193 replies to this topic

[Stadtplan]

Good point.

Turnout seemed better than I expected.

[Thurman52]

TV Coverage wise, only nbc5 led with the election coverage. Rest covered the rain on Plano. Channel  5 had a live interview with Parker.  Ch 8 once they got to story, said it was too close to call but other stations and Star telegram already had called it for Parker  ch 11 only had stock photos but called Parker the winner. 
 

For such a Critical election in a big city, shows how they TV broadcasters feel about Fort Worth 

[JBB]

Is it just me or is the political orientation of the council flipping directions being largely ignored?

[John T Roberts]

JBB, I think it is, but historically, the Council candidates and members have not brought political affiliation into the discussion.  I think Mayor Price and to some degree Mayor Moncrief were the first Council Members that made it known of what party they were members.  They both ran and were elected to other offices under their party's affiliation.  Even though other Council Members maybe never stated their party, their voting records usually revealed which way they leaned on the issues.  Today's Star-Telegram article mentioned that the Council was shifting to the left marginally. (This post was hard to word without getting too political.)

[roverone]

Is it just me or is the political orientation of the council flipping directions being largely ignored?

 

I think it is important to say that this is likely more about the specific candidates than party affiliations.

 

At the local level it is most about deciding who you think can fix the problems that every city has.

[elpingüino]

Today's Star-Telegram article mentioned that the Council was shifting to the left marginally.

Here's that article, Are Fort Worth voters happy with city's direction? What Saturday night's results mean

[Jeriat]

Is it just me or is the political orientation of the council flipping directions being largely ignored?

SERIOUSLY. 

I've been on twitter all day seeing people gloat about Mattie but completely ignoring the 5/4 Democrat majority. 

It's another reason why I despise politics. The focus is always away from the bigger picture...

[JBB]

Actually, when I posted that, Twitter was the only place I had read anything about it other than the short blurb in the Star Telegram.

 

Of course municipal elections are run without partisan affiliation, but a person's political leanings are going to impact how they vote on the council.  If you think that there's no potential for that to come into play in some of the hot button issues the new council will face - especially redistricting and police funding - you're way more naive than I am.

[ramjet]

Actually, when I posted that, Twitter was the only place I had read anything about it other than the short blurb in the Star Telegram.

 

Of course municipal elections are run without partisan affiliation, but a person's political leanings are going to impact how they vote on the council.  If you think that there's no potential for that to come into play in some of the hot button issues the new council will face - especially redistricting and police funding - you're way more naive than I am.

Totally agree.  Bud Kennedy recently had an interesting article in the Star-Telegram about Fort Worth's history of both Republican and Democratic local officials - declaring Fort Worth NOT a Republican city as the narrative has become.  I am not close enough to Fort Worth on the ground anymore to know who turned out for the runoff and why, but my observation, based on what I've read and having watched one of the Fort Worth mayoral debates, is that the best person to lead Fort Worth right now won last night, by a pretty significant margin.  I hope Ms. Parker will reach out to Ms. Peoples and her supporters and include them in working for what is best for Fort Worth.  I'm a broken record, but y'all live in an amazing, if imperfect, city with a terrific future.  Good thoughts to all the newly and existing elected officials, and thanks to the former officials.  It's a grinding job.

[elpingüino]

Bud Kennedy's column talks about the "phenomenal number of new, young voters" who turned out for the runoffs and that Democrats have regained control of City Council going into redistricting.

[JBB]

Joel Burns pointed out on Twitter that the average age of the council has dropped from 60 to 45 and the number of members over 55 from 4 to 1.

https://twitter.com/...8922550279?s=21

[Jeriat]

Bud Kennedy's column talks about the "phenomenal number of new, young voters" who turned out for the runoffs and that Democrats have regained control of City Council going into redistricting.

 

 

Joel Burns pointed out on Twitter that the average age of the council has dropped from 60 to 45 and the number of members over 55 from 4 to 1.

https://twitter.com/...8922550279?s=21

 

All things considered, this is the best thing about this previous election. 

[roverone]

I don't want to stray too far from the topic title, but I did think we should make note of another interesting local government change: the announcement earlier today that Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley will not seek re-election in 2022.  Another chapter after 15 years at the county level.

