Along with Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, the commissioners court includes four elected commissioners representing different regions in the county.
According to the county, the court is responsible for setting tax rates and allocating funds for services including:
- The criminal justice system
- Infrastructure
- Flood control
- The hospital district
- Public health
- Elections
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 information about voting in Harris County, visit www.harrisvotes.com.
Tom Ramsey (R), incumbent
Experience:
Retired civil engineer, small-business owner, current Precinct 3 commissioner
Candidate Website:
https://www.commissionertomramsey.com
Contact Information:
713-274-3000
Why are you running for this position, and what qualifies you for the role?
As the current Precinct 3 commissioner, I want to make sure residents live in safe neighborhoods; are protected from flooding in their homes, businesses and schools; have good roads to drive on; and that we use our tax dollars responsibly and with transparency.
What are the top issues facing Harris County Precinct 3, and how would you address them if elected?
I host public meetings; I hear from people every week: the answer is always the same. People want to be safe, they ask for better infrastructure and they want taxes to be spent wisely. My record is out there, and I will continue to prioritize my actions on these issues.
What would you do to ensure the precinct’s flood control needs are met?
I will continue to advocate for adjacent counties to adopt flood mitigation measures to protect Precinct 3. We’ve invested over half of our $300 million infrastructure budget in flood control. I’ll continue our program of aggressively maintaining roadside ditches and creeks.
How would you improve public safety in the region?
I firmly believe we need more officers on our streets. I’ve proposed that, and unfortunately, it is voted down. I support our deputy contract program and our constables. I support our district attorney’s request for more prosecutors. We’ve invested in technologies that make sense.
How would you connect with your constituents to best represent their interests?
We host community meetings on crime and safety, flood control and budgeting. I participate in numerous community events meeting residents face to face. We have a monthly newsletter. Of course, we communicate through our website. And we always have someone ready to answer a phone call at 713-274-3000.
Saleem Malik (D)
Experience:
Police officer with Harris County Constables Office Precinct 4; managerial position with retail chain; real estate agent
Candidate Website:
https://www.saleemmalik.org
Contact Information:
832-837-2220
Why are you running for this position, and what qualifies you for the role?
Being a resident of Harris County, Texas, for the past nine years, I believe the people of Harris County deserve more than just building roads and bridges. I am a public servant working as a police officer for about seven years. I am already serving the residents of Harris County.
What are the top issues facing Harris County Precinct 3, and how would you address them if elected?
I believe security and safety is the top concern Harris County is facing at this point.
What would you do to ensure the precinct’s flood control needs are met?
I will work on increasing the budget and reducing the cost of maintenance and plan ahead of time for the future flooding.
How would you improve public safety in the region?
We need to hire more officers as more people are moving into Harris County. We need to make sure they are well paid, well equipped and use of artificial intelligence is very essential.
How would you connect with your constituents to best represent their interests?
I believe in an open door policy; anyone and everyone is welcomed. My first priority is to stand for the interest of the people of Harris County. I am open to meeting up either personally, appearing in public or social media.
