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Harris County Judge Debate Highlights Immigration, Jail and Tax Differences

Que Onda Editorial
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Harris County Judge Debate Highlights Immigration, Jail and Tax Differences

Democrat Letitia Plummer and Republican Orlando Sanchez met Thursday night for the final scheduled Harris County judge debate before Election Day. The candidates outlined competing approaches to immigration, public safety, county spending and government transparency.

Houston Public Media hosted the Oct. 22 debate with the Houston Chronicle, N+ Univision 45 and the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs. Houston Public Media anchor Shelby Rose moderated the event.

Harris County Judge Debate Focuses on Immigration

Both candidates said county law enforcement should focus on public safety instead of federal immigration enforcement. However, they differed on how Harris County should respond to state mandates and support immigrant residents.

Plummer opposed agreements that would bring Immigration and Customs Enforcement into local communities. She also supported continuing the county’s immigrant legal services program. The fund provides legal assistance to residents facing deportation.

Sanchez also questioned using county officers for immigration enforcement. However, he said Harris County cannot afford to provide legal representation for every undocumented resident. He proposed relying more heavily on nonprofit organizations and volunteer attorneys.

Both candidates acknowledged that state law can require sheriffs to cooperate with ICE through federal immigration programs. Plummer said she would oppose county spending connected to those agreements. The Houston Chronicle reported that the legal services fund remains uncertain following state court action.

Candidates Support a New Criminal Justice Facility

Plummer and Sanchez agreed that conditions inside the Harris County Jail require significant changes. Both supported building a new criminal justice facility and expanding mental health services.

Their plans differed on location. Sanchez proposed moving the jail from its current downtown-area site. He said the county could redevelop valuable property and build a modern complex on less expensive land.

Plummer favored replacing the jail at its current location. She argued that moving it farther away could make family visits more difficult. She also supported diversion programs and ending the practice of sending inmates to facilities outside Texas.

Taxes and County Spending Draw Scrutiny

Both candidates questioned recent county spending decisions and opposed higher property taxes. Sanchez criticized staffing growth and high salaries within county government. He promised closer monitoring of publicly funded projects.

Plummer emphasized transparency and stronger project management. She said county leaders must explain how taxpayer money is used and ensure projects meet required deadlines.

The candidates also discussed Harris County’s relationships with Houston, state agencies and the federal government. Both promised greater cooperation, although they differed over the county’s recent relationship with state leaders. Univision’s debate coverage detailed their positions on spending, intergovernmental cooperation and housing.

Flock Cameras Raise Privacy Concerns

The county’s use of Flock license plate reader cameras produced another clear difference.

Plummer said she would not support the current contract without stronger protections. She called for clear rules governing data access and retention.

Sanchez recognized the cameras’ potential value in violent crime investigations. However, he also raised privacy concerns and said he would review the program before deciding its future.

Astrodome Takes a Back Seat

Neither candidate identified the Astrodome as an immediate priority. Both opposed using substantial taxpayer funds to renovate it and expressed openness to private investment.

The debate came during early voting in the race to succeed County Judge Lina Hidalgo, who is not seeking reelection. Plummer held a 47% to 40% lead in a recent University of Houston Hobby School poll, with 13% undecided. Early voting continues through Oct. 30, followed by Election Day on Nov. 3.

Harris County residents can review sample ballots, polling locations and voting requirements before casting their votes.

El juez Mark Fury busca ocupar el cargo de juez de paz en el Condado de Harris

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El juez Mark Fury busca ocupar el cargo de juez de paz en el Condado de Harris

El juez Mark Fury busca ocupar el cargo de juez de paz del Precinto 5, Posición 2, en el Condado de Harris. El candidato republicano participa en las elecciones del 3 de noviembre de 2026.

Su campaña destaca su trayectoria judicial, su experiencia en la administración de tribunales y su cercanía con la comunidad hispanohablante.

Mark Fury destaca su experiencia judicial

Fury ocupó durante dos periodos el cargo de juez de paz del Precinto 5, Posición 1. Ese tribunal opera desde el edificio judicial ubicado en Chimney Rock, al suroeste de Houston.

Su campaña afirma que ayudó a reducir una gran acumulación de casos sin descuidar los nuevos procesos. Fury también asegura que su tribunal desarrolló una reputación de eficiencia y trato justo.

Fury no es abogado. Sin embargo, Texas no exige que los jueces de paz tengan un título en Derecho.

