Latest news with #CommissionersCourt
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Texas bill for permanent daylight saving time is already doomed
House Bill 1393 attempts to adopt permanent daylight saving time for Texas. If the governor signs it, this bill will, at best, accomplish nothing — not even eliminating the semiannual clock switches — because federal law prohibits year-round daylight saving time. At worst, Congress will pass the Sunshine Protection Act, championed by Sen. Ted Cruz, to remove this prohibition and allow implementation of permanent daylight saving time here. The result would be year-round alignment of Texas' clocks with New Jersey's sunrises and sunsets. Permanent daylight saving time was tried twice before, during World War II and the oil embargo of the 1970s. Rejected by Texans, it failed both times. Permanent standard time is most Texans' preferred solution. Let's stop waking our young children in the dark and putting them to bed in the light, the result of daylight saving in the spring and fall. - Josh Findley, Dallas As a Tarrant County resident and attorney, I am deeply concerned about the proposed Commissioners Court precinct maps and the racial gerrymandering they represent. These maps intentionally pack high-minority populations into Precinct 1, concentrating our voting power while minimizing our influence in surrounding precincts. This is not only unjust — it's undemocratic. The redistricting process should reflect the diversity of our county, not suppress it. Communities of color deserve fair representation across all precincts, not to be strategically confined to one. The proposed maps send a clear message: Our voices are being sidelined. I urge commissioners to reject any plan that undermines equitable representation and to commit to drawing maps that serve all residents of Tarrant County. - MarQuetta Clayton, Fort Worth I don't know why the Fort Worth City Council is in such an uproar over the so-called gerrymandering of the proposed Tarrant County Commissioners Court maps. Take a look at what council members did to east Fort Worth when they did their redistricting. District 11 is a joke. In my advanced years, it's the worst map I've ever seen. - Wanda Conlin, Fort Worth Jonathan Butcher and Lindsey M. Burke of The Heritage Foundation wrote that teaching the 'classic texts' of Western literature will produce better military graduates, skilled in 'critical thinking and logic.' (May 18, 8C, 'A Test Fit for U.S. Service Academies') That is typical conservative claptrap that longs for a return to the 'good old days.' They have obviously never taught critical thinking or even had a course in it. We pay lip service to critical thinking, but it is not taught in American public schools or even in colleges. I have taught it in Europe, and simply reading texts — whether the Declaration of Independence (suggested by the authors) or Maya Angelou — does not instill critical thinking skills. Book learning in the classics, even military classics such as Carl von Clausewitz and Antoine-Henri Jomini, does not make better soldiers. - Dr. Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Days before the anniversary of George Floyd's murder, the Trump administration declared it would stop overseeing many local police agencies accused of violence and abuses, particularly against Black people. I hope the Justice Department continues to oversee local police agencies accused of abuses against all communities, including white, Hispanic and Asian populations. Let's not forget that Donald Trump granted pardons to many of the Jan. 6 rioters who were involved in violent actions and abuses targeting police officers. The officers represented a diverse range of backgrounds. Which side is Trump on? - Leslie J. Smith, Grapevine
CBS News
3 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Tarrant County Judge defends redistricting process: "It's 100% about partisan politics"
The Tarrant County Commissioners Court is set to vote June 3 on a controversial proposal to redraw precinct boundary lines — a move that has drawn sharp criticism from residents, local leaders, and civil rights advocates. County Judge Tim O'Hare, who initiated the redistricting process, told CBS News Texas on Friday that the effort aligns with a campaign promise he made in 2021. Tarrant County Judge Tim O'Hare CBS News Texas "This is something that I campaigned on dating back to 2021 — that this would be the time where we would look at redistricting," O'Hare said. O'Hare defends GOP strategy O'Hare has been open about his political motivations. "Give me a map that guarantees three Republican commissioners seats," he said. "That's what I've asked for." Currently, the Commissioners Court is evenly split with two Republicans and two Democrats. O'Hare, a Republican, believes adding another GOP commissioner would better serve the county. Critics cite racial concerns The proposed maps show significant changes to Precincts 1 and 2, both currently represented by Democrats. Critics say the new boundaries would shift areas with large Black and Hispanic populations out of Precinct 2 and into Precinct 1, potentially diluting minority voting power. In response to accusations of racial gerrymandering, O'Hare said, "This is about partisan politics. You can legally in this country, according to the U.S. Supreme Court, draw maps for partisan purposes. So for me, it's 100% about partisan politics." 10 mayors urge delay, review Ten Tarrant County mayors — including those from Fort Worth, Arlington, and Grand Prairie — signed a letter urging commissioners to delay the vote. They warned that the proposed maps could violate the U.S. Voting Rights Act and face legal challenges. City councils in Fort Worth, Arlington, and Grand Prairie also passed resolutions opposing the redistricting process. "We know Democrats are going to challenge," O'Hare said. "But when you say it can affect minority groups, I think Republican governance is better for all people, regardless of race. And I would also tell you, Democrats don't have a monopoly on non-whites." O'Hare said the redistricting would help ensure Republican leadership on the court for the next decade. "I believe Republicans offer better ideas for governing — better ideas for cutting taxes, eliminating waste, fraud and abuse, keeping people safe, and maintaining law and order," he said. "And I think every single countywide