LETTER FROM THE COMMISSIONER

It’s the season of giving and gratitude, and this year, I am thankful for the opportunity to serve you. What makes this even better is that I get to do this with a dedicated team by my side. They take a lot of pride in their work. They make sure requests are handled in a timely manner, community programs are fun and impactful, and ensure your safety is top of mind.
 
We know we can’t do this job alone. Precinct 3 partners with dozens of organizations and has a great group of volunteers who donate their time in helping us. I’d like to thank all of our volunteers for dedicating hours to helping others – accompanying senior citizens on trips to arts and cultural events, promoting wellness throughout our centers and communities, clearing invasive plants so our trees can thrive, and teaching children about the importance of conservation.
 
As the holiday season approaches, my office is hosting various programs to celebrate the season and coordinating ways to give back, one of which is our Toys for Tots Drive! More details on the toy drive can be found below. If you’re looking for other fun holiday activities, be sure to follow our social media pages to find one nearest you.
 
One final note, as you read through this newsletter and learn more about the redistricting, I want you to know that my team and I are working hard to manage this transition. We are dedicated to upholding the high standards of Precinct 3 service for our current constituents and our new constituents. That is my promise to you.
 
Proud to serve you,

-Commissioner Tom S. Ramsey, P.E.
COMMISSIONER PRECINCT REDISTRICTING UPDATE
Last Thursday, Judge Lina Hidalgo and Commissioners Rodney Ellis and Adrian Garcia approved Ellis Map #3 for the new Commissioner Precinct boundaries.

"I'm disappointed that the Court majority chose a map that results in unnecessary chaos when there were less disruptive options on the table," said Commissioner Tom Ramsey. "Judge Hidalgo was clear in saying taxes was one of her deciding factors, and that is extremely concerning."
 
During the Judge’s explanation on her preferred map, she referenced the County’s latest decision on taxes. "I've been very concerned about the direction of the court since we've had our latest vote on the tax rate." Judge Hidalgo continued about how she "hadn't forgotten" about the disagreement between her and the Republican Commissioners on the tax rate, even though it was passed unanimously last month.

There were 16 maps up for consideration, but the majority honed in on Ellis Map #3 and Ellis Map #4. According to the mapping consultant, the only difference between the two proposals was that Commissioner Precincts 3 and 4 were swapped.

However, from a County operations perspective, Ellis Map #3 would cost millions of dollars to change park and roadway signage, update print materials for the community, and other administrative details. 

"We have to be smart about this transition. It's not as easy as one Commissioner just switching offices. There need to be discussions regarding services, personnel, and equipment transfers," said Commissioner Ramsey. "Rather than focusing on the work with minor changes, like what would have been possible with Ellis Map #4, it will now cost us time and a lot of money to make this change."
 
Although a timeline and details are still developing for a final transition, Commissioner Ramsey is committed to working hard, minimizing impacts to service requests, and providing the highest level of service to all of his constituents.
 
More discussions around the transition will happen at the next Commissioners Court Meeting, which is scheduled for Tuesday, November 9th.
ANNUAL TOYS FOR TOTS DRIVE
STARTING SOON
For the past several years, Precinct 3 has partnered with the U.S. Marine Corps to help them fulfill their mission of collecting new, unwrapped toys for less fortunate children on Christmas. This year will be no different! Constituents can find donation bins throughout the Precinct at community centers, libraries, EZ tag stores, and the downtown Information Technology Center. Collections begin November 15th and end December 10th.

Please help us make this Christmas season extra special for all children in Harris County. For more information about drop-off locations, please visit www.pct3.com.
ON THE ROAD IN PRECINCT 3
Have you seen a Harris County Precinct 3 truck in your area? Notice a new addition to your local park? That’s work in progress in your Precinct! We are proud to bring you infrastructure improvements, from asphalt and sidewalk projects to trails and traffic signal systems.

Here are just some of the projects currently in or moving into construction:
  • A new walking trail at George Bush Park
  • New 4-lane boulevard along Louetta Road from Stablewood Farms Drive to Little Cypress Creek
  • Add 2 lanes to complete a 4-lane boulevard along West Road from Woodson Terrace to Greenhouse
  • New 4-lane boulevard along Peek Road from Grand Ventana to Stockdick School Road
  • Widen Clay Road near the intersection of Porter from 2 lanes to 4 lanes and add a traffic signal
  • Reconstruct roadways, driveways and sidewalks throughout Pheasant Run Subdivision
  • Construction of Binford Circle Park
  • Asphalt roadway reconstruction occurring throughout Waller Hockley area

Many more projects are moving into construction, and December will be no less productive. Whether we’re here in the existing Precinct 3 or the new Precinct 3 boundaries, we’ll be working hard to bring you these and other outstanding infrastructure projects.
PRECINCT 3 SIGNATURE PARKS
Monthly Update
Kleb Woods Nature Preserve is hosting another exciting event for you and the family to enjoy! This Saturday, kids will have the opportunity to dig up archaeological artifacts and learn more about the history of the Preserve. We hope you can join us for this free event! Click on the banner above for more details.

For more information on recent happenings and what to expect in the upcoming weeks at our other educational centers, click on their photo below.
FOLLOW US