Statement from Commissioner Simmons setting the record straight on redistricting misinformation

County Judge Tim O’Hare has irresponsibly and dishonestly communicated incomplete and inaccurate redistricting information to the public as he finally emerged today to conduct media interviews.

REDISTRICTING HISTORY IN TARRANT COUNTY

Just like Dallas, Harris, Bexar, and Travis counties, Tarrant County fulfilled its duty to redistrict in 2021 following the 2020 Census.

A Texas-based law firm that specializes in redistricting guided the county through a detailed and deliberate process over months with extensive community involvement.

Because the existing boundaries were well within the allowed deviation, complied fully with state and federal law, and fairly reflected both the political and racial makeup of our county, they were confirmed by a bipartisan vote.

OTHER COUNTIES

Changes were made in the other counties’ boundaries because they had to be changed. In each case, those counties’ existing maps were illegally out of balance, and redrawing was mandated.

Also, each of those counties were able to achieve their political goals without undermining minority voting strength or violating the voting rights of any citizen. None of them have engaged in a mid-decade redraw.

Comparing Tarrant to these counties is dishonest, and any statement that Tarrant County did not fulfill its responsibility to redistrict in 2021 is blatantly false. Tim O’Hare knows this but, inexcusably, is coercing local leaders to repeat his lie.

The population growth in Tarrant County has been significant. The 2020 Census remains the most accurate and reliable measure. It indicated that growth has been relatively even across our county.

Moreover, it showed that the Black, Hispanic, and Asian populations combined increased by more than 300,000 people, while the Anglo population decreased by more than 32,000 people. Adopting a redistricting plan that destroys the voting strength of our large, established, and growing minority population is illegal and irresponsible. It will do irreparable damage to our county.

BUSINESS CLIMATE

Yes, the business climate in Tarrant County is good. We are blessed that Fortune 500 and other companies are relocating here. They are doing so under the current map.

There is no evidence that any company ruled out Tarrant County based on our Commissioners Court map. However, should O’Hare continue forward with his intentionally discriminatory attack on the voting rights of hundreds of thousands of Tarrant minority citizens, he could badly damage our county’s reputation across the state and nation and undermine confidence and goodwill that serve Tarrant County citizens so well. A redraw won’t protect Tarrant County; it will weaken it.

LOCAL LEADERS

I was disappointed but not surprised that the mayors of the northeast Tarrant County cities of Keller, Southlake, Colleyville, and North Richland Hills succumbed to pressure and are advancing the lies of County Judge Tim O’Hare.

I respect the offices they hold, but they are badly misinformed. None of the points made in their letter are accurate.

None of the mayors signing the letter are affected by boundary changes in any of the proposed maps. Their cities remain untouched. They may not be aware of the horrible damage the proposed maps will do to other cities in our county. Moreover, Judge O’Hare has irresponsibly, again, encouraged them to go public with false information. They mistakenly put their trust in him. O’Hare owes them an apology.