All right. Another house. Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music] There's a picture there. [Music] How much time you
What's wrong? [Music] [Music] [Music] Is [Music] there Yeah. Heat. It's okay. Where is the
[Music] Are we live? Yes, sir. Okay. Good morning, everyone. Welcome to the Tarant County Commission Court meeting for Tuesday, June 3rd of 2025. I now call the meeting to order. Tim O'Hare, County Judge, present. Roger Miley, Jr., commissioner precinct one, here. Alisa
Simmons, commissioner precinct 2, here. Matt Krauss, commissioner precinct 3, present. Randy Ramirez, commissioner prest. Thank you very much. Today's invocation will be led by Pastor John Salvon from Bear Creek Bible Church in Keller. Please rise for the invocation and
pledges of [Music] allegiance. Good morning. Let's pray together. Our gracious heavenly father, you are a faithful God, one who has done no wrong. And father, today we pray for all levels of our government. We pray
for our president, our congress, our courts, our state government. We also pray here now in this place. We pray for our county government. And so, Father, we pray for wisdom. We know in your word that wisdom comes from a reverence for
you. So, we show you at this time in this place, we show you a holy reverence and respect. We recognize who you are and who you're making us into being. And so, Father, we pray for these commissioners that you would give them
wisdom and understanding and knowledge to make decisions, decisions hopefully based upon biblical principles, principles upon which our nation was founded. And so, Father, today we pray for our commissioners and we pray that
they would be a blessing to the people of this place that we call home, Taran County, Texas. We pray this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen. Thank you, pastor. Please join me in the pledge of allegiance to our flag. I pledge
algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. And now the Texas flag.
The Texas flag. I aliance to the Texas one state under God. One and indivisible. Thank you. You may be seated. Mr. Merritt, do we have any agenda announcements? I do. Bear with me one
second, please. Let me make sure I have my correct item numbers here. Okay. So, we have three items uh that we are going to not ask the court to take action on today. Uh those items are all under reports and business. The first one is
item F1. The second item is [Applause] H4. And the third item is K2. Are all of those consent? No. The first
item F1 was not consent. Okay. two are uh H4 and K2 were consent. Okay. Thank you. All right. Thank you. Okay. Do we have any commissioner's court announcements? Yes, judge. Uh you
are going to do employee recognition this morning, but I wanted to steal some of your thunder. Um give a huge congratulations to Precinct 1's very own Joe Traml. He's our director of field operations. he is achieving 20 years of
service with Taran County. Thank you Joe for being such a valuable part of our team. Uh also I want to congratulate the great Lake Ko neighborhood association on their recent national recognition at the
neighborhoods USA conference. KO earned first place in the physical revitalization and beautifification category and for the second year in a row they've been named the overall neighborhood of the year for the entire United States. A welldeserved honor.
Let's give it up [Applause] [Music] for and lastly June is Pride Month. As we celebrate the vibrant LGBTQ plus community, let us honor the progress that we have made and recognize the work
that still lies ahead. May we all be inspired to continue our journey towards justice and inclusivity. Thank you, judge. All right. Anybody else? I have one. Uh we are very excited. The folks up in Northwest Taran County understand this.
Uh the Vista Ranch neighborhood in deep northwest Taran County has been blocked. Um, it's a it's what we call a lollipop neighborhood. They built one road in and one road out whenever they built this neighborhood and it always gets I say always because it happens dang near always. It gets blocked by a train the
entrance to their neighborhood uh for sometimes hours at a time. And so it's been an issue for them for the last 10 to 15 years. Uh and so we took action about a year and a half ago to plan to get them another road. uh we purchased the rideway and the property to do it and we actually just started
construction on the Tinsel Lane extension to give those neighbors uh a new route for safety sake, for convenience sake in the event that there's ever a train blockage of the neighborhood again. So, uh that's 1.25 miles that our crews are out there working on today and so we're very excited for that neighborhood that that
that's happened. That's fantastic. Awesome. That's awesome. All right. Anybody else have anything? All right. Now we go to the proclamations, resolutions, and presentation section. The first item up is employee recognition. Uh we always
want to honor our employees, all of them, but especially those who have been with us for 5 years or longer, and we do this usually at the beginning of each month. So for those who are here today, I'm going to ask you to stand when I call your name, uh so we can recognize you. For our five-year employees, we
have Julian Barahas, Ratisha Bean, Paula Bell, Sharon Cassiday, Hannah Courier, Samuel Hernandez, Joshua
Kersner, Jody Clan, Steven Miller, Stuart Neil, Ian Patterson, and Andrew Vandoff II. Thank you all very much for coming here. We appreciate
[Music] you. Now for our 10year employees, uh please rise as I call your name. Darla Dao, Clint Dew, Michael Grundy, Taana
Hearns, Jose Hernandez, Ryan Hill, Judge Ryan Hill, Joshua Horn, Jasmine Howard, Iman Atani, Tracy Johnston, well, our very own Rodri Miles
Jr. So, uh, you might just go David Nun, Sandra Poso, Chavez, Luis Santos, Sean Seria, and Jessica
Theorough. Thank you all for 10 years. We appreciate you. [Music] Uh 15-year employees, please rise as I call your name. Jeffrey Arneer, Senior, David
Bridgewwater, Jordan Casus, David Dowster, Marsha Haro, Chanel Mclucas, Eduardo Paragos, Kelly
Raina, Peggy Rodriguez Montinez, and Sabrina Vanzant. Thank you all very much. We appreciate you. Now for our 20-year employees, two decades with Tarant County. Anil
Bologongi. Did I get that right? No, I didn't. But thank you. Uh Randy Dillard, uh Frank Espinosa, Zena Lavine, Claudia
Luna, Jason Murphy, Meredith Tiarina, Joe Traml, and Steven Trujillo. Thank you guys for 20 years.
We appreciate you all. All right, we have two 25-year employees to recognize today. Uh the first is Cynthia Weaver. Cynthia, here. Hello. How are you? Uh she's been with us 25 years. She's
executive secretary and administrative assistant with CSC. She was born in San Jose, California. Went to Everman High School. uh has two children and three grandchildren, a a baby one. Well, I guess a couple of them are pretty pretty
close. Uh she likes to work in her yard, loves garage sales, thrifting, camping, and tending to her six chickens. I got to read their names. Moira, Pearl, Apple, Cinnamon, Wilma, and Betty. Which one is your favorite?
No, they don't understand. You can say it. Um, they started with 10 chickens but had to get rid of Johnny Rose and Henry the Roosters because they started to chase us when we got close to the hens. Um, we also had two other hens
named Felman Louise, but they're no longer with us. Uh, I and Black Felman Louise no longer with us. Um, other job titles she's had with the county, she started her career at CSCD in 2000 and moved within the department as clerical support uh in probation
processing. She worked as a victim services clerk, a training assistant, and then promoted to where she is today and she's been she started there in 2007, has been there ever since. uh most memorable moment when their previous director Leighton Isles helped
uh the team adopt and follow a records retention schedule back in 2010. Uh those before her saved every piece of paper and stored it away in file cabinets for over 30 years. It was a huge undertaking to go through everything to figure out what to save and then to scan. I bet. And then what
she likes the most. She's so grateful for her job and the benefits that come along with it, but she's most grateful for the people she works with. um and her CSCD family makes it enjoyable every day and I have no doubt you make it enjoyable for them. So, thank you for your 25 years, Cynthia. We appreciate
you. Next, we have Carrie Maldonado. Hi, Carrie. How are you? 25 years with us. Uh child support officer 2. Born in is York, Nebraska. Make sure I have my ne right. Yeah. New York, Nebraska. Went to a
Lincoln Southeast High School. Uh went to college at the University of Nebraska. And so I went and watched a Texas game in Lincoln one year. And uh we won last minute field goal. I walked into a restaurant after it was over and
it was literally nothing but a sea of red and they were the nicest, most gracious people. It was unbelievable how nice they were. Amazing that crowd and that fan base up there. Um, you have two sons and a bonus
daughter. In fact, no one knows about you. You were a few credits short of becoming an elementary teacher. What she likes to do for fun, spend time with her kids and grandkids and travel. And other job titles she has had with the county, she doesn't remember them all, but one
of them was go something or another. Her most memorable moment was working a case where we went as far as criminal nonsup support and then watched this father turn his life around and become a positive part of his children's lives again. And you know what? We we can do a
better job of telling the story about how many lives in Tarant County folks like you help turn around. Uh what she likes the most, the impact that uh her department has on the lives of families that they serve. So Carrie, thank you
for 25 years. We appreciate you very [Music] much. One more to recognize, but she's not attending today. She's on vacation, but Mary Gutierrez with human services has been with us for 30 years. So Mary, hope you're enjoying your vacation. And
let's give her a big round of applause for three decades of service. [Music] All right. I'll make a motion to receive and file employee recognition. Second. We have a motion to second. Any
discussion? All right. Please cast your votes. All right. That passes unanimously. Now, for all of our employees who are here uh to be recognized either in this room or somewhere else, you are now welcome to leave. You certainly don't have to, but you're welcome to leave if you would
like to go to the reception on the fourth floor. Again, thank you. Let's give all them a big round of [Music] applause. Take care. All right. The next item on our agenda is a resolution recognizing Tarant County Facilities
Mailroom Supervisor Richard Baron for 11 years of service. Commissioner Simmons. Thank you. I should have waited. I had a singing. Yeah. [Music]
[Applause] Yeah. Heat. Did she leave too? Yeah. Go ahead. Did she say she was going to find I think she was going to
move that last or what? Yeah. All right. Right now, we're going to skip the next item on the agenda and see if uh Richard makes it. So, we will move to item C, which is a proclamation for the gate house and their 10th
anniversary. Commissioner Krauss, thank you, Judge. This is actually my first uh proclamation as a county commissioner, so I'm excited. And to get to do it for an organization like the Gate House uh is even more special. And so if you're not aware of the Gate House, they're an
incredible, incredible organization dedicated to improving the lives of single mothers uh and uh single women who found themselves in unfortunate circumstances. And my wife and I had an opportunity to go tour the Gate House several years ago. And what struck Jenny and I as we were uh touring it is you
could tell the ladies who came in at the beginning of the program and the ladies who were going uh about to complete the program just cuz the countenance of the ladies had changed when those initial ladies were coming in. You know they were scared uh they were hurt. Uh a lot of times they were hopeless. They didn't
know what was going on. But by the time they finished the gate house program these ladies were excited they were empowered. They were hopeful and they were joyous because they knew that not only did they have a purpose, but they could uh complete that purpose out in the world. And so the Gate House has
done incredible work for a decade now. And I I just want to read this proclamation real quick uh because they have done such an amazing job. Um whereas the Gate House based in Grapevine marks its 10th anniversary, this remarkable nonprofit founded by esteemed philanthropist Lisa Rose has
made a transformative impact on the lives of nearly 800 single women, single mothers, and their children. Whereas through its innovative career, education and vocation tracks, the Gate House has empowered determined women across the Tarant County area who are navigating temporary challenges, providing them
with the tools and opportunities needed to build stable, self-sustaining futures for themselves and their families. Whereas the Gate House stands apart from other nonprofits in North Texas by addressing and removing key obstacles such as housing instability, legal hurdles, and lack of reliable child care
barriers that often hinder single women and mothers from pursuing education or advancing in their careers. Whereas through an all-encompassing network of care and guidance, the Gate House fosters self-worth, confidence, and the promise of a new beginning for every woman it serves. Whereas each graduate of the Gate House emerges with renewed
hope and the empowerment that comes from earned success, changing not only her life and that of her children, but also contributing to the strength and vitality of the broader community. Now therefore, be it resolved that we, the Taran County Commissioner's Court, do by do hereby proclaim June 3rd, 2025 is a
day of recognition in Tarant County in honor of the Gate House, its visionary leader, Lisa Rose, and the entire dedicated team. Be it further resolved that we encourage all citizens of Tarant County to join us in celebrating this milestone achievement and to recognize the profound impact, unwavering
commitment and extraordinary success the Gate House as it marks its 10th anniversary in witness hereof. And so I just want to say again, congratulations to the Gate House. They're changing lives. They're changing families. They're changing futures. They're changing generations of Taran County citizens by the work that they're doing.
And I definitely think that that's worth celebrating. In the audience today, we do have Lisa Rose, that visionary philanthropist who started the Gate House. Uh, and we also have Mary Parker, who is the president of the Gate House with us here today. So, I want to present y'all with your proclamation. Please come on down and please help me
congratulate the Gate House on 10 incredible years. All right, we have a motion and a second to approve this proclamation. Any discussion? All right, please cast your vote. All right, passes unanimously. The first one get twice.
[Applause] [Music] Do they not want to say a few words? You're welcome. You You don't have to, but you're welcome. You're busy. No, I was just going to thank you. Do you want me to get the microphone? don't need to at all but only to thank
you and commissioner house for supporting all through uh the last 10 years and so can't believe it's 10 years and over 800 people um that's women and kids who've really gone on to experience hope and that's the belief that your future can be better than your past and
you played the major role in making it happen. They've experienced opportunity to set goals and to remove all the barriers that keep them from being stuck. And then through all of that, they've worked very hard to experience the dignity of earned success. So that's what we do. The program works and we're
here to say spread the word to people who need us. And thank you very much. Well done. Thank you. Okay, now we will back up and go to B and do our resolution recognizing Tarant County Facilities Mailroom Supervisor Richard Baron. Commissioner Simmons.
Thank you. Uh Rick is retiring after 11 years with Taran County and I don't know about the other court members but you know our staff when we come over to this building they check the mail right and so
uh I start going to check the mail and I like going to check the mail because of Rick Rick puts a big smile on my face every time I go to see what we've got
over here from precinct 2. We have conversation. He watches court meeting. Um, and he's just an encouraging, delightful individual. And so you told
me you were retiring and I went, "Okay, all right, good for you." And I I think I was traveling and I went, "Rick's retiring. I want to give him a proclamation resolution." And so, uh, my staff said, "Uh, he's getting out of
here. He's he's going he's they're traveling." And I said, "Oh, dang it. I'll just I'll just present it to him anyway." Um, so glad to see that you and your wife are here today. Um, his last day was Friday. He will begin traveling
immediately. H this week he and Julie Julie and his grandson will travel to Eugene, Oregon to visit her family. Then they'll go to Seattle and then to Vancouver. So Richard says retirement
will allow him to spend time with his mother and family members in Austin. I was born and raised in Austin. Yeah. What high school? Oh, we'll talk later. Richard, I'm honored to present this to you uh for your outstanding
contributions and service to Taran County. And the resolution reads, "Whereas Richard Rick Baron began his employment with Taran County on November 13, 2013 and
continuously worked until he retired on May 30th, 2025. And whereas as mail room supervisor Rick Baron oversaw significant increases in the volume and variety of mail and packages sent into and out of Tarant County during his
tenure and whereas Rick Baron was largely responsible for upgrading and automating Tarant County's mail services and for leading mail room employees in using software and tracking systems that support support accountability and
security. And whereas Rick also was responsible for implementing systems that now allow all Tarant County departments to access the three major shipping carriers, USPS, FedEx, and GPS from their desktops and at government
rates. And whereas Rick use Rick's Rick Rick's use of best practices and his expert knowledge of shipping and handling protocols led to reduced cost, less waste, and faster and more
efficient mail services. Now therefore, be it resolved that we, the Commissioner's Court of Tarant County, do hereby extend our formal appreciation to Richard Baron for 11 years and 6 months of outstanding service to Tarant
County, and we extend our best wishes upon his departure into retirement from work as our mail room supervisor. In witness whereof, we have here to set our hands and cause the seal of Taran County to be affixed this third day of June
2025. I move approval. Second. All right, we have a motion and a second to approve to adopt this resolution. Any discussion? All right, please cast your votes. Passes unanimously. All right, come on up. Do you have some comments? And bring
Julie with you. Super. [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] Why is there a difference? He would know what's the difference between a
resolution and a proclamation. you've been here 10 years, you know, trying to follow up after all those wonderful people who have worked here for years, you know, with their dedication, everything. Being a civil servant, it's my honor. Thank you so
much, Commissioner Court, Commissioner S. Thank you so much. You know, it was these are the years, even though it was only 11 years, was one of my favorite years of my life working here. so many dedicated, hardworking employees here.
You know, I made good friends. Uh it wasn't it wasn't hard to get up to go to work. It was kind of hard getting here this morning, though. But that's what happens when you're retired. But I'll never forget anybody
here that I've worked with. And I hope we're I'll come by and visit every now and then, you know, when I'm down the road, you know, showing everybody our lovely our lovely city here at Fort Worth. Even though I'm originally from Austin, uh I've just grown to love Fort
Worth and Taran County. It's been a pleasure and it's been an honor. Thank you very much. Thanks for your work. [Music] Hey, don't forget to call me. I'll get you two tickets. Okay. All
right. All right. Next up is a proclamation honoring the 250th anniversary of the founding of the US Army. Commissioner Ramirez. Yes. I have the distinct honor of honoring the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States Army. Uh whereas on June
14th, 1775, the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Army to defend the liberties of American colonies and to unify their efforts against British forces, laying the foundation for what would become the United States Army. Whereas June 14th is
annually recognized as the official birthday of the United States Army, a day to honor its proud legacy in the bravery and service of soldiers past and present who have safeguarded the nation's freedom. And whereas the the year 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of
the founding of the United States Army, a momentous occasion to reflect the sacrifices of those who've served to honor the legacy of our nation's first soldiers. And whereas the mission of the Sons of the American Revolution, organized in 1889 and federally
chartered in 1906, is to promote patriotism, serve communities, and educate and inspire future generations about the founding principles of our country. And whereas in celebration of this anniversary, the Sons of the American Revolution have proclaimed the
years 2024 to 2034 as the decade of the American Revolution. And throughout the decade, we'll be recognizing and honoring milestone events that occurred throughout the American Revolution. And now therefore, the Tarant County Commissioner's Court recognizes June
June 14th, 2025 as the semiquincentennial of the United States Army and encourages all citizens to join with the Sons of the American Revolution and other patriotic community and veteran organizations to commemorate this momentous birthday in the history
of our great country. If witness whereof, we have here unto set our hands and caused the great seal of Tarant County to be affixed this third day of June, 2025. And I would move for approval of this proclamation. Second. All right, we have a motion and a second. Any discussion? All right,
please cast your votes. Passes unanimously. Fantastic. And joining us today to accept this proclamation, um, five members from the Sons of the American Revolution, Texas Society, from the Major CM Vanzant chapter, uh, Ralph
Smith, US Army Captain, Mike Connelly, US Army Lieutenant, James Alderman, US Army Command Sergeant Major, Ron Turner, US Navy, and Steve Holly, chapter vice president. And also joining us are four members from the Daughters of the
American Revolution uh from the Six Flags chapter, Judy Pastusk, chapter Regent, Susie Mackey, chapter historian, and Eloise Medlin, chapter corresponding secretary. Please come up. [Music]
Yes, ma'am. Got it. the rose. All right. Excellent. Thank you very [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause]
much. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Applause] on behalf of the Major Vanzant
chapter here in Fort Worth um of the Sons of the American Revolution. Thank you, your honor and commissioners of the court. Since its official establishment on June 14th, 1775, more than a year before the Declaration of Independence, the US Army
has played a vital role in the growth and development of the American nation. Drawing on both longstanding militia traditions and recently introduced professional standards, it won the New Republic's independence in an arduous
8year struggle against Great Britain. At times the army provided the lone symbol of nationhood around which patriots rallied. The primary requirement for a male to join the sons of the American revolution is he must be able to trace his bloodline back to an individual who
supported the American res revolution. For most of us, our patriot ancestors served either in a state militia or in a regiment of the Continental Army or both. As we approach the 250th birthday
celebration for the US Army this month, we have also entered an 8-year celebration of the birth of uh the United States, beginning with the 250th anniversary of Paul River's ride and the battles of Lexington and Concord back on
April the 19th. to the heroes in green and to all veterans regardless of the uh your uh service organization past, present, and future. Your dedication keeps America strong and free. Again, thank you for recognizing
this important date in our nation's history. Thanks, sir. Yeah. Thank you. On behalf of the Six Flags chapter of the Texas Daughters of the American Revolution, I want to thank the Commissioner's Court and the Major KM
Vanzant chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution for recognizing this 250th birthday of the US Army. As the D is the same as the Sons of the American Revolution, we trace our families back to the American
Revolution. And again, many of those relatives fought in the Continental Army established in 1775. This chapter placed an American 250 marker at the Fort Worth 1895
courthouse last fall. We will have a flag day ceremony on the 14th of June near that marker. And as part of this ceremony, the um Sons of the American Revolution chapter will provide the color guard and we will be reading this
proclamation to honor all veterans, our family veterans, the US Army, and our country. Thank you for your support. We appreciate it. Thank you. [Applause] Okay, we now move to the consent agenda
as amended. Uh, do we have a motion to approve the amended consent agenda? We have a motion. We have a second. Any discussion on the consent agenda? All right. Seeing none, please cast your vote.
All right. Passes unanimously. All right. Now we move to the regular part of the meeting, which doesn't seem all that different than the previous part of the meeting, but 9A public hearing, a public hearing to consider establishing a speed limit
in the Dearwood Forest subdivision in precinct 1. Um, this is a public hearing. So I I'm the public hearing is now open. I don't have anyone signed up to speak to this item. Is there anyone on the court that wishes to speak to
this item? All right. Public hearing is open. With no speakers, I will entertain a motion to close the public hearing. Second. Now, we have a motion and a second to close the public hearing. Any discussion from the court? Seeing none, please cast your vote.
All right. Passes unanimously. brings us to item B, another public hearing to consideration of fiscal year 2025 Tarant County Housing Assistance Office 5-year and fiscal year 2025
annual agency plan. Um, I don't have anyone signed up to speak to that item, but the public hearing is now open. Do any court members wish to address anything related to item 9B? All right. Seeing none, I'll
entertain a motion to close this public hearing. Move approval. Second. You're moving to close the public hearing, right? Yes. Yeah. Okay. And we have a second. Any discussion on this? All right. Seeing none, please cast your vote. You're good. Yeah. Uh, all right.
Passes unanimously. Okay. Okay. Now we move to item 10 A1 which is consideration of a commercial lease agreement between Tarant County Hospital District uh JPS and Cook Children's Healthc Care System. Mr. Merritt. Uh this is a
request from JPS uh to uh approve this lease between Taran County Hospital District and Cook Children's Healthcare System. Uh we do have individuals Joy Parker and Craig Spencer here from JPS should the court have any additional questions outside of what's in the court communication. Move approval. Second. All right, we have a motion and a second
to approve item 10 A1. Any discussion from the court? All right, seeing none, please cast your vote. Passes unanimously. Next, we come to 10 A2, which is consideration of a general construction services agreement between
JPS and Morales Construction Services, Inc. Uh as stated in the court communication, as you just said, this is for mobile modular MRI units uh to be placed at the VA pits clinic. Again, outside of the court communication, we do have Joy Parker and Craig Spencer here to answer any additional questions that the court
may have. Approval. Second. All right, we have a motion to second on this item. Any discussion there? All right, seeing none, please cast your vote. Passes unanimously. Next we come to out of state travel requests. Do we do we have a motion on
this item? Move approval. Second. Uh somebody made a motion. Okay. Second. Uh any discussion before I call on speakers. Okay. So with no discussion
for speakers, the first person signed up. I can't imagine that's a real name, but uh we've if you are not aware, we've had some folks out there asking people to sign up with fake names. If your first name is Stain and you signed up to speak to this
item, you can make your way to the podium. I'm assuming we still have a spillover room. We do have two spillover rooms, sir. Yeah. So, if there is a stain in one of those rooms, I'm not going to call for that one. Um,
so, uh, yeah. All right. And then I will call now Lon Burnham. Lon Burnham present. That's not a real name either. So, based on the the whole spillover room, uh, Mr. Merritt, here's probably what we
need to do. Yes, sir. We probably need to have communication set up where instead of we just call a name and then we wait here for 3 minutes to see if that person walks up. Probably need to have some people on the staff sitting in that room that can text you or something
immediately and say no one is raising their hand by that name. So I'm going to skip stain at this point. Is Mr. Burnham present? He's here and they're bringing in now. Okay. [Applause]
Uh it would also be helpful if does the staff in those rooms have these lists? So they need to be telling people who's next. The speakers can hear commentary going on in court. We have the order of the list that you have and as you call two or three names ahead, we're trying
to stay ahead of that to get people up here so we can have an efficient flow of speakers. Okay. Where are these spillover rooms? Fourth floor and where? 504C, second floor of tax and then if we need it outside in front, but I don't think we need it that way. We just have those two at the moment. Correct. Okay. And we don't have
it organized in any way, shape, or form. So, it's I'm assuming the people in two and the people in four are how they showed up, not how they're lined up to speak. Right. As people showed up, we asked them if you are already signed up to speak to try to make your way to one of the two rooms. And then if you were
showing up not to speak, but just to be here to to try to reserve those seats for the folks that have signed up to speak. Okay. I think Candace said he was here and on his way. Yes. He's either right there or he's on the second floor. Is that right? Uh he
should be on this floor. Okay, we'll bring him in or it's time to move on. [Applause] Did you see? Okay. [Music]
Good morning everybody, particularly Matt, a former colleague of mine. I'm Lon Burnham and I want to thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today. Uh after my six-month banishment, which was an obvious violation of my First
Amendment rights, um the new commissioners may not be aware that I have spoken on this agenda item concerning county funded junkets on numerous occasions. One moment. Hey, uh gentlemen, will
y'all please tell the people outside to keep it down? We can't when every time that door is open, we can't hear speakers. We can't hear each other. Proceed. Thank you. Of particular concern to me is the many times the county has funded junkets for the sheriff to attend uh events that
are in essence Christian nationalist pep rallies full of racist messaging and content. I can't speak to the agenda item today whether or not it includes such an opportunity for junket, but I just want to call to everybody's
attention that by and large that concern was ignored and it needs to be addressed. The sheriff needs to address not junkage. Okay, there is nothing on this agenda related to sheriff travel. This
is it says out of state travel precinct one commissioner precinct 2 commissioner and CDA's office. Okay. I um so if you want I was called to the if you want to reserve comments about sheriff travel you can do that in public comments.
