What you need to know
The Harris County Commissioners Court is a governmental body that operates local county affairs, such as road and bridge maintenance, park operations, community centers, budget management and traffic concerns. Each precinct in the county is represented by a precinct chair. Harris County has four precincts that encompass the Inner Loop and Greater Houston region.
Precinct 1 incorporates portions of Downtown Houston, East Houston, Bellaire, the Heights and Montrose areas as well as northern Harris County markets including pieces of Cy-Fair, Humble and Klein.
The 363-square-mile area holds some of Houston's most essential industries, entertainment venues and higher education institutions with William P. Hobby Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport located in Precinct 1 along with the Toyota Center, Minute Maid Park, NRG and Rice University, University of Houston Downtown and St. Thomas.
About the candidates
Ellis has served as Precinct 1 Commissioner since 2017. Before becoming commissioner, the Houston native served three terms on the Houston City Council and was a member of the Texas 13' state senate district for 26 years.
Vander-Lyn, is also a native Houstonian. She graduated from Bellaire High School in 1968 and from the University of Houston in 1973.
According to her candidate website, Vander-Lyn has worked for the Texas Department of Public Welfare and is currently on two committees for citizens concerned about the local school district and is the Chair of the Architectural Committee for a local homeowner's association.
Check out the Q&A below to learn more about the two candidates running for Harris County Commissioner Precinct 1.
Keep in mind
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
For more election coverage, go to communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
Rodney Ellis (D), incumbent
Experience:
Harris County Commissioner Precinct One, Texas State Senator, District 13, Houston City Council member District D
Candidate Website:
https://www.RodneyEllis.com
Contact Information:
346-286-2125
Why are you running for Commissioner Precinct 1?
I’ve dedicated my life to public service and will continue fighting to create a Harris County where every person, no matter how much money they have, the color of their skin, who they love or where they are born has an equal opportunity to thrive and provide for their family.
How do you plan to involve the community in decision-making processes to ensure transparency?
We are active and in the community every day. We have the most robust policy operations in Texas and actively reach out to advocates for input. We have an active set of community liaisons who ensure district residents and organizations are well-informed and have a strong voice in county government.
How will you prioritize spending in the county budget to address the precinct's most pressing needs?
Investing in affordable housing with tenant protections; making the county a good employer and business partner with high-quality jobs, worker protections and fair and equitable procurement practices; pioneering health-based programs that advance safety and reducing systems of mass incarceration; and developing a community- and countywide- Climate Justice Action Plan.
What projects or policies will you advocate for to improve flood control and drainage systems?
I will advance investments that mitigate impacts of flooding and severe weather events, using an equitable framework that addresses the generations of neglect and underinvestment in communities of color and economically disadvantaged communities. I support Harris County Proposition A, to maintain and repair our drainage systems and flood prevention infrastructure.
Why do you believe you are the best candidate to represent Precinct 1?
When I was elected, I was the only commissioner focused on social, racial, economic, climate and criminal justice for all county residents. I’ve led reforms to make Harris County safer and more equitable–to give every resident a stable foundation and a clear path to build a better life.
Gerry Vander-Lyn (R)
Experience:
Bureaucrat, budget hawk, former Series 7/Series 63 Licensed Registered Representative
Candidate Website:
https://www.gerry4commissioner.com
Contact Information:
832-643-9060
Why are you running for Commissioner Precinct 1?
Rodney Ellis has been opposed only once in a primary (2020) and once in a general election (2010). Also, the people deserve a choice and no one else stepped up.
How do you plan to involve the community in decision-making processes to ensure transparency?
I will work to make management district and TIRZ meetings more compliant with taxpayer schedules. I, and my staff, will attend the civic club meetings where constituents are struggling to fix problems. These will lower frustration, increase eyes on the process and provide more limits on use of public money.
How will you prioritize spending in the county budget to address the precinct’s most pressing needs?
Mental health, if we lower the mental health issues we lower crime, poverty and despair. Homelessness, this will lower the same things listed in number one. Education, this will also address the same things. Addressing those three will allow law enforcement to deal with the really bad guys.
What projects or policies will you advocate for to improve flood control and drainage systems?
Turning landfills into retention ponds is currently being pursued by a non-profit here in Harris County and I would advocate for that. I would also pursue cooperation between the county and city government on infrastructure. Stopping the money leaks (aka corruption) would also help.
Why do you believe you are the best candidate to represent Precinct 1?
I care about people. Politicians promise programs, but those programs don’t deliver what they are supposed to. I am not a politician. I am a problem solver. Also, if my lips are moving I am probably teaching. People need knowledge and connection and with that they can flourish.
