Harris County judge candidates debate taxes and public safety

Candidates for Harris County judge participated in a forum to discuss property taxes, emergency management, and public safety technology. The candidates are running to succeed Lina Hidalgo, who is not seeking reelection.

All four participants—Democratic nominee Dr. Letitia Plummer, Republican nominee Orlando Sanchez, and write-in candidates Marianne ‘Yan’ Hess and Vince Duncan—expressed opposition to the recent property tax increase for homeowners. However, their proposed solutions varied. Dr. Plummer stated she would seek to reverse the increase, while Orlando Sanchez proposed requesting state legislative authorization to require that future tax increases be put to a public vote.

Write-in candidate Marianne Hess criticized the compensation of elected officials in relation to the tax burden on citizens, and Vince Duncan presented a plan titled ‘Free and Clear Property’ during the discussion.