Among the local positions up for election May 5 are three seats on the five-member Harris County Emergency Services District No. 9 board of commissioners. Seven candidates have filed to run, including two incumbents, and the three candidates who earn the most votes will serve as commissioners for the term ending in 2022.

An ESD is a political subdivision that controls nonmunicipal fire and emergency medical services in unincorporated areas like Cy-Fair. ESD No. 9 contracts with the Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department, manages the department’s annual budget, sets tax rates and holds monthly meetings that are open to the community. Commissioners are overseeing the construction of several new fire stations underway in Cy-Fair, and future stations will likely be needed to cater to the increasing population within the district.

Read more about the seven candidates running for ESD No. 9, including why they chose to run and their top priorities here. Attend a public forum to hear the candidates answer questions Thursday, April 26, from 6:30-8 p.m. at Copperfield Church, 8350 Hwy. 6, Houston.