In this episode of Dirty Verdict, hosts Peter Taaffe, Bill Ogden, and Kyle Herbert sit down with returning guest Marty Lancton, president of the Houston firefighters' union and now an announced 2026 candidate for Harris County Judge.

Marty opens up about why he's running, what he's learned from decades of front-line public service, and how his experience leading Houston's firefighters has shaped his vision for Harris County's future. The conversation covers everything from public safety, disaster response, and infrastructure to transparency, county budgets, and rebuilding public trust.

With a firefighter's candor and a mediator's mindset, Marty explains why leadership starts with listening—and why local government should focus less on politics and more on solving real problems. Of course, this wouldn't be Dirty Verdict without humor, sidebars about the Astrodome, Harris County Toll Road Authority, and Taylor Swift, and a few good-natured lawyer jabs along the way.

• Marty's Big Announcement – Houston Firefighters Union President Marty Lancton officially announces his 2026 run for Harris County Judge.

• Why He's Running – Marty shares what inspired his decision to enter the race, focusing on leadership, accountability, and rebuilding trust in county government.

• Inside Harris County Government – A clear explanation of how the county judge and commissioners court operate—and why that structure matters for taxpayers.

• Public Safety First – Marty outlines his top priorities: emergency response, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, and infrastructure.

• Fixing the Budget Mess – A deep dive into deficits, hidden funds, and the lack of transparency in Harris County's multibillion-dollar budget.

• Fighting Corruption and Waste – Marty discusses how small lapses in oversight can snowball into serious integrity problems—and how he plans to restore accountability.

• Crossing Party Lines – Why local leadership shouldn't be partisan, and how collaboration leads to better results for residents.

• Lessons from the Firehouse – How decades of firefighting shaped Marty's leadership style: stay calm, adapt quickly, and always put people first.

• Disaster Management Reality Check – How emergency agencies really coordinate in a crisis, and why trust and teamwork save lives.

• The Astrodome Debate – The hosts pitch tongue-in-cheek ideas for repurposing Houston's landmark—from a Rainforest Café to a football showdown on concrete.

• Government Red Tape – How lawsuits, politics, and delay tactics keep Harris County from solving real problems efficiently.

• The Dirty Verdict Banter – Plenty of laughs as Peter Taaffe, Bill Ogden, and Kyle Herbert keep things lively with jokes about waivers, Taylor Swift, smoking bans, and local politics.

• Closing Thoughts – Marty ends on a note of service, transparency, and trust: "If you can't tell the truth, you can't lead."

It's an episode packed with insight, laughs, and a genuine look at one of the most consequential local races ahead.

Website: https://Martyforharriscountyjudge.com