That's not on this agenda. 10 A3 consideration of out of state travel request. There's three items on there. None of them are the sheriff. Well I wasn't speaking specifically to the sheriff. Well, I think you have to speak to specific agenda items and that's not
a specific agenda item. Agenda item 10 A3. I'm I'm not going to argue with you. Either you can talk about these three or you can hold it till public comment. Don't care which, but you're not going to sit here and talk about the sheriff three minutes. Okay. Since I didn't hear
what agenda item you're on, are you on agenda 10? Yeah. Okay. Your your time is up. Thank you. You may you can you can come back to public comments if you want. All right. We have a motion and a second on this item. Do we have any other discussion
from the commissioners? Okay. Seeing none, please cast your vote. All right. Passes unanimously. All right. Now we get to the one that obviously most people are here for. I'm going to read some things
or make some statements here. So, this is consideration of an order to establish new precinct boundaries for the Tarant County Commissioner's Court. Um, we obviously have high emotions, strong emotions on this issue. Uh, we
want everyone to have the opportunity to speak. It is my responsibility to maintain decorum in this room. It is also my responsibility along with all of those in law enforcement you see here to ensure the public safety for everyone regardless of what you believe or how
you're commenting. So I'm going to ask all of you to conduct yourselves by what you swore to do when you sign this statement and the decorum policy. Um, another thing that I'm going to tell you now in advance,
uh, we, if you go to the microphone and you are speaking and I deem you're doing something out of order, I'm going to say it. I don't want to argue with you. We're not going to have a debate. I'm going to say it. And if it's something like you're being incredibly loud, I'm
going to ask you to lower your voice. I'm going to do it respectfully. I ask you to do the same thing. uh let's let's be an example of how we can conduct ourselves civily even though we may strongly disagree on policies and
actions. So I'm calling on everyone to do that. Uh but if I speak up, stop talking, listen to what I'm saying, comply, we'll be good to go. I want you to have your full time to be able to talk. Okay, with
that, do we have any motions? Do we judge I move that we adopt proposed map 7 off of the Tarant County redistricting website. Second. Okay. All right. We have a motion from Commissioner Krauss
to adopt map 7 off of the Tarant County website. We have a second from Commissioner Ramirez. I will make this announcement now to all of the court members. Uh lawyer a lawyer I don't know maybe two three lawyers I don't know
from public interest legal foundation are here. If anyone on this court wishes to convene into executive session for the purposes of receiving legal advice or asking legal questions, you may do
so. Anyone requests it, we will go. You may do it now. You may do it in 10 minutes. You may do it in 20 minutes. You may do it when you choose. If anyone wishes to do that at this point, does anyone wish to do that? Not at this
point. Okay. So, we have a motion and a second. Now, we're going to begin to call up the speakers. So, the first person I'm going to call is Rain Brady.
The second person is Allison Compalo and all speakers have one minute. Uh what I'm going to ask is that you come up here and speak obviously and if you're the second person called be
standing in the aisle way so we can move people along. Thank you, Miss Compalo. Um, depending on how it goes and how long the delay is waiting for someone, I may skip a person, keep them here, bring somebody up so we're not just sitting here waiting for two minutes for
everybody to show up cuz they're in another room. So, um, Rain Brady will go first if Rain Brady is here. All right, I'm going to I'm going to set this here. I'm going to ask Miss Compalo to come.
Now, next will be U. Mayor Michael Evans. Commissioners, you've already directly and repeatedly stated that your goal is to cheat Tarant County taxpayers out of fair representation by stacking this court. You're already aware that these maps are legally reconcilable with
the Voting Rights Act and will cost us taxpayers millions in court costs. You know that your results as the party that has governed this county and state for decades were better. your more people would vote for you and you wouldn't have to cheat to try to maintain power. I'm here today to tell you that me and my 200 friends will keep you here in this meeting so you can hear in detail how
much your constituents do not want this. I'm here to tell you overplayed your hand. This will be a 4-1 court in 2027, but not the way you wanted. My parting message to all of you and to those of you watching this meeting who have forgotten that this count, this country was literally founded on fair representation and our American
willingness to fight any fight to protect that fight that right is that we outnumber you. and I hope you enjoy your pic victory today. Okay, no rainy. Okay, Mayor Evans. And then following Mayor Evans is Isabelle Young.
Good morning, judge, and to the council, Mayor Michael Evans, mayor of the city of Mansville, Texas. While I do not speak today on behalf of the full council, but as a citizen and resident of our beloved Tarant County and many of my constituents, please know my concerns
for the plan to realign our county precinct boundaries. Any redistricting process deserves public engagement, collaboration, consensus building, and most importantly, time. And I strongly believe and agree with Tarant County that redistricting is fundamental to the
democratic process of conducting elections, but not by any means necessary. This must be done under the full scrutiny of the law and with all manner of participation. My concern is with ensuring that the current county process is compliant with the law. And
as presented, the current proposed maps could be subject to legal challenges at both the state and federal level per the Texas election code and also the US Voting Rights Act. Thank you, sir. So, I am if this is my last call on Rain
Brady. Um, you don't get to show up at 11 and get your name recalled. So, Rain Brady is here. Now is the time. If not, we're moving on from Rain Brady. All right. Isabelle Young. Is there an Isabelle Young present? All right. Uh, Michael Cohen.
Following Mr. Cohen, we have Well, that's hard to read, but that's I am in favor of Callaway. Emory Callaway. I am in favor of redistricting utilizing map one. I asked the court to ignore the noise of the far-left on the disin and
in this courtroom with her whailing, the nashing of teeth and racial innuendo. Also, I find it quite shameful that Commissioner Ramirez received a death threat from a previous appointed Democrat precinct coordinator over the phone. I quote Commissioner Ramirez,
"Planning for long-term stability is a fundamental duty of leadership." Obviously, we will never get that with Democrat leadership. They will. They have proven this all too well. Redistricting usually happens at the at the beginning of every decade.
After the census in 21 through political malfeasants, a previous commissioner's court did not get it done. Taran last redistricted nearly 15 years ago. Taran has grown by approximately 400,000 people with 2.2 million residents.
Redistricting is needed. Our precincts are unbalanced by population. I support the conservative option of All right. It is okay. So, do we have Isabelle Young present? All right. Emory Callaway. Following
Miss Callaway, we have Carlos Tersios. I am Emory Callaway. I am the vice president of the Tarant County Democrats, a precinct through res. And I'm here to say this plainly. These maps are illegal and in direct violation of the voting rights act. Judge O'Hare, Commissioner Krauss, and Ramirez. This is racial gerrymandering in broad
daylight. You say it isn't, but anyone with eyes and a sense of fairness can see that it is wrong and it is unjust. While you want to, there is no denying that you are surgically slicing through communities of color and diluting their voices and changes of fair representation. It is wrong. The three
of you have all talked about population growth as justification for redistricting. Why is that when you decided not to redistrict just 3 years ago? I think you all know the answer. You just can't say it. That is why you have pushed this backward process through within two months. It's evident these maps do not reflect growth, but
rather erase the voices that put your jobs and reputations at risk and that of your authoritarian egos because the voices you are trying to silence see what you are. This isn't redistricting. It's rigging. You have any questions. Find your confidence.
Is Isabelle Young present? All right. Going once, going twice, gone there. Carlos Tersios. Following Carlos Terscios is Julie Mccardi. Morning. My name morning. My name is Carlos Tersciosius and I'm the community involvement committee chairman for the Taran County Republican Party. I
want to state that I fully support the Taran County redistricting effort. These lines have been updated since 2010 and no longer reflect our county's growth. I agree with Commissioner Man Ramirez's op-ed. is preserving the conservative leadership that reflects the will of our voters. Democrats didn't protest when
Dallas and Harris counties redrew their maps. So, their outrage here rings hollow. Claims that racial gerrymandering are completely false. Race was never a factor in this process. In fact, 39% of Asian-Americans voted for President Donald J. Trump. 59% of Latinos in the state of Texas voted for
President Donald Trump. 65% of Native Americans vote for President Donald J. Trump. The only group that voted 86% Democrat were black voters. Thank you, Judge O'Hare, Commissioner Mayor Ramirez, and Commissioner Mcraft for standing strong, who's protected, conservative future of Taran County, and
let's keep Taran County red, low taxes, and support law enforcement. Thank you. It's Julie McCarti present. Okay, so next we have Lee Wsgans and Carol [Applause] Widman. Hello, judge. I'm here to
support the most conservative map for redistricting. Tarant County is the reddest county in the nation and Republicans deserve to have equal representation in our county commissioner districts. We hold 100% of the countywide offices and we hold over
86% of all other offices in Tarant County. The redistricting based on partisan lines has been affirmed and approved at the Supreme Court level. There is nothing illegal about it. The decries of racism is demoraling and
offensive to our democratic processes. We need to stop using those terms. People of all races love each other. People of all races are on both sides of the partisan aisle. I am here to support the most conservative map, which from my estimation is either map 1, six, or
seven. Please vote for the most conservative map. Thank you. Thank you. Do we have Julie Mccardi or Carol Widman? Julie McCarti or Carol Woodman. All right. Next, we have Joshua Moore and Joe Jordan. On behalf of Representative Nate
Shhatsline, I want to express our strong support for the Tarant County Commissioners redistricting process. This process has been both transparent, fair, giving the public an open opportunity to participate in shaping the future of our county. For over a decade, the county commissioner precinct lines have not been updated since 2010 consensus. Despite rapid population
growth and changing demographics, unlike other major Texas counties that redrew their maps after the 2020 consensus, Tarant County did not, leaving us with boundaries that no longer serve residents effectively. Taran County is the largest Republican county in the United States and strongly supported by President Trump. It is only right that our county uh representation reflects
the that conservative majority. We must ensure our voices are accurately represented. We urge the commissioners to continue supporting this fair and transparent redistricting effort and encourage all conservatives to stay engaged and help secure strong, accurate representation for our
future. Thank you. Joe Jordan, Carol Woodman, or Julie McCarti. Going once, going twice, gone. Miss McCarti, I think we'll say the same for Carol Woodman. Joe, we'll give him another couple of minutes here. Next, we
have Lisa Ventura. She's headed up now. Okay. Uh, following Lisa Ventura is Mayor Ross. Mayor Ross, feel free. Oh, wait a minute. There she is right there. Uh, come on up, Miss Ventura. Following Miss Ventura will be Mayor Ross.
Uh, not that I've seen. Good morning. Um, my name is Lisa Ventura. I am a precinct chair from the heart of County District 2's festive Christmas neighborhood. And as a constituent of Commissioner
Simmons, I am eager to see a new map take shape, which will bring my street into a thriving community that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. With our county's impressive growth and development over the last 15 years, I
believe it's time to forge a brighter future that gives every voice and every voter a chance to shine as bright as our Christmas lights. Thank you. Uh Mr. Jordan is actually next and then Mayor Ross.
Good morning. Uh I'm Joe Jordan. I uh live in South Lake. I've been in South Lake since 1997 and I'm here uh speaking on the uh issue of redistricting. Uh we've been here long enough to see a lot of a lot of changes take place in North Ter County since we've been in in the
area and uh we love we love where we are and love what it is and want to keep it that way. So, I'm here uh basically to speak for whatever turns out to be the most conservative map we can draw. That's what I'm in favor of. So, that's why I'm here. Appreciate you, Tim. Thank
you. Thank you. Uh following Mayor Ross, we have Marvin Sutton. I think I'm going to start calling three names just for those who are in spillover room. So, following Marvin Sutton, we have Chaplain Rich Stolin. You going to call me three names? I I might.
Yeah. Just depends on what you say. Yeah, we do have a decorum policy, so probably not the ones he was thinking. Good morning, y'all. I'm Jim Ross, mayor of the city of Arlington. I'm joined here with Mayor Bordingham, mayor of the city of Forest Hills, Texas. On May
23rd, I and the mayors of Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, Everman, Halam City, Forest Hill, and Edgecliffe Village provided this court with a letter detailing our opposition to the current redistricting process. We are very concerned about the current
process may not comply with state and federal law. There are now seven proposed maps could be vulnerable to legal challenges under the Texas Election Code and the US Voting Rights Act. We urge this court to delay redistricting until further data, newer
data is available and thoroughly evaluated each proposed map for legal compliance. We suggest that the legality of all seven proposed maps be independently verified not by the people who drew the maps but by an independent consultant
and we will collaborate with y'all as need be. Thank you. Uh follow is Mr. Sutton present rather than account for. All right. Following Mr. Sutton we have chaplain Rich Stin. Call him several names. Then we have
then we have Carol Cordell. County Commissioners, thank you for your service. My name is Marvin Sutton. I just want to quote the preamble to the Constitution. I think it's meaningful in this instance. We the people of the United States in order to form a more
perfect union. It's not a partisan. It's a perfect union. Establish justice. What is justice? Anything that's not obscure. Ensure domestic tranquility. That means peace. some kind of order here. So, this is been a while since
I've been here. Back in 2011, I presented a map along with state rep now, Terry Mets. It was a map to reconfigure the justice of peace and the constables. It was rejected. Didn't have a problem with it. My county commissioner, Andy Wyn, said, "Mark,
we're not going to change those lines. Just work harder to get your folks out to vote." I took that to heart. I was elected to Arlington City Council back in 2019, but it was a long journey. They didn't change the maps on me. Thank you, sir. I worked hard. Thank you. Uh
following Chaplain Stolin, Carol Cordell, and Win Fam, Judge Tim O'Hara, members of the Taran County Commissioner's Court, I'm Chaplain Rich Stland. I reside in precinct 2. My support is for the Republican control map, thus ensuring a
guarantee of three Republican county conservative commissioners. The reason as follows. We must bring the heights of competence on the in from the depth of incompetence. The bad breath of frequent and incredulous disrespect during public hearings compounded with the coffin of decorum being constantly replaced with
the darkness of agarity and screams of empty rhetoric lacking facts resulting in no lasting measurable change for all its citizens. As president of the Frederick Douglas Republicans of Taran County, I stand behind this statement. Precinct 2 deserves better representation with solid, rational
results, ensuring a brighter future, free of delays or excuses for all the citizens. Simplify. I did not think it was possible for him to go under a minute. Excellent. Uh, so Carol Cordell and then when
fam Gail Smith, I'm going to be short and sweet. This redistricing is nothing but a racial germandering, which you have said it was not, but it is, and such as illegal, I urge all who truly care about
our democracy to vote no. Thank you. Thank you. Are you Miss Cordell? Yes. Yes. So Winfam, Gail Smith, Gwen Bude.
Good morning everyone. Um, I came to support the redistricting of Tarant County and I want to be I want to clear the air of all the racist accusations made over the issue. What does race have to do with your political persuasion? who said that because people of color live in a
region, they must be supported by a Democrat. I'd like to submit to you that the American way is to have people represented by people who represent their values. So, the notion that someone should be taught or told that they are a Democrat because of the color of their skin is in
fact the most racist violation perpetrated on the American people. I birthed and raised three black men and they all know that the color of their skin does not put them in a box, but rather they can do all things through
Christ. And so I would just like to say um that the idea of you have to be represented by a Democrat because you're a person of color is nonsense. Thank you. Are you Miss Smith? Yes. Okay. All right. Uh Gwen Fam going once,
going twice. Gwen Berude, Tammy Layman. All right. Is there a Okay. Go. And go ahead for everyone that I'm as I when you get to the microphone, please state your name so we can try to say
somewhat know what we're doing. And then so Miss Bude, Tammy Layman, and then there's an Ashley who lives in Keller, beginning address 2704. I'm trying not to fall for something, so I don't know if that's
real or not. If it is, my apologies, but Ashley and Keller at 2704, you're next. If you're real. Okay, good morning. I'm the real Tammy Layman. I live in Crowley. I've been an accountant all of my professional life.
And what I've learned being an accountant is numbers don't lie, but people do. The lie that some people have been suggesting is that the current lines are the will of the people, but
the numbers should suggest otherwise. 84% of our elected partisan offices are currently held by Republicans. 49 of the 49 county judges and county officials, 100% are currently held by
Republicans. Based on the numbers, if our county commissioners were elected at large, there's a very good chance that all four of you would be Republicans. Numbers don't lie. I appreciate you taking on this redistricting. We need it. We need the conservative values.
Thank you. Thank you. Following Miss Bude, we have Ashley from Keller and Fran Rhodess. Good morning. I'm Gwen Burude, executive director with Texans Defending Democracy, a nonprofit dedicated to
providing nonpartisan information on policies affecting everyday Texans. We're here to oppose Judge O'Hare's rush redistricting plan. Redrawing maps midcycle without new census data breaks longstanding precedents and threatens to
silence communities of color. This harms the whole county. When any group is shut out, we all lose input, whether it be health care, public safety, and infrastructure. It also opens the door to costly lawsuits, wasting taxpayer dollars that should go to real needs,
not political power plays. Taran Countyy's prosperity comes from fair maps from his people, not nonpart and not not partisan control. Real leadership means fair maps and every voice represented. Please change course
and take your place in history as upholding democracy. [Applause] Are you Ashley by chance? I you know what? My my apologies. You have a wonderful last name. I just didn't want to say something that wasn't so please
take the podium. Actually works for me. Okay. All right. And then we have Fran Rhodess and Karen Weisman. Thank you for your service and allowing me to speak today. Today I stand in favor of redistricting Tar County to ensure conservative values to continue
to drive our future. making sure that our district reflects the values of those who believe in limited government, personal responsibility, and fiscal conservatism. A conservative redistricting plan will ensure that our elected officials are truly accountable
to the people. By aligning district boundaries with our community's national lines, we create more effective representation. This isn't just about party politics. It's about ensuring that our priorities, lower taxes, better schools, and have safe communities,
remain at the forefront of our decision-making. Taran County's growth is an opportunity to preserve what we stand for to ensure that our values continue to guide us as we move forward. Redistricting in favor of conservative plan is not just necessary, it's vital for protecting the principles that have
made our county, Tarant County, and our nation strong. Thank you. Thank you. Following Miss Rhodess, Karen Weisman, and then Candace Swanson. Good morning. I'm Fran Rhodess. I live in precinct 3 and I'm president of True Texas Project. I'm here to support
Commissioner Krauss's second for map 7 redistricting. As I've said before, I think it's good governance and I would like to see it continue. I'm supposed to be on vacation this week, but I'm here today because this is important. So, thank you very much. Thank you. Thank
you, Frank. Uh, next we have Karen Weisman, then Candace Swanson, then BC Cornish. Hi, my name is Karen Weisman. I live in Colonial Hills at the top of the very Jerrymandered Precinct One. The
neighbors behind me and several houses down are precinct 4. My neighborhood is full of recent transplants from California who moved to Tarant County to escape the liberal policies on the West Coast. They chose Tarant County because
it is a majority conservative county. And I vote conservative because I value all life. I want limited government, low taxes, and I want a safe and secure community. I'm in full support of redistricting because I would like to be represented by Manny Ramirez, a
commissioner who shares my conservative values. Thank you. Thank you. And I just want to commend everyone so far for being respectful to the speakers regardless of what they say or how they say it and being respectful of this process and the quorum. Please keep it up. Uh are you Miss Swanson? I am. Okay.
Following Miss Swanson, BC Cornish and Zayn Copper. Okay. My voice just gave out. As a somewhat privileged white lady who lives in district three, I am unaffected by the new maps. But distorting the districts for one party
domination feels autocratic to me. So I'm a hard no. When parties run out of fresh ideas, they fall back on gerrymandering. Manipulating the map to cherrypick voters for predetermined election results. And when one side
attains total control of the system, what are the incentives to work for all of us? If the system is rigged for your side, you can do anything you want. No consequences. No thought of how it affects an independent voter like me because you'll never need my vote. The
midcycle change is aggressive and totally unnecessary. I support a map that uses I35 and 30 as boundaries because that would be more equitable and would make you all work harder for my vote. Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you. All right. We have BC Cornish, Zayn Cuper, and Darl Eastston. Is BC Cornish present? How about Zayn Cuper? Okay, Mr.
Eastston. My name is Charl Eastston, a Ulus residence for uh since 19 92 and uh been involved in politics for the last 15 years. I monitor uh voter roles just about four times a
year. I asked for the voter roles and in these uh cond or the uh comm commissioner districts se one has got increased by 40% number of voters and and uh
commissioner 2 is a 28 uh% increase. uh commissioner 3 is 24% and commissioner 4 is 55% increase in the number of voters registered in those locations and there
therefore there's a good reason to redistrict because of the number of increased voters in each of those areas. Thank you. Thank you. BC Cornish, Zayn Cuper.
Next would be Joanna Cardardoza and Monica Bardwaji. All right. Cornish or cuppper. Miss Cardardoza. [Applause] Good morning. My name is Joanna Cardardoza. I am a resident of precinct
2 and the elected district director for Lulu 21. I am here today to speak on behalf of the 25 Tarant County councils that make up uh I'm sorry the 25 Tarant County LULAC councils. Latinos make up about 30% of the Tarant County
population. LUAC District 21 council strongly opposed the current unnecessary middein boundaries redistricting effort that is a clear attempt to dilute the voting rights of an intentional attempt to racially gerrymander black, brown, and Asian communities. Redistricting should be a transparent, meaningful
process with intentional community outreach and input. There was a redistricting process in 2021. Intentionally spreading misinformation about the 2021 process erodess public trust for the court. President 2 is currently 64 minority majority and opportunity district and the current
residents of this prison deserve the right to vote for a candidate of their choice, not have one. is correct. Uh BC Cornish and Zane Copper. I think that's in the going once, going twice, gone
pile. Point of order. Judge, I'd like to make an amendment to uh Commissioner Krauss's uh motion, and that is I move that Taran County Commissioner's Court retain the current precinct boundaries and decline to adopt any new
redistricting maps at this time. Second. Do you wish to accept that amendment? No. Okay. [Applause] All right. So, I don't believe you vote on an amendment unless it's accepted. Is that right? I would recommend doing the vote on that that just if you recall the
last time that we had an amending, there was a a motion uh to amend and then a second and then there was a vote to amend. So, just keep uh keep a running tally of any more that come and we'll get to them when we're done with comments. Uh okay. Next we go
to that was Miss Cardardoza I believe Monica Bardwaji Bardage Patricia Joerger and James Ashby. So that was good morning. My name is Monica Bardage.
I am a mom, a TCU grad, and a registered nurse. I live in Manny Ramirez's district and I've never voted a straight partisan ticket in my life. Taran County being purple is a great strength. It combats partisan extremism on both sides and it necessitates that our elected
officials earn the votes of moderates and those against the aisle across the aisle and in doing so ensures that there's accountability on our court. When I think of the leaders who have truly made America great, they have done so by casting bold, inclusive visions
that galvanize communities. I imagine you all aspired to follow in those footsteps when you first went into public service. But Judge O'Hare and Commissioners Krauss and Ramirez, you have lost your way. In direct contrast to this legacy, you are protecting power through
gerrymandering that will silence the voices of constituents who you were elected to represent. This tells me that you lack an inspiring vision that could earn votes through Democratic means. Thank you. Thank you. Uh Miss Joerger, is she present? There we go. James
Ashby, Lorie Seagull, and Teresa Campbell. Good morning, um, commissioners. My name is Patricia Joerger, and I'm precinct chair 3558, and I urge you to vote for the most conservative, um, redistricting
map. I escaped Chicago's infam infamous Cook County 12 years ago and know what a germandered district really feels like. And this is not um this by doing this it is essential that our districts are updated to align with the population
growth ensuring that every resident is counted in every voice. Um our county commissioner precinct should reflect the reality. So um thank you for your consideration and please um go with the most conservative map. Thanks. Thank you. James Ashby, Lorie Seagull, Teresa
Campbell. Good morning James Ashby. enthusiastically support overdue redistricting of the county commission. Over 86% of the partisan offices in Taran County are uh have are elected
Republicans. 100% of the countywide are elected Republicans. And as mentioned earlier, if I believe the county commission was elected at large, it would be 100%. So, let's do this. And uh the most conservative map appears to be map seven. Thank you.
Following Miss Seagull, Terresa Campbell, Nicholas Tziac. [Applause] Thank you. I'm Lorie Seagull and I uh live in precinct 3 and I encourage you
to vote for the most conservative map that represents what Tarant County is, primarily Republicans. I'm one of those transplants that voted with my feet and left California. And it was not easy to
do. And I did it because of the values, the low taxes, all of the things that you all represent. You've held true for the five years that we've been here. And I thank you for that. And I strongly encourage
you to please, please vote on the most conservative map. I believe that it did not happen before because whoever was the judge didn't want to take on that task that you all are doing right now
with the public outreach. Thank you. Thank you. Uh Teresa Campbell, Nicholas Tziaak, Tyler Peshka. Good morning, commissioners. Judge O'Hare. I'm uh TK Campbell and I'm a um
constituent of uh Commissioner Ramirez, District 4. So, I'm here in favor of the most conservative redist redistricting map as well. Um and I echo the previous speaker. Um I'm in support of conservative actions and conservative uh
behavior on the court. Um those these values are good for everyone. They're for limited government, lower taxes, law and order to keep people safe, women's spaces and safety, and biblical values. If these values are not important to
some of these people, I'd suggest try Dallas. Don't Dallas my following Mr. Tiaak, Tyler Peska, and then Ken Shimamoto. Members of the court, I rise today because I cannot sit idally by civil
rights are disc disintegrated in this county. There is a way in ensuring a 4-1 Republican majority on this court without discriminating on the basis of race. The maps proposed do one thing and one thing alone, discriminate on the basis of race, which will set this
county on the pathway of legal disputes that will cost the county millions of dollars. All at the behest of that man, the judge, who is nothing but an enemy of the people and a blatant racist. [Applause] Remove him from the building.
Next is Tyler Peska, Ken Shimamoto, and Melandi Doy Munoz. Hi everyone, I'm Tyler. As a resident of precinct 2, I'm against the proposed district plan. Specifically, this process has been rushed with little input from the community. There were
only four public hearings to get community input across two months when redistricting typically takes 6 months to a year. Additionally, there has been no transparency in the data used to create the maps. Although our current map went through an extensive process in 2021 and was deemed constitutional. Further, these proposed maps violate the
voting rights act as precinct 2 and over 50% minority population will be packed into precinct one, leaving only one clear majority minority precinct when Tarant County has a 58% minority population. This redistricting process has wasted taxpayer money and aiding in
voter suppression. As such, I urge everyone in the court to keep the current map and reassess it in 2030 when proper census data is received. Thank you. Next we have Ken Shimamoto, Milandi Doy Munoz, and Francis Charlie.
