Op-Ed: Commissioner Cagle Praises Contributions Of Morman, Emmett

From Pct. 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle

As many of you know, my colleagues and I welcomed County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia to Commissioners Court this month. Although I look forward to working with my new colleagues, I want to recognize the contributions of Judge Ed Emmett and Precinct 2 Commissioner Jack Morman.

For more than a decade, Judge Emmett presided over Commissioners Court with expertise honed from years as a public servant. He led one of the nation’s finest emergency operation centers through multiple natural disasters.

He ended his tenure on a high note by leading the county through the most devastating rain event in the nation’s history, despite suffering a minor stroke only weeks before Harvey struck.

Many of us will remember Judge Emmett as a leader with boundless energy who fought to end the cycle that brought so many with mental illnesses through our jail system.

Today, the Judge Ed Emmett Mental Health Diversion Center keeps low-level, nonviolent offenders with a history of mental illness out of our jail system to reduce overcrowding and help those with mental illness receive proper treatment.

Thank you, Judge Emmett, for everything you have done, are doing, and will do! Serving with you remains a true honor, and I wish you luck in your new position at Rice University.

I also appreciate the energy and leadership Commissioner Morman brought to Commissioners Court. Although I will miss having him by my side as commissioner, I welcome him to the Precinct 4 team as a special projects coordinator for our Capital Improvement Projects Division.

As a commissioner, Jack Morman worked with the Harris County Toll Road Authority to begin the single largest public works project in Harris County history - the Beltway 8 Ship Channel Toll Bridge. This $900 million project doubles capacity on one of the most heavily trafficked segments of the toll road system.

During his tenure, Morman formed partnerships with each of the 15 cities in Precinct 2 to not only provide additional mobility and flood control projects, but also to expand access to Precinct 2 parks and amenities. This great experience will now benefit the residents of Precinct 4!

As our new elected officials take office, I will work passionately with them for our precinct’s focus on flood mitigation, mobility, and quality-of-life improvements. I wish you all a happy new year, and I look forward to continuing to serve you, the wonderful people of Precinct 4.