 

With our reshaped city council, a new mayor, and this county change, there is much opportunity for new authors to write the future of Fort Worth and the area.

[Austin55]

I wonder if Price is interested in filling that role?

[JBB]

Bud Kennedy has been pushing that rumor hard enough for the last month for me to think thats a big yes.

[Stadtplan]

Bud Kennedy has been pushing that rumor hard enough for the last month for me to think thats a big yes.

 

After COVID, not sure anyone wants that job.

[johnfwd]

The county judges in both Tarrant and Dallas counties seemed to be in the

 

 

Bud Kennedy has been pushing that rumor hard enough for the last month for me to think thats a big yes.

 

After COVID, not sure anyone wants that job.

 

Yeah, the Tarrant, as well as Dallas, county judges seemed to be in the "hot seat" regarding shut downs and mask wearing last year.

[Doohickie]

Apparently they're the highest ranking officers in Texas counties?

 

Up north there is an office called "county executive" which is in essence, mayor or president or whatever you want to call it.... the chief of the county executive branch.

[roverone]

I wonder if Price is interested in filling that role?

 

It's official -- yes.

 

https://www.wfaa.com...3f-299b4dae7984

[Austin55]

Shes incredibly popular, this will be an easy win for her I bet.

[Stadtplan]

So much for spending time with the grandkids!  BBD "Bigger Better Deal"

[JBB]

Her primary opponent is a noted local politician that will likely get a lot of support from the far right.  It will be interesting to see if they attempt to brand her as not Republican/conservative enough.  

[Jeriat]

Her primary opponent is a noted local politician that will likely get a lot of support from the far right.  It will be interesting to see if they attempt to brand her as not Republican/conservative enough.  

 

. . . who's that?

(Never mind, I see it's Tim O'Hare)

...is it possible to find someone else to push for a run? Anyone? 

[JBB]

The number of people on social media responding to her announcement with "BUT SHEZ NOT A LAWYER TEXA$ IS KROOCED FOLLO THE MONEY$$" is disturbing.

[Stadtplan]

The number of people on social media responding to her announcement with "BUT SHEZ NOT A LAWYER TEXA$ IS KROOCED FOLLO THE MONEY$$" is disturbing.

Judge Whitley was an accountant and has an accounting degree from UTA. Having a good mind for numbers and budgets is probably more important than practicing law.

https://www.tarrantc...ountyjudge.html

[JBB]

My point is that people hear "judge" and immediately think that a county judge is a traditional judge in the legal system and not the county equivalent of a city manager or a mayor.  

[Stadtplan]

My point is that people hear "judge" and immediately think that a county judge is a traditional judge in the legal system and not the county equivalent of a city manager or a mayor.  

I had the same thought at first and had to look up some info on Judge Whitley as far as roles and responsibilities.

Judge Clay Jenkins on the other hand appears to have a law degree.

[txbornviking]

add County Judge to Texas Railroad Commission for things that desperately need to be renamed to provide better clarity to the public on what they actually do

[John T Roberts]

Here's a link to the interview WFAA-TV Channel 8 did with Mattie Parker on Y'allitics.

 

https://www.wfaa.com...89-0c4c60527f5d

[renamerusk]

....or she is incredibly shameless by engineering a brazen getaway ahead of the AJ Shooting Trial -

 

 

https://en.wikipedia...tiana_Jefferson

[renamerusk]

A County Judge rules over the County Commissioners Court, so for that duty they are judges literally, right?

[elpingüino]

We may need to separate the discussion of the County Judge race into its own thread.

Back to City Council, here's analysis from the Star-Telegram editorial board.
'New, fresh ideas': What it means for Fort Worth City Council to be so much younger

With six new Councilmembers (including Mayor) their average age will drop from 60 to about 46.



More of them have children at home than the previous Council did. This fact was new to me: "Fort Worth is a young city, with a higher share of children among its population than the state or nation overall. Come Tuesday, its government will reflect that."