Ken Shimamoto. Um, last week I spoke to a fellow from the Fort Worth Weekly who asked me in so many words, why should white folks care if communities of color have their voices silenced? And I said a few things to him, but I will say this today before this court and particularly
to the 92% of registered voters in Tarant County who do not vote in municipal elections. We've heard from mayors, you know, Mayor Ross was here earlier, eight other mayors from affected communities here in Tarant County, majorities of the city councils
in Fort Worth and Arlington. Even the Star Telegram editorial board had said this is not a good idea. This should not pass at this time. So I say to all those folks, particularly the registered non- voters, if this measure passes, if
they'll ignore all those people, they'll sure ignore you, too. When folks tell you who they are, believe them. Thank you. Uh the lady in the officers, there's a lady on the aisle that just turned around and looked. The one next to her. Please remove her from the
courtroom. Uh no, the one next to you. Step forward. I'll show you. There's a lady on the aisle right there in a gray sweatshirt. The one right next to her. Move it from the courtroom. Um she keeps clapping every time something
All right. Next we have Melani Doy Munoz, Francis Charlie, and Mindy Tacket. It's Melindy. Um, good morning. I come to you today as a resident of Taran County, a mother, a neighbor, and a Christian. This redistricting,
especially in District 1, isn't about maps. It's about power. And when power is used to silence the voice and divide communities, it moves us away from justice and compassion. Jojo here. You speak about your Christian beliefs. So do I. The Jesus I follow though didn't cling to power. He gave it up to stand
with the poor, the marginalized, and the unseen. The Jesus I follow didn't draw lines to divide and suppress. He tore them down. Your actions, however, look far less like the carpenter from Nazareth, and far too much like George Wallace of Alabama, who infamously said, "Segregation now, segregation tomorrow,
segregation forever." When power is concentrated at the expense of your neighbor, we are no longer walking in his way. The legacy, this is not the legacy of Christ. Um, and history and my kids will remember where you stood, where each of you commissioners stood
today. Thank you. Thank you. Following Miss Charlotte, we have Mindy Tacket and Katherine Del Calvo. Good morning, commissioners. I'm here to encourage you to vote for redistricting map six or seven. the most conservative map. Gerrymandering is a regular
practice used in the United States to redraw maps that determine who votes in what elections. It's legal and it happens on both sides of the aisle. Just ask Caris, Baxter, Travis, and Dallas County. They redo their precincts in 2021 on a partisan basis and made them
more liberal by either flipping some seats from Republican to Democrat or making some states strongly partisan. Today, Dallas County's court, commissioner's court is dominated by Democrats 5 to zero. Elections have
consequences on both sides of the aisles. It is disingenuous to believe it only happens when Republicans are in the majority. Thank you. Thank you, Mindy Tacket, Katherine Del Calvo, and Bill McKeen. I'm saying this with a straight face.
This is a transparent is not a transparent process. Tim and Matt have long championed white Christian nationalism. Manny enjoys proximity to that power. Racial gerrymandering and Christian nationalism may seem separate, but they're deeply connected in their intent and impact. Both aim to silence
some voices while elevating others, consolidating power by design, not democracy. Racial gerrymandering dilutes voting strength within communities of color. Christian nationalism pushes the lie that America belongs to one religion, one culture, and often one race. Together, they create a system
where political power is preserved for a narrow group. This isn't just about maps. It's about whose voice counts. When we allow these forces to work together, we betray the promise of equal representation. To fight one, we have to fight both because justice is for
everyone or it is for no one. Katherine Delcalvo, Bill McKeen, and Chris Wood. Is Miss Delcalvo present? Are you Mr. McKeen? Yes. Come on up.
Chris Wood. Good morning. My name is Bill McKeen and I've been retired from the oil and gas industry for seven years. I was an unpaid lobbyist in the oil and gas industry in Kansas before I moved to Taran County and rented in Bedford in
North Ula 17 years ago. I got remarried. My wife and I live in an upscale neighborhood in northeast Benrook within walking distance of former county commissioner Brook's neighborhood. Taran County is blessed blessed to be
43% white, 29% Latino, 17% black, 6% Asian, 5% mixed. Taran County is blessed to be a purple county whose citizens split their vote 49% each for Biden and Trump in 2020. Most importantly, Taran
County is blessed to have polkadotted demographic maps of low-income voters living in apartments and houses a few blocks away from million-dollar homes. Now, when I moved to Kansas from Duncanville in 1995, their school district is one of the top three. Thank
you. Your time is up. Thank you. Ask that. Thank you, sir. Your time is up. All right, Miss Del Calvo, is she present? All right, I think we're we'll go one more on that one. So, Chris
Wood, Donna Collins, and Karen Brennan. I disagree with this redistricting plan because it draws precincts more favorable to Republicans and puts communities of color in a single precinct. Usually redistricting is done every 10 years after the US
census. This rushed scheme circumvents the necessary due diligence to ensure all groups are represented. But the days of being able to split apart districts to exclude groups are coming to an end. 94% of all people approve of interracial
marriage. So most people are not concerned about the color of their neighbors skin. People are now choosing homes based on proximity to work or locations to frequent. I am moving to a diverse area and Fort Worth is following soon. Gone will be white neighborhoods,
black neighborhoods, and brown neighborhoods replaced with diverse neighborhoods. Thank you. Thank you. All right, Miss Del Calvo going once, going twice. I believe that one is gone. Donna Collins, Karen Brennan.
[Applause] What? Donna Collins and I'm here to support redistricting because I support the Constitution. Liberty and freedom are foundational principles of this country. We must protect them and it begins at the local level. The Republican party prioritizes American
interests, lower taxes, closed borders, and biblical values. I don't want to see Tarant County run into ground into the ground in the future by those that don't protect us our sovereignty as a nation, don't protect women, children, unborn, and the elderly. As Christians, we must stand together for the principles of
freedom and liberty. I'm talking about the Judeo-Christian principles that our country was founded upon. We must stop with the hate and the victimhood and stand together against the absolute evil forces that want to take over our country and world. Starting right here, starting today. Don't doubt us my
tarant. Father, lead us in not into temptation, but deliver us from all evil. Thank you. That was Miss Collins. Uh, next we have Karen Brennan. And I can't imagine that one is a real
name. If there is somebody named Griffy, uh, A, you can speak next. And B, change your name. Make that the next stop. Uh Karen Karen Brennan Grifty and Mary Finette
[Applause] Welton. All right. So, good morning honorable O'Hare and commissioners. My name is Karen Brennan. I'm a long-term resident of Keller, Texas, a precinct chair, and also on a Keller City Council. Um, I strongly urge you all to
vote for redistricting, preferably maps six or seven to better represent and realign our boundaries to the current demographics in Harren County. I think that's been said a lot here so far. The map has not been updated since 2010, 15
years ago. Unlike Dallas and Harris and Travis counties where their maps were updated just 5 years ago, this update will reflect how the community has grown since that time. And by choosing either map six or seven, citizens in these
communities will reinforce their faith in our local government and show that their voice voices matter. So, thank you for allowing me to speak. Have a good day. Thank you. Thank you. All right. I don't think blank grifty blank is real, so we're putting that one
away. Mary Fet Welton. I don't think that one is either. And we we're got a nice run of them. All right. Tell who are you? Tell us. My name is Mary Fenet Wilton. I'm a taxpaying resident of Beford. Um I am
here today to speak against the pro proposed redistricting plan. Given that the 2021 commissioner's court deliberated and unanimously voted to retain the current districts to redistrict now five years after that vote means we will be using outdated
data to make an extremely costly measure that accomplishes nothing other than to pack the districts. It is clearly racial geromandering and violates the voting rights act. Again, I am opposed to the suggested maps and would request you
consider a process that is not rushed and takes into consideration the desires of the community. Thank you. Thank you. Uh the next one I'm not reading out loud. Uh but a for effort. Carter,
uh your comments are amusing. So you've you've achieved that one. You get your name called. Uh next we have I believe this one is real. Can Turner, Jennifer Gallagher, and Sabrina Ball.
Oh, yeah. So, good morning, commissioners. My name is Ken Turner. I am the executive director of the Barbara Jordan Leadership Institute, an attorney and proud resident of the diverse precinct one here in Taran County. I stand before you to strongly oppose the
proposed redistricting plans for commissioner precincts. We have saw in 2020 that what we already knew is Tarant County is a majority minority county with nearly 60% of their residents being of people of color living in precinct 1
and two. And we are talking a lot of people with precinct 3, but they're not being harmed. I myself be living in precinct one is being cracked and packed into one district and which is unconstitutional as have already been stated in the land of the law. So we are
trying to save money for our county by opposing and not doing this redistricting plan. Thank you. Thank you Jennifer Gallagher. Jennifer Gallagher present. Sabrina Ball.
Nina Oishi. Hi, the Supreme Ball. While it's clear you're drawing lines based on race, which would cost us millions, I thought I'd bring you a different perspective. Today, at the start of Pride Month, I'd like to share a fact that you cannot change. Mr. Krauss, Mr. O'Hare, I bring
this up because based on your words and your actions, I know this is important to you. This fact you cannot change. No matter how you draw these lines, no matter what fascist policies you pass, there are queer people in every one of these precincts. Across every map,
across the entire county, there will always be queer people, Republican and Democrat, white or black or whatever. We have existed for all time and will continue to exist in spite of you for all time. And come 2026, we will vote.
Jennifer Gallagher, Nina Oishi, and Jandelle Crutchfield. Thank you, Judge O'Harren County Commissioners. My name is Nina Oishi and I'm an attorney with the Texas Civil Rights Project, a nonpartisan
organization. I'm here to oppose this plan. As we wrote in a letter to this court, the midcycle redistricting process appears rushed without the procedural safeguards from 2021. There have been no publicly posted MAC criteria and no public drawing sessions. Based on our expertise litigating voting
rights issues, these changes support a conclusion that the redistricting is motivated by discriminatory intent in violation of the 14th and 15th amendments of the Constitution. Consequences could be dire, trapping the county in costly litigation. Galveston County has spent over 4 million in
ongoing litigation after enacting a 2021 redistricting plan that dismantled a majority minority commissioner's district much like here. And again, that is ongoing. Looking out for your constituents would mean taking the time to wait and to adopt a fair and transparent process. Thank you. Thank
you, Jennifer Gallagher. Going once, going twice. That one's gone. Miss Crutchfield. Deborah Krakkey and Janine Vaughn. All right, Commissioners Simmons and
Miles, thank you for showing true leadership while colleagues um on your uh court are pushing a redistricting plan intended to silence voters. Leaders all over the county have already spoken out against this plan. As an elected official myself, I believe it is the worst kind of leadership that tries to
protect its own power by ignoring its constituents. It is our duty as elected officials to consider what serves everyone, not just the folks who are in our political party. Just last month, we saw school board and city council candidates act like they only cared about certain voters. They show contempt for the very people they were running to
serve and that caused them to lose their races because more and more people in Taran County want leaders who serve everyone, not just the chosen few. I've heard a lot about protecting Republican priorities and values. We should protect all of our priorities and values. We are all Taran County. All of us belong here
and deserve fair representation. Please uphold your oath of office by listening to all of your constituents and reject this redistricting plan. Thank you. Deborah Kratkkey, Janine Fawn, and Toby Tajou Mwell.
Hello, I'm Deborah Kraky and I live in District One. I'm here to say no to your power rat. My dad was a city councilman and then a mayor in my hometown and he believed that he served all the residents, not just the ones who voted for it. My granddaddy was a yellow dog
Democrat. And we would debate about that, but it would always end the saying, "I'm your granddaddy," which was code for, "We're done here." This redistricting robs me personally of my vote and puts me in another district without any vote in the community.
You're doing that for power and you've been brazen in admitting it. I went to the cemetery when all this started to apologize to my granddaddy and tell him that I finally understand and that I am now a yellow dog Democrat. And Judge
O'Hare, as my grandmother used to say, bless your heart. Janine Vaughn, Toby Tajjo Mavo, and Ryan
Price. My name is Toby Tajimo. I'm from Kent, too. Um, I have here with me my son, Augustine Tajuma. Um, we're also here representing um, my husband and his dad as well. We have lived in Mansfield for four years and we love our community
and our ability to vote and speak. I am a mother. I am a nurse. I also own a maternity nursing concier service and we do not want um, our maps to change. My son told me to come here and say, "Mommy, tell them don't change the map.
Everyone voice matters, right? All right. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Janine Vaughn, Ryan Price, Diana [Applause]
Boger. I'm Reverend Ryan Price and I'm here to state my strong opposition to this redistricting. Despite whatever purported motivations and intents have been expressed to publicly justify this process, the end result of each and
every one of these maps is a cracking and packing of minority districts and a mockery of our democracy. This is unfair, unethical, illegal, and is mighty ugly.
In 1812, Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Jerry so manipulated a voting district that it took on the shape of a salamander. Folks called it a gerrymander. The same thing is being done here today. Only this time it
doesn't look like a salamander. It looks like a snake. Janine Vaughn, Diana Boger, and Julie Griffin. [Applause] Hello, I am Diana Boer. I was uh born in
Texas. I grew up in Texas and I went to high school here in Fort Worth at OD Wyatt High School. Go sh. I got a great education here in Texas. I'm in Matt pre Mount Krauss's precinct 3. I'm a Republican precinct chair in Hurst. Also
an election judge. I support redistricting and I would like for you to use the most conservative map that gives us conservative uh commissioners. Excuse me. I'm in support of protecting and expanding our conservative Christian majority. This is
about more than just lines on a map. To me, this is about preserving low taxes, strong law enforcement, women's spaces, and safety in our biblical values. I appreciate all of your work. Thank you.
Following Miss Griffin, uh we have Ebony Turner, and then we're going to take a 10-minute recess. Judge, commissioners, I hear the sweet sounds of liberty opposing these maps, just like those American revolutionary
patriots fought for. Here's the thing. You three know these maps commit racial cracking and packing and divide communities of interest. You know this. So, you know they are unlawful. You know
it is a waste of taxpayers money to launch a litigation war and you know that they are wrong. To deny it is an insult to everyone's intelligence. Not only are they unlawful and wasteful and wrong, these racial gerrymandering maps amount to
violence. You are shoving this down the collective community's throat. You are doing violence to Republican government. how these maps eliminate fair representation and silence black and brown communities and are being imposed without data analysis and meaningful
participation by the public. Thank you. Thank you. Uh Miss Turner after Miss Turner, we're having a 10-minute recess. Ebony Turner, precinct 2 resident. As an attorney, I can say gang recognized
game. It's not what you say to try and convince these people that these maps are political. Even Stevie Wonder can see that these maps are racially gerrymandered. If Democrats don't have a monopoly on non-white voters, why did you remove so many of them to achieve
your alleged goal of political gerrymandering? Clearly, Republicans don't have a monopoly on white voters either. I mean, did you see how badly y'all lost in Mansfield and across the county in this last local election? Objective experts believe this is racial gerrymandering in violation of the
Voting Rights Act and the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, and I agree. Additionally, any voters that get moved from precinct 2 into precinct 1 will be disenfranchised in 2026. I oppose any new maps, keep the current map. Thank you. Thank you. All right. The time is
now 11:49, so we will uh recess until exactly noon. We are now in recess till 12. Oh. Heat. Heat. Yeah. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.
[Music] Heat. Yeah. [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat.
[Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Where I am [Music] Yes. Yeah. Your
[Music] [Music] [Music] honor, heat. I told him they're broke. Well, I guess it's [Music]
okay. They've already told [Music] Okay, I think we're good there. All right, we left. Okay. All right, that was the weakest. We are back on the record here.
Um and first speaker is Leavon Cochrell. Next is Sheila James. Then Kathleen Turner. My name is Leavon Cochril. Representation today is very important. Republican Senator Joanie Erns recently
told a constituent whose husband will die without certain medication, "Well, we all are going to die." Joanie then appeared in a cemetery with a tooth fairy. She represented poorly. Judge O'Hare, you represent everyone and you represent that I, as a Democrat, am an
illegal alien, murderer, pedophile, and a communist with no job, which is very inaccurate. Poor representation. Luckily, my precinct representative is Commissioner Ramirez, a decent father and husband with a work background of service who said he was
who has great respect for me. There is kindness in that representation. The map the Wacky Heritage Foundation has brought to Tarant County, Texas is unfair and not representative of us. We all stand for anything. We must stand for fair
representation. Represent us all and leave the map alone. Thank you. Thank you, Sheila James, Kathleen Turner, and Hunter Griffin. Sheila James, District. While intending to ensure fair representation often
becomes a tool for political manipulation that harms communities when done with partisan intent, a practice known as gerrymandering, it can fracture neighborhoods, dilute minority voices, and prioritize political advantages over public interest. This in this leads to
obviously shaped districts that group or divide communities not by shared interest but by voting p patterns weakening their ability to advocate effectively for local needs. As a result, elected officials may become
less accountable knowing their reelection depends more on district lines than on serving their constituents. Thank you. Thank you Kathleen Turner. Hunter
Griffin think Patricia Joerger I think she went already Ernie Moran so Kathleen Turner Hunter Griffin Ernie Moran is Turner Turner we got Good afternoon commissioners my name is
Kathleen Turner and I'm a proud lifelong resident of Tarant County and precinct 1. I love this community and that is why I am here today to speak strongly against the proposed mid decade redistricting maps. Redrawing the maps
now without new census data and without meaningful public input feels like a direct attempt to silence those voices. And while the justification may be labeled political, the impact is clearly racial. Taran County does not need to be
the next headline in a federal voting rights lawsuit. We need leadership that listens, respects the law, and protects the people. I urge you to do the right thing, reject these maps, respect our voices, and protect the progress we work
hard to achieve. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. F. We have Hunter Griffin, Ernie Moran, Dr. Michael Bell. I want to start by acknowledging that we're going to land seated and shared by Takani
Janui Nations. I'm a Taran County resident of 31 years. I'm also a TCU grad with a minor in political science. So, I know a power grab when I see one. Besides, one commission already told us as much. You all should get your story straight because if this is truly about representing the people of Tarant County, then why did four city councils
and 10 mayors representing more than 80% of the county population sign onto a letter opposing this? I'll tell you why. because they see this for the anti-democratic or the small D move that it is. You're attempting to disenfranchise black and brown communities. And I tell you that you should be ashamed, but I'm afraid you no longer feel any shame. We know this is
the last desperate play of a group of people who know their time is running out. You have moved so far to the extreme right that your constituency doesn't recognize you. So instead of voters picking their leaders, you're attempting to pick your voters and wasting taxpayer money in the process. You're cowards to pull this now. You're cowards for not showing up to the public
forums and defend what you're doing. And all the excuses in the world won't change that. And to the ones opposed to this, I say peace be to you if you're willing to fight for it. Uh Hunter Griffin, Dr. Michael Bell, Jolin Patenza, what is what what's your name? standard.
[Music] I don't think I've called your name yet. Okay. All right. Hunter Griffin. I think I called that one. I think I've called that a couple of times. Uh Dr. Bell and then Jolen
Patenza. Michael Bell 2025 and we're still dealing with yesterday's hate, bigotry, and toxic attitudes, which by the way today apparently uh masquerades as conservative
values. Uh I'm here today as a concerned resident of Taran County who believes in fair representation for all people. from speaking out against racial germanding of our Tarant County precincts, a practice that undermines the principles
of democracy. It depreciates the value of every citizen's voice when district lines are drawn to subvert the voting power of communities of color. It's unconstitutional in its realm. Taran
County is one of the most diverse communities in Texas. Our precincts should reflect that diversity, not suppress it. When maps are drawn to divide neighborhoods and silence communities, especially black and
Latino. Thank you, sir. I don't believe Hunter Griffin is here, so I'm going to put that one away. Jolen Patenza, she present. Shirley Steves and Taylor Trevinho.
Jolen Patenza, Shelley Steves, Taylor Trevinho. Now, Sandra Culie, do we still have two overflow rooms? We do. We don't. Hi, I'm Xander Culie. I live in precinct
3. I'm against the redistricting. The argument that it's needed because it hasn't been done since 2010 is a halftruth. This court after the 2020 census and under Republican judge Whitley's leadership looked at the
census data for 20 looked at the census data in 2021. Uh they saw the precincts were still balanced and they voted 4 to one not to redistrict. Tim Hair has has said that that his maps
are partisan politics, which I'll agree with, but his maps are more than that. They are racial gerrymandering. By packing people of color from precinct two into precinct one, and by removing the color majority in precinct 2, it
will likely open up to for another Republican. Judge O'Hare has a history of racial divisiveness. Thank you. Your time is up. Taylor Trevvinho, then Shelley Steves, Jolin Patenza. That'll be the
last call for Miss Patenza. Okay. Good afternoon. Um, my name is Taylor Travinho. I'm a for a former Fort Worth ISD teacher and I'm the voting rights senior advocacy manager at the Texas Civil Rights Project. I'm here to urge you to keep our current map. In
addition to this effort showing all the signs of intentional illegal racial gerrymandering, redistricting right now is simply unnecessary and inefficient. In 2021, the county voted not to redistrict after realizing that despite significant countywide growth, the maps
were still or sorry, the precincts were still balanced according to 2020 census data. Nothing has changed since then that justifies the sudden and dramatic change of course. In addition, as has been made clear today and throughout the past month, these maps are extremely unpopular. As
elected officials, it is your duty to represent your constituents on this dis and vote in favor, sorry, and to vote in favor of these maps would be doing the exact opposite. Telling your constituents to their faces you don't care what they think. Do the right thing. Don't waste my taxpayer money on
this effort. Keep the current map. Thank you. Thank you. Uh, all right. Miss Patenza not present. So, I'm going to go ahead and put that one away. Shelley Steves, Carla Gonzalez, and Dora Graham. Judge O'Hara and commissioners.
My name is Dor Graham and I live in Arlington, Texas. I support map option one. Commissioner Simmons, you call the public interest legal foundation minions. That is a very derogatory term
meaning subordinate. Lower class meaning inferior. This company is not such. was founded in 2012. 501c3 law firm that has been active in the election integrity for years and has
litigated cases that have created a body of favorable juristprudence and real wins for election integrity. Its database can be used by experienced election lawyers. This does not sound as if this company is made of
minions. I've been called a minion. Thank you. Thank you. Shelley Steves, Carla Gonzalez, Douglas Hines. Good afternoon. My name is Carla Gonzalez. I am a Tarant County
Republican precinct chair 3214 and area leader for House District 91. I support redistricting with the most conservative map that gives us three Republican county commissioners. I thank all of you for providing open
meetings and even adding other map options. My favorable is Matt 7. I support you, Judge O'Hare, Commissioner Matt Krauss, and Manny Ramirez. And I want to say graciasto translation.
Thank you for all you are doing for us. Redistricting was never a race thing. Redistricting is just the right thing. Thank you. Thank you, Shelley Steves, Douglas Hines, Katherine
Shoua. All right. I think we've called Shelley Steves multiple times. Are you one of the ones I just called? Yeah. Come on up. I'm guessing you're not Douglas Hines. Okay. [Applause]
My name is Katherine Shoua and I live in Hurst. I am thankful to be an American and I am thankful to each one of you for your service to our great county. I'm here to ask if you will vote for the most conservative option on the map.
Thank you. Thank you, Catherine. Shelley Steves. Going once, going twice, gone. Douglas Hines, Sue Reed, David Shuba. Good afternoon. My name is Sue
Reid of Collville, Texas. Many of you on this course have subscribed to Trump's The Art of the Deal. But this isn't artful dealmaking. It's about those in power deciding democracy is too messy when voters dare to color outside their ballot box lines. Now the board is trying the art of gerrymandering. Not by
winning hearts and minds, but by redrawing lines. Lines so jagged, so artfully engineered, so cracked and packed that you think Picasso himself had taken up atmaking. Even Mr. rabbit is paying attention to your attention of your artistic techniques intent on
furthering the state's political picture. Your handiwork is so bad that mayors representing over 70% of Taran County's population have opposed it. There's nothing artful about this. It's just an ugly and brazen attempt at racial gerrymanding painted with shades of partisan politics. The only color
that will prevail is the green of wasted taxpayer money spent defending bias maps. So hang this in your GOP gallery, but don't be surprised when the courts and the voters reject your shape. Thank you, Douglas
Hines, David Shuba, Melinda Aowski. Good afternoon. I'm David Shoua, a lifelong conservative, and I urge the court to vote for the most conservative map that is being considered. Thank you. Thank you, Douglas Hines. Going once,
going twice. That one's away. Melinda Aowski, Karen Han, and John Henahosa. Hi, I'm Melinda Kowski. I am here to stand with the conservative leadership of Tarant County and fully support redistricting the Tarant County precinct
boundaries. Since the last redistricting in 2011, Tarant County has seen a 23% increase in population and it does not appear that we are slowing down in growth. The population growth has created an imbalance in representation across precincts. Texas law requires
that county commissioner precincts be of substantially equal population. It is within reason to assume that the recent and ongoing increase in population has created an imbalance between the precincts. We must adopt a new map that better reflects the county's growth,
particularly in rapidly expanding areas. A vote in support of redistricting is in no way tied to race or discrimination, as many would have you believe. It is simply correcting the imbalance of the population distribution and providing a path to restore fair representation.
[Applause] Karen Han, John Henahosa, Warren Han. My name is Karen Han. I oppose this racially motivated redistricting plan. This action suppresses minority voting strength by packing black and brown
voters into precinct one and violates the Voting Rights Act. The whole process is unnecessary since Taran County did in fact do a full and thorough redistricting process in 2021 and voted
4 to one not to redraw the lines because the precincts were balanced and they were well within the requirements. It doesn't make any sense to vote to redistri redistrict. Now you are using the same data from the 2020 census and
now suddenly the maps need to be redrawn. We are required to redistrict after the 2030 census 5 years from now. So why spend the money on this now only to have to repeat it in 2030? This is not prudent use of our tax dollars.
