The race for the Democratic nomination for Tarrant County judge should be a lay-up for Tarrant County Commissioner Alisa Simmons.
Simmons would have faced a tough opponent in U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey, who was a victim of mid-decade redistricting, but only a week after filing to run for county judge, Veasey dropped out.
In an interview, Simmons, 62, told us she’s focused on fiscal responsibility and accountability. She pointed out that she voted with County Judge Tim O’Hare, a Republican, on lowering taxes the first two years they served together. Tarrant County has dropped its tax rate every year since at least 2016. But Simmons said the latest budget, which went into effect Oct. 1, cuts too deep.
“We can run a lean county government without hollowing out its heart,” Simmons wrote.
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Simmons said the new tax rate, which at $0.1862 per $100 valuation is below the no-new-revenue threshold, is so lean that the county may have to dip into savings. This could affect its bond rating in addition to services already being affected. In August, the county disbanded its Human Services Department.
Simmons opposed county redistricting efforts last year, which she called an attempt to draw her out of her seat. And she opposed changes to the number and location of polling places this election cycle.
Simmons is vocal about the need for reform at the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office. In September, Sheriff Bill Waybourn, a Republican, refused to continue briefings to the commissioners court, saying Simmons had displayed a “repeated lack of civility.” That label that could hurt Simmons in November.
Simmons’ primary opponent is Millennium Anton C. Woods Jr., 26, a contractor. Woods ran for Fort Worth mayor last year. In his Voter Guide questionnaire then, he demonstrated limited understanding of local government. Simmons is the clear choice here.
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