County Judge Ed Emmett:
Proven Leadership With A Vision
For Harris County’s Future
Harris County
Economy & Transportation System
Development of Harris County’s transportation system of rail, highways, and ports will secure our economic future by making Harris County “The Gateway of North America,” thereby making sure our local economy continues to grow. In short, our economic survival depends on our ability to keep Harris County goods and people moving.
Harris County
Taxpayer Protection
Since I became County Judge two county budgets passed with ZERO tax rate increases and one with the largest tax rate cut in Harris County history. The property tax exemption for senior citizens has been increased. Living within our means must be the disciplined commitment of county government, just as it is for our families.
Harris County
Health Services
We can lower costs and improve our county’s overall health with improved access to preventive and routine care. Instead of expensive emergency room visits, we need more community health clinics. Additionally, our mental health services safety net needs to be mended. We must also redirect mental health patients from costly county jail detention into proper mental health treatment programs.
Harris County
Ethics & Transparency Reforms
One of my first actions as County Judge was to appoint a Harris County Citizens Ethics Review Committee. Based on its recommendations, a new Harris County Ethics Code was unanimously adopted by the Commissioners Court. This past year Harris County also received both state and national awards for public finance transparency, including being one of only 13 government entities in the country with a transparency PERFECT SCORE.
Harris County
Law Enforcement & Courts
As Chairman of the Harris County Juvenile Board, I work with local judges, the District Attorney, the Sheriff’s Office and other agencies to reform our juvenile justice system to redirect errant youth away from adult criminal paths. Additionally, I voted to fund the Sheriff Department’s request for IMMIGRATION BACKGROUND checks on all county jail inmates. This allows the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office to deport criminal aliens. I am also proud of our civil and criminal court systems that are continuously being improved for judicial efficiency and jury duty accessibility.
Harris County
Emergency & Hurricane Management
Without question, there is nothing more daunting than dealing with the uncontrollable forces of nature during a flood or hurricane. With this said, I take very seriously the County Judge’s responsibility as Director of Harris County’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. With prudent coordination of our Flood Control Capital Improvement Program and weather tracking/traffic evacuation planning by Houston TranStar, we are able to pinpoint proper evacuation plans. Many others, including our local public safety personnel, local community support groups, and the Harris County Citizens Corps emergency response teams are due credit for lives saved and the national awards our emergency system has earned.
Harris County
Judge Accessibility
I welcome all inquiries. My daily County Judge schedule is published online and includes an estimated 20+ county and community meetings each week. Among Harris County’s 4 million residents, there are many organizations and individuals with great ideas and big hearts. Because I firmly believe a good leader is a good listener, I strive to meet with all regional and ethnic groups. And I meet regularly with officials from our neighboring counties on joint projects like completion of the Grand Parkway and planning for regional commuter rail. My office also publishes a monthly online “County Judge Report” newsletter.