Thank you. Uh Mr. Henosa Warren Han Charles Weedmire Good afternoon. My name is John Henahosa. I'm a Christian, a Tarant County resident and a Tarant County
Republican chair of precinct 3648. I've lived and voted in Taran County for 18 years. I'm here to support redistricting. Our district map has been unchanged for 14 years and no longer reflects a 17% population growth since 2010 2011. Redistricting is overdue to
ensure fair representation for the 2026 election. Redistricting aligns with our county and our current demographics by balancing precincts to reflect our growing conservative population. I'm a Hispanic conservative. Hispanics believe in God, family, the sanctity of life and
many conservative principles. We are business entrepreneurs and we believe in safe communities by supporting the police who defend our city. Hispanics like me are conservative and we demand conservative representation across all communities. We must ensure that the commissioner's court overseeing
elections, taxes, policies represent conservatives like me. I urge the commissioners. Thank you, sir. Uh next we have Warren Han followed by Charles Weedmire followed by EJ Kerrion. Warren Horton. I am against this
midcycle radically motivated redistricting plan. Silencing the voices of minorities violates the Voting Rights Act. This unnecessary voter suppression plan comes at a tremendous cost to the taxpayers. The county judge estimated
spending at 30,000 for just the initial cost of redistricting, but this plan is going to be more costly. What are the projected costs? The ripple effects associated with restructuring the precincts, relocating offices, projects
stalled or eliminated, consulting expenses, administrative overhead, and more lawsuits. We have no idea how much these extra costs are going to hamper the county. I do not want my tax dollars to be spent on voter suppression and
racial discrimination. Thank you. Uh following Mr. Weedmire, EJ Carryion, and Janet Matter. Judge O'Hare. Fellow commissioners, my name is Charles Weedmire, and I came here to voice strong support for the
initiative to redistrict redistribute district rather Tarant County. I know this is always a contentious issue. I appreciate your courage in tackling it now because it's overdue and so I thank you very much. Let's have a good outcome.
Thank you. Following Mr. Kerion, Janet Matter, Nate Smith. This entire redistricting process is marinated in racism. And I have a story that says all we need to know. Joseph Nixon, the liaison for PIL, the firm we pay tens of thousands of taxpayer
dollars for, never showed up to speak at a single public hearing event. He told Commissioner Simmons that he planned to attend the Arlington meeting on May 17th, but backed out at the last minute. Why? Because he heard the KO meeting on
May 14th was too dangerous and he feared for his life. Joseph Nixon is a 6'4, 250 lb white man. I like how when black and brown people raise their concerns, it threatens their existence. They say this
is political, but the truth is simple. Their ignorance had led them to violate section two of the Voting Rights Act, which focuses on impact, not motive. So, while they'll spin lies with their mouths, their racist actions will lead to a guilty verdict. We will fight back.
Thank you. Thank you. Following Janet Matter, we have Nate Smith, and then Lorie Duke. Hello, my name is Janet Matan. I am the president of the League of Women Voters of Tarant County. We oppose the redistricting process and all proposed
maps. When no one replies to questions, there is no transparency. When you disenfranchise voters by gerrymandering, you undermine our democracy. When the people have no say in creating these maps, then you cannot say that they are
created in the interests of the people. When you prioritize power acquisition over citizens rights, this can lead to negative consequences, corruption, abuse of authority, neglect of public
services, wasteful spending, and decline in public trust. Having a balanced court best serves the interests of all Tarant County residents. Tarant County deserves better. Next we have Nate Smith, Lorie
Duke, and Deborah Spell. Hello, I'm Nate Smith from Mansfield. Commissioner Ramirez read a proclamation at the beginning of this meeting honoring the US Army's 250th birthday. As a former Army officer, it was nice to see that. But I can't help
but note the irony of that proclamation coming today from you, Commissioner Ramirez. In my view, you have recently gone on record pinning an op-ed that is antithetical to the values of the US Army. You said in that oped that it is your intent to support an unprecedented mid decade gerrymander because you were
concerned with leadership changes occurring quote without planning. without planning. The entire point of the democracy that I once put on a uniform to defend is that power changes hands quote without planning based on the express will of voters. I did not
fight to have democ I did not fight to have democracy planned by a gerrymander's pen drawing racialized lines. Commissioner Ramirez, please make your actions during this meeting match the values of the organization that you presumed to honor at its beginning. Thank you. Thank you. Lorie Duke,
Deborah Spell, and Tammy Grantham. Lori Duke, precinct 4. This court is engaging in a redistricting plan that neither local officials nor a majority of the constituents in the affected districts want. You are doing so in a
manner that results in blatant racial discrimination. Your lack of transparency and reckless disregard for the economic impact inevitable litigation is dishonorable. It is disgraceful. It will tarnish your
reputation permanently. All that you have is your soul. And I don't know why you would willing willingly hand over democracy and your soul to this man and protect and not protect the community from people like him. Shame on
you, Commissioner Ramirez. Anthony Johnson, Deborah Spell, Tammy Grantham, and Daisy Parto. Good morning, Deborah Spell. DEI, diversity, equality, inclusion. I
include democracy, equity, and inter integrity. Redistricting and gerrymandering are procedures to suppress the right to vote for individuals from your community to represent your concerns. This redrawing of the maps are racially polit
politically motivated. The Republican judge and commissioners have proudly declared their intent. Fear. Fear. Fear that voters do not agree with policies that are pro they are promoting. Fear that they are taking away our rights.
The census was taken only five years ago. It was a waste of it's a waste of taxpayers money to hire conservative firm to draw inongruous maps to Republican advantage. Democracy, equality, and inclusion are not a part
of the Republican platform. They always Thank you. Thank you. Tammy Grantham, Daisy Partardo, and Blake Mormon. Hello everyone. Um, I'm Tammy Grantham and I'm a lifelong uh resident of Tarant
County. I'm here to say that I 100% support redistricting with the most conservative map. Don't douse my Tarant. Daisy Partardo, Blake Mormon, and Ezra Kirkos.
Hello, Judge O'Hare. Hello, we the people. I am Daisy Part. I am a Texan born and raised. I graduated from Sagenol High. Joined the army at 17. I didn't go to get a college degree. I don't fully understand
politics, but whenever I first voted, I voted Republican because I trusted all of the adults and people around me to say that voting Republican was the right way. And I did and I trusted it up until
2016 when the Republican party became orange. The the Republicans of today are just not the same as yesterday. The redistricting decision was already made in 2021 by our Texas representatives. I'm not sure why is
being talked about again. Republicans already have the power. It's already 3 to2. So, I'm not really sure why you're using that power to revisit this. Thank you. Thank you. Uh Blake
Mormon, Ezra Kirkos, and Jennifer Stefen. My name is Blake Mormon and I'm the first vice president of the Fort Worth Taran County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, better known as the NAACP. On behalf of our members, I am
here to express our opposition to the current redistricting process in Turner County. It is a prime example of illegal racial gerrymandering. For more than a century, the black and brown votes have been relentlessly suppressed in this country. However, our voices will never
have never been and would never be silenced. Minority voters in Taran County will maintain their rightful place in the democratic process, ensuring the power to effectively and equitably shape the future of our county. We will not be silent. We will speak with both our vote and our
pocketbooks. Blake Mormon. Yes. Sorry. Uh, Ezra Kirkos, Jennifer Jennifer Stefan or Stefan and Jennifer Trevinho. [Music]
Hello, my name is Ezra and I was born and raised in Taran County in Commissioner Precinct One and I'm opposed to redistricting. The stated goal of the redistricting is to turn the court red, keep it completely red. If this is honestly what
you believe to be best for the people of Taran County, then it is incumbent upon conservatives to convince the people of that to draw lines in order to achieve this goal is to circumvent the political process in order to achieve your
political goals. Yes. And when you're circumventing the democratic process, that is when people get disillusioned. That's that's what destroys nations. I'm opposed to the redistricting. Thank you. Thank you. Uh Jennifer
Stefen. Okay. Jennifer Trovinho and Joy Newman. Hello. Hi. My name is Jenny Stefen and I am here today as a citizen in precinct 2 strongly opposing the redistricting and the racial gerrymandering. I moved to Arlington 20 years ago from Kansas and
settled in Arlington purposely for the diversity. I have lived and worked in Arlington for over 20 years and want to remain with my people. You said there's seven options, but I live in the section of Arlington that you give no options to at all. All of your options are the same for my neighborhood. I want to continue
to vote with the people of Arlington. Please leave the lines alone. To take anyone's votes away is not okay. What you are doing is wrong. And I stand with Commissioner Simmons. Thank you. Jennifer Trevinho, Joy Newman, and Richard
Gonzalez. Hello, Jennifer Trovinho, and I find many reasons to oppose county redistricting now in 2025 when it was done after the 2020 census through a thorough process and will be done again after the 2030 census. But here are a few of my reasons. Inefficient use of
resources, time, talent, and funds both in current process, timeline, and the anticipated legal challenges if passed. There are so many more things that you all could be focusing your time, energy, and effort on such as county roads, public health, general safety. Uh so
many things that I think uh would be much more beneficial for our community for your uses. There's not enough time. You rushing the seats all to be able to redistrict out one of your incumbents who is only one woman who represents me
on this court. Uh lastly, I'm against anything that is going to um inhibit participation in our process and think you all should not be redistricting right now. Thank you. Thank you. Joy Newman, Richard Gonzalez,
and Laura Leman. Joy Newman, Carlyville, Texas. It is time to redistrict. We are uh way overdue and I support redistric redistricting with the most conservative map. Please don't Dallas Montan. Thank you. Richard Gonzalez,
Laura Leman, and [Applause] Lori Stel Stelly's Stelheis. Good afternoon. My name is Richard Gonzalez. I'm a member of uh precinct 2. Uh thank you for the for
the recognition of the US Army uh formation on June 14th, 1775. I'm a veteran and I proudly served my country uh during the Vietnam War era. You know, Americans fought for independence from British colonial rule and they fought for two particular principles. One was
taxation without representation and the other was consent of the governed. The proposal redistricting in mid decade aims to take away brown and black representation. Per US census estimate for Taran County in
2024. Uh the black population is 19.3%, brown population 30.5 and the white population is 42.2 or the minority vote. Proposals will dilute the black and brown voices through the obvious cracking and packing that Jerry
mandering achieves. Uh pretext is that you're generating. Thank you. Thank you. Uh Laura Leman. Lori, just not sure how to pronounce it. Stellhees is my guess. And Pablo Calderon.
Hi. How to win four county seats. Lesson one. Lie. Keep saying your redistricting plan is about population growth even though the date uh the data hasn't changed since 2021. 2021. If you repeat half uh half truth enough, some folks will think it's
gospel. Two. Cheat. Stack the deck in your favor. O'Hare has admitted this process is 100% about partisan politics, not fairness, demographics, because that would be fair. Three, steal. Grab power and don't let go. Especially when your pals with TTP and Patriot Mobile Action
Pack the goal, keep voters of color from full representation. Four, hide. When the public has questions, just don't show up. Right, Judge Commission Judge and Commissioner Ramirez? Transparency not in this playbook. The truth is the new maps are unfair to people of color and that makes this process illegal and
immoral. Winning by lying, cheating, and stealing from voters is ungodly. Shame on you. Even AI knows this is wrong. Are are you Lori? Are you Lori? Yeah. Okay. Uh then Pablo Calderon and
Jeanie Barrier. I'm here today to speak out against the redistricting plan. This effort to racially gerrymander districts one and two is illegal and wrong. District 1's minority makeup will increase by 12% while district 2's minority make makeup will decrease by 11%. This cracking and
packing by race dilutes voters voices. The entire process is rushed, lacks transparency, is heavily partisan, and excludes public input. And nowhere have you addressed how much this redistricting will cost and how it will impact county employees. The maintenance
facility for the roads and bridges maintained by district 1 will move to district two. Will these county employees lose their job or will you expect them to commute long distances for worse? What about the cost to district 2 as a result of going from supporting three to seven school
districts? And what about all the hidden costs associated with moving people and offices around? None of this is insignificant and must be factored into the decision. Drawing district boundaries to benefit one party is wrong. You were elected to represent all of your constituents. Uh Mr.
Calderon following Mr. Calderon, Jeanie Barrier, and Shenine Scandlin. Public keep proportional representation with the current plan. Republicans voted
52% in the presidential election in 24. You're not 75%. The redistiting website has a process for map submissions due yesterday, June 2nd. I and a few other
citizens submitted maps. None are on the posted on the um portal and none of them are on your agenda. Attachments were posted three
days ago. I drew a map that has Hispanics at over 50% majority that gives a standing legal standing under voting acts.
Um, thanks sir. Jeanie Barrier, Shenine Scandlin, Shannon maybe, and Cindy Howard. Good morning. I'm Jeannie Barrier. Precinct 2. I am strongly against
redistricting at this time, which is obviously unlawful gerrymandering, racial gerrymandering. I will not support taking away any population's constitutional representation, just as I would fight anyone trying to take mine. Diversity is our strength, and
that goes for duly elected county commissioners, too. The next redistricting process is not due until we have the 2030 census data. Your weak attempt to say that redistricting redistricting has not occurred since 2010 is a false
narrative. It's a lie. Why? Why is that putting being put out there? Why are you wasting our money? Your attempt at unlawful racial discrimination is not even not evenly thinly veiled, which as an American citizen is chilling. Vote no
on this unlawful redistricting attempt which is rooted in racial gerrymandering. Thank you. Thank you so much. Is are you Shannon or Shannen? I don't know how to pronounce it. Okay. Cindy Howard and then Carol Peters.
I'm here to speak on behalf of Shen. Well, hang hang on. No, that's not how this works. Are you signed up to speak? No, I'm standing in her behalf. Okay. Yeah, that that's not how this works. So, I'm sorry. You're not allowed to speak. Okay. All right. Next is Cindy Howard. Conservative.
Cindy Howard, Carol Peters, and Anne Zeta. Hi, I'm Cindy Howard. Um, maps are redrawn after a census. The last census we had was before the lockdowns and we are way overdue for redistricting and I
support the map that fairly reflects the conservative majority of Tarant County. Thank you. That was all right. C H A N I N. If that person before was here to speak on behalf of
that person, not allowed. If there is a CH n here, they can speak. I'm putting that away now. All right. Now, Carol Peters, Ann Zeta, and Carol Koy. I am Anne Zeta. I served the Fort Worth City Council for seven years, so I know
a little bit about service. I am a resident of precinct 1. For now, all options move me to four. In case anyone is not aware about how egregious this whole process has been and has been rushed using old data, ironically, in the middle of the process, midsensus data was released, but as far as anyone knows, the proposed maps do not take any
of that information into consideration. Not to mention that map six and seven were released just a few days ago. And now we have a motion to adopt map seven that has been made when none of the public meetings were held since that map has was made public. This is a shameful process. All but four of the public
meetings were not published as meetings of which all council members could attend without breaking quorum. So you all had no intentions of hearing all of the public. It is important that those who choose to serve in public office be willing to actually serve all of the public. based upon what I I have experienced with one of you in a
previous role and observed several of you during this process that is unfort unfortunately not what you choose to do with your service. Thank you. Uh Carol Peters, Carol Koy, and Paula Partridge.
Thank you. I'm Carol Koy, precinct chair and stunt public. Thank you for your service and this opportunity to come. In November, the voters spoke loud and clear. They chose conservative leadership to keep America and Tarant
County on the right path. Since 2021, when everyone spoken about, our population has boomed. We now have 2.2 million residents, countless small businesses, and major employers. Why? because of our strong conservative
values, low taxes, fiscal responsibilities, and our public safety. Thank you, Sheriff Rager. Redistricting gives us this opportunity. Our chance to draw district lines that reflect the clear will of the
voters. Everyone who lives in Taran County and registers has a right to vote, which would make a difference. A plan that protects our children from gang violence and neighborhoods. Thank you. So, Carol
Peters, Paula Partridge, and Bishop Kirkland. Hello, my name is Paula Partridge. This is not the director of the district. I'm hope I'm wrong, but we all knew on April second how this vote will go today. I'd like to clarify the facts that may be
misconred by some of these court members and other Tarant County residents. Number one, I'm not a lawyer, but it is almost certain that the new maps are in violation of the Voting Rights Act and will likely cost Taran County P taxpayers millions of dollars to defend. It's pretty ironic that this initiative
is being brought up by the conservative elected officials. Number two, I wanted to let you know that I am insensed by a social media post associated with Judge O'Hare on May 22nd. And I quote, "Democrats have become the party of illegal aliens, pedophiles, and
murderers, and communism." End quote. As a longtime member of a Christian church, I was taught to love all people. You cannot call people names, treat them like garbage, and worship God at the same time. The United States Constitution establishes the separate
Thank you, ma'am. You're done. Um, Carol Peters. All right, I've said that one several times. We'll put Carol Peters away. Bishop Kirkland, how do you ignore 80% of the mayors of Taran County? How do you do
that? This though, it's about your mending. That's not the issue. It is about fracking and packing, but that's not the issue. The real issue is a Malcolm X move. The Mountain X move says by any means necessary. Your whole
objective is to get rid of her. You don't care how much money it cost. You don't care what we have to go through. Not to mention all the lawsuits that are soon to follow because this won't be. You'll win today. But this won't be the end. This is only beginning. We going to
fight like hell. This is not going to just to be something that we let pass by. If I hear one more lily white person get up here and talk about racism and you ain't been black a day in your life, I'mma throw up.
Andrea Barerio Bario, Ian Champon, and Ian Gonzalez. Andre Barrera, I have some uh written material. So, thank you for the opportunity to speak. I'm an associate professor of mathematics at SMU and one
of my research interests is redistricting. In brief, I use markup chain Monte Carlo methods to create large ensembles of random unbiased legal maps that can be used to understand what should be expected of a fair map. The methods that I use are by now fairly well understood and have been used in court cases from North Carolina to
Wisconsin. So, I generated 10,000 uh excuse me, 100,000 maps of Tarant County commissioners districts to compare with the current and proposed maps. Now, all of the proposed maps are racial gerrymanders that pack non-white voters into district 2 by taking them from district two uh excuse me, into district one by taking them from district two.
That you've heard many times today. What I can say that's new is that that is extremely unusual for an unbiased map. Uh in particular, it is extremely unusual for either district 1 or district 2 to be majority white. In fact, the median value of the non-white voting age population for both districts
should be 60%. In contrast, the current plan is typical. Thank you. And it's Thank you. And I have more Ian [Music] Champon, Ian Gonzalez, and Aaron
Hornkey, Edward Spears. [Applause] Nidia [Music] Cardinus. I believe my time started before I start. Can we start that please? Very well. Good. Uh, thank you commissioners
for your time. I want to be very clear. We are against this redistricting. uh as our Bible teaches in 1 Corinthians 12:23 and 24, Paul teaches, "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient. All things are lawful,
but all things edify not." Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. You may have the legal ability to do this, but how do your actions edify Christ that you claim? Howdy ratchets today show non-believers that they should consider accepting the God
you serve. Howdy ratchets today show that you are witnesses of Christ to a world that needs to see him through grace and love and kindness. I ask you today to make sure that you don't do what Paul cautions us of in Romans 2 and 24. But the Gentiles blasphe the name of
God because of you. I'll leave the rest of my comments as my time was cut short in writing. But we are against this and it is not Christlike and those that claim Christ should do that. Ian Champon Champion, Ian
Gonzalez and Aaron Hornkey. Okay, I think two of those we've gone through several times. Ian Champen, Ian Gonzalez. All right, I'm putting those away. Then we have Aaron Hornkey, Nidia
Cardinis, and Joshua Ya. [Applause] For those not lucky enough to be bilingual, what do you say to people who refuse to listen? Nothing. Instead, I use the remainder of my time for a moment of silence for the death of
leadership and integrity on this court. All right. Next, we have Aaron Hornkey. [Applause] Joshua. Are you Joshua? No. No. Was that?
All right, Aaron Hornkey. All right, I think we're putting that one away. Joshua. Then Heath Shifflet, come on up. And then Sophia Barry. My name's Heath. I'm a junior at Keller High School and I lead the Keller
student activism organization. The reasoning behind all of this is what happened on what happened on May 3rd. Um and elections across Taran County Republicans got absolutely obliterated. Taran County is slow between Bler and Bler. And I understand your fear. I understand it. The power
that you have is slowly being sapped away. But I you cannot act in fear. You cannot let that vile wretched emotion control you. I understand that you are scared. I understand that you are losing. That does not give you the right
to just run straight through national law. Like God, like it's a board game. Just because you're losing doesn't mean you get to flip the table. Even if you did, you're turning you're turning the playing the game, your constituents against you. I'd like to remind you elections for this this position has maybe 5% voter turnout. People are going
to come out. People are going to vote you out. You're losing the ability to jerrymander your way out of this. Thank you, Joshua. YPY, Joshua in the building. Sophia Barry, I think Marvin Sutton already
went. Natalie Wymer, come on up. Hi y'all. Um, my name is Natalie Wymer and I am a voter in Commissioner Ramirez's precinct. Precinct 3. Um, I am opposed to the redistricting effort. I
am mortified at how the nation is going to view Tarant County after your vote today. One of the odd justifications that I keep hearing is that Democrats have changed voting maps in other Texas counties. Whether or not that's true, the real concern is that this reasoning
as a parent makes me want to say to y'all, if your friends jumped off a bridge, would you do that also? But the reason I'm mortified is not only that Republicans are using that justification for redistricting, they're
using Democrats. So the question is, if your enemies jumped off a bridge, would you do that also? I would hope that our commissioner's court would not justify their bad choices by invoking another county's bad choice. We are all adults
and know better. Thank you. Thank you. Okay, it was this one. Okay, Joshua is going. Sophia Barry, Gordon Jones, David Spradlin. Good afternoon. My name is
Gordon Jones of Denton County. As a fierce advocate of the first amendment rights, I have been arrested multiple times in multiple jurisdictions and spent the night in several jails across the DFW area. I tell you with certainty that the Tarant County jails are hands down the worst. From the Bologona sandwiches with spoiled purple meat to
the record deaths under Sheriff Wayborn's watch, Tarant County takes the cake. Certain members of this commissioner court have openly admitted that the reason they support redrawing districts is to keep Tarant County under Republican control. Not to represent the people, but to keep it under Republican control. They've even gone so far as to
compare themselves to Dallas County and Harris County, implying that our standards would somehow fall to their levels if we don't redraw. If your jails are any indication of your standards, I would recommend re-examining them. The current Republican standards are forcing my daughter to carry her rapist baby,
restricting her voting rights and my wife's voting rights, and persecuting my LGBTQIA plus friends. I had a mouthful. This snap vote is nothing more than a response to the recent election in which all of the Patriot Front members Thank you, sir.
Uh we have Sophia Barry again, David Sprdlin, and Nelly Giani. Good afternoon. Hi, my name is David Sprattlin. I'm resident of Taran County Precinct 4. I'm here today to voice my strong opposition to this order to
establish new precinct boundaries. This is racial gerrymandering. It's a deliberate deliberate attempt to dilute the voting power of the communities of color under the false banner of partisanship. It is morally wrong. It is unjust and it is unacceptable. As a
Christian, I believe we are called to love our neighbor, not manipulated them into boundaries. This plan silences voices that have already fought too hard and too long to be heard. We deserve fair maps that reflect the diversity and dignity of this county, not boundaries
that serve political ambition at the expense of justice. I urge you reject this racially gymandered plan. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Sophia Barry called that one out a few times. So that
one will go Nelly Giani Kadus last name starts with an A and Forest Bradley. Hello, my name is Nelly Jumpy from Precinct One. I am here to speak against the blatant illegal racial
gerrymandering of the districts in an effort to suppress minority voices in hopes of flipping a precinct for Republicans. The people of precinct 2 made their choice on who they wanted to represent them. And because they do not
represent the party of your liking, you call it unfair and push for change midsensus cycle. This level of rigging would not be condoned by Democrats. So why should we accept this from Republicans? Instead of focusing on delivering for the people of your precincts, you're concerned with
securing Republican rule in every level of government. Frankly, the advocacy for the most conservative maps are frightening because they are unconsciously synonymizing suppression for conservatism. They want the most suppressive map.
Thank you. Thank you. That was not all right. So, Kadoose A is the last name, Forest Bradley, and Allan Turner Jr. All right. None of those three at the
moment. How many spillover rooms are left? Still two. I think both of them are still in action. Let's Let's move people from one to the other if there's room. We're doing that as we sir. Got it. Uh are you Alan Turner Jr.? Yeah. Come
on up. So Kadoose Forest Bradley and Peter Vin. Okay, good morning. My name is Alan Turner Jr. and I'm a precinct 2 resident who strongly opposed the racial
gerrymander maps being voted on today. Pulling black and brown residents from precinct 2 and packing them into precinct one for political gain is not only wrong but also illegal. Why do commissioners remar Krauss and you, Judge O'Hare, continue to mislead your constituents on this six-month redistricting process that took place in
2021? Why disenfranchise Republican, Democrat, and independent voters by taking their voices away and not allowing them to say who they want for their commissioner in 2028? Remember, remember, there is no true
conservative map when all of Tarant County votes. The tide is turning. Local races throughout all of Taran County continue to prove this factual reality every day. Thank you. Uh, Kadoose Forest Bradley Peter
Van as he comes forward. I have a question. Are the pill staff people in this courtroom? I don't think so. Are they They're in town. They're here. I think I said that at the very beginning of this that they're available for you to ask legal questions if you
choose to in executive session. Okay. But are they paying attention, listening? Are they I I have no idea what they're doing. I would assume Where are the I believe they're in the building and they have an audio feed so they can hear the commentary. Thank you so much. Yeah.
My name is Peter Urban. I live in precinct one. I demand that y'all regret the poorly drawn proposed redistricting maps. They are non-competitive, racist, Jim Cro style gerrymandering. In short, the new maps are bad design and bad
government. Again, I demand that the court reject all of the proposed district maps. Thank you. Forest Bradley, Kadoose. I think we're we're putting Kadoose away. Forest Bradley, Gabrielle Gordon, James
Tanner, Tras. Any of those? Linda Ford, come on up. What? Gabrielle Gordon. Is you are Gabrielle Gordon? Yeah. Come on up.
Hello. I'm Gabrielle Gordon and I live in precinct 3. I've been in Taran County for almost 40 years. I am very much opposed to the redistricting plan and the waste of county money which could be used on other programs like maternal health, child care, um our jail system,
roads, bridges, and other things that our county desperately needs to be addressed. I was at some of the uh planning meetings in 2001 when we were redist when they reviewed redistricting. So many people are saying it's been 14
years, you know, and this is terrible. Well, where were you four years ago because at the dis at the precinct three meeting there were only two of us who came to the information meeting. If you were so upset, where were you four years
ago? Also, if you want limited government, that means once in a, you know, once a decade, not wasting money to do it all over again mid census. Thank you. All right, Forest Bradley. All right, that's the last one
for Forest Bradley. James Tanner Tras, come on up. Linda Ford and Lisa, last name E from Keller with an address that begins with 717. Good afternoon. My name is James Tanner
Tras. I'm the student minister at Westside Unitarian Universalist Church in South Fort Worth. You've heard from other speakers opposing these maps already. You've heard that this redistricting is unnecessary, expensive, and guaranteed to be challenged in court. You've also heard that the firm you hired to draw these maps has very
little prior experience in redistricting. You've heard of the SMU study that claim these maps pack black voters into one district, which will diminish the voting power of that population. So, you've heard all of that from others, but I want to let you know that if even if you voted for this last time, you can vote against it this time.