officeholder — judge, tax assessor, sheriff, D.A., you name it — is a Republican. This will strengthen our Republican majority on the court. And I think it's what's best for everyone in Tarrant County, not just Republicans." Support from conservative suburbs On Thursday, the mayors of Southlake, Keller, North Richland Hills, and Colleyville voiced support for redistricting. They argued that major counties like Dallas and Harris redrew maps after the 2020 census and said it was "political malfeasance" that Tarrant County did not do the same. A previous redistricting effort in 2021, led by a Republican-majority court, resulted in no changes to the precinct maps. Commissioner Alisa Simmons, who opposes the current proposal, said that process was thorough and legally sound. "Tarrant County fulfilled its duty to redistrict in 2021 following the 2020 Census," Simmons said in a statement. "A Texas-based law firm that specializes in redistricting guided the county through a detailed and deliberate process over months with extensive community involvement. Because the existing boundaries were well within the allowed deviation, complied fully with state and federal law, and fairly reflected both the political and racial makeup of our county, they were confirmed by a bipartisan vote." She added: "Any statement that Tarrant County did not fulfill its responsibility to redistrict in 2021 is blatantly false. Tim O'Hare knows this but, inexcusably, is coercing local leaders to repeat his lie." Critics have also raised concerns that the proposed changes are based on outdated data, as redistricting typically follows the decennial U.S. Census. The next census is scheduled for 2030. Legal, data questions raised The conservative law firm hired by the county, the Public Interest Legal Foundation, has not released the criteria or data used to draw the new maps. O'Hare said the firm is using a broad range of data beyond the 2020 census. "They're looking at all sorts of things," he said. "It's a very comprehensive look. The demographer, I think, is one of the top demographers in the country. The lawyers — this is what they do for a living." New maps added Friday The speed of the process has also drawn criticism. The vote is scheduled just nine weeks after the law firm was hired. "I think two months has been plenty of time," O'Hare said. "If you don't want it to change, I understand why you say that. But people have had plenty of opportunity to weigh in, look at it, become aware and participate. And we've had hundreds of people submit emails, comments, show up in person. I think the word is out." On Friday, the county added two new map options to the list of proposals under consideration.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Paxton, Travis County agree on terms for transparency laws
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said an agreement was reached Wednesday that would require the Travis County Commissioners Court to comply with government transparency laws. The final agreement from the AG's office stemmed from the Commissioners Court authorizing the transfer of county funds for the security of Travis County District Attorney José Garza in November 2024. In September 2024, Paxton sued the Commissioners Court with violating the Texas Open Meetings Act for 'secretly' discussing a measure to allocate money for security services for the personal residence of Garza. RELATED | Travis County sues Paxton to avoid releasing records about DA security 'Government cannot be transparent if its elected leaders secretly vote on important matters that are required by Texas law to be discussed in open meeting,' Paxton said in a press release Wednesday. Paxton continued, saying the judgment would ensure the Commissioners Court would 'abide by all government transparency laws.' Travis County released the following statement regarding the agreement with Paxton: 'The Travis County Commissioners Court is pleased to reach agreement with the Texas Attorney General regarding the Texas Open Meetings Act. This agreement acknowledges the Court's belief that they acted in accordance with the requirements of the Texas Open Meetings Act for conducting executive closed sessions, and they agree to continue compliance as it has always done. This agreement balances public transparency with security concerns like those permitted for discussion in executive closed session, thereby protecting our employees and elected and appointed officials.' Travis County Spokesperson Hector Nieto RELATED | Travis County DA reveals threats against him, reasons for security requests KXAN previously reported that the Commissioners Court, in total, authorized $115,000; however, only $64,000 of the approved amount was used to improve security at Garza's home. KXAN also reported according to auditor records, 'this was the first time county funds were used for 'security services' for District Attorney José Garza's office since he took office in 2021.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
14-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Tarrant County moves ahead with plans to redraw districts amid criticism and controversy
Tarrant County Commissioners are moving forward with plans to redraw precinct boundaries, a process typically reserved for after the release of new census data. The move is drawing criticism from residents and elected leaders alike. "It's unfair," said B.C. Cornish, who lives in Tarrant County Precinct 4. "It's just crazy." The county's Republican-majority Commissioners Court is considering five proposed maps presented earlier this month by a conservative law firm hired to assist with the redistricting effort. A vote is expected June 3. Who would the potential changes impact? The potential changes would significantly impact Precincts 1 and 2, which are currently represented by Democrats. "Tarrant County is a majority-minority county with a Commissioners Court that fairly reflects both the racial makeup and the politics of the county," said Tarrant County Commissioner Alisa Simmons, who currently represents Precinct 2 and does not support redistricting. It has been 15 years since the boundary lines were redrawn. In 2021, the then-Republican-led court chose not to alter precinct lines, determining they were balanced based on the most recent census data. It's unusual for the process to be done mid-decade. "We're using the same 2020 numbers to redistrict