Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo walked out of Thursday’s Commissioners Court meeting during a dispute over a proposed second doorway to Commissioner Lesley Briones’ office.
The request, submitted by Briones, calls for adding a second exit to Hidalgo’s office for safety reasons. One of three proposed construction options would require cutting through a wall connected to the county judge’s office.
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“Frankly, if we’re allowed, I’d like to discuss 259 out here because I don’t want my wall torn down,” Hidalgo said during the meeting. “I don’t need my office wall torn down by the office that continues to bully me.”
Commissioners later entered executive session to discuss the issue before returning to open court.
Briones said the request was based on safety recommendations.
“Safety is non-negotiable. Everybody’s safety is non-negotiable,” Briones said. “All we want is a second door in case there is an active threat, whether that is a shooter, that is a fire. My office does not have a second exit in a separate area by which my team can leave.”
Briones said the recommendation came from former Houston Fire Chief Samuel Peña, who now works in the county engineer’s office, along with the county fire marshal.
Hidalgo said she supports the need for two doors but objected to the location.
“I agree. Your team needs two egress doors. It’s so important. I agree. Here’s the issue… they don’t need to come from my office,” Hidalgo said.
During the exchange, Hidalgo also referred to Peña as “cute” while cutting him off as he attempted to provide clarification.
The county judge said there were three possible construction options and that another precinct declined alternatives that did not involve her office. She also noted that parts of her staff are currently displaced due to ongoing work in the building and said she worked for years in a non-remodeled office.
“I had carpet in the bathrooms for seven of the eight years I’ve been serving,” Hidalgo said.
At approximately 2:37 p.m., Hidalgo left the meeting, saying she was taking her lunch break.
Commissioners later unanimously approved the motion to move forward with construction. Hidalgo was not present for the vote.