Local residents of Tarrant assert their perspectives are being disregarded in heated discussions regarding redistricting.
Heck, y'all gathered here tonight to have your say on that redistrictin' business in Tarrant County, right? Yet ol' Commissioner Manny Ramirez ain't here to hear your two cents! Stacy Melo, Vice President of the Tarrant County Young Democrats, told the crowd, "Y'all deserve a chance to talk to your rep, he works for your tax dollars, after all!"
Melo was nearing the end of approximately 30 speakers during the meeting at the Azle ISD administration building. She used her allocated three minutes to slam Commissioner Ramirez for ditching this crucial discussion. "This is downright disrespectful," Melo said with fire in her eyes.
Turns out Ramirez was in Washington D.C., honoring Sgt. Billy Randolph, who tragically passed away on duty last year[1]. Tracey Knight, Ramirez's Chief of Staff, confirmed this in a written statement. Yet, Melo posed a valid point: "He ain't here listening to y'all, and that's just uncalled for."
The redistricting process came about back in April, orchestrated by the Republican County Commissioners, including Commissioner Ramirez, who claimed it was overdue to account for the county's population growth. They contend that Democrat-controlled precincts, like Commissioner Simmons' Precinct 2, could be at risk of losing their dominance if these precinct lines are redrawn[3].
Full of steam, speakers slammed Ramirez for not attending this meeting. Some felt overlooked, saying it was nothing more than an "echo chamber" of voices echoing for answers, others lamented the lack of information provided about the redistricting process[2]. Despite many opposing the proposal, there were a handful in support, like Fort Worth resident Harriet Harral, who defended the potential change, remarking that it wasn't racially motivated[2].
Luckily, y'all still got three more chances to be heard at the community town hall meetings coming up. Each meeting is open to the public, where you can take a gander at the proposed maps, share your thoughts, and perhaps, even catch ol' Commissioner Ramirez if he decides to grace the event:
- Precinct 1: 6 p.m. May 14 at the Como Community Center in southwest Fort Worth
- Precinct 2: 10 a.m. May 17 at the Tarrant County Subcourthouse in Arlington
- Precinct 3: 6 p.m. May 21 at the Gary Fickes Northeast Courthouse in Hurst
- Stacy Melo, echoing the sentiments of the crowd, expressed concern about Commissioner Manny Ramirez's absence during the community meeting on redistricting, stating, "Despite having the opportunity to attend, he isn't here to listen to our views."
- In the midst of a heated debate on the redistricting policy-and-legislation, Melo pointed out the lack of direct interaction between Commissioner Ramirez and the community, remarking, "Given that he works for our tax dollars, it seems unfair that we don't have a chance to directly communicate with him during these crucial discussions."
- During the general-news conference, Melo emphasized the significance of active community involvement in government decisions like redistricting, concluding, "Ultimately, it's our community's right to have our voices heard in discussions about policy-and-legislation that affect us, and this includes face-to-face communication with our elected representatives."
