Here’s Democrats’ best bet to take on Tarrant sheriff, tackle problems in county jail | Opinion
In Tarrant County, one of the most pressing issues for the sheriff is to reduce jail deaths and improve overall conditions. It will be the defining issue for incumbent Bill Waybourn and his challenger this fall.
Two Democrats are running in the party’s primary, and both express concern about this issue. While both candidates are likable and qualified, we think retired federal law enforcement officer Patrick Moses, 60, would be best qualified to manage the jail and represent the party this fall.
Moses said in our interview with the candidates that he would prioritize jail administration and use his background in law enforcement to better organize and manage the sheriff’s staff.
“I’m from the school of thought that public service is a noble calling,” Moses told us. “It’s not about personal ambition, indeed, it’s about the common good.”
He said of Waybourn: “Instead of following the constitutional duty of the sheriff, he’s chasing the ghosts of voter fraud,” noting the sheriff’s emphasis on voter fraud and his participation in a county task force on the issue, despite little evidence of significant issues in Tarrant County.
A resident of Mansfield, Moses is hoping to provide a sense of trustworthiness, accomplish executive leadership, and bring accountability to the Sheriff’s Office. He’s dialed in on specific needs in the community and the steps that might actually curb jail deaths.
Moses’ opponent, Indyra Murray, 37, also notes concerns about jail deaths. A resident of Fort Worth, Murray brings 15 years of experience in law and family services and currently works as a community engagement officer with the Kennedale Police Department. But she has never managed an enterprise as sweeping as the Sheriff’s Office, and in our interview, she struggled to provide detail on her goals for the office’s functions.
Early voting starts Feb. 20 and runs until March 1. The primary is March 5. The winner of this Democratic primary will face Waybourn, who has no primary opponent. The sheriff is elected every four years.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREHey, who is behind these endorsements?
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, 2024 at 10:04 AM.