Tarrant needs a strong executive as county judge. Here’s our Republican primary pick
The COVID-19 pandemic taught us something many may have forgotten: County government matters.
The county judge, presiding officer of the Commissioners Court that oversees county operations, has to be someone who makes strong appointments. He or she must be able to connect people and have the patience and skill to navigate among dozens of other elected officials across Tarrant County and its cities. It’s a spot for a facilitator, not a partisan warrior.
In the Republican primary, that describes Betsy Price. She brings the right mix of experience and temperament to the job.
Price, 72, is best known from her tenure as Fort Worth’s longest-serving mayor, which ended last year. Before that, she was the Tarrant County tax assessor, so she’s got deep knowledge of government at several levels.
An example of Price’s effectiveness comes on the vexatious Panther Island project. It languished for years as various public entities squabbled and the federal government hesitated to fund it, all amid growing public perception of mismanagement or corruption — or both.
Price pushed for an outside review of the project, which was completed in 2019 and led to organizational changes and a renewed focus on flood control. Now, the project is moving again, including the long-awaited U.S. Army Corps of Engineers funding.
As mayor, Price helped contain property taxes, and she drew attention as a rare Republican mayor of a large city, showcasing a conservatism that can address urban challenges.
Price’s chief rival, lawyer Tim O’Hare, brings his own brand of conservative zeal. In our joint interview of the candidates, the 52-year-old Southlake resident offered interesting ideas about reforming county government.
O’Hare wants to create an “election integrity officer” position to evaluate county processes and help deter fraud. We don’t think it’s necessary, but perhaps it would finally convince some Republican voters of the truth, that Tarrant County elections are largely secure. O’Hare also pitches significant cuts in property taxes and, to his credit, details how to pay for them.
As a City Council member and mayor of Farmers Branch, he led the way on an ill-conceived ordinance to prevent landlords from renting to those in the country illegally. It was unconstitutional and cost the city a huge amount in legal fees.
O’Hare more recently organized the Southlake Families PAC that led to huge conservative victories at the City Council and school board. He pledges to continue the fight against critical race theory and progressivism generally. But even if those battles are worthy, it’s not for the county judge to fight them.
Among other candidates is Byron Bradford, 52, of North Richland Hills. He’s an affable military veteran but doesn’t offer a lot of specifics. Robert Trevor Buker, 38, of Fort Worth rails against the current county administration but isn’t ready for high office. Also on the ballot is Kristen Collins of Fort Worth, who appears to be doing no campaigning.
There’s nothing wrong with leaders who fight for what they and their constituents believe in. But doing so can’t overwhelm the important functions of a post like county judge. Price’s mix of temperament, experience and knowledge is best for Tarrant County.
If there’s no outright winner, the top two finishers will advance to a May runoff and will eventually face one of two Democrats in November. The winner will replace longtime County Judge Glen Whitley starting next year.
Early voting starts Monday and runs through Feb. 25. Election Day is March 1.
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 February 13, 2022 at 5:03 AM.