El candidato estudió Literatura Inglesa y Economía en la Universidad de Columbia. Su campaña presenta esa formación y su experiencia judicial como preparación para el puesto.

Fury obtuvo la nominación republicana en marzo. Los resultados oficiales del Condado de Harris indican que recibió 26,116 votos, equivalentes al 53.8% del total.

La eficiencia judicial encabeza su campaña

Fury ha convertido la eficiencia del tribunal en uno de los temas principales de su campaña. El candidato sostiene que el tribunal del Precinto 5, Posición 2, enfrenta una cantidad considerable de casos pendientes.

El tribunal se encuentra en 16715 Clay Road, al oeste de Highway 6. Desde esa ubicación atiende a residentes de una extensa zona del oeste del Condado de Harris.

Fury promete trabajar a tiempo completo en el tribunal y concentrarse en reducir las demoras. También propone mantener una comunicación clara y aplicar procedimientos consistentes.

Los tribunales de justicia de paz atienden asuntos legales que afectan directamente a muchas familias. Entre ellos se encuentran desalojos, infracciones de tránsito, reclamos menores y determinados delitos menores.

La ley de Texas permite que estos tribunales atiendan disputas civiles de hasta $20,000. También tienen jurisdicción sobre conflictos entre propietarios e inquilinos y otros procesos locales.

Acceso en español y acercamiento comunitario

La campaña de Fury también busca conectar con los votantes hispanos mediante materiales en español. El candidato afirma que domina el idioma y puede realizar procedimientos judiciales en español.

Su publicidad de campaña lo identifica como latino y de ascendencia italiana. Además, presenta su conocimiento del español como una forma de facilitar el acceso al tribunal.

Para las personas con dominio limitado del inglés, presentarse ante un juez puede generar incertidumbre. Fury sostiene que la comunicación directa puede ayudar a que los residentes comprendan mejor cada procedimiento.

El candidato afirma que un juez debe escuchar con atención y tratar a todas las personas con dignidad. Su campaña destaca la empatía y la accesibilidad como elementos importantes de su enfoque judicial.

Fury también ha participado en proyectos misioneros internacionales. Según su biografía, colaboró con equipos que construyeron orfanatos y otras instalaciones comunitarias.

Experiencia profesional fuera del tribunal

Después de dejar el cargo judicial, Fury trabajó en administración de operaciones y gestión de proyectos. Su biografía menciona puestos en el Condado de Harris y Harris Health.

En Harris Health, Fury participó en proyectos relacionados con el Hospital Ben Taub. Sus responsabilidades incluyeron apoyar las operaciones durante una modernización del centro de emergencias realizada en varias etapas.

También trabajó en proyectos de infraestructura para parques del Condado de Harris. Su campaña señala que ayudó a obtener fondos públicos y privados para esas iniciativas.

Fury pide ahora a los votantes que consideren su experiencia judicial y administrativa. Los residentes pueden consultar su elegibilidad y los centros de votación en el sitio electoral del Condado de Harris.

Texas won’t say which private schools, vendors are profiting from state vouchers: Houston Chronicle

ABC13 Houston
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Texas won’t say which private schools, vendors are profiting from state vouchers: Houston Chronicle

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The Texas Comptroller’s office is refusing to release records showing how families are spending taxpayer-funded school voucher dollars, ABC13’s partners at the Houston Chronicle reported on Thursday.

School vouchers are taxpayer dollars families can use to help pay for private school. The billion-dollar program lets families use the money to pay tuition, buy school supplies, and get educational therapies.

The Houston Chronicle reported that its reporters have repeatedly been denied documents and information on how families who receive the money spend it.

The controller’s office, led by Don Huffines, has repeatedly said people deserve to know how their money is spent but claims it is withholding the information to protect student privacy, according to the Chronicle. However, other states with similar voucher programs turn this information over to the public.

Reporters in Arizona obtained records from that state’s voucher program and found families used voucher dollars to buy unauthorized items like gaming consoles and diamond jewelry.

The Texas Education Freedom Account lists approved schools and vendors where voucher money can be spent, but some of those vendors raise questions. Vendors include a company that sells a $13 pair of engraved children’s scissors, a college apparel store, and a company that sells only $17 tape meant to replace thimbles.