Think about all of the late nights you'll be up here working on defending the Trump district in court. That's time and money you can vote to not spend right now. And I don't know of anyone that when they're old and looking back on their life wish that they spent more time defending illegal redistricting in
court. You can vote right now to spend more time working for the good of the people of Tarant County, not on poorly and unprofessionally drawn maps. Thank you. Thank you. All right, we have Linda Ford. I believe Darl Eastston already
went. Uh, am I right? Is that right? Linda Ford, then Lisa E from Keller, and then Kate F. from Arlington. Hi. Uh, good day. I I had good morning in my notes, but obviously that's gone. Um,
good morning to Judge O'Hare and all the commissioners. I'm Linda Ford from Precinct 1 and I'm precinct chair for the Republican party for 1423. In response to the comments that were made to us during the KOMO redistricting meeting, I wanted to say
Romans 12:19, judgment is mine, sayaeth the Lord. And people who are there know what I'm talking about. I support the redistricting of our county. I live in southwest Fort Worth and we have experienced an overwhelming growth that has been occurring since 2020. All you
have to do is drive down the Chism Trail Parkway to see what is going on. We need Tar County to be redistricted because we need to remain conservative. If the rules were reversed, would the Democrats be in favor of redistricting? I tend to
think yes. Thank you for your time. Thank you. All right. Last call on Lisa E from Keller. Address of 717. Are you Kate? I'm Lisa. You are you are Lisa E. Yes. Oh, okay. And then Kate
F from Arlington. And then Suzanne Maid. Yes. My name is Lisa Fu and I'm a resident of Taran County. I oppose this redistricting process because it is not an authentic legitimate redistricting process. Rather, it is an attempt at
racial gerrymandering designed to deny racial minorities their right to representation. You are attempting to choose your voters rather than the other way around. Why don't you just put up a candidate and influence the public and
win votes that way? In my opinion, what you three are trying to do is waste, fraud, and abuse. All right, Kate F. Okay. Kate Forwood, Suzanne Mabe, and Dominique Alexander.
Hi, I'm going to start with the definition of gerrymandering to manipulate the boundaries of an electoral constituency so as to favor one party or class. I was so disappointed to see Mr. O'Hare, Mr. Ramirez, and Mr. Krauss fully fall in line with Bo French's plan to quote
redraw the lines based on map one to increase his hold and influence over our Tar County Commissioner's Court. What's even more disappointing is how low you three commissioners will will go to accomplish his goal. You have resorted to illegal racial gerrymandering and
abandoned your entrusted responsibilities of your constituents and the values of our precious democracy. If the priority of a redistricting is not fair and equal representation of all residents, it is wrong and in this case
it's illegal. How incredibly disappointing and sad for Taran County. Suzanne Mabe, Dominique Alexander, and Chris Dobson. Good afternoon. Uh I'm uh here to speak in opposition to
this uh agenda item establishing new lines. Uh I live in precinct 4 and I've looked at these maps and I believe them to be racially jerrymandered and I think you all know this but continue to say it's political.
You don't provide any statistics or numbers to back this up. Why should we take your word on this when we can look at the map ourselves and see what the people you hired have done to the lines? It's like they researched where minority districts are
concentrated and drew circles around them and then drew another link to them and you're going to use that map. And I um I urge as a resident of district 4, I urge Commissioner Ramirez to vote no on
this agenda item and wait until the 2030 census and till we get legitimate numbers. Thank you. Dominique Alexander. Chris Dobson and Sue Allen. Which one are you? I'm Sue. Okay.
Well, why don't we let Mr. Dobson go first? Mr. Dobson, Chris Dobson. I live in uh district 2 and our district spoke. We wanted someone who would hold accountable Tarant County
officials. Out of the uh European European-American members of this board, I have not heard a single word to hold Billboard accountable. I have not seen y'all at town halls.
I don't see y'all representing anything but your own conservative personal need for power, your will to power. I'd like to apologize to everyone that had to sit through here and listen to some white
people read a script. It seems that their own words might give away the racist nature of this endeavor. You are packing and cracking the good people of Arlington and South Teran uh County for no reason but your own will.
Thank you. Dominique Alexander. I think that's the last call for Dominique Alexander. Sue Allen, come on up. Lydia Bean and Angela Rainey. Good afternoon. Let me briefly discuss
the tactics used in 1926 to keep brown and black voters from casting a ballot. The grandfather clause. It said you couldn't vote unless your grandfather voted. Well, black people couldn't vote because they were enslaved for that time. So, that basically provided a
block. Then came pole taxes where people had to pay money to vote. something a lot of black citizens couldn't afford to do. And then came literary test where people had to take an unfair reading test that was designed to make them fail
even if they could read just fine. And let's not forget that put in the white caps and the white robes who practice intimidation and and violence as Miss Opal described was done in her neighborhood. Today you
are proposing to do essentially the same thing. Packing ma'am your time is up. Your time is up on voters of color. Thank you. All right. Lydia Bean, Angela Rainey, and Dr. Valencia Edner.
Good afternoon. My name is Lydia Bean. I live in Arlington uh in precinct 2 and I lead the social justice ministry at my church, Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth. Our faith community believes that voting rights is a moral issue and we
oppose this midcycle redistricting as a naked attempt to subvert the will of voters in Tarant County. Voters should choose their representatives. Representatives shouldn't choose their voters. I live in Arlington, Texas, the most diverse city in Texas. And we call
ourselves the American dream city for a reason. We are a community of interest defined by our racial and cultural diversity. UT Arlington, our beautiful public parks and our entertainment district and our unionized General Motors assembly plant. Arlington is the
second biggest city in Tarant County, home to almost 400,000 people. And this is why Arlington has always had our own precinct on the court. But all seven of these maps tear up the American dream city. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Uh Angela
Rainey, Dr. Edner, and Eddie Delgado. Angela Rainey, I oppose the redrawing of the maps in the mid cycle. To be clear, I oppose all seven maps and support the current one. I urge you to reject all of
these racially germanded maps. You've intentionally cracked and packed us. It will result result in our voting strength being diluted and weakened. We will be
harmed. We will challenge. We will litigate. We'll see you in the courts. Dr. Edner, Eddie Delgado, Darren Collins. Can you smell it? Big daddy and cat on a hot tin roof said
there ain't nothing more powerful than the odor of macity. You can smell it. It smells like death. Well, for us it smells like death of democracy, death of civil rights, death of our voices, death of representation. But trust me, resurrection's coming. This jerry this
racist gerrymandering is Jim Crow 2.0. Slicker in rhetoric, but known as sinister in intent. Most conservative is merely a euphemism for racism. But let me remind you, this is 2025, not 1955. There's a righteous resistance to
this racist agenda. This was there was a process in 2021. You didn't like it. So again, macity. This is more than injustice. It's malicious malfeasants. Retain map one. Only weak leadership bullies. And history has a message for you. What is built on lies will fall by
truth. Eddie Delgado, Darren Collins, Katherine Godby. Good afternoon, Commissioner Miles, Commissioner Simmons, everybody else. Uh, the folks pushing this redistricting
are like those sovereign citizens yelling, "I'm not driving, I'm traveling." As if the thesaurus can outvote the Constitution. You say it's partisan, but clearly it's racial. This is segregation by spreadsheet. The segregation era rigidly wall is back.
It's giving Elon Musk Roman salute excuse. We know what we saw then. And just like we know what this is now, an attempt to silence communities of color. Instead of earning votes, you're airbrushing voters out of the map because some of you apparently can't win
without moving the goalposts. This isn't redistricting. It's cracking and packing. It's delution. And the county and Fort Worth will not let it slide. We see you. We'll remember you. and will make this county inhospitable to racist tyrants. Thank you. Darren
Collins, Katherine Godby, and Mark Fulmer. I'm Katherine Godby. I agree with Bishop Kirkland. Beneath all the rhetoric, the real reason must be that this court has not been able to silence Commissioner
Simmons. This court has learned that she cannot be controlled, that she is in fact truly fearless, as we heard about her before she took office. Instead of courageously respecting your opposition, you decide to cheat and take away her
district, thus harming her constituents. That is not leadership. That is cowardly abuse of power. Thank you. Is Darren Collins here? All right. Mark Fulmer, Mark
Christensen, and Kzia Ferrar. Hello, my name is Mark Fulmer. I reside in precinct 1, and I would like to express my support for the county redistricting in favor of map 7. It's
time that we reflect the current growth reflected not only by the census, the population growth, but also to reflect the strong conservative values. Thank you very much. Thank you, Mark. Thank you. All right, last call for Darren
Collins. No, Darren Collins. Mark Christensen, Kzia Ferrar, Jimmy Blackwell. Good afternoon. I'd like to speak in support of map uh 7. I think that um
with plus 7% of of Republican voters in the uh county, I think that this best represents what uh the voters are saying and uh where we're currently at. Uh last uh uh meeting we had a uh map that had a
half arch of what I would call minority uh voting. I live in that half arch and my neighbors uh in the HOA tend to be uh from India uh Nepal and also uh Saudi Arabia. Those would be the highest
demographics. I'm not sure how that fits into the narrative that was trying to be presented that this is a racially biased uh map is uh redistricting. So I I support uh map 7 and uh thank you for
your time. Thank you. Good. Following Miss Ferrar, Jimmy Blackwell, and Max Patenza. Good afternoon. My name is Kzia Ferrar, a lifelong resident of Mansfield and a resident of precinct 2. I want to begin by thanking each of you for your service to Tarant County. I understand the
weight of public service and I'm truly grateful for the leadership that you all provide. I'm here today to express my support for your redistricting efforts. Efforts I believe are necessary to ensure that Tarant County remains a conservative stronghold. Conservative values like fiscal responsibility, law and order, and individual freedoms are not extreme. They are foundational and
they serve everyone better. Just look across county lines where progressive leadership has taken hold. We see rising crime and outofc control spending. That is not what we want for Taran County. I also stand here on behalf of the thousands of voters who share these values but are too afraid to speak publicly. They fear being mocked,
labeled, or called inflammatory named often by individuals in this very room simply for having a different perspective. So, if we're going to talk about voter suppression, many of you need to take a long hard look in the mirror. Disagreeing on policy should never justify personal attacks. Thank
you three for standing firm. You're not alone. Thank you. Mr. Blackwell, Max Patenza, and Glenda Diaz, Mr. [Applause] Blackwell. I rise to show my strong
support for the existing commissioner's map and I stand in strong opposition to all the maps presented by these racist law devils from the slave colony Virginia. Remove them immediately. What happened? Well, we're
I'm I'm following the deform policy. We're not going to be called racist. The end. Get him out. So next is Max Patenza is is Glenda Diaz theor policy. You read the decorum policy and you figure it out. It's racist in the decorum policy
channel. Uh profane slander all those things racist. Max Patenza Linda Diaz and Jackie Cox is Max Patenza here. The word racist is not used in the decorum policy. What it prohibits is personal attacks,
impertinent, profane of seen or slanderous remarks, threatening, disruptive or unruly behavior, disruptive remarks. So people have said my name a couple times today. I don't if if it's an attack, it's an attack. I was elected to
sit up here and listen to the people. So question for you. If he's throwing folks out, can I throw folks out? The presiding chair enforces the rules. I'm sorry. The presiding chair enforces the rules of decorum pursuant to the rules. You can
certainly raise a point of order at any time. Okay. All right. Next, we have Glenda Diaz, Geraldine Jackie Cox, and Philip Maxwell. Miss Cox, come on up. My name is Jerome Jackie Cox. I first
moved to Fort Worth in 1956 when it was racially segregated. I've heard many people today say they want the most conservative map you could draw. I hope that you don't want a completely
segregated redlinined map again, but you have gone to great efforts to move many of the people who voted against segregation all into one precinct so they wouldn't have full voting
power. I want the map that best expresses the intent of the Voting Rights Act. In 1965 when the Voting Rights Act passed, I was one of those people who marched and prayed that we would get past
segregation and that we would get past racial hatred and racial division. Thank you. We're still trying. Glenda Diaz, Philip Maxwell, and Ben Maples. My name is Philip Maxwell. I'm a resident of Taran County and I oppose
this redistricting process. What's being suggested with these new district maps is not just or fair and it's not democratic. It aims to silence the voices of black and brown communities making it extremely difficult for them to have an impact on the decisions that shape their lives. Communities whose perspectives are essential to an
equitable and thriving future for Taran County. When elected officials carve up districts to grasp for power rather than earn it by just means, we lose trust and we lose the heartbeat of democracy. Please act with integrity. Do not divide us further. Listen to the moral compass
that brought you into public service in the first place. You can be leaders with who protect democracy or you can be remembered as those who tried to dismantle it. Do the right thing. Oppose this unfair redistricting process. Thank you for your time. Thank
you. That was Maxwell. Okay. All right. This will be the last call for Glenda Diaz. That one looks like that's not going. All right. Then Ben Maples, August Schilling, and Katherine
[Applause] Lynch. Good afternoon. Uh, Judge O'Hare said on the news that more Republican leadership is needed in Terara County. Republican leadership trying to keep people from voting is not what I consider
leadership. That's what I consider cheating. How many deaths in the jail under Republican leadership? You say this is not racially motivated yet. Professors, a professor at SMU confirms that it will pack non-white voters into a single district and dilute their
voting power. Make no mistake, history and the public record will reflect what this is all about. Racially motivated gerrymandering. Was it four or six million the farmer's branch had to pay for Judge O'Hare's illegal antics?
Please don't bring that evil over here. And finally, to my commissioner, Manny Ramirez. History shows they'll come for you eventually. All right. August Schilling, Katherine Lynch, and Jane
[Music] Collins. August Schilling. I'm a 40-year Taran County resident, TCU alum, and living in South Lake. This court does not have current census
data to accurately redistrict. This county marginally votes Republican. It is patently unfair to gerrymander it to try to make this court 80% red.
These maps overwhelmingly pack and crack the Hispanic, black, and Asian residents by placing them at over 75% into precinct one and significantly reducing their counts in precinct 2 in violation of the Voting Rights Act. I believe in
fair and proportional representative opportunity, which this redistricting endeavor will destroy. This redistricting plan must be stopped. Katherine Lynch, Jane Collins, and Carol
[Applause] Raburn. Good afternoon. My name is Katherine Lynch. I am a resident of Arlington. And um I'm not going to use this. I'm just going to express from my heart. Uh I'm really disappointed.
I really believe in our democracy and I feel like today I it it's on trial. Racial gerrymandering is against the law in the in the country that I
love and my father fought to preserve democracy. I don't know what I'm going to tell my granddaughter when she asked me how I let this happen. I hope to God my voice is heard today. Thank you. Thank you Jane
Collins, Carol Raburn, and Merl Glascock. Uh my name is Jane Collins and Alyssa Simmons represents me and I'm really grateful for the way she represents everyone. She I believe she does believe
in diversity, equity, and inclusion. And so do I because that is the opposite of white supremacy. And that is what I am not for. I want to see everybody represented. And I think that's really a reasonable thing to say. And Mr.
Ramirez, I hope you change your vote. All right. Carol Raburn, Merl Glascock, and Dorine Guyger. Come. We're Are we down to one room? All speakers, I'm my understanding, are up
in five. We still have people watching. Yes. Yes, sir. I am Roco. I see this remapping as blatant racism. In this courtroom, I have seen
and heard Commissioner Melissa Simmons degraded and demeaned. All this reminds me of the book and movie to Kill a Mockingbird. Thank you.
All right. Carol Raburn. Is Carol Raburn here? Yes. Okay. Uh Dorene Guyger and then Joe Palmer. [Applause] Good afternoon. Thank you for listening to all of us. We all are very concerned
about fairness and impartiality and we expect that from our elected officials. We really appreciate that you're listening and I hope you're hearing how concerned we are that we're going to take away all of the impartialness from this group and turn it into a partisan
group. And we really would appreciate if you would not do that. if you would stay nonpartisan. That's all I have. Dorian Guyger, Joe Palmer, and Lauren Rodriguez. I am against redistricting because the
maps this court presented are racially gerrymandered and illegal. They violate the Voting Rights Act. you are using data that is more than 5 years old. It is best to wait until the 2030 census is complete before doing redistricting.
When you started this process, you said members of the public could submit maps. I know two people who did submit maps. One has a PhD in mathematics and science. I texted a commissioner and asked if the citizen maps had been
shared with her and she said she was told no citizen maps had been submitted. One was submitted over a month ago. It is not acceptable to tell citizens they can submit maps and then when they do
the county refuses to give them to all commissioners after a map submitter. Thank you. following Mr. Palmer, Lauren Rodriguez, and Abraham [Music] Ciss. Joe Palmer, Precinct One, longtime
Republican voter, opposed to the maps. Regarding the accusation that the new precinct lines are racist, it doesn't have to be true. It just has to have the appearance. Map seven. I looked on the website Sunday and only saw maps one through four displayed. whose map 7 added since then other reasons opposed. We don't need to. We have a 3 to2
majority with C2 being a swing seat. They can't advance anything ideological without Republican agreement. And for those instructed to be here to support conservative ideology, I'm happy to tell you that the scope of the function of county government is narrowly constrained by statute. We need you at schoolboard meetings and city council
meetings and in the capital. This will hurt the Republican party in Tarant County, particularly on state house races and countywide seats. This whole thing looks bad and will look bad to voters to to whom we will need to appeal to before the midterm election. The revolution was mentioned. If there is anything more American than dissenting
voice, it would be protecting and embracing the dissenting voice of others. Relating to this, the timing is objectionable mostly because the only voice of concern and advocacy on the court for the tragic jail deaths is Alyssa. Thank you, sir. Sometimes we have no choice but to take the crumbs that fall from the master's table. Thank
you. Lauren Rodriguez, Abraham Solis, and Jessica an looks like Lanes. Hi, my name is Lauren Rodriguez of Precinct 2. I've lived in Tarant County since the first grade for 24 years and
I'm raising my child in Tarant County. And we have chosen to stay in Tarant County because of its diversity. Diversity is what makes Taran County beautiful. It is a shame that Judge O'Hare would like to silence diverse
populations within this community. The redrawing of district lines is discriminatory. It seems as though it seeks to lessen voting power of black, brown, and Asian people of Tarant County. We pay taxes and we deserve to
have our voices heard as well. We deserve representation. Representation that represents us. Thank you. Thank you. Um, is Abraham Ciss here? All right. Next, we have Jessica
Anne Lanz, I believe. Tracea Coburn. Good morning, commissioners. My name is Jessica Giannis and I'm a proud near Southside resident resident in district 4 and the redistricting plan directly affects me. I'm here today to strongly oppose the plan not just because it's
unnecessary but because it threatens the deep racial injustice in Tarant County. The rush process without real public engagement raises serious concerns about silencing the voices of our black and brown communities who have fought hard for representation. It echoes a long and painful history of maps being drawn to
divide and diminish power. In a time of tight budgets, your focus should be on core county services, public health, roads, jail safety, not pushing a divisive plan that threatens to erode public trust. This effort will divide, distract, and disenfranchise. I urge you
to not use your power to weaken democracy or target communities that have already borne the weight of injustice. I love Fort Worth because of its diversity. Please follow the law. Thank you. Thank you. Um, Abraham Soliss. All right, I think that one we
put away. Tracea Coburn, Fared Soliss, and Yolanda Winston. Tracea Coburn, Fared Soliss, or Yolanda Winston. We'll move to Katie Starns.
and Lon [Applause] Burnham. When looking at the proposed maps, one can't help but see that most black and Hispanic constituents are coralled into one district, almost as if it is to keep them in one zone and to
break up their voting power from influencing any other district. These maps have a very strong Jim Crow essence. This is not the first time racial bias has been involved. In 2006, when Tim O'Hare implemented a city
ordinance banning undocumented immigrants from renting and penalizing landlords who rent to them, these actions have resulted in nearly $5 million lawsuit, making even undocumented immigrants feeling unwelcome in the city. The lack of
concern is telling because we all know the commissioners won't be paying for these lawsuits. The people of Tarant County will. Thank you. Thank you. Tracea Coburn, Fared Solis, Yolanda
Winston, are you one of those I just called or could you hear it? No. Uh Katie Starns, we just went. Yep. Lon Burnham. Come on up. Hello again. I'm speaking on behalf of the Suss Chavas and Delosa Committee of
Tarant County. We oppose this racist redistricting proposal just as we oppose your attempt to steal our holiday. I'm wearing a t-shirt today with a reminder of the conible Robert McGenti's name on it because I want everybody to remember
the effectiveness of the last redistricting that was fundamentally racist that drew an incumbent black constable out of office. This must stop. It must stop now. The reason the previous court chose
not to completely withdraw the lines is because it was totally unnecessary. And for those of you who keep misusing the word conservative, conservative means not radically changing things and it means not stealing something from
somebody else. And that's what this redistricting process is about. Orwellian newspak will not change the reality of racism. Tracea Coburn, Fared Ciss, Yolanda Winston.
Uh, now we'll go to Mia Sangvi and Justine Allah. Allah, is that you? You're which one? Mia. Okay. My name is Mia Songb. I'm a lifelong resident of precinct 3 and I oppose this
redistricting process. It will cost the county and us taxpayers an exorbitant amount. If redistricting happens, voters can sue the county for discrimination. This has happened recently in Galveston County and has cost them over $4 million. I'd much rather the property tax we pay go toward funding and
improving our community rather than a lawsuit. Regardless of which political party it favors, party seat partisan gerrymandering will make it easier for incumbents to maintain their seats, which could mean they will be less inclined to listen to us taxpayers and act upon our wants and needs. Our country was founded on giving power back
to the people to decide who we are, how we are governed. Section two of Texas's Bill of Rights states, "All political power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority and instituted for their benefit." This redistricting goes against what the founding fathers of America fought for and what Texas stands
for. I implore y'all to do your jobs and listen to what we, your constituents, are telling you and holding and hold off on redisting Taran County until next. Tracea Coburn, Fared Cis, and Yolanda Winston. Any of those three here?
All right, we're going to put those away. Mr. Alawa. Okay, come on up. Then Amy Bay and Daryl Montgomery. Good afternoon. My name is Justine Angelo Alla. I live in Taran County. I'm 21 years old and I'm glad to
finally say I strongly oppose redistricting Taran County until 2030. The process behind this move hasn't been transparent. The data behind these maps don't show demographics unless you count voter his v voting history and the data is lacking in general. These maps lump
lump black, Hispanic, and other minorities into one precinct instead of two, suppressing their voices in the process. These maps aren't even actual options. It's either a yes or a no to redistricting. Furthermore, the timeline of this process has been abnormally sped up and public input is considerably
inadequate with only four public hearings about this in total. There simply is no legitimate reason behind redistricting at this time in this manner other than keeping this county red no matter the cost. I want a government that stands behind its constituents over rhetoric and political
theater. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Following uh we have we're Amy Bay and Daryl Montgomery following Daryl Montgomery. We will take a 10-minute recess. Good afternoon. My name is Amy Bay and my husband Steven Bay is Republican chair of precinct
3579. We made the difficult decision to move our family from Northern California in 2017. We return often to visit extended family and each time we visit the decline of our beloved cities and the quality of life is more evident. and
we're very proud to live in Tarant County and have become involved here to help conserve what we believe makes this a wonderful place to live and raise a family. We're so proud to be here and we support redistricting with the most conservative map that gives us three Republican commissioners reflecting the
current majority of our county. Thank you all for taking on redistricting at this time. We appreciate it. Thank you. Are you Mr. McGomery? Yes, sir. Okay, please come forward. Hello, my name is Daryl McGomery and I live in precinct 2. Uh judge and
commissioners, uh thank you all for your hard work to establish common sense, time tested policies for our county. Uh the issue is not nor has it ever been about race. Ter County is overwhelmingly conservative. Our voting precincts should reflect that. Having
jered uh precincts as skew votes toward liberals to loot the voice of the majority, I urge you to please vote for map one. Thank you for your service. All right. Thank you, sir. The time is 141. So, we will go into recess until 152. We
are now in recess. [Music] [Music] Mr. I want to follow We already discussed heard [Music] Let's do this. [Music]
[Applause] Thank you. We're not going to start any speakers until Commissioner Simmons gets back, but let me read who is [Applause] up. Unless
Vanessa Ner Nun Vanessa Nun Liam Crowley and Billy Wilson. Okay. All right. We live on TV. Yes, sir. Okay. All right. All right. We're back from our recess. Vanessa Nun,
Liam Crowley, and Billy Wilson. My name is Vanessa Nun, and I'm a voting constituent from precinct 2 in Taran County. Not Bayr, not Dallas, not Travis. I disagree with redistricting currently. We the people in precinct 2 have chosen our preferred leadership,
which happens to be the Democrats since 2018. You state this process has been transparent with website comments, submitted maps, and four precinct meetings. However, this appears disingenuous when there seems to be a lack of intent to consider the overwhelming disapproval expressed through these communication channels
regarding the redistricting. Declaring that this is a legal partisan gerrymander does not dismiss the fact that it may also constitute a violation of section two of the voting rights act according to a lot of lawyers apart from piling commissioner Krauss. You can say all day minorities rep vote Republican
too or Democrats always say racism but these maps are a textbook case of cracking and packing i.e racial gerrymandering. I will end by paraphrasing Leviticus 1911. Do not steal my vote. Do not be deceptive when trying to steal my vote and do not lie to me if I'm stealing my vote. Thank
you. All right. Liam Crowley and Billy Wilson and Claudie Busby. Good afternoon. My name is Liam Crowley. I'm speaking here today to thank the members of the commissioner's court. I'm tired of disingenuous politicians telling half-truths or whole lies to
advance their agenda. I'm grateful to hear my commissioners being forthright about their intentions. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for sparing me the line that usually goes handin-hand with the cheating and stealing. Thank you for looking me in the eyes when you tell me that uh representatives should choose their constituents, not the other way around. And thank you for showing
the members of Taran County just how much you disregard their votes. Thank you. Thanks. Was that okay? Uh Billy Wilson, Claudy Busby, and Carla Palyus.
[Music] Wrongheaded an elected official who believe that is their job to dictate what's best to the citizens. We the people are against this redistricting mid cycle. We believe this is admitted political gerrymandering will lead to
racist gerrymandering. We see the overlap of the maps of the non-white voting and district one. I mean voting map one. We see that SMU has shown that this report is going to be hurt the minority community. We see that you are
the expansion of district 2 and diluting the non-white vote. We see mayors and city council speak out against this process. We hear gaslighting from people like former representative Z that say three is better than one. That type of ignorance is what got him out in the
first place and it will get you out if you continue down this road. Mr. Ramirez and Mr. Crouch, you have an opportunity to do the right thing. Mr. O'Hare, let me begin by commending you on your definition of a good republic. You say your acts are racist.
