Voting underway in May 2 elections
Early voting is currently underway for several local races that will be decided Saturday, May 2, giving South Belt residents a chance to weigh in on utility district and school board leadership.
Voting continues through April 28, with polling sites closed Sunday, April 26.
While a number of nearby districts are not holding elections this spring, two entities serving the South Belt community – Clear Brook City MUD and Clear Creek ISD – do have contested seats on the ballot.
Voters who live within Clear Creek ISD will also decide two trustee races, each representing a single‑member district with a three‑year term.
In District 2, incumbent Jamieson Mackay is being opposed by Ernest A. Hallman II.
In District 3, incumbent Arturo Sanchez faces Gabriel F. Gonzales II.
Only residents who live inside each respective single-member district may participate in that district’s race. Both districts are located east of the Gulf Freeway. Boundary information is available through CCISD’s interactive map at ccisd.net/elections/boundaries.
Early voting for the Clear Creek ISD election is being conducted at two different locations in the district.
Voters may cast their votes at either of the following two sites regardless of their precinct:
– Clear Creek ISD Education Support Center at 2425 E. Main St. in League City
– Clear Creek ISD Learner Support Center at 2903 Falcon Pass Dr.
Additional election information is posted at ccisd.net/elections.
Pasadena ISD is not holding an election this spring; its board races occur in November of odd‑numbered years, with the next scheduled for 2027.
Clear Brook City MUD is the only area utility district with competitive races this cycle. Two positions are up for consideration.
In Position 4, incumbent Jim Towey is being challenged by Karen Richards McMillan.
Position 5 is open following the departure of longtime board member Jim Bishop, and three candidates – Delfina (Fina) Govea, Dawn McDonald and Yen Rabe – are seeking to fill the vacancy.
All voting for the Clear Brook City MUD election takes place at the district office at 11911 Blackhawk Blvd.
Other nearby districts, including Sagemeadow MUD and Kirkmont MUD, are not conducting elections. Sagemeadow received filings from only two incumbents for three available seats, and the remaining position is expected to be filled by appointment after the passing of former board member Seth Webb.
State sales tax holiday set for April 25-26
State officials remind Texans they can purchase certain items tax-free during the state’s Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday, set to take place Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26.
“From hailstorms to hurricanes, Texans know the importance of being prepared when bad weather hits,” said acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock. “This sales tax holiday provides a great opportunity to stock up on supplies and save a little money while you’re at it.”
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts estimates shoppers will save about $2.4 million in state and local sales taxes during the tax holiday, which was approved by the Texas Legislature in 2015.
There’s no limit on the number of qualifying items one can purchase. The holiday will begin at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, April 25, and end at midnight on Monday, April 27.
The following is a partial list of items that will be available tax free during the state holiday:
Less than $3000:
– Portable generators
Less than $300:
– Emergency ladders
– Hurricane shutters
Less than $75:
– Axes
– Batteries, single or multipack (AAA cell, AA cell, C cell, D cell, 6 volt or 9 volt)
– Can openers - nonelectric
– Carbon monoxide detectors
– Coolers and ice chests for food storage (nonelectric)
– Fire extinguishers
– First aid kits
– Fuel containers
– Ground anchor systems and tie-down kits
– Hatchets
– Ice products - reusable and artificial
– Light sources - portable self-powered (including battery operated). Examples of items include: candles, flashlights and lanterns
– Mobile telephone batteries and mobile telephone chargers
– Radios - portable self-powered (including battery operated) - includes two-way and weather band radios
– Smoke detectors
– Tarps and other plastic sheeting
Note: Several over-the-counter self-care items, such as antibacterial hand sanitizer, soap, spray and wipes are always exempt from sales tax if they are labeled with a “Drug Facts” panel in accordance with federal Food and Drug Administration FDA regulations.
For purchases made online, residents should note that delivery, shipping, handling and transportation charges are part of the sales price. If the emergency preparation supply being purchased is taxable, the delivery charge is also taxable. One should consider these charges when determining whether an item can be purchased tax free during the holiday.
For example, if one purchases a portable generator online for $2,999 with a $50 delivery charge, the total sales price is $3,049. Because the total sales price of the portable generator is more than $3,000, tax is due on the $3,049 sales price.
Purchases that do not qualify as tax-free during the holiday include the following:
– Medical masks and face masks
– Cleaning supplies, such as disinfectants and bleach wipes
– Gloves, including leather, fabric, latex and types used in healthcare
– Toilet paper
– Batteries for automobiles, boats and other motorized vehicles
– Camping stoves
– Camping supplies
– Chainsaws
– Plywood
– Extension ladders
– Stepladders
– Tents
– Repair or replacement parts for emergency preparation supplies
– Services performed on, or related to, emergency preparation supplies
For additional information about the annual Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday or to see a complete list of tax-free items, visit www.comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-1017.php.
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