August 2022: Top 10 Texas Local Officials

#1 Eric Fagan

Fort Bend County Sheriff | Fort Bend, TX

Sheriff Eric Fagan worked with Fort Bend County law enforcement and school districts to create a strategy to improve school safety and prevent a shooting. Officers will be required to visit schools in between calls while patrolling neighborhoods. During the visits, officers will check that school doors are locked, which will increase police visibility around schools.

Read more about sheriff Fagan’s accomplishments here.

#2 Mattie Parker

Mayor of Fort Worth | Fort Worth, TX

Mayor Mattie Parker is proposing changes to the city’s economic incentives for new companies coming to Fort Worth. Her plan would allow new or expanding businesses to donate funds from their incentive packages to preserve open spaces in Fort Worth. Mayor Parker believes the strategy will preserve land for parks and hiking trails in the rapidly growing city and build goodwill between new companies and residents.

Read more about mayor Parker’s accomplishments here.

#3 Amy Peck

Houston Councilmember | Houston, TX

Councilmember Amy Peck added $10 million to a $468 million public improvement bond package to be considered by voters in November. Councilmember Peck was firm about not approving the bond package and subsequent tax increase unless residents of District A in northwest Houston would see benefits. The funding for District A will be used to bring Agnes Moffit Park’s pool up to code and add a walking trail, more parking and a baseball field.

#4 Barbara Canales

Nueces County Judge | Corpus Christi, TX

County Judge Barbara Canales is overseeing plans for a new jail diversion center using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. The center will house non-violent offenders who have mental health issues instead of booking them in jail. Judge Canales said the diversion center will differ from existing programs by having medical staff to treat physical health conditions as well as address mental health needs.

Read more about judge Canales’ accomplishments here.

#5 Pete Saenz

Mayor of Laredo | Laredo, TX

Mayor Pete Saenz secured approval of a resolution for the city to secure an alternate sustainable source for drinking water as the drought continues to impact the Rio Grande River. The city needs assistance from the federal government to secure a new water source after the Texas Water Board rejected 14 applications to improve the city’s aging water infrastructure. Mayor Saenz and the city will forward the resolution to Gov. Greg Abbot and federal representatives for assistance and to raise awareness about how dire the situation is.

Read more about mayor Saenz’s accomplishments here.

#6 Parnell McNamara

McLennan County Sheriff | Waco, TX

Sheriff Parnell McNamara advocated for the Waco City Council to approve zoning permits for the nonprofit Unbound Waco to establish the Reagan House, a safe home for teenage victims of sex trafficking. The Reagan House will provide medical care, educational support, therapy, and other services to help sex trafficking victims heal. Sheriff McNamara’s advocacy is the latest in his efforts to combat human trafficking in Texas.

Read more about sheriff McNamara’s accomplishments here.

#7 Lina Hidalgo

Harris County Judge | Houston, TX

County Judge Lina Hidalgo expanded the criteria for monkeypox vaccine eligibility amid growing cases in Harris County. Harris County reported more than 2,000 people have been given at least the first of the two-shot vaccination and plans to vaccinate more people to keep the virus under control. The eligibility expansion will allow more at-risk residents to receive vaccine protection and help the county stay ahead of the virus.

Read more about Judge Hidalgo’s accomplishments here.

#8 Paige Ellis

Austin Councilmember | Austin, TX

Councilmember Paige Ellis opposed a 40% raise of councilmember salaries in a budget adoption meeting. Councilmember Ellis said councilmembers should focus on “the recruitment and retention of working people.” Councilmember Ellis firmly believes the city council should work to improve the lives of Austin residents and city employees who make less than councilmembers.

Read more about councilmember Ellis’ accomplishments here.

#9 Ron Nirenberg

Mayor of San Antonio | San Antonio, TX

Mayor Ron Nirenberg criticized state leaders opposing gun law reforms and called for action to address gun violence. “Mayors are on the front lines, and frankly, we value the lives of our community more than we value the weapons that are killing the folks in our community.” Mayor Nirenberg wants to see the state pass a red flag law to identify people who should not have access to firearms and ensure comprehensive background checks are done before guns are purchased.

Read more about mayor Nirenberg’s accomplishments here.

#10 Elizabeth Beck

Fort Worth Councilmember | Fort Worth, TX

Councilmember and Army veteran Elizabeth Beck went to Washington, D.C. at the invitation of the White House to witness President Joe Biden signing of the PACT (Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics) Act. The act expands federal healthcare services for veterans exposed to dangerous fumes from burn pits during their service. When President Biden visited Fort Worth in March, Councilmember Beck described her exposure to burn pits while serving in Iraq and the challenges of getting veterans benefits.

Read more about councilmember Beck’s accomplishments here.