Claud Busby, Carla Palamarus, and Crystal Gayen. Good afternoon. My name is Claudia Busby. On today, the proposed redistric. Uh, I have more to say, but like I said, I'm going to go down to my voice reports
because everybody has already spoke on the subject of all the things that's wrong with this redistricting. I want to speak in time. I work I have a Taran County um I've been working at the Teran County election for the last 15 years and I've seen many different situations, but there's one story I'd like to share
with you. On one general election, our precinct jury, Republican precinct judge, retired school teacher, she refused to give Hispanic kids a future vote sticker. And I stayed with my mind and I said, "But I went over and gave those kids those stickers because I said
they're being discriminated against." And they never knew they were discriminated when they walked out that door. But that's what go that's what could happen to us. We just say, "Okay, all political politics on this situation." Um, Maris, I ask you to realize that you're being
discriminated against. Thank you, sir. Following Miss Paulis, we have Crystal Gayen and Jerry McMander. My name is Carla Palomares, the Fort Worth and precinct 4. This vote should not be happening right now. The current map is the only map that we need. If you
even tried to listen to the majority of people who showed up over the past month, then you would know that. But you didn't listen, and you never will. You didn't even show your face, Tim, at any of the public hearings. That's despicable. Our current map is the only fair option. It's the only one implemented out of a transparent
process. All of these other options are the embodiment of racism and white supremacy. And y'all fully know that. Tim, Matt, Manny, this whole process has been insulting to us as community members and taxpayers and voters. The town halls were a waste of our time and resources. The past few meetings have been a waste of time and our resources.
There are more important things this court needs to be addressing, like the sheriff running a death camp on our dime. You're violating our voting rights and human rights. Sadly, it's nothing new. And going forward with this vote today, we'll only be writing yet another blank check and bankrupting our county and crippling our services out of your
arrogance and self-interest. Move any map forward and you just affirm your hate for black and brown people. Thank you. So, uh, the kid right here in the green shirt, remove that one from the room. Uh, Crystal Gayen, uh, I'm not going to
fall for that one again. Jerry McMander. Uh, Art Binder. They got me on that one. And Monnique Olivo. Crystal Gayen, Art Binder, and Monnique
Olivo. We still have a spillover room, I'm assuming. All right. Natalie Lopez, Carter Ashton Vance. Hello. Uh, my name is Carter Ashton Vance and I'm a 21-year-old black queer man who was born and raised in Taran County. So, I'm kind of tired of this
don't Dallas my tarant. We're here and deserve to be represented and I am against this midsens census redistricting scheme. The median person in Taran County is a black or brown person in their 30s. In fact, Texas has the more black people than any other state at 4.3 million. How many of those
people spoke in favor? Not many. They're here and deserve to be represented rather than oppressed for decades by being grouped into one precinct. You are meant to represent all constituents. When Judge Tim O'Hare says, "If you're a Republican and you haven't been called a racist, then you probably haven't done a thing. I don't think he care about
representing all constituents. Please do not be bullied into extremism. We've had enough of that on the federal level. Shame on you, Timbohare. All right. Crystal Gayen, Art Binder, and Monnique Albo. Any of those three
present? Okay. Natalie Lopez, Paula Yosten, Nan Terry, and Reed [Applause] Bills. Good afternoon. I oppose this redistricting at this time. I oppose
redistricting using 2020 census data in 2025. I oppose redistricting when there is no legal requirement to redistrict at this time. Fifth graders are taught to show their work when doing math problems. Why can't you? Maps without legends. Maps with no verbiage. What are
you trying to hide? These maps put most of the minorities in one precinct. Why? If isolating by race isn't racism, I don't know what racism is. If you want more Republicans, you should work on convincing voters who don't vote Republican that your policies are more
beneficial to the voters instead of drawing new maps which divide our county. Redistricting now is divisive. Voting for redistricting now will not be a vote for conservative values. Partisan values, yes. Conservative, no. Look up the definition. A vote for redistricting
is not fiscally responsible. Your agenda states the fiscal impact is unknown. Is not known. Thank you. All right. So, the names that I've called that did not come up, Crystal Gayen, Art Binder, Monnique
Olivo, and Natalie Lopez. Are any of those folks here? All right. Uh, I think I also went to Paula Yosten. All right, Miss Bills. In addition to the obvious racial
gerrymandering of the proposed maps, the maps violate two other provisions of the Voting Rights Act. The first is compactness and contiguity. The cracking of precincts one and two show clearly that these
precincts are neither compact nor contiguous. The second requirement is preserving communities of interest, areas where residents have common political and social interests. The division of Arlington linking the city with
neighborhoods that do not share the city's interests is prohibited and will lead to and will lead to a successful expensive legal challenge. Thank you. Thank you. All right. So, I'll read
these five again. Crystal Gayen, Art Binder, Monnique Olivo, Natalie Lopez, Paula Yosten. All right, I'm going to put those away. There's a Lydia that didn't put a
last name, an address, 76053 zip code. Please state your full name when you step there. And there's an Agular. Same deal. Please state your full name. Excuse me. And then Colleen Mi.
Hello. My name is Lydia Faith and I'm a resident of Taran County. I'm unfortunately in Matt Krauss's district. I oppose this racial gerrymandering. I've been trying to think of what to say. Trying to think of facts, stories, even scriptures to change your minds. Tim O'Hare, Matt Krauss, and Manny Ramirez. But what do you say to a group
of people who have abandoned their humanity? You see, there's a fundamental flaw with y'all. You're trying to push these white conservative policies into your county and hiding behind these fake Christian ideologies. But you know what? When when I read the Bible, I see stories about fighting for justice, for
liberation for all. But when y'all read the Bible, you read scriptures you can manipulate to oppress people. You see, this is another mistake on a long list. You're silencing diverse communities, and karma will come. Whether it's when y'all's kids grow up embarrassed of
y'all seeing the harm their fathers did to community members or when we get y'all out of these offices. Tim O'Hare, Matt Krauss, and Manny Ramirez, you should be ashamed of yourselves. You're all dishonest cheaters and racist men. I remove her from the building, please.
Um, Agular. Is there an Aguilar here? Okay. If you're Agular, please state your full name. Then Colleen Mi and Lane Craig Luper 76120. I just came here to say
that the folks supporting these disgustingly racist redistricting acts are a bunch of sore Confederate losers with no shame and no care for the world around you. Grasping at any form of power and manipulation of it just because you can, knowing that you are capable of growth or sustaining your communities and its values without the
exploitation of black and brown communities. I hope you have an awful day. Colleen Mian, Lane Craig, Gwen [Music] Johnson. My name is Colin Mian and I'm a resident of Taran County for over 30
years and I'm here to oppose the redistricting process. I grew up in a third world country, but as you can see, I'm an American white person. And when I walked out the door, my dad said to me every day, "Due process, you don't have any due process. This process has not
been followed properly, transparently, and fairly so that every voice is was heard. And I would ask that we continue the correct process, drop this, go with what happened in 2021 and redistrict in 2030 as we should follow the processes
that are established in our country to use. Thank you. Thank you, Lane Craig, Gwen Johnson, and Bob Centroco. Hi, I'm Lee Craig. I'm a resident of Fort Worth, currently currently living in precinct 4 and working in precinct 1.
I oppose the redistricting effort. It is unnecessary and a waste of resources. The county underwent a redistricting process in 2021 and has not shared publicly an updated data set on population level. It is also illegal racial gerrymandering. Many white people here today seem very concerned about who
is being called a racist. But the truth that is that regardless of if anyone out here or up there is a racist, the proposed maps and the process to create them fit the definition of racial gerrymandering and they'll result in racial gerrymandering lawsuits. Some commissioners seem to believe that the
current courts will be lenient regarding racial gerrymandering. I am not as sure, but even if that is the case, the money, time, and attention spent defending those maps in court will be detrimental to all Tarant County voters and taxpayers. The current maps reflect the county's population, and they should be
used until 2030. Thank you, Gwen Johnson, Bob Craco, and Maryanne Weather. Marian Weather, Alexander Montalvo, and Shirley White. Commissioners, Judge, uh, thank
you for this hearing. I'm here to uh weigh in on the redistricting proposal of plan one or seven and doing this to promote the aspects of competence,
governance, and limited government. 15 years has elapsed since Taran County has done the redistricting and we've had 100 people per day come in with 35% increase in 15 years. and we've had a vote
determined dem uh conservative majority. Other counties have redistricted several times and large counties have done so in 2020. To close Tarant County is in no
way and clearly not in a hurry after 5,475 days. Thank you. Thank you, Gwen Johnson. Maryanne Weatherred, Alexander Montalvo.
Good afternoon. My name is Maryannne Weatherhead and I'm a resident of precinct 3. I am against the proposed redistricting of the commissioner's court. The precincts were reviewed in the 20 after the 2020 census and the court made the decision to maintain districts as there was no significant data to suggest a change. The current
proposal is an attempt to racially gerrymander the court by cracking precinct 2 and packing precinct one with people of color. New maps are not necessary to increase representation or fairness. They're a waste of valuable county financial resources. There are political move to increase power and
control in Taran County for the extreme belief beliefs of a few. As we saw with last month's municipal elections, this extreme has a limit and is being noticed by the majority who are moderate moderate and tired of the division. They see that the money spent on redist
redistricting is not fiscally responsible or a benefit to the community. Please vote against these new maps. Thank you. Thank you, Gwen Johnson, Alexander Montalvo, and Shirley White. I oppose this redistricting plan because
it's racial discrimination under the Voters's Rights Act where you're trying to pack and crack black and brown communities. I'm also ashamed that the lone Latino committee member on this court is willing to vote for something that removes Latino community members from his precinct. So, it needs to be
known by all that Manny, you may be a member of Latino community, but you do not work or fight for our community. And any leader out there, any community member out there needs to stand against your efforts in this county. I do want to thank Commissioner Simmons for
showing us the example of what it looks like to fight extremism in Tarant County, for being upfront and center, for being willing to speak up, to work with community, to fight against corruption and extremism. And my call is
for Democrats in Taran County to get bold, to step up, to do more, and for progressives to lead the way out of this mess. Thank you, sir. Hi, Gwen. Is Gwen Johnson present? All right, I think that one will put
away. Uh Shirley White, Annabelle Cortez, and MM [Music] Walker. Hi, my name is Annabelle Cortez and I am a lifelong resident of Taran County. I have been exercising my right
to vote since I was 18. Voting has always been important to me, especially as a Hispanic woman, because I believe that every marginalized community and I should be represented, no matter what political political party or elected officials are a part
of. We should not be ostracized in attempt to hold us back from thriving and leading a quality life. Now that very ostraciz ostracization is happening here today through illegal racial gerrymandering efforts by Tim O'Hare, Matt Krauss and Manny Ramirez. Tim
O'Hare has stated as a far-right extremist. We know what a woman is. We know what waste, fraud, and abuse is. And we know how to maintain law and order. And we know all those things better than Democrats do. I would like to ask Mr. O'Hare, if you know of those things better than the Democrats, then
why don't you show it? Prove to us constituents that you have integrity. Thank you. All right. Shirley White, MM Walker, and Hillary Benadetto. Good morning. Morning.
Early this morning, NPR said that today will be the end of chapter 1 in the Ter County redistricting story. because it won't end today. There are many kinds of conservatives. This isn't about lower taxes, better cost of living, or a good education for
everyone. It's not about fiscal responsibility. It's only about oppression racially, financially, and morally. I grew up in privilege in Fort Worth. And leaders of Tarant County respected my father even when they
didn't agree with him. and they honored him when he died in 2011. I have lived in many states and many countries and have just recently returned to Tara County and I'm going to make sure I continue my father's work. I
wanted to say to you, Mr. O'Hare, that you wanted graciousness and I wish you would be gracious. Uh, what? Tell me your name again. Mary Margaret Walker. Walker. Thank you. Shirley White, Hillary
Benadetto, and Carlos Rodriguez. Since my clock already started, I'm Hillilary Benadetto. I'm in Precinct 3 in Grapevine. Back in 1991, Democrats controlled the governor's mansion and the state house and senate. Republicans were mad and out for control. In 1995, they won the
governorship, yet could not capture the House and Senate. Enter Tom Delay. Seeing an opportunity to seize power, he and his Texas for a Republican majority took control of the Texas House and through some controversial tactics held an unprecedented redraw of the Texas
congressional boundaries. This that was not about the people of Texas. It was about control. Today, you are set on a path similar to 2004. A path only about you and your power. Nothing in this redraw benefits the people of Tarant County. Nothing in this redraw restores
demographic imbalances. This path only screams keep us in power by any means necessary. Look at the people here. They did not ask for this nor do they accept it. Do not vote for redistricting. Shirley White, Carlos
Rodriguez, and Jessica Lugo. Taran County is the reddest county in the nation. There was never any redistricting process. For a bunch of Christians, y'all really love lying. Y'all don't even know what map y'all want. I'll go with the most conservative
map. Clueless. Y'all do realize the most conservative map is the current one since it will save the county millions of dollars. It's not conservative, but repressive. Do y'all think just because you vote Republican, the lawsuit won't affect you? Tiny Tim has been run out of town before for costing them millions of
dollars. It's looking like we'll have to do the same thing again. Oh, and happy Pride month, especially to Matt Cross, Bo French, and Carlos Torsios. It's okay to come out the closet, guys. Also, Timothy, do your kids still ask you why they hate eating Farmers Branch so much?
Shirley White. Is Shirley White present? All right, we're going to put that one away. Jessugo, Chris Sims, and Cynthia Montgomery. Chescalugo, Chris Sims, Cynthia Montgomery, Bridget
Davis, Charles Bills. It's kind of surprised after hearing so much uh so many of your Republican con cons uh constituents wanting map one and now you've decided map seven is the best map uh which we've
only seen for a few days. I'm not asking to, you know, to vote against this, but I do wish you would table it. you've not I'm sure that you have not made the effort to discuss with the mayors that objected to this any of their concerns
and I know you have not made the effort to find out the fiscal ramifications of these new maps. I'm sure that it's, you know, it's going to, you know, you want Alisa gone and I'm sure that that's going to be a result of two becoming a
Republican majority, but the cost and and um the just the uh what it's going to Thank you, sir. All right. Jessica Lugo, Chris Sims, Cynthia Montgomery, Bridget
[Applause] Davis, Lauren Fincham, Wesley Kirk, Jennifer [Applause] White, and Claire Wood. [Music]
Hello. Um, I'm a resident of Tarant County. I'm in precinct 1. Um, I'm asking this body to vote against redistricting. This is intentional racial gerrymandering to silence the voices of black and brown voters. Please do not abuse our system. Um, what you do
today will be remembered. Um, we will step up to vote in 2026. Thank you. Thank you. All right, Jessica Lugo. Chris Sims, Cynthia Montgomery, Bridget Davis, Lauren
Fincham, Wesley Kirk. No one here in the room with those names. All right, Claire Wood, and then Stacy Melo. Good afternoon. My name is Claire Wood, and I live in precinct one. Now, I want
you all to know that I am a Democrat from the cradle and I'm a United Methodist from the C from the cradle. Uh I'm a precinct chair. I oppose this redistricting. Y'all have a majority. Why do you need to change it now? It's a
solid enough majority. You vote as a block anyway. And when you're packing different groups into different places where they lose their power, everyone talks about being racist, but it's across the board discriminatory. Period. I'm a Democrat. I want to be able to
vote for someone that I hope can win. If I get moved into precinct 2 from precinct one where I live, cuz y'all move the numbers around and everything, I'm going to lose my power. Not fun. So, I won't be able to hopefully elect
someone that reflects my values and what I want to see happen in this country. Thank you. Thank you. All right. This will be the last call for Jessica Lugo, Chris Sims, Cynthia
Montgomery, Bridget Davis, Lauren Fincham, and Wesley Kirk. All right. So, then we will go with Stacy, Stacy Melo, and Renee Thomas. Manny, I know you love being in
front of the camera and reminding everyone of how you used to be a police officer in charge of upholding the law. Well, guess what? Racial gerrymandering is against the law. So, you can go ahead and arrest Timmy here and Maddie here and yourself because y'all are breaking
the law by trying to racially jerrymander Taran County. I know you won't do that cuz he's got that leash a little too tight on you. Um, but you know what? I really actually feel sorry for you three because when your children get older, they're going to have to live
with this legacy of racial gerrymandering that you have left behind for them. And how ashamed they are going to be of you, you, and you for trying to intentionally steal and dilute the voting power of black and brown voters
in Taran County. And in your case, Manny, stealing the voting power of your own people. How embarrassing is that? And you know what, Tim? I think you need to sit there and be quiet and actually listen to your constituents because your constituents are telling you that they
do not want these masks. Are you going to listen to them? Thank you. Renee Thomas, Christopher Betts, and Cameron Arseno. Hi, my name is Renee Thomas. I'm a
Tarant County taxpayer in precinct 3. I've lived in Tarant County for 18 years and I've seen the growth. Judge O'Hare, Commissioner Krauss, and Commissioner Ramirez, thank you for your honesty and transparency in stating the purpose of redistricting, which is to gain a
Republican seat. This is practiced all the time and it is constitutional. This is good governance and I want to keep my taxes down under conservative leadership. I support redistricting to represent our conservative voter base.
Redistricting cannot be racist. It is a mathematical and legal process based on population and partisanship, not prejudice or skin color. Our precinct should provide equal representation as is our right in Tarant County. Please
vote for the most conservative redistricting map. Thank you. Thank you. Christopher Betts, Cameron Arseno, and Crystal Betts. Any of those present? All right.
Alan Lob. [Music] Crystal. Gotcha. [Applause] My name is Crystal BZ and I live in an unincorporated area of precinct 4. Manny Ramirez, you were elected to represent me, but I oppose this racist racist
redistricting effort. Precinct 2 is not a Democratic stronghold. If you want to get rid of Commissioner Simmons, put in the work and elect a Republican. All of a sudden, you're okay with cheating to win. Stand up as you have in the past for voter rights. I understand that you
think this is necessary, but these maps aren't the way. Insist on a truly fair and transparent process, and you say race hasn't played a role in your decision decision, but it should. The communities of color are asking you to factor them in. They matter. Their voices matter. Listen to your
constituents and vote no today. Maintain the current map. Thank you. Thank you. Christopher Betts, Cameron Arseno, Alan Lob, Frana Wilhelm. Good afternoon to the court. My
name is Fana Wilhelm. I'm a nearly 50year resident of Tarant County and a taxpayer. I live in precinct 2. I am speaking against the redistricting plan as it is totally unnecessary and illegal to boot. No matter how many times they
say it's political, it remains obviously racial gerrymandering. As taxpayers, we do not need to incur millions of dollars in legal fees like Farmer's Branch did under their mayor Tim O'Hare. Looks like he's not looking out for taxpayers in
Tarant County either. So much for fiscal conservancy. Okay. Christopher Betts, Cameron Arseno, and Alan Lob. Are those three present? Okay, that's all that we have
signed up to speak on this item. So to recap where [Music] we started and what has happened along the way, there was a motion to adopt map 7 as shown on the website. There was a
second on that motion. Then we took public comments and somewhere along the way there was a amending motion and the amending motion I believe was to keep the maps as is and take no action. Did I state that correctly?
Okay. And then there was a second on that. And are we confident that what must take place first is voting on that amendment? That's correct, judge. So restate the uh motion for an amendment and then take a
vote on that and then if the amendment passes the main motion as amendment goes forward for a vote. If it fails then the main motion without the amendment goes forward. Okay. So do any commissioners wish to make comments on the motion
before us which is the amending motion as as the author of the original motion where the amendment is seeking to amend on to. Do I have the ability to motion to table to say we're not going to take that up? Not in this case, Commissioner.
And the reason why is that under Robert's rules, any motion to postpone either to a certain time or indefinitely cannot be made for a subsidiary motion, an amendment in this case. Um, and you can make that motion for the the main motion only to postpone. Gotcha. Okay.
Any other comments on and I mean right now I guess anybody can make any comments they want but what we're talking about at the moment is the amending motion. Yes. I have comment judge commissioners and members
of the public. Before this court votes today I must speak plainly about what is broken in this process and why it matters. Redistricting shapes the voice of the people. It defines who has a seat at the table.
That is why it must be done with integrity, transparency, and true public participation. None of that has happened here. This process was launched without new data. It was done without community
demand. It was done without public dialogue. A contract was signed behind closed doors with a national organization known for voter suppression. Maps were drawn in secret by consultants who never came
before this court to explain their work. Public hearings were held only after maps were drawn and no one in this court or on this team ever explained the criteria to make those maps. No impact analysis was shared with the public. And
when communities showed up in numbers, they were met with silence. That is not process. That is not democracy. What is the harm of a broken process? It is that entire communities
were left out of decisions that will shape their representation for the next decade. It is that it is that trusted voices in neighborhoods like Ko, stop six and Mbrook were denied the chance to be heard. It is that elected leaders were
denied the opportunity to even speak to the people drawing these maps. A process done in the dark always cast a long shadow and this one will cast a shadow on the legitimacy of these maps in this vote. If this court adopts any of these
maps today, it will do so knowing that the process failed the test of fairness. It will do so knowing that the community did not consent to this. And it will do so knowing that what was done in the shadows will not stay in the
shadows for long. I will not support this process. I will not endorse this harm to our community. And I will not be silent about what this vote represents. We must do better. Taran
County deserves better and the people of Taran County deserve better. Thank you. Thank you. Any other comments from the commissioners? Yes. So, this is a monumental day in
Taran County history. Over 200 speakers came today to be heard on the topic of redistricting. It speaks to the strong desire of our constituents to be heard and the necessity of
it. Voting is our voice. It is the people expressing their will, their right. Voters should choose their elected officials, as you've heard today, not the elected officials choosing their
voters. Slowly, this truth is fading before our very eyes along with the purity of the right to vote. History will not applaud us if we choose any other map than the current
map. These truths are made self-evident. is the opening line of the Declaration of Independence. But truths are not at work today. We are engaged in an unusual mid
decade redistricting process. Didn't say it's illegal. I said it was unusual. Something that typically occurs only after the dennial US census every 10 years using updated population data.
Yet here we are attempting to redraw our precinct lines based on data that is 5 years old. As I've said before, it just doesn't make sense to redraw boundaries with
2020 census data. This process began in April with a 32 party line vote over the objections of myself and Commissioner Miles. The stated reason for this sudden push has
been to rebalance precincts by population. Yet the previous commissioner's court after the 2020 census found our precincts to be balanced within a 2% deviation well
within the 10% legal limit. This raises a fundamental question. Why the urgency? Now public legal interest foundation was selected and is being paid with taxpayers money but they are not working
for taxpayers. They have made that abundantly clear while making $450 an hour. They have refused to conduct briefings, refused to show up here to hearings and
refused to answer questions. Now, I am not taking my questions today for this Virginia based firm back behind closed doors. They're going to
bring their butts out here and stand at that podium and answer my questions. I have questions. I'm an elected official. This body has hired them to
do the work for us and they're going to come out here and answer these questions. Um, you know, and I I'm going to continue speaking until they make their way out
here. I'm not sure who is telling them not to come. Probably Judge O'Hare, but they need to come out here. They have got to answer to the taxpayers who are paying this bill, and
they're going to answer to me out here in public. It's ridiculous. Um, and then I Pastor Edner said it best in her
remarks earlier. Only weak leaders bully. Only weak leaders bully others. And I'm I'm about sick and tired of weak leaders, particularly men. So, I
want Pil to come out here and answer my questions and judge O'Hare. Quite interesting that today you cannot stomach being called a
racist. However, you are memorialized on video on the Wolf and the Shepherd podcast proclaiming, quote, "If you are a Republican office holder and you
haven't been called a racist, then you haven't done a thing." So, be proud of being called a racist today. those referring to these maps and this process and even you as a racist have a
constitutional right to do that. We have got to stop sitting up here violating people's first amendment right. This is this is crazy. Again, we ran for these positions.
Everybody doesn't love me. They call me all kinds of names. I take it. I take it on the phone. I'm not a wimp. I'm not weak. I put up with tons of bullying from you. Uh but I'm still
here. Now, let's talk about the individual brought in to lead this effort as the map maker, AdamQade. Speaking of weak men, where is
he? Where is we? We we we paid a demographer, a map maker to draw these maps and and we cannot get an audience with him. In my one call with
Pil, my staff and I were told when I asked for a meeting with the map maker that he was on vacation for a month, but he managed to crank out five maps in two days. Okay. So, I guess he pulled up
from his vacation to to send us those five maps. And let's talk about these other two maps that cropped up. Where is pill? Where are they? They are They're available if the court
would like to go. They need to be available out here. Chandler, who's stopping them from They I will answer that question. Okay. They have told me what they're going to do. They don't get to tell us Tim what they're going judge what they're going to do. Well, and we
you don't have subpoena power to make them come out here. So, they have said they're going to be back there to answer legal questions. If you have any legal questions, I don't I don't And if you don't have any legal questions, they're not going to come out here and testify
or be questioned. And that's what they have told me. And that's what's going to happen. No, no, that's that's not how that works. I think it's how it's going to work, but it may it may not be how you wish it works. It's not how it should work. That
is your prerogative. county. So you directed them to stay back there. No, I did not direct them to them to stay back there. They told me what they were going to do and I think it's a good idea. Actually, they they are the vendor. They don't get to tell us what they're going to do.
Tell them to get out here, Chandler. And we asked we made them aware of your request and they they made the same statement. Where are they posted up at? Uh I believe they're back here in back here in the admin area.
Uh, Gerald, go get them. Uh, that's that's we're not going to have a scene and a show here. I'm going to finish my comments. They've made their statement. They're going to follow what they does not tell the uh customer what they're
going to do. Who does that? So, let's talk about this map maker. His professional history includes significant ties to partisan redistricting efforts. He has served as the executive director of the National
Republic Republican Redistricting Trust and his past work on maps in other states was repeatedly struck down for racial germandering. That's who drew these five then seven maps. His involvement in
previous redistricting cycles in states like Wisconsin and Ohio also drew criticism. To bring in an individual with such a track record, particularly one with a clear national partisan
affiliation to draw maps for Taran County cast a serious shadow of a doubt on the impartiality of this entire undertaking. The proposed maps, as we've seen, make significant and concerning changes to precincts one and two, the
very precincts that I and Commissioner Miles represent, which are my majority minority. The SMU researcher has even analyzed these maps and concluded that they appear to be biased against non-white voters, potentially
diminishing their voting power by packing them into precinct one. This is not about balancing populations. This is about diluting the voices of communities of color. It's
racism. The maps are racist. Anybody who votes for the maps is racist. This is racist. You are This is segregation. Is this not segregation? You put you put
these majority of African-American, Hispanic, and Asian. You you pack them. You segregate them into one of four districts. It's Jim Crow. This Jim Crow.
