Candidates in Democratic runoff for Tarrant County Commissioner Precinct 1
Roderick Miles Jr.
Age: 52
Campaign website: www.milesfortarrant.org
Best way for voters to reach you: info@milesfortarrant.org
Education: BA Psychology, hours toward a Master of Divinity degree
Have you run for elected office before?: No
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. - participated in our voteless is a hopeless people voter registration drive. Member of the A Phillip Randolph Institute Fort Worth chapterMember of the Fort Worth Tarrant County chapter of the NAACPChair of the Greater Fort Worth MLK Jr Holiday Comm. - planned and oversaw the MLK Parade and Rally for 9 years. I served on the Harambe Festival Lifetime Achievement Award luncheon.
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: No
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: No
Who are your top three campaign contributors?: Nancy Rimmer, Roy Charles Brooks, For the Children PAC
Why are you running for this seat?: I am running for the seat of Tarrant County Commissioner, Precinct One, to further my lifelong commitment to serving our community. Growing up in Tarrant County and witnessing the positive impact of my grandparents’ community involvement, I developed a deep sense of responsibility towards our residents. My extensive experience, including my role as the Executive Administrator of Programs and Outreach for Tarrant County Commissioner Roy Charles Brooks, has equipped me to address the diverse needs of our community effectively.My campaign is focused on key areas such as Healthcare, Infrastructure, Protecting Our Families and Neighbors, and Responsible Tax Relief. As a resident who has both witnessed and contributed to the growth and development of Precinct One, I understand the challenges and opportunities we face. My goal is to champion policies that ensure a vibrant, safe, and prosperous community for all, building on our strengths and addressing our challenges with innovative and inclusive solutions. Your support would be an honor, allowing me to continue advocating for and serving the community that is so dear to me.
What is the most important distinction between you and your opponents?: The most significant distinction between me and my opponents lies in my extensive experience and deep community roots. Having worked as the Executive Administrator of Programs and Outreach for Tarrant County Commissioner Roy Charles Brooks, I have a comprehensive understanding of the inner workings of the county government and the specific needs of our community. This experience equips me to step into the role of County Commissioner on day one, ensuring a seamless transition and immediate effectiveness in addressing our community’s challenges. Moreover, my lifelong residency in Tarrant County has given me a profound understanding of the issues we face. My family’s legacy in the community and my personal and professional experiences have provided me with unique insights into the aspirations and struggles of our residents. I am deeply connected to the community, not just in terms of residing here, but in actively working and engaging with the people, understanding their concerns, and being part of the solutions.These factors distinctly position me to serve effectively as County Commissioner. I am not just familiar with the challenges of our community; I have actively been a part of addressing them for years. My campaign is built on this foundation of experience and deep community connection, focusing on real issues and practical solutions that resonate with the needs of Precinct One.
What are the three biggest issues in this race?: The three pivotal issues in this race for Tarrant County Commissioner, Precinct One, are safeguarding our public health safety net, particularly the JPS Healthcare system, tackling rising property taxes alongside creating high-quality jobs with living wages, and implementing criminal justice reform, with a focus on addressing county jail challenges.Protecting the JPS Healthcare system is essential. It’s the cornerstone of our community’s health and trauma services, especially for the most vulnerable. My aim is to ensure it receives the support and resources needed to provide comprehensive care for all residents.Rising property taxes are a growing concern for residents. We need strategies that not only address this issue but also promote economic growth by ensuring the creation of high quality jobs in our county that provide living wages. This balance is key to maintaining affordability and economic vitality.Criminal justice reform is also crucial. The county jail faces serious issues over overcrowding and the need for fair treatment. We must pursue reforms that address these issues and look at alternatives to incarceration that emphasize rehabilitation and lower recidivism rates.Addressing these challenges is vital for the prosperity and well-being of Precinct One, and I am committed to practical, equitable solutions for each.
How do you plan to work with the other Commissioners on the court?: My ten years of experience working for County Commissioner Roy Charles Brooks has given me an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of county government. This experience is invaluable in my ability to effectively collaborate with other Commissioners on the court. I have existing relationships with key staff and current members of the County Commissioner’s Court, which will facilitate constructive dialogue and collaborative efforts.I recognize that disagreements on policies are a natural part of the democratic process. However, it’s the responsibility of a Commissioner to persistently pursue solutions to the issues we face, and to build coalitions across different communities. My approach is rooted in open communication, mutual respect, and a commitment to finding common ground, even in the midst of differing viewpoints.My goal is to leverage my experience, relationships, and understanding of county government to work effectively with my colleagues on the court. Together, we can implement solutions that address the needs and challenges of our communities in Tarrant County, fostering an environment of cooperation and progress.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term?: During my term as County Commissioner for Precinct One, I aim to address the key issues I’ve outlined with tangible solutions, creating the Tarrant County we all deserve. My focus will be on ensuring a robust public health safety net, particularly strengthening the JPS Healthcare system to provide comprehensive care for all residents. Tackling rising property taxes and fostering economic growth through high-quality jobs with living wages is another priority, as these are essential for the prosperity and stability of our community.Criminal justice reform, specifically addressing the challenges within our county jail, is also at the forefront of my agenda. Implementing effective, humane solutions that reduce overcrowding and recidivism while ensuring fair treatment is crucial.Additionally, I plan to champion initiatives that enhance infrastructure resilience in the face of climate change and ensure safe, affordable housing for all residents, including our seniors. My commitment is to bring about measurable improvements in these areas, working collaboratively with other members of the Commissioner’s Court and the community.In summary, my goal is to implement solutions that reflect the needs and aspirations of our residents. I envision a Tarrant County where every individual has access to quality healthcare, a safe and affordable home, and a fair justice system, underpinned by a thriving and inclusive economy.
