The best choice for Fort Worth council District 6 is sharp, young and experienced | Opinion
It’s not often you meet a person running for office who is sharp but genuine and experienced yet still youthful. Jared Williams has brought those qualities to bear in southwest Fort Worth’s City Council District 6 and deserves another term.
In our interview, Williams, a 33-year-old nonprofit executive and owner of a real estate company, brought warmth and knowledge about the district he has represented since 2021.
While others may attempt to serve by observing from afar, Williams’ hands-on approach has paid off. He knows about the intricacies of his district, down to which intersection might need a stop sign or two to help deter street racing and even how to handle a peculiar instance of an infestation of egrets, protected birds that often migrate across District 6.
Williams, who lives in Hulen Bend Estates, wants to prioritize the voices of his constituents and continue to address youth gun violence, expanding cooperation among police, educators and residents. He knows congestion is an ongoing problem in the Chisholm Trail area and pledges to work on solutions.
Residents have long wanted and waited for a premium grocery store in their vicinity and Williams hinted that details about an H-E-B near The Shops at Chisholm Trail might be coming soon.
The biggest thing Williams has learned since 2021? “Residents want input on their city services,” he said. If re-elected, Williams says he hopes to continue reaching out to hear what residents want done.
Also running are Tonya Carter, who did not respond to an interview request, and Italia De La Cruz, a favorite of conservative activists who declined to be interviewed.
Early voting starts April 24 and ends May 2. Election day is May 6. If no candidate receives an outright majority of the votes, the top two will advance to a runoff. It’s a two-year term that pays $25,000 a year.
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.
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