While the comptroller’s office refuses to release spending details, the voucher program’s assistant director said the program is hiring an auditor, as required by law. It is unclear if that audit will be made public.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Fort Bend tax assessor-collector charged in alleged payroll fraud scheme, DOJ says

ABC13 Houston
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Fort Bend tax assessor-collector charged in alleged payroll fraud scheme, DOJ says

FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — After more than a year of investigation, the Fort Bend County tax assessor-collector and two others now face federal charges for misusing taxpayer money, according to the Department of Justice.

Investigators say they arrested Fort Bend County tax assessor Carmen Turner, deputy tax clerk Shemerrylyn Fields, and Victor Ewing, the father of Turner’s adult son, on Thursday morning.

ABC13 first reported the allegations last year, but now prosecutors are sharing more details.

Turner allegedly used the Tax Office Payroll to pay an employee to care for her mother at the taxpayer’s expense.

According to investigators, Turner paid a deputy tax clerk to care for her mother and even brought on her adult son’s father as a “department coordinator.”

Investigators say that it went on for two years, lasting from September 2023 to September 2025.

“Fields and Ewing were logging in. Clocking fake work and logging out all under the knowledge of Turner,” Aaron Reitz, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, said.

Investigators allege Turner used county payroll to pay Fields and Ewing as county employees even though they weren’t doing work for the county.

“Fields was a full-time caretaker of Turner’s elderly mother, who herself was a recipient of a robust package of public benefits,” Reitz said.

Investigators say that Fields identified herself as the caregiver for Turner’s mother to an occupational therapist, but didn’t specify the kind of care that was given.

Investigators also say taxpayers foot the bill for that care and claim Ewing, who was hired as a “department coordinator.”

“Which is a position, as fake as it sounds,” Reittz said.

According to investigators, Ewing never worked in the county at all, and made $36 an hour. Instead, investigators say he actually worked at O’Hare Airport in Chicago.

Prosecutors say both were told to clock in and out as if they were working at the tax office.

“Those tax dollars were converted into paychecks. Those paychecks were given to two sham employees,” Reitz said.

This indictment says Ewing would receive money and kick it back to Turner through bank accounts and Cash App.

It also notes that on Jan. 12, 2024, Ewing’s airport security badge showed he was working at O’Hare from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m…. at the same time, he allegedly used Fort Bend County Phone to clock in and out of the tax office remotely.

Investigators say a fourth co-conspirator is cooperating with the feds in the case.

Both Turner and Fields went before a judge on Thursday afternoon. Turner said she hired an attorney and was told not to discuss the case with employees in the clerk’s office, while Fields was assigned a defense attorney.

It is unclear whether they have been officially released from custody.

Eyewitness News reached out to Turner’s representatives but has not heard back.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Harris County early voting sets records, but most haven’t voted

ABC13 Houston
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Harris County early voting sets records, but most haven’t voted

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — Early voting in Harris County got off to a record-setting start, but the vast majority of registered voters have yet to cast a ballot.

More than 327,000 people voted in person or by mail over the last three days, according to county data.

But voter turnout looks very different depending on where you go.

At Harris County Annex 47, voters face little wait time.

“This one was real fast. Easy in and out. Done in about five minutes,” voter Kellie Heusi said.

This location is one of Harris County’s least-used voting centers, according to election data.

“I was actually expecting there to be more people here,” Heusi said.

The contrast shows in the numbers.

A typical voting center has more than 3,700 check-ins so far.

This location had one of the lowest, with just over 1,000 while others are over 450, according to county data.

Meanwhile, early voting got off to a record-setting start.

More than 104,000 people voted in-person on the first day, according to the Harris County Clerk’s Office.

That number surpassed the previous midterm record of more than 63,000 set in 2018, but there’s still a long way to go.

County data showed that 88% of registered voters, more than 2.4 million people, haven’t voted yet.

Nearly nine out of 10 voters haven’t cast a ballot yet, according to the data.

Some voters ABC13 spoke with said they hope the high early voting numbers will motivate others to show up.

“I think the earlier we vote, the more it incentivizes other people to vote,” Jimmy Dang said.

People still have time to make their voices heard. Early voting ends on Oct. 30.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Early voting turn out across Houston-area counties surges

ABC13 Houston
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Early voting turn out across Houston-area counties surges

BRAZORIA COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — Early voting is surging across the Houston area, with multiple counties nearly doubling their totals compared with the same period in the 2022 midterms.

More than 27,000 people in Brazoria County have already voted in person during the first two days of early voting, according to the Brazoria County Clerk’s Office.