What do you see as the biggest issue facing Tarrant County?: The biggest issue facing Tarrant County today is the need to balance robust economic growth with the essential services that ensure a high quality of life for all our residents. This includes strengthening our healthcare system, particularly the JPS Healthcare network, to provide comprehensive care for everyone, addressing rising property taxes to maintain affordability, and creating high-quality jobs that offer living wages.Simultaneously, we face the challenge of implementing effective criminal justice reform, particularly in addressing the issues within our county jail. This involves reducing overcrowding, ensuring humane treatment, and focusing on rehabilitation to decrease recidivism.These challenges are interconnected and require a multi-faceted approach. My focus will be on developing and implementing strategies that ensure economic prosperity while maintaining and enhancing the vital services that our community relies on. Ensuring a balanced and equitable approach to these issues is key to creating the thriving, resilient Tarrant County we all envision.
How will you measure your success in this position?: Success in my position as County Commissioner for Precinct One will be measured by tangible improvements in the key areas I am committed to addressing. This includes the enhancement of our public health safety net, particularly the JPS Healthcare system, ensuring it provides comprehensive and accessible care for all residents.Another crucial measure will be the impact of our initiatives on managing rising property taxes, and our effectiveness in creating high-quality jobs that pay living wages, fostering economic stability and growth in Tarrant County.Additionally, progress in criminal justice reform, especially in terms of reducing overcrowding in our county jail, implementing fair treatment practices, and successfully reducing recidivism rates, will be a significant metric.I will also gauge success by our community’s resilience in the face of climate challenges and our advancements in providing safe, affordable housing for all residents, including seniors.Ultimately, my success will be determined by the well-being and satisfaction of the residents of Precinct One. It’s about making a real difference in the lives of the people we serve, ensuring Tarrant County is a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Regular community feedback, transparent reporting, and continuous engagement with residents will be essential in measuring the effectiveness and impact of our policies and initiatives.
Kathleen Hicks
Age: 51
Campaign website: KathleenHicks.org
Best way for voters to reach you: Phone 817-713-1250, Email Kathleen.hicks@sbcglobal.net, Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter - KathleenHicks
Occupation: Director of Not for Profit
Education: Master’s in International Relations-Nottingham University, Nottingham England BA in Politics, Honor’s in History-Mount Holyoke College Junior Year Abroad, Oxford University
Have you run for elected office before?: Youngest elected woman to Fort Worth City Council 2005-2012, Mayor Pro Tem, Ran for Congress 2012
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Board of Directors-James L West Center for Dementia, American Red Cross Greater North Texas Region, Amon Carter Musuem Ambassadors Council, Modern Arts Musuem of Fort Worth, Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation and director emeritus of Fort Worth Symphony. I am a life member of the NAACP and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: No
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: No.
Who are your top three campaign contributors?: Michael Mallick, Rosa Navejar and Alonza Anderson
Why are you running for this seat?: I have a deep background in local government having served on the Fort Worth City Council. I feel precinct 1 deserves a leader with a proven history of uplifting the community, delivering positive economic development, and infrastructure enhancements. Renaissance Square is the largest economic development ever created in the area. With a quality grocery store, affordable housing, and other amenities, the development has been a game changer for a community that for too long has been over-looked and underserved. As your County Commissioner, I will ensure NO area is left behind.
What is the most important distinction between you and your opponents?: My experience and my ability to work with diverse individuals to come to a consensus that benefits our county.
What are the three biggest issues in this race?: Healthcare - Tarrant County residents deserve quality health care. I will work tirelessly to improve and promote our hospital system. Infrastructure - our County continues to grow at a record pace. We must address these challenges with innovative transportation solutions. Public safety - ensuring the safety of residents while also ensuring their rights are respected.
How do you plan to work with the other Commissioners on the court?: I have a clear history of working and collaborating with my colleagues on the Fort Worth City Council to get things accomplished. As Dr Martin Luther King once asserted “we may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.” I will continue with this work ethic for the betterment of Tarrant County.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term?: I hope to be proactive in bringing residents together. I hope to address infrastructure needs in our Precinct.I wish to support JPS Heath Network as it resides in 76104, a zip code with the lowest life expectancy in Texas and also a troubled infant mortality rate. I will work with the Sheriff to ensure transparency with the community while promoting safety throughout our county.
What do you see as the biggest issue facing Tarrant County?: Growth - Tarrant County is one the fastest growing counties in the country. We must be proactive in delivering services as we address the growth in every quadrant of our County.
How will you measure your success in this position?: I will feel successful when residents tell me that they feel heard, appreciated and see positive change!
This story was originally published February 15, 2024 at 10:41 AM.
