedule.
Pasadena City Council | Tuesday, Feb 17, 6 PM 1149 Ellsworth Dr, 6th Floor Pasadena also meets on the 3rd Tuesday. Check pasadenatx.gov to confirm.
La Porte City Council | Next meeting: Monday, Feb 23, 6 PM 604 W Fairmont Pkwy (La Porte meets 2nd and 4th Mondays)
Pasadena State of the City | Thursday, Feb 19, 10 AM - 1 PM Pasadena Convention Center, 7902 Fairmont Pkwy Mayor Thomas Schoenbein delivers his annual address. This is where you hear the official version of how your city is doing financially. Pay attention to what gets emphasized -- and what gets skipped.
Deer Park Elections Note: The May 2, 2026 city election is coming -- Council positions 4, 5 and 6 are on the ballot. Filing deadline has passed. If you care about who represents you locally, start paying attention now. |
🏛️ 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 |
The Port of Houston Authority handles more cargo than any port in the nation by waterborne tonnage. In 2025, public facilities moved over 54.5 million tons -- a new record. This Thursday, February 19, the Port Commission meets to discuss a 2026 infrastructure plan worth $365 million across roughly 45 projects.
That's our backyard. The Houston Ship Channel runs through our communities. The trucks roll down our roads. The industrial corridor sits next to our neighborhoods.
But here's what most residents don't know: you're already paying for it. The Port of Houston Authority is a political subdivision of the State of Texas -- a special district with taxing authority. Port Commissioners aren't elected by you. They're appointed -- two by the City of Houston, two by Harris County Commissioners Court, and others through a joint process. Yet they make decisions about debt, infrastructure spending, and industrial development that directly affect property values, road conditions, air quality, and water usage in Deer Park, La Porte, and Pasadena.
The port's debt obligations, its industrial tenant agreements, and the balance between what the Ship Channel corridor generates in economic activity versus what it costs surrounding communities in infrastructure wear and environmental impact -- that's a balance sheet worth examining.
Over the next few weeks, we'll dig into the numbers. How does port activity affect your tax bill? What do industrial users pay compared to what they cost? And who's watching the watchers?
This Week's Action: The Port Commission meets Thursday, February 19 at 9 AM at the Port Administration Building, 2960 Riverby Road, Houston.
These meetings are open to the public. You can also register to speak by emailing eeriksson@porthouston.com or egodfrey@porthouston.com at least one hour before the meeting.
If you can't attend, visit porthouston.com and look up the meeting agenda. Start paying attention to the decisions being made on your behalf.
Then email us what you find: david@thinkandactlocally.com |
Building in Public |
Topsoil delivered. Bubble sauce getting closer -- as good as store-bought now, but not good enough yet.
A new playground going up near the house. And the honest truth about why Saturday Field Games didn't happen this week.
This is what building a life by design actually looks like, week by week. No highlight reel. Just the real updates.
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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
🎨 Talent
💰 Treasure
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):
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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