That agency says just over 14,000 people have voted in person in the county so far in the 2022 midterms.

Voters at the West Pearland Community Center told ABC13 why they think turnout is higher this year.

“It’s such a crucial election,” said Suzanne Davis. “I’m actually surprised there are so many voters this early.”

Fort Bend County has also seen its two-day total nearly double compared with the same period in 2022.

Over 60,000 people have already voted in person in early voting this week, according to the Fort Bend County Elections Administration.

That number was just over 33,000 during the same period in 2022.

The high numbers in Brazoria and Fort Bend Counties come as Harris County also sees record-setting participation.

The ABC13 Harris County Early Voting tracker shows more than 230,000 in-person and mail-in ballots cast through Monday and Tuesday.

It shows that number was a little over 144,000 at that point four years ago.

Brazoria County voter Nina Goins told us why she sees voting as so vital.

“We can sit back and complain 24 hours a day about what’s not going right. But if we’re not doing anything to help change it, it’s going to stay the same,” Goins said

In-person early voting in Texas runs through October 30.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

United Terminal B Concourse Opens at Bush Airport With 22 Gates and Houston Restaurants

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United Terminal B Concourse Opens at Bush Airport With 22 Gates and Houston Restaurants

The new United Terminal B concourse opened Thursday at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, marking a major milestone in a $2.6 billion redevelopment. The facility adds 22 gates, expanded passenger amenities and the largest airline club in the Americas.

United Airlines previewed the concourse Wednesday before its public opening on Oct. 22. The project replaces airport facilities dating to 1969.

United Terminal B Concourse Adds Space for Growth

The three-level Terminal B North Concourse covers 765,000 square feet. Its 22 gates can accommodate United’s larger, narrow-body aircraft.

Every United flight operating from the new concourse will use a jet bridge. That change provides travelers with a climate-controlled path between the terminal and aircraft.

The broader redevelopment also includes 26 gates in Terminal B South. Improvements there will support larger regional aircraft and provide additional jet bridge access.

Together, the two concourses give United 48 gates in Terminal B. The airline said the transformation could increase peak travel capacity by 40% compared with 2023.

Other upgrades include a new baggage system with tracking technology. The project also adds roadway capacity, expanded curbsides and a traffic bypass between Terminals A and B.

Largest Airline Club in the Americas

A central feature is a new 54,000-square-foot United Club on the mezzanine level. United describes it as the largest airline club in North and South America.

The club seats 800 travelers and includes a 1,350-square-foot outdoor terrace. Visitors can also access panoramic airfield views, two full-service bars and two buffet stations.

Additional features include 11 private phone rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi and power outlets throughout the lounge. The design incorporates references to Houston’s bayous, skyline and aerospace history.

The new lounge brings United’s total to seven club and lounge locations at IAH. Access is available through United Club memberships, eligible credit cards or select premium cabin tickets.

Houston Restaurants and Public Art

More than 105,000 square feet of the concourse is dedicated to dining, shopping and other concessions.

The planned restaurant lineup includes local names such as B&B Butchers & Restaurant, Rosie Cannonball, Pizaro’s Pizza and Blood Bros. BBQ. Katz Coffee and Blue Bell Creameries are also represented.

National brands include Starbucks, Raising Cane’s, Jimmy John’s, Jersey Mike’s and Jamba. According to Axios Houston, the full restaurant lineup and refreshed terminal lobby are expected to open by the new year.

Travelers will also encounter 10 major art installations throughout the terminal. The $16.8 million program is the largest public art investment in IAH history, according to United Airlines.

The works draw inspiration from Houston’s environment, history, innovation and cultural diversity. Featured artists include Rick Lowe, Dixie Friend Gay, Karen Navarro and Shavon Aja Morris.

More Amenities for Families and Travelers

Terminal B North includes a children’s play area and 11 sets of restrooms. It also offers varied seating and gathering spaces with views of the airfield.

A dedicated sensory room serves travelers with autism and other sensory sensitivities. The space includes quiet seating pods, tactile activities and adjustable sensory experiences.

The concourse is pursuing LEED Gold certification. Sustainability features include reduced water and energy use, recycling systems and 91 charging stations for electric ground equipment.

United said the Terminal B project supported about 3,000 construction-related jobs. It also involved 308 Houston-based suppliers.

