Check out the Star-Telegram’s endorsements in top Tarrant County races | Opinion

It’s been a sleepy election cycle for Tarrant County local offices. Perhaps it’s the hangover of a national election or the deluge of news from Washington. Maybe it’s the lack of a marquee race to drive turnout. Whatever the reason, few contests appear to be registering on most voters’ radar.

Which isn’t to say they aren’t important. Fort Worth will elect the mayor and City Council that will approve the next major bond package in a growing city with more needs than it can fund at once. The board members tasked with reversing years of academic failure in the Fort Worth school district will be chosen. And several suburban races will help decide the direction of large districts, especially the fractured Keller ISD.

The Editorial Board spent weeks interviewing and researching candidates. Nearly four dozen hopefuls in 18 races met with us. Here are our endorsements:

CITY OF FORT WORTH

Mayor: In two terms, Mattie Parker has demonstrated leadership in a job that doesn’t create much actual power. Her work to bring focus to the Fort Worth ISD’s literacy crisis planted the seeds for possible improvement, and she has a smart sense of how to balance continued growth with the challenges it creates.

District 2: Carlos Flores is poised to become the longest-tenured council member. His work representing neighborhoods affected by Stockyards development is one reason why, and he brings a thoughtful approach to citywide issues.

District 3: West side constituents are well-represented by Michael Crain. The incumbent has tackled improvements in the Las Vegas Trail area as well as the infrastructure needed in the booming communities that spill over into Parker County.

District 4: Charlie Lauersdorf showed courage in standing up for his constituents in the proposed Keller school district divide. He is deeply engaged in the issues of traffic and other concerns spawned by north Fort Worth’s boom.

District 5: Stop Six and northeast Fort Worth would benefit from the leadership and connections of Michael Moore after retiring council member Gyna Bivens’ long tenure. Moore has served in several city appointed positions, experience his five rivals can’t match.

District 6: This open seat should go to Mia Hall. The Crowley school trustee offers specific ideas to address areas from education to economic development.

District 8: Incumbent Chris Nettles is frequently involved in political scuffles, but he’s a fighter for a district with plenty of needs. His continued push for police accountability and economic development will benefit constituents.

District 9: Elizabeth Beck is in step with this district, which includes downtown and the West 7th area. She has navigated tricky politics representing downtown and addressing crime and nuisances in the entertainment district.

District 11: Jeanette Martinez has earned a second term representing this sprawling district, which includes Echo Heights, Meadowbrook, Riverside, Rosemont and Worth Heights. Her experience working for Tarrant County commissioners gives her intimate knowledge of the area and how to move levers in government.

FORT WORTH ISD

District 1: Camille Rodriguez is a north side native with a good grasp of what schools there need. She’s been bullish on getting the board and administration to focus on student achievement.

District 7: Michael Ryan represents the southwest Fort Worth and Benbrook district, just about the only spot of significant growth in FWISD. He’s in touch with its needs without ignoring what’s best for the district as a whole.

District 9: As board president, Roxanne Martinez has pushed for changes in response to the literacy crisis. In another term, we believe, she’ll push for improved governance and accountability to goals for improvement.

TARRANT REGIONAL WATER DISTRICT BOARD

Voters can choose three of the four candidates on the ballot. We recommend Leah King, Jonathan Killebrew, and Skylar O’Neal. King, the only incumbent seeking reelection, has been instrumental to the board’s improved governance and transparency. Killebrew brings a building and construction background that can help inform conversation efforts. O’Neal shows promise in nudging the district forward on communication and technology issues.

KELLER ISD

Place 1: Scott Bruce promises to bring a conservative perspective but will be focused on student achievement and data-driven decisions, not culture war distractions.

Place 2: Incumbent Joni Shaw Smith stood fast amid the district breakup debate, raising questions about communication and financial issues, earning her another term.

Place 3: Chelsea Kelly was the other trustee who stood up for voters, taxpayers and families in the split debate, showing an independence that merits re-election.

GRAPEVINE-COLLEYVILLE ISD

Place 3: Matt Foust would stand apart from the far-right politics that have captivated the school board and push for a focus on student achievement.

NORTHWEST ISD

Place 3: Between two deserving candidates, we give an edge to Jeff Dearing. His experience within Northwest ISD, including the district’s fundraising foundation, gives him a head start on understanding the district’s needs.