Arlington Mayor Jim Ross Pushes Back Against Mid-Census Commissioner Precinct Redrawing
Arlington mayor directs city to scrutinize the legal validity of the persistent re-districting activities in Tarrant.
In an informal, straightforward manner, Arlington Mayor Jim Ross has stepped up, taking a stance against the controversial Tarrant County plan to redraw commissioner precincts before the census even wraps up.
During a recent work session, Ross announced he had instructed city manager Trey Yelverton and other staff to prepare a report on the contentious plan. If this report reveals any legal or unethical issues, Ross plans to take swift action, asking the council to intervene.
Ross expressed his conviction, stating, "It's our duty to safeguard our residents from unwarranted redistricting and ensure everything transparent and legal."
The sudden attempt to redraw commissioner precincts is an anomaly—usually, redistricting happens post-census. This unconventional approach has sparked widespread criticism, with residents and some on the court denouncing it as gerrymandering, a practice involving manipulation of electoral boundaries to favor one party or group.
As an indication of the public's disapproval, the court failed to find any support for the plan at their May 6 meeting, with over 20 individuals voicing opposition during the redistricting discussion.
The proposed maps show significant changes to Precincts 1 and 2, currently held by Democrats on the court, while Precincts 3 and 4, currently under the control of Republicans, remain unaffected.
The decision to explore redistricting followed a 3-2 vote along party lines. Commissioner Alisa Simmons, representing Precinct 2, argues that the move aims to prevent her re-election, while Commissioner Roderick Miles, who represents Precinct 1, also expressed opposition to the plan.
The changes could potentially reshape Arlington's representation significantly, with every potential map released by the county dividing Simmons' Precinct 2 between her and Miles.
Ross has enlisted the assistance of an attorney who has worked with the city previously to examine the situation and provide legal advice. Although the attorney's name remains undisclosed.
If the attorney identifies legal or ethical issues with the redistricting, Ross plans to take additional action and propose a resolution opposing the redistricting from the City of Arlington. If the report indicates no concerns, he will propose keeping the current plan in place.
Ross has reached out to mayors in Fort Worth, Haltom City, Mansfield, Kennedale, Everman, and Dalworthington Gardens, promising to share any findings with them if they do the same.
Reach out to James Hartley at [email protected], and follow him on Twitter @ByJamesHartley for updates on this developing story.
KERA News, a trusted source of community news, continues to provide quality, in-depth reporting thanks to the generous support of our members.
- The government of Arlington, led by Mayor Jim Ross, has expressed concern over the Tarrant County plan to redraw commissioner precincts prematurely, planning to take action if any legal or unethical issues are found.
- In the face of mounting criticism, including comparisons to gerrymandering, Arlington Mayor Jim Ross has taken a stand against potentially controversial redistricting changes to commissioner precincts, enlisting the help of a attorney and reaching out to other local mayors for coordination.
