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Background: Emergency services districts are established for the purpose of funding emergency fire, ambulance, and rescue services, typically in areas where these services are not provided by a city government. Each district is governed by a board of commissioners whose members serve two-year terms.

The Legislature recently voted to allow these board members to serve for four years rather than the current two-year term. For this change to take effect, voters must approve Proposition 10.

The City of Houston provides emergency services in our area, so we are not part of an emergency services district.

For: Longer terms for board members would promote stability and continuity on emergency services district boards and allow board members more time to acquire experience and fully learn the duties of the position.

The Constitution has been amended several times to allow four-year terms for board members of other governmental districts, such as hospital districts. Time spent by board members running for re-election every two years is time taken away from serving their communities.

Against: Proposition 10 would weaken public oversight over the governing boards of emergency services districts. Since these boards have the power to set tax rates, the members should have to face the voters regularly. Members of the Texas House of Representatives and the United States House are elected every two years, and there is no reason members of the boards of emergency services districts should be any different.

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the Scott Hochberg Campaign
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