Sheriff’s pique over Tarrant jail briefings robs us all of info we need | Opinion

Chalk up another blow to comity and simple respect among Tarrant County leaders.

Sheriff Bill Waybourn recently informed the Commissioners Court that he would no longer appear for a public briefing about incidents and conditions at the jail if it’s requested by Alisa Simmons, the Arlington Democrat who represents District 2. For the court’s Sept. 3 meeting, Waybourn sent an email explaining that Simmons’ “repeated lack of civility … towards Tarrant County staff is both hostile and unprofessional.”

It’s far from the first clash between Simmons and Republican leaders, though most of the battles have been within the court, particularly with County Judge Tim O’Hare. But none of that justifies Waybourn to simply refuse to work with someone who represents a quarter of the county and to again find reasons not to answer questions about inmate deaths and other concerns in the jail he runs.

In his message, Waybourn said his office routinely releases information about in-custody deaths. But his missive gave away how he really feels about anyone questioning his operation. The gruff lawman declared that if commissioners, other elected officials or even citizens want to know about jail operations, they can file a request for records under Texas’ public-information laws.

Any elected official should feel obligated to speak to public concerns, particularly those that are literally matters of life and death. Waybourn’s fit of pique smacks of a regal authority who doesn’t believe in the public service and obligation he espouses.

That’s not to say that commissioners can or should summon the sheriff, or any county elected official, as if they are in command. County governance is fractured, part of Texas’ diffuse power structure at every level. They are not the sheriff’s boss (or the district clerk’s, or the tax assessor-collector’s, or any elected judge’s).

But common sense and civility dictate that they all try to get along, share information and work together. Commissioners ultimately control the budget for Waybourn and other officials, and voters look to them to ensure efficient, effective operations.

The jail has been a sore spot for a while. Questions have mounted about several inmate deaths, culminating with one incident so poorly handled, that of Anthony Johnson Jr., that two former employees are charged with murder. The county has already authorized millions of dollars for legal representation and settlements. Commissioners need regular updates, and they need to be able to ask questions and drill down about Waybourn’s operation.

Simmons has become a particular source of frustration for Republican officials, and their political battles have escalated. O’Hare and his compatriots even took the unusual step of mid-decade redistricting with the clear intent of making it impossible for any Democrat to win Simmons’ seat. And she’s shown a willingness for sharp-elbowed combat, too.

The jail’s deficiencies are a problem for the entire county. Waybourn owes all of us an explanation and updates, not just Simmons. If she’s the one filing the request, so be it. He should show up for voters’ sake, not hers.

Since he won a third term in November, Waybourn has shown a willingness to push back on charges that the jail is mismanaged. He frequently notes, not without merit, that jailers often suddenly become responsible for people with years’ worth of health problems, substance abuse and complex medical needs. That does not absolve them of their duty to provide care, but it does explain that some deaths in the jail are sadly inevitable.

However, questions remain. In particular: What happened to minutes of video footage around the time of the medical emergency that led to the death of inmate Chastity Bonner? It was never turned over to the state, and we still don’t have an good explanation for why it’s missing.

But where does the sheriff spread this message? Mostly in friendly interviews and before partisan audiences. He should be more open, visit more civic groups and take more questions. And it shouldn’t take a formal records request to pry basic information out of his office.

Tension among elected officials, especially of different parties, is unavoidable. It can sometimes even be productive, leading to a full public debate of an important issue. We hope that behind closed doors, there’s a little more cooperation — and that other Republicans, not just Democrats, are nudging Waybourn in the right direction and demanding answers and action.

After all, if not, we all end up paying the cost in the end.