Rodney Ellis wins Democratic nomination for

Harris County Precinct 1 commissioner

By Christina Nichols July 1, 2016

AT THE CAPITOL

 

State senator to run unopposed in November

Texas state Sen. Rodney

Ellis, D-Houston, received

the Democratic nomination

June 25 to serve as

commissioner for Harris

County Precinct 1.

The Precinct 1 jurisdiction

includes portions of the

Lake Houston area near

master-planned

community Summerwood,

Deussen Park and the

George Bush

Intercontinental Airport.

Ellis was selected as the nominee following the death of long-time Commissioner El Franco Lee

in January while Ellis was still on the March 1 primary ballot in the race for Texas Senate District

13, which includes portions of Missouri City and Sta�ord. Lee served as county commissioner for

more than 30 years.

The choice for who will run as the Democratic candidate was left to 125 precinct chairs. With no

republican candidate on the ballot, Ellis will likely take o�ce as the next Precinct 1

commissioner in January.

“As commissioner, I will apply my legislative experience, make use of Harris County’s in�uence

at the legislature and work with constituents to generate the political will to achieve the

necessary reforms,” Ellis said. “I will manage the Precinct 1 budget in such a way to bring

greater infrastructure improvements to the communities that need it most and give constituents

a formalized way to prioritize those improvements. I will expand programs that provide the

seniors in Precinct 1 a better quality of life and lift up our youth.”

Impact Round-up: Construction underway at H-E-B, Chik-�l-

A, McDonald’s

Macy’s plans to close 100 stores, fate of Texas locations

unknown

Texas stores not speci�ed yet, o�cials say

Ellis defected Gene Locke—who was appointed as commissioner in January—and partyorganizer Nathaniel West Sr. Out of the 117 Democratic party chairs, Ellis received 78 votes whileLocke received 36 and West got 2.

After his nomination Ellis pledged to openly �ght for issues such as better access to healthcare,livable wages and reform for the criminal justice system. He also pledged to focus on senior andyouth programs.

As Precinct 1 commissioner Ellis will control a budget of more than $200 million, represent 1.2million residents and aid in governing the third largest county in the nation.

“I want to promote a more fair and equal Harris County where the values and needs of thepeople are served by the elected leadership,” Ellis said. “I believe I can best serve the people ofHarris County by �ghting for progress on the Harris County Commissioners Court. “

Since Ellis earned the county commissioner nomination, he will be forced to withdraw his namefrom the ballot for the Texas Senate seat in District 13. The move requires Democratic precinctchairs to select a replacement candidate on July 16. The democratic nominee replacing Ellis onthe ballot will run unopposed.

Ellis, 62, has served three terms on the Houston City Council and as chief of sta� toRepresentative Mickey Leland. In 1990 he was elected to the Texas Senate where he served 26years and helped pass more than 600 bills.

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El Franco Lee Gene Locke Harris County Commissioners Harris County Precinct 1 Rodney Ellis

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Impact Roundup: New restaurant Tularosa

Southwestern Grill opens in Kingwood, Sports

Authority closes in Humble

By Christopher Shelton June 15, 2016

BUSINESS | FEATURES | IMPACTS

 

Free mosquito repellant o�ered to women to �ght Zika virus

93 cases reported in Texas so far, including death of newborn in Harris County

Tomball ISD considers launching District of Innovation

process, November elections announced

Bearded Fox Brewing Co. announces Tomball location

NOW OPEN: Tularosa Southwestern Grill—the second Kingwood area restaurant concept from

RC Gallegos, owner of RC’s NYC Pizza & Pasta—opened in early June.

Impact Round-up: Construction underway at H-E-B, Chik-�l-

A, McDonald’s

Macy’s plans to close 100 stores, fate of Texas locations

unknown

Texas stores not speci�ed yet, o�cials say

The restaurant is located at 1522 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood and o�ers traditional southwesterncuisine. The menu includes New Mexican-style green and red chile enchiladas as well as fajitas,quesadillas, nachos, burgers and steaks.

“Creating the small-town, family feel of my native village of Tulle is important to me,” Gallegossaid. “My mother, grandparents, great grandparents, aunts and uncles lived there in the warm,inviting, peaceful landscape. And I want to bring the food and experience to Kingwood.”

281-358-8543, www.facebook.com/tularosaswgrill

Other Impacts: NOW OPEN: Humble natives Bianca and Rodrick Bourgeois opened their full-service barbershopThe Chop Shop May 3 at 2325 Atascocita Road, Ste. D, Humble. The shop o�ers shaves, tapers,fades and braiding as well as men and women’s haircuts. 281-446-1270.www.facebook.com/thechopshoptx

NOW OPEN: A new Wa�e House location opened in mid-June at 1700 Wilson Rd, Humble, justacross from Humble High School.  The Georgia-based diner franchise is open 24/7 and o�ers anassortment of breakfast and lunch items, such as wa�es, eggs, hash browns, hamburgers andsandwiches. www.wa�ehouse.com

CLOSING: On June 19, Sports Authority will close its location near Deerbrook Mall at 20415 Hwy.59 North, Humble. On May 2, the nationwide sporting goods chain announced it had �led forChapter 11 bankruptcy, and that the company expects to have access to up to $595 million indebtor-in-possession �nancing. www.sportsauthority.com

MORE TOMBALL | MAGNOLIA NEWS

Comment

Tags

RC Gallegos Sports Authority The Chop Shop Tularosa Southwestern Grill Wa�e House

Å â ¬ �  

Free mosquito repellant o�ered to women to �ght Zika virus

93 cases reported in Texas so far, including death of newborn in Harris County

Tomball ISD considers launching District of Innovation

process, November elections announced

Bearded Fox Brewing Co. announces Tomball location