Tarrant County Silenced

By Nisie

The voices of constituents in Tarrant County have been effectively silenced after two critical votes were passed at the commissioner’s court earlier this week. Despite major pushback from voters, Republican commissioners voted to limit public speaking time and to expand their partnership with ICE. 

Public Speaking Time Limits

Before, voters could respond to each agenda item for 3 minutes. In those 3 minutes, those who have comments can speak on a first-come, first-served basis. The new rules have drastically cut down the time for public comment to just 3 minutes per meeting. Tarrant County Jude Tim O'Hare has been known to be sensitive to criticism, constructive or not. The signal to voters is “Shut up, Listen and Obey”. 

Expanded County Sheriff Partnership with ICE

Tarrant County voters have made it clear through countless demonstrations and public comments that they do not want Tarrant to expand the partnership with ICE. Still, since Bill Waybourne became Sheriff in 2017, the partnership with ICE has expanded more than once. Instead of seeking additional funding to improve the Tarrant County jail or address other safety concerns, they are solely focused on their own personal agendas. 

Editor’s Note

Republicans in Tarrant County have made a clear stance against taxpayers, satisfying their own need for power and control takes priority over community and safety. Giving local police federal authority to go after undocumented immigrants sets a dangerous precedent. We all have witnessed the horrors that unfolded in Minnesota, and we do not want that here. Tim O'Hare rules over Tarrant County like he has a lifetime seat, but that is his delusion, not ours. More than ever before, voting locally is crucial to real positive change in your community.