The airline employs more than 14,000 people in Houston and operates over 500 daily departures. It serves 65 international destinations from IAH, including 57 across Latin America and the Caribbean.

The new concourse gives Houston travelers more room, modern facilities and improved access to flights. It also strengthens Bush Airport’s role as one of the country’s leading gateways to Latin America.

¡Que Onda! Magazine Houston – Edición 1362

Michael Esparza
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¡Que Onda! Magazine Houston – Edición 1362

James Talarico Brings U.S. Senate Campaign to University of Houston

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James Talarico Brings U.S. Senate Campaign to University of Houston

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico visited the University of Houston on Wednesday, Oct. 21, as early voting continued across Texas. The James Talarico University of Houston visit placed the closely watched Senate race before students and other Houston-area voters.

The campaign scheduled the meet-and-greet from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It formed part of Talarico’s statewide “Clear Eyes, Full Hearts” tour.

James Talarico University of Houston Visit Targets Voters

The campaign promoted the UH appearance as an opportunity for attendees to hear directly from Talarico. Supporters could also learn about volunteering and meet the candidate after the program.

According to the official event listing, doors opened at 10:30 a.m. The campaign described the gathering as a short program focused on Talarico’s message against corruption and the influence of wealthy political donors.

Talarico has made affordability central to his campaign. He has emphasized health care costs and the financial pressure facing working families.

The University of Houston appearance also gave the campaign access to younger voters. College students could play an important role in turnout across Harris County and other urban areas.

A Competitive Texas Senate Race

Talarico, a former public school teacher, represents District 50 in the Texas House. He is running against Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Libertarian candidate Ted Brown.

The campaign stop came amid signs of a highly competitive contest. A University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs survey released Monday showed Talarico with 48% support. Paxton received 46%, while Brown received 3%. Another 3% remained undecided.

Researchers surveyed 2,000 likely Texas voters from Oct. 10 through Oct. 14. The survey reported a margin of error of plus or minus 2.19 percentage points. Therefore, the candidates remain closely matched.

Paxton has highlighted his record as attorney general and his conservative policy positions. During his own Houston-area campaign swing, he argued that his agenda would help Texans afford homes, support families and improve their economic prospects.

Both campaigns are now focusing heavily on turnout. Texas has not elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since 1988. No Democrat has won a statewide office in Texas since 1994.

Houston Area Remains a Campaign Priority

Talarico’s UH event was one of two Houston-area appearances scheduled Wednesday. His campaign also planned an evening rally at Safari Texas Ranch in Richmond.

The visits reflect the importance of Harris and Fort Bend counties in the statewide race. Both counties contain large and diverse voting populations, including significant Latino communities.

Talarico previously visited the University of Houston during the Democratic primary campaign. At that March event, he discussed immigration enforcement, government accountability and political unity with students.

Early voting began Monday, Oct. 19, and continues through Friday, Oct. 30. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Any registered voter may cast an early ballot at an authorized location within the voter’s county, according to the Texas Secretary of State.

Houston-area voters can review candidate information, confirm polling locations and make a voting plan before the early voting period ends.

Teen still recovering after Dayton ISD bus driver hit him in hit-and-run, police say – ABC13 Houston

ABC13 Houston
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Teen still recovering after Dayton ISD bus driver hit him in hit-and-run, police say – ABC13 Houston

DAYTON, Texas (KTRK) — ABC13 is learning new details about a hit-and-run accident involving a Dayton Independent School District bus that left a teenager injured.

According to police, the teen who was hit was not a student passenger, but a pedestrian walking in the area when he was struck.

Dayton PD said officers responded to the highway intersection near Stilson Road after someone reported a crash around 6:30 a.m. on Friday.

SEE ORIGINAL REPORT: Teen ‘fighting for his life’ after being struck by Dayton ISD bus driver in hit-and-run, father says

Police said that the 70-year-old bus driver, identified as Ricky Eugene Cherry, hit the teen and left the scene without stopping to help.

According to online records, the bus driver is still in jail and charged with collision causing serious bodily injury.

On Saturday, Andrew Conner, the father of the teen hit, identified the victim as his son, Brantley.

The victim’s father told ABC13 that Brantley’s injuries were so severe that he had to be flown to the hospital.

Eyewitness News has reached out to Dayton ISD to ask how long Cherry has been with the district, whether he’s still employed there, and whether he has had any prior crashes. The district has not yet responded to ABC13’s questions.

An investigation is still ongoing.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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