HOUSTON - Harris County judge Lina Hidalgo speaking six days before Texas Comptroller Glen Hager ruled County leaders had in fact "de-funded" local constables by clawing back their reserve funds.
While budgets for law enforcement have increased modestly during Hidalgo's time in office - critics contend the resources provided were in no way proportional to what was genuinely needed to counter a crime wave of historic proportion.
Consequently, restoring public safety is the core component of republican Alex Mealer's campaign.
Mealer
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Harris County Judge: Hidalgo vs. Mealer
Panel discusses the constant debate with Lina Hidalgo and Alexandra Mealer. Discussion takes place on how budgets have increased for law enforcement while Hidalgo has been in office and the primary focus for Mealer is restoring public safety.
Incumbency, in a county thought to be largely blue, should have made this race a "cakewalk" - but with the violent crime wave still raging... And the bid-rigging indictment of three of her key aides....how do you see Hidalgo's re-election bid unfolding?