This is This is Make America Great Again, but not in DC, in Taran County. Y'all understand? This is racism. And you can speak back to me when I ask you a question without
getting tossed. Um, so let's be clear. This appears to be a calculated attempt to strip representation from the very communities that we were elected to
represent. Y'all talk about transparent. It's not um it's not how a transparent or democratic process should operate. 10, then eight, then there were eight. Taran County mayors, including those
from Fort Worth, Arlington, and Grand Prairie, have also expressed their opposition, citing concerns about the timing, the outdated census data, and potential violations of the United States Voting Rights Act. City councils
in Fort Worth, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, have passed resolutions opposing this process. The legitimacy of this process is deeply in question. The people of Taran County, particularly the voters of precinct to deserve to choose their
commissioner and not have that choice taken from them through racial gerrymandering. And when you look at these maps, understand this. Grand Prairie will move from precinct to the Taran County portion of Grand Prairie will
move from precinct to precinct one. The last time Grand Prairie residents, Taran County Grand Prairie residents voted for uh commissioner voted in county commissioners race was in 20 November 8,
2022 when I was elected. And so they moved to precinct one in the map that will get approved today. And so Commissioner Miles was just elected. There won't be another election
for county commissioner until 2020 28 28. So those residents in Grand Prairie won't get they have to wait six six years to vote on their county board county commissioner again. Who where's
the data? Who where's this guy at? So we Where are these people at? Chandler or I'm sorry uh Gerald. What did they tell you, sir? They said they don't know at they're not in the administrator's office and they don't know your whereabouts. Okay,
they ran. We're paying We're paying these people. Do y'all hear me? Say yes. [Applause] Any calls to have the crowd speak out, I will have as the presiding officer, I
will have the crowd removed. So, I will ask you respectfully not to do that again. If you do do it again, I'll have the entire crowd vacate the room. Okay. They probably don't care. It's probably time to go eat lunch. Uh, everybody's not afraid of you. Okay. But don't don't
expect them to be. Okay. Yeah. Yeah, you do. Okay. So, um, the again, the legitimate the legitimacy of this process is deeply in question. Um, and it it keeps being said that the county has not redistricted in 15 years. Y'all,
that is not true. It's not true. It's not true. Um, this county with her redistricting just three and a half years ago with 2020 census data, the majority
Republican commissioners court hired a local firm local firm that deemed it unnecessary to redraw the lines. and the court members at the time, none of us were on the
court, um agreed 4 to one that the map from 2010 was imbalance. Okay. Um some of my colleagues keep stating that this is just partisan gerrymandering. Calling these maps a different name just does not change
their impact to communities of color. It is simple. When you place all the minorities in one precinct, segregate and remove economic benefits, it's racial gerrymandering. Switching the label does not make it safe to drink.
Um, so and and let's let's be clear, this county was established in 1849. It's always been Republican. the leadership, the balance of power has always been Republican. So those that
complained about um their taxes uh Republican values have been running this county since 1849. outofcontrol spending. One of the speakers got up and
and uh lamented out of control spending I guess has occurred under Republican majority commissioners courts because there hadn't been a Democraticly le commissioner's court.
and and and then let's when you talk about um those things, your taxes and uh cost savings, this current commissioner's court has been fiscally
irresponsible. Let's let's just be honest. Um, and I'm a Democrat. Judge O'Hare by himself, I don't care how many times you he says it,
um, lowering the tax rate below the no new revenue uh, rate. I voted for that. Okay, that was not just the Republicans. I voted for that for two years.
I voted on uh uh the budget. I have voted, we have voted together on those things. He did not lower your taxes, your tax rate by
himself. Um so let let's be clear. Um I I am fiscally conservative. Um, now let's talk about fiscal
irresponsibility. If this court had not been shamed, embarrassed into pulling out of Garza
County in that private jail contract. $40 million private jail contract. If if Commissioner Brooks and I, thanks to K bringing that to our attention, if the if if we hadn't
shamed our colleagues, we would still be sitting sending our inmates to Guards the county on a $40 million contract. So the fiscal responsibility came from the
Democrat in that instance. Um we are not taking responsibility for the poor leadership at the jail. When you have 73, is it 72? 73 deceased
inmates in 8 years and we sit up here and approve every expenditure this sheriff wants. That does not get us to improve
leadership at the jail. the debts, the lawsuits, the litigation. A member of this court said in the Anthony Johnson case, "I want the best
uh uh defense firm in the country to come in and defend this county in the Anthony Johnson case. We saw Anthony Johnson murdered on TV
cameras. Um, don't get me started about texture court and the $65 million that this county sunk into a flawed software
system over 11 12 years. I can't get support from the conservatives on that. And we we move forward with with tech shares implementing a flawed
software. Nobody saw it fit to say let's let's stop this nonsense. Judge point of water. Yes. Can we discuss items that aren't on the agenda and can debate be limited to the topic, please? Um, I I believe that is a
permissible thing of a presiding officer according to Robert's rules, but can you clarify? The question is, can you limit debate if if apparently grievances are being aired about any and every vote that's ever been taken here or measures
that have taken, is there a legal authority to limit that related to this issue? Several of these things are not on the agenda. Matters that are are not on the agenda cannot be voted on. Uh items that are being discussed should be related to an
agenda item. That is that is the general rule. Agreed. And if they're not related to an agenda item, do do I have the authority under Robert's rules to make a I guess it's an order or a determination that it's not being
followed and to stick to discussion germaine to the issue. Is that within the purview of Robert Schulz? It doesn't directly address precisely what you're getting at, but a remedy for that sort of thing would be if there were a say
call the question if there were debate extending the vote beyond uh the topic at at hand. Okay. Well, I now want to go into executive session for legal advice. So, uh the court is now in recess for legal advice in executive session. And
you don't have the ability to stop. I am not. finished with my comments and I if you guys stick around I will continue when we come back. Thank you all. Thank you. Remove him. All
[Music] [Music] right. All right. Okay, we back live here. Ready? So, all right, we're back on the record. Uh, there actually was no executive
session because you cannot have an executive session just to discuss parliamentary procedure. How? However, uh I'm going to Let me just make this very clear for everybody in the audience. There's not going to be any
more audience interaction on this issue. Very clear. The next time there's an outburst of any kind, I don't care who it is, we are clearing the chamber and we'll conduct the business with us and staff present only. The end. No more
warnings. According to Robert's rules of order, in a non-legislative body or organization that has no special rule relating to the length of speeches, a member having obtained the floor for a debatable motion is
immediately pending can speak no longer than 10 minutes unless he obtains the consent of the assembly. So for that to happen, it requires a 2/3 vote without debate, which would require four votes from this court to allow it
to go more than 10 minutes. So I didn't measure it, but I feel very confident it was well more than 5 minutes. So, as the presiding officer, in accordance with Robert's rules of order, I will allow Commissioner Simmons an additional five
minutes for whatever she wants to say on this motion, so long as it is germanine to the actual motion and agenda item. At the end of the five minutes, I am going to recognize a different member of the
court so everyone has the opportunity to engage in debate and discussion. So with that, please turn the clock on. It is 5 minutes and it begins now.
Okay. Um, again, the Republicans have been in uh in control since the inception of this county. Um, so all of all of these claims about um wanting conservative leadership for
um uh responsible fiscal responsibility goes out the window. Um, you know, again, if we look at the jail deaths and we make the
connection, if you choose this damn map and you elect three Democrats with this map, I guarantee you there will be fiscal responsibility with regard to the jail and everything else in this county.
Um, and let's talk about Dallas, Harris, Bayer, and Travis counties. I will remind you that I support the
existing map. Any of these other maps are intentional discrimination. They're racist. and Taran County fulfilled its duty to redistrict in 2021 following the
2020 census. How many times have we said that today? Um, now with regard to the 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. then absolutely you redistrict 100% you redistrict and redrawing was
mandated. Okay. So each of those counties were able to achieve their political goals without undermining minority voting strength. It's doable and violating the voting rights
of citizens. none of them have engaged in mid decade redraw. Uh so comparing Taran to those counties is dishonest and any statement that Tarant County did not fulfill its
responsibility to redistrict in 2021 is blatantly false. Judge O'Hare knows this. Commissioner Krauss knows this. Commissioner Maris knows this. [Music]
Um, every Republican and Democrat in here can agree that the population has grown, the demographics have changed. That's one thing we can agree on. But you can't go with your
gut. You have to have a census count. I've said this before to groups. I run to the post office and go, "Oh, well, look, I see more and more black people every time I come to the post
office." That's not a census count. That's That's just going with my gut. We see our traffic patterns change. We need a census
count. We had a census count the next in 2020. The next census count is in 2030. We can't sit up here like children because we want
it. Then let's do it. She can do it. But it's irresponsible leadership. And that's what you will have today if this passes. when this passes.
I've been asked by the media, "How do you think the vote's going to go?" Well, if my court members listen to the majority of those that spoke about this
topic today, the majority said, "Don't redistrict." and if they listen to their constituents, then we won't redistrict. But if they do what they
individually want to do, uh, then we'll redistrict. Um, so those are my comments for now. Probably have a couple more minutes or seconds. I'll I'll save save it for the next
um motion. Okay. So, I recognize Commissioner Cross. Okay. Thank you, Judge. I appreciate that. First of all, I want to say the majority of my constituents actually do want redistricting. We uh actually had town halls and there were more people that showed up at that town hall who
said they wanted redistricting than didn't want redistricting. So, the statement you just heard was patently false uh in terms of who wants what. I'll also bring up the fact that the mayors, we keep hearing about this letter from the mayors, keep hearing about this letter from the mayors. First of all, started out as 10 and then it
went to eight. Why did it go to eight? Well, because two of the mayors did their own independent research after the initial letter came out and found that there were errors and that they rushed a judgment should not have done that. So, they took their name off because they didn't have the full picture when they
signed on to it and it was flawed uh information. So, I want to thank uh the mayors of Dworthington Gardens and Pantiggo for their uh courageous move to do that because it it takes a lot of guts to do that. And I wanted to point out a little bit why that letter was so problematic. First of all, in that
letter uh that this law firm put together, they said that the maps that were proposed were in violation of section 42.05 of the Texas election code. So you go to that and it's about whether precincts can be drawn where you know whether you could bifurcate precincts and things of that nature and
they said it's in violation. and all the proposed maps are in violation. And then they go on to say, "The legal flaw in maps cannot currently be corrected as state law also prescribes the time period for which changes to the county election precinct boundaries can be made and we currently sit beyond that deadline." That seems pretty black and
white, right? Well, they didn't apparently read the entire statute of the Texas Election Code cuz right under where they're saying um it says the commissioners, this is in section 42.031, 031. The commissioner's court may order a boundary change only during
March or April unless the change is necessary to. So that's where they got the March or April date. It's too f we're already past March or April. You can't do it anymore. Except there is a very very clear exception where it says the changes necessary to comply with section
42.05 which they reference or section 42.032. What does 42.032 say? Says redistricting boundary changes. If changes in county election precinct boundaries are necessary to give effect to a redistricting plan under article 3, section 28 of the Texas Constitution,
each commissioner's court shall order the changes before October 1st of the year in which redistricting is done. We're not at October yet. So that leads me to a few conclusions. One, the law firm that put together this letter didn't do their due diligence and doesn't understand how to read the code
to see where the exceptions apply. Two, they actually did see that, but they kept it from the mayors and did not give them that pivotal information so that they would put something so flawed and inaccurate in their letter. Or three, the mayors were given that information and they chose to include it anyway. I
don't know which one of the three it is, but none of them are good. It's a simple reading. It's a simple exception that they should have been able to find really clearly. So to me, when you get something that obvious, that clear wrong, that puts into doubt all their other analysis. So their their claims of
it's in violation of the Texas Election Code are false, right? So then it goes on to talk about the Voting Rights Act uh of section two, right? So you'd say, "Hey, these guys are experts. They would never do anything that would violate the voting rights of section Act 2." Well, we know that this law firm is the one
that helped Arlington. I know Mayor Ross was the one kind of pushing for uh for the letter. This is the same law firm that Mayor Ross utilized in 2021 when they redrew their maps. And so you would say, okay, well, they're the experts. They know what they're doing. They would never do anything that's discriminatory,
so that's why they were brought in. Well, did you know the exact same people that challenged the maps right now challenged the maps in Arlington in 2021? They said they were racially drawn. They were racially discriminatory. They violated the same exact acts of the US Constitution,
which, as I'm aware, nothing has ever been alleged to have been found in the Arlington redrawn maps that would give you that conclusion. So, who were the people that were disputing those maps? One we've already heard they they were at my u uh public hearing was LUAC.
Another one we've heard today was the NAACP. In fact, they so disagreed with the maps that this law firm had drawn claiming racial discriminatory intent that they proposed their own maps. LULAC and NAACP proposed their own maps because they thought it was racially
discriminatory. Yes. You didn't start the clock. I did the clock. I started it right here. You started the clock for me on that thing. Then it hit me that I have a stopwatch. So I turned a stopwatch on, but it's 3 minutes and 50 seconds. So I when it
gets to 5 minutes, I will gladly have you started at 5 minutes and I'll tell you. Okay. So NAACP LUAC u put forth their own maps. Now, who was the president of the NAACP in Arlington at the time of 2021? It was my colleague, Commissioner Simmons. And so it's very
interesting to me that four years ago the legal group that put forward the maps were racist. But now four years later when they give a conclusion that she agrees with all of the sudden she's trumpeting the letter. She's putting it out there. She's using that as justification for what is going on here.
So I think it's very obvious that people throw around article 2 voting rights act violations all the time even when there's no substance to that. That happened in 2021 in Arlington. And it's a little disappointing for me that the mayors who signed on to that letter would use the same law firm who
understands that people throw that out spiriously and uh just flippantly that that there's racial gerrymandering when they did that to them that they would now be helping other mayors make that same kind of spurious claim. So that that was pretty frustrating to me. But so on both grounds that these mayors put
out the letter, Texas Election Code and the Civil Rights Act or Voting Rights Act, neither one of those claims hold up. And so what I'm afraid of is so many people have been gaslighted in this room and around this county that certain claims are happening that certain things are going to happen that we're going to
win in court that we're going to be victorious here. They're going to be so disillusioned and upset when that's not going to happen. I live this in the Texas House in 2013. I live this in the House in 2021. Every time we tried to redistrict, all these same claims are made over and over and over again. And
there's not been one district that's been redrawn in 2013. We're in the third election cycle now in 2021. Those exact same claims that we've heard all day today were the same ones that were made to me and my colleagues both those times. They never come to fruition. And so I just don't want those in here who
are opposed to the redistricting effort to be blindsided or disillusioned that when what they've been told by their leaders that this is blatantly unconstitutional. It's race. It doesn't turn out to be like that. And so, um, I think the mayors did a real disservice to include a letter that was so
factually inaccurate and then using, uh, spurious claims on unconstitutionality. Um, again, I applaud, uh, the two mayors who pulled their name off. I'm thankful for the mayors, uh, up in Northeast where I represent that have come out in support uh, of the redistricting effort. And so,
I think there is a lot of uh, support for that effort. I think there's a lot of support for what's going on. Uh, and and I appreciate the opportunity to at least address that letter today. Thank you. Thank you. Would you like to be recognized? Sure. Um, you know, at the outset of this process, uh, over two
months ago, I've heard a lot of, um, Do we have the clock started? Yeah. Okay. I've I've heard a lot of, uh, talk about the process, and I will agree with a lot of what folks said. I think the process did have flaws. I think that the process could have been, um, a lot more uh,
comprehensive. Uh but I also think that two of my colleagues on the court chose of their own free will not to participate in the process. Uh from day one they said we don't want any changes to the current map. That's it. When two months ago this court voted as a body to
undertake this process. Uh and so I would have hoped that we could have had more robust discussion. I would have hoped that we could have had some ideas presented uh from our other colleagues up here but that was not the case. And so we are where we are. Um, as far as
the the the mayor's letter, uh, and everybody else who has reached out about legal concerns, um, I certainly appreciate them bringing it up. Uh, you know, if, uh, it came from a place of of legitimate concerns, if there are legitimate legal concerns with the process, then I certainly wanted to hear
about them. Um, you know, we I did my independent diligence. Uh, I asked our attorneys, I asked the the PILF attorneys to address every single one of those things that were raised in that letter because I wanted to make sure that what we were doing was absolutely legally justifiable. I've already
mentioned several times that I think policywise it's absolutely justifiable and it's necessary. Um, not very much of what we do on this dis or from this dis should be or is political. um that the meat and potatoes of county government
are not political, but drawing the political boundaries is political. Now, whether or not that's right, whether or not it should be that way, um the fact of the matter is it is that way. Um in a perfect world, it may not be, but it is political. Uh and and so my comments
have been very consistent from the outset. Um you know, I think that everybody has an opportunity to cast their ballot whenever election time comes around. Um and and I'm hoping that more of our citizens in Taran County choose to participate that way in this
process. Um but but I do appreciate everybody who's participated thus far in the process. Whether you agree with my position on it or not, I've listened and I've taken it serious. Uh and I would hope that that in the future dialogue continues to be respectful um among our
colleagues on the court. There is important work to do. Uh, and just because something doesn't go your way in a policy discussion, just because something doesn't go your way one time doesn't mean there's not additional work to do together where we can agree. Um, and so those are my comments and and I
will support and continue to support my second to your motion. So I I'll have just probably a very few comments. Um, Tarant County has not redistricted since 2011. They looked at redistricting and did not
change a single aspect of the map. So, there has been no redistricting. There was a look at redistricting and a vote not to do it. Um, I've heard a lot today about democratic process and heard over
uh time about threats to democracy. Well, part of that democratic process is that there's three people sitting here who were duly elected by their constituents. And contrary to some claims,
uh, I campaigned on redrawing districts dating back to 2021. There's people in this room who've heard me say it, heard me say it in their homes, heard me say it on the campaign trail. And uh I doubt
Commissioner Miles or Commissioner Simmons in 2021 knew my name. Uh but whether they did or they didn't is kind of beside the point. I definitely did not know your name. Uh I had never heard of you. And uh so the idea that
somebody's being targeted well in 2021 when I talked about this all over the campaign trail and yes usually in Republican homes to Republican clubs and Republican groups. This was something that I campaigned on doing literally
four years ago. Um, I think the other thing that I will will say on this issue is I mean I doubt there's a single person in this room who came today to spoke to
speak against redistricting that did the same thing in Dallas County. I bet they didn't. And if there's any doubt in anyone's mind in this room about whether or not Democrats would do this if they
had the majority, well, we know from Harris, Bear, Travis, and Dallas that they do and did. So yes, uh I share with some of
you it would be nice if this was 1980s America where people got along better and everything wasn't so partisan from the movies we watch and the TV shows that are produced and the newspapers we read or don't read. Um, so unfortunately
where we are today, it's a very divided country and the parties I'm not sure have ever been further apart in their beliefs. I don't apologize for being a Republican. I don't apologize for conservative values and it contrary
to some things that I heard here today, I never ever on anything I vote on think I'm doing this for the Republicans. Um I think the things that we stand that I stand for, the things I
support, I think are good for everyone. Uh, and so that's enough about that. We have a motion. That motion is to It's an amending motion
to keep the maps that we have. Correct. That is correct. We have a second on that motion. And so now I'm calling for the vote. I um have an additional comment. Your time is done. No, that's not true. It is. And we're
unless you have a majority of this court. No. Mr. Crowderville, go look at Robert's rules of order, newly revised, 12th edition, exact location, page 400. Do you have 12th edition? I don't have it. I Yes, that is the correct edition. Yes.
Okay. Line reference. It's in 43 debate specifically under the subsection limits on debate. Each court member gets to speak
to a motion to an item twice. Am I correct? Don't have it in front of me at the moment, Commissioner. So I have no reason to rule the rule. I have the book in front of me. Cit.
Okay. Do you have 12th edition? I believe so. Yeah. Okay. Cuz I was going to give you the page number. Uh page 400. Okay. Line reference. It's in 43 43 debate specifically. I've got to
apparently have a different book because that page number, what's the page number? 400. And that page number doesn't have 43. So just tell me the 43. What? Debate specifically under the subsection limits on debate. Yeah. Tell me what you
said. 43. What? 43. What? Oh Section 43. Well, section 43. 43. Where? 43. Rules governing debate. Page 400 lines 18 through 23. It's just not
made. Page 400 is not 43. Yes, but they have different books and different sizes. So it's not on page 400 is an essential element. So so no member can speak more than twice to the same question on the
same day or so. We can we can process this motion. I'll speak to the next motion. Okay. So, at this point, we have Commissioner Miles's
motion to keep the maps we have. I mean, it's basically, it's not exactly how you said it, but that's what you're saying. Correct. Correct. And you agree that that's what you're saying in your second? Yes. Yes. Okay. So, now we will
cast our votes. Everybody get your votes in. All right. Are all votes in? Okay. All right. So that motion fails two to three. Okay. All right. Now we have a
motion before us that is to adopt map 7 as presented on the website. We have a second on that motion. Point of order. Now, yes, I have another motion uh an amend another amendment. Okay. Because
we just got maps six and seven, we really haven't had a whole lot of time to review them. What is your point of order? My point of order is to postpone consideration of the proposed map to a future meeting to allow for adequate review and public input. Second. Your
your motion is to postpone consideration of redistricting. Yes. Today until a future meeting. Yeah. Map seven, the one that was in the Okay. We'll restate your motion. I move to postpone the consideration of map number seven to a
future meeting date to allow for adequate review and public input. So when you have a motion on the floor to adopt seven, can you then have an amending motion to postpone seven? Well, I I wouldn't refer to this as an
amendment to the motion, but it is a legitimate motion to postpone to a future date uh of an uncertain time after the motion is made. Correct. It does take precedence over the main motion. So the motion to postpone should be taken. Okay. So we have a motion to postpone consideration of map 7 and we
have a second. Okay. Discussion. We haven't had ample time to review map 7. We just got in. I don't even know the date that we got it in, but it hadn't even been a week since we got it in. and I haven't had time to
review map 7 to see how my precinct will be impacted ma by map 7. I haven't been able to talk to my constituents about map 7 and the ramifications of map 7 or anything. I haven't been able to get any public input on map 7. So with that in
mind, I think it's just fair to give people an opportunity to review it and get a good understanding of what it is and how it will impact us and the community members an opportunity to do the same. Okay. Anyone else like to speak on this? Map
seven. Hang on. I I will recognize who the speakers are. So, you may go. Map seven was not available at the public hearings. Uh we got If Pil were in here, I'd ask them or ask my staff,
when did we get map 7? Friday, something like that. Or Thursday. I I I don't know. Uh in addition to that, there were nine maps from the public. What when were those
considered? Uh were they incorporated into map seven and six and how do we know that? Where are those people from PIL? Um so I second a motion. It just we
how are we voting on map 7? We have no data on it. Does anyone else wish to be recognized? Okay. All right. We have a motion and a second to postpone I guess the adoption of map 7.
Correct. Okay. All right. Uh please cast your votes. Everybody in. All right. So that fails two to three. All right. Now before us is a motion to
adopt map 7 and a second to adopt map 7. Discussion who would like to be recognized? I would. Commissioner Moss. In my in my lay opinion, given all the facts and circumstances, based upon the comments of the decision makers, how the
process was conducted, and the timing of the decision, it appears that race discrimination against blacks, Hispanics, and other racial minorities in Taran County was a substantial factor in the decision to redistrict mid decade and to adopt this map we are about to
vote on. It really brings me deep pain to see where we have ended up in the county that I love. And to my colleague, Commissioner Ramirez, when you referenced there was no feedback from myself or Commissioner Simmons with this
process, our feedback was we thought that the map that are already in place were sufficient until redistricting happens in 2030. um in regards to we didn't communicate. You have my number. Every member on this
court has my number and if they wanted to hear from me or wanted to talk to me about the maps that were presented and any issues or concerns that I had, you could have called me at any time and I would have welcomed that phone call and just had discussion with you and shared my views and my opinions. But that did
not happen for whatever reason. So this is racial gerrymandering. You can't put the majority of the communities of color in one precinct and remove the economic key economic engines.
You're taking the stadiums out of precinct 2, AT&T, Globe Life, Texas Live, taking downtown Fort Worth out of precinct one, leaving it with rooftops.
I mean, this is racist. It's racial gerrymandering. It's intentional discrimination. We did participate with pill sent
email in. They said they were coming to the um public hearing in precinct 2 and decided not to. Um we participated just because we
didn't choose a map or add lines because no lines needed to be moved or altered. Um we did participate and now we are voting on two maps that have not even
been you know six and seven that haven't even been through a single process and calling it partisan does not change what it is and its impact.
It's discrimination pure and simple. Um and really judge, there's no virtue in fulfilling a racist campaign promise. Um
so those are those are my comments. Okay. Any of you wish to speak? All right. So we have a motion to adopt map 7 as placed on the Tarant County website.
We have a second to adopt map 7. Please cast your votes. Are all votes in? All right, it passes 3 to 2. We are now going to recess until 3:30 p.m. 347 3:30.