[Stadtplan]

 
I didn't realize her husband David works as a lobbyist:
https://longbow-part...david-d-parker/

 
At what point does this become a conflict of interest or violate a nepotism clause?  At minimum it smells a little fishy, then again it is politics.
 
https://texasscoreca...ist-connection/

• Longbow hired by the city council to be taxpayer-funded lobbyists - represent the city government to the Texas Legislature.
• Mattie Parker hired in 2015 as Price's chief of staff within a year of Longbow receiving city's contract in 2014.  David Parker hired on at Longbow also in 2015
• David Parker receives council-appointed seat on the board of Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone 8

 
COFW Personnel Rules and Regulations for General Employees
4.3.4 Nepotism (Employment of Relatives) and Personal Relationships Employment of relatives is permitted; however, employees may not appoint or employ immediate family members, nor use their position to influence their appointment or employment. Employees shall not be placed in positions in which they would supervise or be supervised by an immediate family member; or be in a position where immediate family members could affect each others employment, promotion, salary administration, or other related management or personnel transactions. While the City encourages amicable working relationships between members of management and their subordinates, involvement in a romantic relationship or a personal friendship that compromises or creates a perception that compromises a member of managements ability to perform his/her job are prohibited. Any relationships and behavior outside the workplace between management and subordinates that lead to favoritism, or a perception of favoritism, are also prohibited. Any involvement of a romantic nature between a member of management and anyone he/she supervises, either directly or indirectly, is prohibited. Violation of this policy may lead to disciplinary action, up to and including termination, for the management employee involved in the relationship. Failure by a supervisor to disclose their knowledge of a familial or personal relationship between employees that is prohibited by this section (including relationships involving the supervisor) to their supervisor or the Employee and Labor Relations Division of the Human Resources Department may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Failure of an employee to disclose his or her involvement in a personal relationship that is prohibited by this section to their supervisor or the Employee and Labor Relations Division of the Human Resources Department may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

[John T Roberts]

I agree with you, Nitixope. 

[youngalum]

That is why Parker's election is just a continuation of the same failed Mayor leadership of Fort Worth.

[renamerusk]

The new council will have its real test once the Atantiana Jefferson Trial gets underway latter this year.  It will be the moment when the "Pro-Cops Faction" and the "Reform Policing Faction" butts head while being under the exposure of the national media.

 

The Election validated that a small majority has buried its head in the sand!  (Exception being Price who got out of Dodge)!

[Jeriat]

That is why Parker's election is just a continuation of the same failed Mayor leadership of Fort Worth.

 

Well keep in mind, this time, the mayor won't have a majority on her side on a few issues . . .

[renamerusk]

It is easy to think that Parker's honeymoon will be short.

[Urbndwlr]

The new council will have its real test once the Atantiana Jefferson Trial gets underway latter this year.  It will be the moment when the "Pro-Cops Faction" and the "Reform Policing Faction" butts head while being under the exposure of the national media.

 

The Election validated that a small majority has buried its head in the sand!  (Exception being Price who got out of Dodge)!

Someone please help me understand: if its a criminal trial of the cop who killed an innocent citizen, what does that have to do with FW City Council?  They aren't a judicial body.   I've heard this over and over so I think I'm missing something that does involve them/their upcoming decisions.

[renamerusk]

FWCC is a political body who presumably represent the constituency within their district.  The new make up of the FWCC is the most diverse and the youngest in nature. 

 

Yes, the judicial and the municipal components are distinct.

 

However, I believe the AJ Trial will put a spotlight upon the FWCC and those who back the FWPD 100% and those  who are asking for more review and accountability of FWPD.   The Mayor has the backing of the FWPDA and has promised to stand with that lobbying organization. The citizens approved a Citizen Review Board for FWPD for which the previous FWCC allowed to be tabled.

 

I believe that there exists a sizeable faction demonstrated by the 46% of voters who did not vote for Parker contributed to her staunch Pro PD position and who will be watching how the new FWCC handles the AJ Trial.  I will also add the "Opal Lee Factor" should she choose to get engaged.  Inductively speaking, this is why I believe Price got out of town.

 

My personal take.

[Stadtplan]

Reminds me of the "Choose Wisely" Holy Grail scene from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.  

 

[renamerusk]

Uncharted waters!  Lets hope that Parker is up to the task.

 

Fort Worth Business Press - https://fortworthbus...-worth-officer/

[Jeriat]

Uncharted waters!  Lets hope that Parker is up to the task.

 

Fort Worth Business Press - https://fortworthbus...-worth-officer/

[Stadtplan]

https://www.star-tel...e252555288.html

 

 

...the trial will likely be held in August.