in 2025," Simmons said. "Just doesn't make sense." Redistricting expert hired in Arlington Arlington Mayor Jim Ross has hired a redistricting expert to weigh in on the legality of the process, saying he's skeptical any time someone wants to redistrict outside the typical census period. "I'm not opposed to redistricting, but I don't want anyone to be doing something purely for political reasons," Mayor Ross said. "If it needs to happen, it needs to be pursuant to the law and transparent to the community." If the report comes back with concerns, the mayor said he intends to push a resolution to the city council opposing the redistricting. He has talked to a number of other mayors in Tarrant County and plans to share the report with them as well. "I'm glad the city of Arlington is paying attention," Simmons said. So are Tarrant County residents. Tarrant County residents speak out against redistricting at Commissioners Court meeting At the May 6 Commissioners Court meeting, all of the more than 20 people who spoke during public comment voiced opposition to redistricting. On Monday night in Azle, Cornish attended the first of four public meetings scheduled this month to gather community feedback. "There were 30 about 35 people who spoke," she said. "Only three of those were in favor of redistricting. All of the others spoke against it for various reasons. Three identified themselves as Republicans, and they also thought it was a bad idea, primarily because it's expensive and it's divisive." Cornish and others who attended said they were frustrated the Precinct 4 Commissioner was not present. "There was not a public official — not one — that I could see who was there to listen or to answer questions," she said. "And nobody from this law firm was there to answer questions. So I don't know how they can call that a public hearing. That was a farce." Tracey Knight, the chief of staff for Ramirez, said he was in Washington, D.C., to honor the sacrifice of a Fort Worth police officer killed in the line of duty. Tarrant County Republicans in support political redistricting "Commissioner Ramirez has also been very transparent regarding the redistricting process, having released a public statement on April 1st," Knight wrote in a statement. "He remains supportive of political redistricting and committed to keeping Tarrant County safe and prosperous through conservative policy and governance." Republican Tim O'Hare is spearheading the redistricting process. He was not available for an interview with CBS News Texas on Tuesday. The chairman of the Tarrant County GOP, Bo French, sent this statement on the effort to redraw current boundary lines: "My promise to my constituents is to make Tarrant County more red. There is a lot that goes into that, but one important step is to redraw the Commissioner Precinct lines. It has been a couple decades since they were redrawn, and Tarrant County has almost doubled in population. The current Commissioner Court representation does not align with the other partisan elected officials in the county. Redrawing the lines based on Map 1 will bring the Commissioner Court in line with the other elected officials. We want Tarrant to remain as red as possible and this is an important step in that goal." Lawmakers and residents criticize lack of transparency and political motives Some residents argue the redistricting is politically motivated and unnecessary. "Five proposed maps were made public, but all racial information on the maps is being withheld," said Fort Worth resident Constance Richardson. "No provision in Texas state law authorizes the county to redraw commissioner precinct boundaries mid-decade. This will cost the taxpayers potentially millions of dollars in litigation." Simmons also believes the proposed maps pose a threat to minority voting rights. "You're attempting to conduct a redistricting process in 2025. But you're still using the 2020 census data," she said. "There's no logic to it other than to surgically remove minority communities and neighborhoods from commissioner districts like mine, Precinct 2, and to move black and brown voters into one precinct so that their voices in this section of the county are silenced. They're marginalized. "So it's for the sole purpose of destroying voter strength." At the community meeting planned in her district, Simmons said she will be present and will have a panel of redistricting experts to explain the process and answer questions. Upcoming Community Meetings: Fort Worth: May 14, 6 p.m. Como Community Center, 4660 Horne St. May 14, 6 p.m. Como Community Center, 4660 Horne St. Arlington: May 17, 10 a.m. Arlington Subcourthouse, 700 E. Abram St. May 17, 10 a.m. Arlington Subcourthouse, 700 E. Abram St. Hurst: May 21, 6 p.m. Gary Fickes Northeast Courthouse, 645 Grapevine Hwy.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Clay County disaster declaration extended due to severe weather
CLAY COUNTY (KFDX/KJTL) — On Monday, May 5, Clay County Judge Mike Campbell extended his disaster declaration issued last week through June 3. Severe weather has impacted different counties all across Texoma and since April 1 of this year, the National Weather Service has issued 46 warnings which include thunderstorms, tornado, and flash flood warnings. DEVELOPING: Track flood conditions across Texoma According to a Facebook post made by Campbell on Monday, May 5, the Commissioners Court extended the declaration until June 3. The reason for this extension is due to washed-out county roads, failed culverts, and gravel that have now washed into a creek or ditch. Campbell said road crews are working to make roads drivable, blocking dangerous roads and to evaluate how to prevent damages from happening again. According to the Texas Government Code, they allow county judges to declare an emergency when events like this happen. Campbell said the county budgets for emergencies although when events like this arise, the budget is just not enough, and must resort to declaring an emergency. He also explained that last year FEMA and TDEM sent representatives to evaluate the situation and provided monetary and technical assistance. Based on the evaluation, Campbell said the county could receive hundreds or thousands of dollars, and although it is a long process due to hours of submitting reports, the commissioners wonder if it is worth it. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
