Rodney Ellis was selected as the democratic nominee for Harris County Precinct 1 commissioner in June.[/caption]
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 Stafford. 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 office as the next Precinct 1 commissioner in January.
“As commissioner, I will apply my legislative experience, make use of Harris County’s influence 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.”
Ellis defected Gene Locke—who was appointed as commissioner in January—and party organizer Nathaniel West Sr. Out of the 117 Democratic party chairs, Ellis received 78 votes while Locke received 36 and West got 2.
After his nomination Ellis pledged to openly fight for issues such as better access to healthcare, livable wages and reform for the criminal justice system. He also pledged to focus on senior and youth programs.
As Precinct 1 commissioner Ellis will control a budget of more than $200 million, represent 1.2 million 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 the people are served by the elected leadership,” Ellis said. “I believe I can best serve the people of Harris County by fighting for progress on the Harris County Commissioners Court. “
Since Ellis earned the county commissioner nomination, he will be forced to withdraw his name from the ballot for the Texas Senate seat in District 13. The move requires Democratic precinct chairs to select a replacement candidate on July 16. The democratic nominee replacing Ellis on the ballot will run unopposed.
Ellis, 62, has served three terms on the Houston City Council and as chief of staff to Representative Mickey Leland. In 1990 he was elected to the Texas Senate where he served 26 years and helped pass more than 600 bills.
Rodney Ellis was selected as the democratic nominee for Harris County Precinct 1 commissioner in June.[/caption]
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 Stafford. 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 office as the next Precinct 1 commissioner in January.
“As commissioner, I will apply my legislative experience, make use of Harris County’s influence 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.”
Ellis defected Gene Locke—who was appointed as commissioner in January—and party organizer Nathaniel West Sr. Out of the 117 Democratic party chairs, Ellis received 78 votes while Locke received 36 and West got 2.
After his nomination Ellis pledged to openly fight for issues such as better access to healthcare, livable wages and reform for the criminal justice system. He also pledged to focus on senior and youth programs.
As Precinct 1 commissioner Ellis will control a budget of more than $200 million, represent 1.2 million 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 the people are served by the elected leadership,” Ellis said. “I believe I can best serve the people of Harris County by fighting for progress on the Harris County Commissioners Court. “
Since Ellis earned the county commissioner nomination, he will be forced to withdraw his name from the ballot for the Texas Senate seat in District 13. The move requires Democratic precinct chairs to select a replacement candidate on July 16. The democratic nominee replacing Ellis on the ballot will run unopposed.
Ellis, 62, has served three terms on the Houston City Council and as chief of staff to Representative Mickey Leland. In 1990 he was elected to the Texas Senate where he served 26 years and helped pass more than 600 bills.
