This council candidate gets our endorsement in Fort Worth area roiled by Keller ISD | Opinion
Leadership, or the lack of it, often shows itself when the unexpected arises.
For Fort Worth City Council member Charlie Lauersdorf, that moment arrived when a faction of the Keller school board attempted to break apart the school district, which would have affected thousands of Lauersdorf’s constituents.
When it became clear that some might attempt such a huge change without an election, Lauersdorf was among those who said: No. He was one of the first elected officials to make it broadly known that the plot was afoot and to demand transparency, a politically risky thing to do. And he’s following through even with the Keller split dead, pushing for legislation to require an election to divide a school district.
It was a big bite for a first-term councilman, and that alone merits his re-election in north Fort Worth’s District 4.
Lauersdorf is also properly focused on the district’s biggest ongoing frustration, traffic and poorly maintained roads. In an interview with the Editorial Board, he rattled off a host of areas he’d like to see addressed in the bond package the city plans for 2026.
The 42-year-old owner of a real-estate photography business, who’s also a Marine reservist, knows that development will continue in his already packed part of the city. But he’s pushing to ensure infrastructure is in place ahead of it and builders are held to account for smarter plans.
Lauersdorf, a Parkwood Hills resident, surprised us, too, by bringing up the lack of input and political participation by apartment dwellers in the city. Some leaders in suburban or outlying areas often treat apartments like nothing but a hassle. Lauersdorf said he wants to find ways to draw the residents into the process.
Lauersdorf’s opponent is Teresa Ramirez, a small business owner. It’s a rematch from 2023, and Ramirez also ran in a 2022 special council election and for state representative in 2024. She seems engaged in her community but can’t match Lauersdorf’s qualifications.
Council members are elected to two-year terms. Early voting begins April 22 and ends April 29. Election Day is May 3.
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; Bradford William Davis, columnist and editorial writer; Bud Kennedy, columnist; and Ryan J. Rusak, opinion editor.
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.