Think and Act Locally

Empowering Deer Park, La Porte & Pasadena

Liberty • Prosperity • Service • Growth

We Only Control Two Things: Our Thoughts and Our Actions

Make Them Count Where They Matter Most

Twenty years ago, I realized a simple truth: we only have control over our thoughts and actions. Everything else – the economy, national politics, other people's choices – is beyond our direct influence.

Think and Act Locally is the logical conclusion of that realization.

It's an absolute shame that with this absurd level of prosperity we enjoy, we allow our brothers and sisters to be left behind. We the people have allowed the state to assume our responsibility. It is time we take back that responsibility and become our brothers keeper once more.

This isn't about politics. It's about recognizing that the most meaningful change happens through what we actually control – our own thoughts and actions – applied where they have the most power – right here in Deer Park, La Porte, and Pasadena.

Our Path Forward:

Through Engagement, we connect neighbors who want to help. Through Education, we share skills that build prosperity. Through Entrepreneurship, we create opportunities for those left behind.

I've seen what's possible when we take responsibility for lifting each other up. I've watched young people transform their lives when someone simply stands beside them. I've seen communities change when neighbors stop waiting for someone else to fix things.

This Week's Challenge:

Stop spending an hour angry about something happening 1,000 miles away. Instead, invest that hour in someone or something within 1 mile. Visit a local business you've never tried. Introduce yourself to a neighbor. Attend a city council meeting. Share a skill with someone who needs it.

We're building a movement where people actively engage their surroundings in a purposeful way. Not through grand gestures, but through deliberate thoughts and actions that compound into real change.

This newsletter is your weekly guide to making that happen – highlighting neighbors who are taking action, opportunities to get involved, and the local businesses that make our communities worth fighting for.

Welcome to Think and Act Locally.

Don't just have a great day.

Make it a great day.

David Campbell

Pasadena is famously known by what nickname tied to its agricultural history? Answer: The Strawberry Capital of the World

“Society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” — Greek proverb

Visit Sylvan Beach Park in La Porte — go early in the morning for peaceful bay views, fishing piers, and a quiet walk before the crowds show up.

Prosperity Spotlight

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

New Orleans Seafood Kitchen

324 W Main St, La Porte, TX 77571

Gyro Guys

Next Level Nutrition

Fast Drinks For Healthy People! Nutrition & Energy Teas + Meal Replacement Shakes.

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

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Ways to Make a Difference

Volunteer Spotlight

Volunteer in Parks (VIP) Program

GROWTH & LEARNING

Education, Skills & Personal Development

Skillshare Workshop (We need more of these)

[Workshop details]

🎨 CREATIVE ACTIVITIES

Perfect for Our Community

• [Art class at local studio]
• [Crafting workshop]
• [Gardening group]

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)

Morning Meditation

Pasadena Gun Show - Premier

Date: January 10, 2026,  January 11, 2026, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM; @

Pasadena TX City Council Meeting

Warm Winter Wishes

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

WEATHER FORECAST

COMMUNITY VOICES

Letter of the Week

[Featured reader submission]

Q&A Corner

Q: [Reader question about local topic]

A: [Your answer or community expert response]

TAKE ACTION

Three Things You Can Do This Week

1. Attend: [Specific meeting or event]
2. Support: [Local business or cause]
3. Connect: [Way to meet neighbors]

Unrivaled Travels

Great travel deals - Find out more click here

Facebook Buzz

Liberty Watch

Government Accountability & Civic Engagement

Your Local Government, Your Voice

What You'll Find Here Each Week: Understanding how local government works is the first step to influencing it. This section gives you the tools and information to engage effectively with your city government - because showing up prepared is how change happens.

Deer Park

• City Council: January 6th and 20th - 7:30pm
• Location: City Hall, 710 E San Augustine St
• Agenda: [Link to agenda]
• Live Stream: not available
• Key Items: Agenda not currently available for next meeting

• Meetings - 2025.12.16 (audio only) 

   

  

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

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

   

  Agendas & Minutes

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

   

  Public Comments

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

   

  Members

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

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

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

   

  Mission Statement

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

   

  City of Deer Park Vision Statement

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

   

  About the City Council

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

   

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

Pasadena

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

La Porte

• • City Council: January 12, 2026 - 6pm
  • January 26, 2026 - 6pm
  • Location: 604 W Fairmont Parkway
    La Porte, TX 77571
  • Agenda: [Link to agenda]
  • Live Stream: Live here and Youtube channel
  • Link to most recent meeting Brief.
  • Link to most recent meeting Deep Dive.
  • Key Items: 

    About the Council

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

     

    Agendas & Minutes

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

    Council Documents

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

   

  Cycle the City with Mayor Helton

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

   

  January 20 | 6:30 PM

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

   

  February 17 | 6:30 PM

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

   

  March 17 | 6:30 PM - TBD

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.

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.