Bail release for violent suspects has drawn bipartisan support for Republican judicial candidates in the Democratic-leaning county.
As family members shared stories of murdered loved ones, many expressed anger towards elected officials over rising crime in the community.
Although the parties have agreed the county may adopt a budget, the war of words between the comptroller and commissioners has continued.
The county defended taking rollover funds from law enforcement agencies, but Lina Hidalgo and commissioners will keep such funds in the proposed budget.
Hidalgo, facing a fierce challenge from a Republican, struck out at fellow Democratic officials over what she called “misinformation” about public safety.
At a press conference with elected officials, Crime Stoppers of Houston showed that violent crime, especially towards children, has risen significantly.
New security measures include requiring three officers on buses, enhanced search procedures, and transporting high-risk inmates alone.
After a grandfather and four grandchildren were murdered by an escaped convict, state Sen. John Whitmire called for changes to inmate transport.
Democrats have called for additional restrictions on firearms after the shooting deaths of 19 schoolchildren and two teachers in Uvalde.
Calling the county’s criminal justice system “broken,” Sen. John Whitmire joined the local union to demand more funding for law enforcement to combat rising crime.
A new political action committee funded by Miriam Adelson donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to Texas candidates.
The incumbent Whitmire and his challenger Cook largely agreed on education. Crime and environmental issues split them more substantially.
