One candidate stands out in politically active Fort Worth City Council district
A year ago, we recommended that Democratic voters nominate Elizabeth Beck for a Texas House seat, predicting she had potential as a future leader in Austin.
She won the nomination but lost the general election. Now, voters in central-south Fort Worth have a chance to put her skills to use on the City Council, and we recommend that they do so.
Beck, a 38-year-old lawyer, stands out in a large field aiming to replace Ann Zadeh in District 9, one of the city’s most politically engaged districts. It includes areas such as downtown, Ryan Place, Mistletoe Heights and Fairmount.
Beck has good ideas on the policies most vital to the district. Downtown, for instance, suffered greatly from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the future of much office space is a question with the rise of working from home.
In our interviews with the candidates, Beck showed a good grasp of the issue, which will be important for the next council member. And she wants the city to consider bonds to improve transit options around the Cultural District and downtown.
The Panther Island project is a top concern in this district, too. Frustration over it is palpable, but Beck understands that the only solutions are patience with the federal appropriations process needed for the project’s flood-control aspects. Meanwhile, the city, the Tarrant Regional Water District and other local entities to push ahead with what will ultimately be an economic boon for the entire area.
In her House race, Beck’s down-the-line progressive policy stances hurt her campaign. But in the District 9 contest, those stances have her well aligned with many voters in the increasingly Democratic area.
Another candidate who shows promise is Fernando Peralta, a 28-year-old Texas Army National Guard specialist. He is president of Las Families de Rosemont, the neighborhood association in that area. He is deeply engaged on the issues and should consider future campaigns as well. Sabrina Renteria, a 37-year-old event producer, is also impressive for a first-time candidate, though she’ll need to offer more specifics next time around.
Also on the ballot are Ricardo Avitia, 41, a veterans education specialist; Doyle Fine, 67, an independent contractor; Jordan Mims, 25, an activist; Erik Richerson, 39, a business owner; and Jared Sloane, 36, an operations director.
The contest was shaken late Tuesday when candidate Darien George, a 43 year old executive search consultant, said he was leaving the race after he reportedly used a vulgar term to attack Mims after a candidate forum. The incident, which other attendees confirmed to a Star-Telegram reporter, followed a voter’s complaint that George was belligerent during a campaign stop. It’s best that he dropped out.
Early voting begins Monday and runs through April 27. Election Day is May 1. If no candidate wins a majority, the top two head to a June 5 runoff. The winner takes a two-year term paying $25,000 annually.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREHey, who is behind these endorsements?
Members of the Editorial Board, which serves as the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s institutional voice, decide candidates and positions to recommend to voters. The members of the board are: Cynthia M. Allen, columnist; Steve Coffman, editor and president; Bud Kennedy, columnist; Ryan J. Rusak, opinion editor; and Nicole Russell, opinion writer.
Members of our Community Advisory Board may also participate in candidate interviews and offer their views, but they do not vote on which candidate to recommend.
Read more by clicking the arrow in the upper right.
How does the process work?
The Editorial Board interviews candidates, asking about positions on issues, experience and qualifications, and how they would approach holding the office for which they are running. Board members do additional research on candidates’ backgrounds and the issues at hand. After that, members discuss the candidates and generally aim to arrive at a consensus, though not necessarily unanimity. All members contribute observations and ideas, so the resulting editorials represent the board’s view, not a particular writer.
How do partisanship and ideology factor in?
We’re not tied to one party or the other, and our positions on issues range across the ideological spectrum. We tend to prefer candidates who align with our previously stated positions, but qualifications, temperament and experience are important, too.
This story was originally published April 15, 2021 at 5:06 AM.