[Music] I mean Yeah. Heat. So it's a great sound. Okay. [Applause]
What are we on? F1. F1. But we still do the speakers. We still do speakers. They That's what they told me to do. Come on, madam. Okay. All right. The next item actually
on the agenda posted as F1. F1 has been removed from the agenda, but we're going to call the speakers up who signed up to speak for it. It now reverts back to three minutes. So, first up is Julie
Griffin. Oh, Miss Griffin is Bishop Kirkland. Remember, for all speakers, please stick to this item. Um, this is about the litigation uh of Anthony Johnson Jr. and I wish we were
lifting his name as a banner for life, for justice. Instead of week after week on the agenda, his name appears as yet another payment to his attackers. This continuous litigation is
not producing right results. So far, by KRA's count, it is $4.3 million in counting. And the other side of the ledger, zero dollars for preventing deaths at the jail. Is it going to be this death spiral pattern? Death
lawsuit, death lawsuit, death lawsuit enabled by a majority of commissioners forever. And this is connected to racial gerrymandering. How? Well, what goes hand in hand is that by my count going back through 2018, Tarant County jails
of black persons are 42% of the total jail deaths, while the percent of black persons in Tarant County is 19%. It stands to reason black persons over represented in the death count at the jail and under reppresented in voting on
the new maps. The one commissioner who stands up in protest of jail deaths and seeks to know the causes and to craft solutions is the standalone black woman commissioner Alisa Simmons. She is the one that must be drumed out. That message is clear to the community. Sit
down and be quiet about our jail and our sheriff. To the majority of this court, conservative means do nothing about the jail deaths. What about something? Get the jail and JPS and MHMR to integrate their operations with the common goal of life and safety and health first. Get
high quality training and mental illness conditions and responses for jailers and all staff. Get those with mental illness or ID out of the jail and into treatment. Radically increase the number of those referred to the mental health jail diversion center. Won't these solutions help prevent deaths at the
jail? But that side of the ledger is zero. On the other hand, when it comes to a law enforcement training center or outside contractors for jail operations or tanks for the sheriff, we're ready. We're ready to mushroom our jail population with low-level non-violent offenders too poor for $300 bail. That
was the bail amount for Liza Elizabeth Gadlin, who died in jail custody this past April. And evidently, we're getting ready to house immigrants for ICE who've not committed any criminal offense in Tarant County. These are so-called conservative values. Not the marine values of Anthony Johnson. Honor,
courage, commitment. Not for the values that he lived for. Not his banner for life, for the values of human beings. My request, present to us a big screen visual showing litigation costs to date of all the Tarant County deaths and injuries since 2017 and what you've
spent to prevent them. to uphold the value of life. Uh, Bishop Kirkland. Following Bishop Kirkland is Allison Compalo. Here check their check. Everybody get a check from Taran
County. Every truth that you people have worked so hard to bury is going to rise again. As a citizen, as a taxpayer, I am interested in how much
money have we paid already to conceal a lie, a bad sheriff, bad jealous. I'm curious, what's the tab now? And we will
pay even more in the end. The minute that either of these defendants go to criminal trial, that video will be shown and we will all see it and it will lead
back to the silver suit. The truth will come out and it will be ugly. I heard something today. I was listening. Someone talked about that video from the
dasis which leads me to believe that you people have seen the unredacted video. I believe you have seen it. I believe you know how ugly it is. all the awards that you people like
to talk about our our jail receives to smooth over what's really going on in that killing fee. It will all come out. All the money that we paid to all of these lawyers
should have been diverted to the Johnson family for the murder, not the killing, the murder of Anthony Johnson. When will we stop defending white men and white lives with our green money for
the murder of a black man, a veteran, a Marine, somebody's son, somebody's brother, my brother in arms, just keep writing checks to lawyers, keep making payments.
And contrary to what's being said today on the DAS, we will fight and we will win. We'll be the landmark case. Yes. Compalo and then Joe Palmer. Hello again. I want to speak against um the continued payment for the defense of
a murder of one of our Tarant County inmate inmates. I can't say anything more eloquently than the two speakers ahead of me have already said, but I think it's important that we take a moment to reflect on how this truly impacts people. I think a lot of people write this off when they think another
inmate has died in jail. Um, it's easy for people to say they're less than because they were in jail, but they're not. They're us. They're people and they deserve respect and they deserve compassion and they deserve notice when they're murdered in our custody. And I
think it's worth putting ourselves in our shoes in the shoes of those people who go into our jails or the family members of people who go into our jails. They're all just people. A lot of those people just have a bad day and they got unlucky, got arrested, went to jail, and
then it really spiraled out of control for them. We read all the stories, everything to his point, everything that police were given. We don't get the whole story, but what we're given, a lot of these people had a mental health crisis. They made a bad decision that certainly didn't deserve them being
killed over it. Um, and I think we lack compassion. This isn't just shameful on Tarant County. That's horrifying. What if your family member went into jail and didn't come out? What if your wife or girlfriend was pregnant in jail, had to
give birth in jail, and her baby died like Chasty's baby died? That's horrifying. Um, I have to stop there because I'm going to get too emotional about it, but I This is not acceptable and we should do better and I'm against us paying for the murder of inmates.
Thank you. Following Mr. Palmer is Carla Palyus. Joe Palmer, precinct one, longtime Republican voter and will continue to do so. Um, I'm here to ask you I'm here to ask you to uh cease paying money to the law firm to defend in this case. Um, I agree with the good
bishop's suggestion. I would at least make an attempt to go to the the Johnson family and say we can't bring him back. There's nothing good that's going to come out of this. What is an amount? Right? You could argue I'm legally illiterate. Maybe that's not something
that lawyers recommend, but um make some kind of an attempt along those lines. Um the reason I started coming to these meetings was because uh the fellow conservative activist, a gun rights activist, Mason Yansy, was killed, died in the jail over Christmas break, and I've just I've seen no remorse. You're
not required by law to show any remorse on the court. You're not required to say you're sorry. I don't sense any of that coming from this court. I don't. Okay. And um you know, I've paid very close attention and I don't sense any remorse for uh the anthony Anthony Johnson death. Anthony Anthony Johnson Jr.
death. Um you know, once upon a time, you know, I used to say, well, you know, if you just follow the law, you just do everything you're told when you get pulled over, nothing's going to happen. You won't go to go to jail. And then you hear your little blips here and there of things that happen, right? Um, I mean, I can see where if a black
man were pulled over and in the last few months, he could reasonably think that if a if a black man who's a Marine veteran is arrested and taken to the jail and he comes out dead and nobody cared about him, who's going to care
about me? I mean, I can see that. The reason I bring that up is it endangers deputies. It endangers all law enforcement. It needs to be an atmosphere in this county when somebody gets pulled over or there's a contact with law enforcement that that person reasonably believes that they're going
to come out alive, that they're going to be treated fairly and with respect. Police don't get treated with respect all the time. I understand that they encounter all manner of people um at night around the county, but um we should do everything we can to cultivate
a feeling of mutual respect of life. Okay? And I know lawyers kids got to eat, but everybody's kids got to eat. It's it's not give me billable hours or give me death. You know, we talked about the revolution and the Declaration of Independence. If you are going to
approve this expenditure for the law firm, put a put a hard cap on it. You know, I I help my aunt with the plumbing. Plumber comes out to the house. I want to find out what's the most it could cost, what's the worst case scenario, and try to get an honest answer and determine whether he's being honest with you. and then decide whether
you want to do it at all or not. I don't know if you ask the law firm, what is the most that you're going to charge us, this could go on for months and months and months and it's just going to bankrupt the county and it makes us look bad. Appreciate your time. Thank you. Thank you. Uh following Miss Paularus, we have Katie
[Applause] Starns. My name is Carla Pales of Fort Worth and Precinct 4. You know, I guess y'all are just going to keep failing us today. I'm speaking specifically to you, Tim, Matt, Manny. We've yet another request for additional funding of
representation in the lawsuit that is the direct consequence of Sheriff Wayborn's horrible leadership and you all being completely unwilling to accept responsibility for being complicit in that murder and all the murders that have happened since April 21st, 2024. Where is Sheriff Wayborn? He's not shown
his face here in months. Yet, we are here being asked for more money to defend his murderous ex- staff members. Where is the justice for Anthony Johnson Jr.'s family? Y'all put so much effort into just hijacking our 2026 commissioner's elections, but y'all don't draw the line at racism and you
certainly don't draw the line at murder. Release a full video of the murder of Anthony Anthony Johnson Jr. now and fire Billborn. Bring forward everyone that was involved that day from the jail, JPS, MHMR, and stop defending murders with our tax dollars.
Thank you. Katie Starns. It's Katie Starns. Yes, there she is. Uh, and then Reed Bills. Hello, my name is Katie Stars and I just want to point out that Anthony Johnson Jr.'s 's family has said that he
was experiencing a mental health crisis. And he was put in Tarant County Jail. And honestly, I mean, we need to be we need to have a better way to help people when they're having a mental health crisis in the
first place. And you know, going through a mental health crisis isn't a reason to be murdered. He his death was ruled a homicide. And it was a horrific and gruesome death against a black man experiencing a mental health crisis. In
an era where we're rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse, I can't well, I can only think of one more thing, you know, that would be more wasteful than this, and I'm not going to mention it. And,
you know, we need to hold these officers that were involved in his death accountable. Thank you. Thank you. Read [Applause] bills. Here we are again. You are asking
for more dollars to hire outside counsel to represent an employee in this suit brought by the Johnson family against the county. an additional 15,000 after already having spent over 30,000. The attorneys you have already
hired should have completed negotiations to resolve this case long before now so that Mr. Johnson's parents and sisters don't have to appear and remind you of your duty at every meeting.
I assume the 30,000 allotted to the other attorneys will also be insufficient and the total cost of this case to taxpayers will continue to rise. The money spent on attorneys should be spent on restoring funding for the very
social services that will help prevent a need for compensating inmates who have been abused by the jail system. It is time to settle this matter. Thank you. Okay. Now we move to item
M1. Uh which is we have a comment on number five and a comment on number 10. H1. Judge. Did I miss H1? Yeah. Under facilities we have H1. That's non-consent. It's on individual consideration.
H1. [Applause] Okay. This is a consideration of a property use and fee waiver request from Six Flags chapter National Society Daughters of the
American Revolution to use the Tarant County 1895 courthouse grounds for a flag day celebration. All right. Do we have a motion on that? All right. We have a motion. Second. And we have a second. Any discussion there? Question. What um flags are they going
to be laying on the lawn? Isn't that what it says that they will place? I think it's just to use the grounds for their flag day ceremony. Oh, okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Yes. It's just a flag for their ceremony that they're having.
Is it the Confederate flag or American flag? What was the group we had here this morning? Daughters of American Revolution. Yeah, we know what flag. Yeah. American. Okay. Thank you. Okay. Any other questions on this? All right. We have a motion and a second on
this item. Uh please cast your vote. All right. It passes unanimously. Now, are we going to M1? Yes, sir. Okay. Uh so there's M. So I I I intend to make a motion sort of like I
always do on the M1 through 4. So take a look at it. But before I do, uh I would like to ask our staff from this point forward when there is a purchasing item on the agenda or
a anything related to the RF permission to take issue RFPs RQs. I would like not just a line where it says it's on an as needed basis. I want to know at least for the last couple of
years how much we have spent on it. Does that make sense? It does. I I actually say I thought we typically did that, but if there's a specific one you're referencing that I missed. I've seen I've seen it missed several times. So, I'd like to see it moving forward where there's at least some historical
context. Okay. Um, with that I will move to adopt M1 through 4. Second. We have a motion and a second on that item. Any discussion there? All right. Please cast your vote. You do have some public commenters on
these items. I don't believe I have any public comment on M1 through 4. I'm sorry. All right. So, all right. Motion second. Everybody cast your vote. All right. passes unanimously. Brings us to M5 where we do
have a public commenter annual contract for pistols countywide through various vendors. Uh I'll make a motion to approve. Second. We have a motion in a second. Any discussion before the speaker? Um I I have a question.
Oh. Oh, you're here. Um is this the Just want to make sure. Uh this is to purchase pistols for the deputies, the sidearms, right? Yes. Is this is this our first time under the
policy to to make the No, this is our second time getting this. This is Yeah. bid. So this is a new bid for business, but it is similar to the previous bid that just that's about to expire.
Okay. When did we approve that policy? Which I 100% support because I could never believe we didn't have they were using their personal sidearms at Is that not crazy? I I I mean Commissioner, we believe
recollection it was around March that we approved that policy. So we're we're triple checking that this March. Yes, ma'am. And so this is the second time to purchase, correct? Yeah. So I think, correct me if I'm wrong, we put a bid out the first time, but the policy had not been approved by the court. That that bid basically was expiring and we
still hadn't approved any policy. So we we withheld actually making the procurement. Now that the policyy's been purchased, it's time to renew the bid. So now renewing the bid since the policy has been passed and making it available for purchase. Did I get that right, Melissa? Yeah, that's purchasing. We've been delaying the the new bid until the
policy was approved. Uh, Commissioner Merritt, interpret for me. Have they purchased pistols, the sidearms? No. Okay. This is the first time, correct? Okay. Second bid, but first time we're actually making purchases. Okay, good. So, they they'll
be getting their Yes, ma'am. Uh, county issued sidearms. All right. Thank you. And another question, and this was on the agenda last week, and we did the grouping, and I I had questions about it, but um how are we disposing? Well,
heck, they've been using their personal sidearm. Never mind. Last week, we we voted to dispose. I believe that was leg irons that we uh us. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. We did. Okay. If there are no other questions,
we have a motion, a second. We have one speaker, Julie Griffin. Actually, my sign up to speak, not M5. Who did I miss? Who did I miss? Dorian Ger. Dorian Gerger. Where did that go? There it is.
Right there. Miss Ger, I understand that this item has to do with the purchase of new guns. I would just like to ask if some point the commissioners would consider setting a policy that when you have guns that
you're retiring from your uh county arsenal or whatever that those guns be um destroyed instead of sold. I know in the past there's been uh I don't know if it was county or for PD but they had a
huge gun buyback program. took all these guns in and instead of destroying them, they held them in about a year or two and then they sold them. Well, that just means guns back out on the street again. And I've even heard of uh in one situation where guns were turned over to
a another police department way south of here and they turned around and auctioned them off. The point is getting guns off the street. And I hope if you all are buying new guns, you will look at what happens with any guns that you're ready to decommission or not use
and make sure that they're destroyed. Thank you. All right, we have a motion and a second on item M5. Any further discussion? All right, please cast your vote. Passes unanimously. Next, we go to
item M6, purchase of network infrastructure replacement and IT. I'll move to approve. Second. Have a motion and a second. Any discussion there? All right, please cast your vote. Passes unanimously. Item seven,
annual contract for compensation study services. I'll move to reject all proposals as recommended. Second. We have a motion to second. Any discussion on that one? Okay. Yes. Uh just second.
So, is uh is Miss Roxy here? Let me pull this back up. Yes, ma'am. All righty. So, we are rejecting all proposals. for the compensation study. Yes, ma'am.
Because you're going to do it in house. Yes, ma'am. Refresh my memory. And uh Melissa might have to do it since you're kind of new, but you may know by now. Um we were doing compensation studies. How often?
Annually, right? Annually, which in my opinion was too frequently, right? And the court asked us to switch to um every other year. So, we did not do it last year. Okay. So, you're saying
Roxy, don't do don't use a vendor to conduct the compensation studies. Your staff will take this on internally. Yes. And we will do that by the purchase of a compensation tool, a database where we
will have access to real time data in this private in the public sector. Okay. That was my my confusion. Um so I was talking to my staff and I said, "Well, she's still bringing in a vendor." And then somebody said, "No, she's purchasing software." That's
right. Okay. And there'll be more to come. We'll share more on that. But I also want to say to this court is the price points that we were getting back for this because we needed to expand it based on the feedback we got from you all. A lot of these were like nearing the million dollar mark unacceptable.
That's the real driver of why I said no I think we need to bring this inhouse and hire the right level of staff that will help us achieve this and be able to provide some transparency to you all in our process. So there'll be more coming on this. So, you're you're going to hire
additional staff to to do this because that will happen in the budget year. Sure. Yeah. Because I was going to say, well, hm, you might want to use a vendor because you're going to overwhelm your existing staff that you're talking about hiring. Agreed. And we have brought in
some temporary staff that I hopefully will bring on full-time with the with the budget year. So, we're in motion right now on this project. Okay. All right. Keep us updated. I will. Thank you. All right. Any other comments or questions on
M7? All right. Please cast your vote passes unanimously. Now we go to M8. Irrigation replacement at precinct 1 road and bridge maintenance facility. Uh I'll move to reject all bids and rebid with revised specifications. Second. We
have a motion to second. Any discussion on that one? All right. Please cast your vote. It passes unanimously. Uh, annual contract for inmate uniform sheriff's office. I'm on a roll. I'll make a motion to reject all bids and
rebid with revised specifications. Second. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion on that one? All right. Please cast your vote there. And now item 10, permission to take bids and RFPs. Anybody have a motion? Approval.
Second. We have a motion to approve. We have a second. Any questions on those items? All right, seeing none, please cast your vote. Oh, we have speakers. Yes, she's Man, I'm just all over the place here. Uh
Julie Griffin and Nan Terry, but I like I like I like that. Yeah, that's a good way to do it. That'll catch my attention. Yeah. Hello. Um, first I'm not here to oppose the funding for this technology for the
medical examiner's office. I'm all for improvements in performance at the medical examiner's office. But that is the point. Alongside improving technology, it's time to improve overall performance. Um, why does it take in
some cases months or over a year to get a full report of a death that happened in jail custody? Why do the death reports no longer include race as a data point? And this is talking specifically about this technology
uh whose purpose is to better refine the cause of death by toxicity. Why are we not thoroughly investigating with an outside investigator all toxicity deaths at the jail? The families of those who died of toxicity in our jail, which this is
supposed to be to help investigate, have a right to know how drugs and toxins got into their loved ones bodies and what was done about it. With no investigation to produce answers and to lead to prosecution of perpetrators, the shadow
of criminality and degradation falls on the deceased and their families. This is not right. And you know this, those of you who have not been pressuring and challenging the sheriff because he's your friend and
ally and not insisting on right action, you know it's not right and you do nothing. Why do you care about victims of sex trafficking and not care about victims of drug trafficking in our own jail? Why do you care about the deaths and injuries of first responders and not
those of incarcerated pre-trial alleged offenders? Are they less human? of less value. Please do what is commanded and love your neighbor. At a minimum, insist on accountability from the sheriff and the
medical examiner for your electorate. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Terry. Thank you. Thank you. I I also support the expenditure of the funds to purchase the equipment. Anything we can do to speed up the process is money well spent. I'm
curious who actually requested this new machine. The last time I spoke about the medical examiners was back in March because this court voted to approve taking put counties autopsies and doing them in Tarant County. And my comment
was the there were no final autopsy reports for any of the custodial deaths from 2024. And that was my comment back in March when you voted on that. But so I'm
curious, is anyone tracking the court uh is anyone on the court tracking the time that these reports take? Because now when you log on to the the Emy's office uh for the autopsy report, it doesn't tell you if the final report is off is
is ready. That's taken out completely. So, are you now wanting someone like me who checks periodically because people call me with crazy ideas or not crazy ideas, but just want information like pull up the auto report, but now there's no way to tell from the public if the
autopsy report is final. So, we're going to bother Mr. ratic and his company to do uh open records request every time I want to know if the autopsy report is completed because that was in the database from the EM's office prior in
March when I last looked for this court uh when I spoke and now it's not there. So sounds like we're going backwards. Instead of putting being more transparent and having information for the public, we're having less. Is that really what this court's trying to do? What I mean maybe you're just trying to
fix the problems with the database, but not showing the reports are final or not final to me is an important thing that you should want your your constituents to have access to instead of bother bothering Mr. Kratic and asking him all
the time. Um, that's my who's how did we get there? What what happened? Why can't we go back to the database before that showed more information? I support the new mass spec because we ought to speed up the process to have no custodial deaths completed from all of 24 by March
of 25. And I couldn't tell last night because it's not on the database. Is that what you're trying to do? Thank you. All right, we have a motion and a second on item M10. Any further discussion on it? All right, seeing none, please cast your
vote. All right, that passes unanimously. Now we go to 01 which is to consider a request for variance from the Tarant County Development Regulations Troy Lee Edition precinct 4. Move for approval of 01 through four.
Second. All right. We have a motion and a second on uh both on on 01 2 3 and four. Two. Those are all precinct four. Yes. 01 23 and four. All right. Any discussion on those items? N. All right.
Seeing none, please cast your vote. All right, that passes unanimously. Now we're over. Now we go to Q1. Do we have any board or commission appointments? Go ahead. We have a race to the mic. I I
I have one and one of them is going to be very very important. Um so the JPS board of managers does incredible work in Taran County. We currently have a great board um that that is very dedicated and has worked very well together over the last several years. Uh
one of those members uh Mr. Leonard Firestone um he he reached out to me and and said that you know he has very much enjoyed his two years on the board um but but he would like to step back and and uh leave an opportunity for other leadership to step in. And so we I want
to thank first and foremost thank Leonard Firestone for his service to JPS. He's been an incredible asset. Speaking with all of the management team there uh as a businessman and in speaking to the management team there, I asked what what type of board member would you like uh as a replacement? And
it's essentially the the message was more of the same. Uh somebody who can provide a business perspective and really help uh completion of the bond program and everything else. Uh and so I'd like to nominate uh Mr. Alan Roger um of Fort Worth. He's owned and
operated a business in Fort Worth for 45 years. Uh he's been recognized as philanthropist of the year by the Fort Worth Business Press several times. He and his wife are incredibly active in the Fort Worth community. Um and I think that he would be a remarkable replacement for Mr. Pump. So I would
move for approval. Second. Second. All right. We have a motion and a second uh on that JPS hospital board appointment. Any discussion? All right. Seeing none, please cast your vote. passes unanimously. And any other board
of commission appointments, Mr. Yes. I would like to appoint Michael Garcia uh to the building line adjustment board. And then I would also like to uh appoint Chris Hamilton to the Northern Trinity Groundwater District. Do I need to make those separate motions? I don't think so. Uh okay, I'll second that. Any
discussion? All right, seeing none, please cast your vote on that one. It's going to hurt Mike's feelings if you vote against it. Okay. Passes unanimously. And then I have one to make. Anybody else have one? No. Uh, okay. I'll make a motion to appoint Ruth Ray to the building line
adjustment board. Second. Now we have a motion, a second there. Any discussion? All right. Please cast your vote. Passes unanimously. If there are no other board commission appointments, we will move to public comments. Public
comments is 2 minutes. Okay. And I will just call out the speakers. James Ashby, there's no there is no room, right? Everybody is in the room. That's correct. Okay. James
Ashby, if I know them and if I move fast and you see and I I probably know them. Francis Charlie, Lorie [Applause] Seagull, Wendy Wilson,
Wendy Wilson, Patricia [Applause] Jagger, Carol Koy, Bishop Kirkland, then Edward Spears. You know, I've had a nice speech
written. I write speeches, rewrite them. I listen to some of the sentiments of the room. I am so perplexed today and so disappointed that it looks like your
decisions have already been made. Why even play the game with us? It's I I used to call it the horse and pony show. What we say doesn't matter. Why even play the game with us? Why some
commissioners ask questions in form? They make statements in forms of questions instead of just saying what you want to say to us. I I don't I don't I don't
understand how I'm good enough to fight for your country. I'm good enough to put my life on the line for your country. I'm good enough to pay taxes in this county. But what I really have to say you're not interested in really
listening to you said talk to the PIP lawyers. That's like asking the asking the box for the key to the hen house. We know who they are. We know what they represent. Then we writing a chat to somebody. They won't even come in the
room and talk to us. I know why sheriff don't come in the room and talk to us. Cuz every time they give his speech, he digs himself in a deeper hole. What has happened to democracy and freedom of speech if your feelings are so tender
that when people make an accusation about your character, the result of that is to just kick them out of this room. That is ridiculous. This is the United States of America and just like the leadership of our country, we throw the
Constitution under the bus and everybody's doing what they want to do. It's a damn shame. Thank you. Following Mr. Spears, we have Bob Willoughby. [Applause] To the members of the Taran County Commissioner's Court, I am again
pleading for from a Christian perspective to those that reclaim Christ. Now, you need to turn from this uncristlike behavior, partisan politics for the sake of preserving your own power. God has allowed you to be elected to give you a chance to serve his
people, not subjugate them. I've come to caution you that your actions are not new. There's biblical history. I know my friend Mr. Krauss loves history. There's biblical history that speaks to what is happening here. There was a group of powerful men that
were choosing to keep power at any cost. And they used their power to surpass and supplement what was best for the people. That group of power-hungry zealots was known as the Sanhedrin. As a result of their failed attempt to maintain power
through legal maneuvering was the birth of a movement that would ultimately remove them from power forever. They had the temporary victory of the crucifixion by law, but it gave rise to the resurrection and the birth of a movement called Christianity that changed the world.
You may have the same temporary victory today with the legal maneuvering, but understand your actions have given rise to a movement that will dwarf you, unseat you, and wrench the power you have schemed to take away from you. The really sad
part, the really sad part for me is that you claim to be Christians. You put stone monuments before the building with words that you won't allow to soften the stoniness of your heart. I pray not only for this county, but I pray for you. I pray that your conscience has not been
completely seared and that you've not completely lost a reprobate mind demanding power seized at any cost. I pray that along the way you will repent and that God will have more mercy on you than you've had on. Thank you, sir. Thank you. Bob Willoughby present.
[Music] All right. Tracy Welterland. So Tracy Walter present. Gerardo Viegas Gerardo Viegas Chris [Applause]
Dobson Dr. Valencia Edner following Dr. Eders, Jimmy Blackwell, who is not here, then Terry Roach. Commissioners, Judge, I hope you chose to notice today
that every young person who spoke here voiced vehement opposition to your choice, to your bullied, racist choice. And this travesty of policy and fiduciary irresponsibility will be
theirs to inherit and it will be your fault. That's shameful. Mr. Ramirez, the bamboozlement you have allowed yourself to embrace has been nothing short of masterful manipulation, and you have swallowed the lies hook,
line, and sinker. Make no mistake, when this is all over, you will be the fall guy. The expendable pawn in a fabricated bromance built on political convenience, not loyalty. And then finally, judge, you have said things that have now ch that
things have changed and that it's not the 80s. But what do you say? Do you have the integrity to stand on right or just selfish agenda? You're shamefully patronizing and condescending. You mentioned that you
ran with redistricting intent and was that racist? In the beginning, you have been successful today with a supremacy agenda. Power that disregards the voice of the people
and it is corrupt. And absolute power is still corrupt. Absolutely. But please know this, ultimate power and retribution belongs to God. What will it mean to have gained this whole MAGA
world and still lose your soul? Terry Roach. Is Terry Roach present? Philip Johnson Jr. Philip Johnson Jr. present. Allison Compalo.
Following Miss Compalo is Joe Palmer. You just keep showing up in the same order. That's funny. Um, okay. So, just to recap kind of on the day, I I want to comment on the fact that these meetings are at 10 a.m. on a Tuesday. I think I represent a lot of the people that
showed up today in terms of I work full-time to pay taxes and raise my kids. I have three kids between the ages of 1 and four. I have ailing parents who need care all the time. I have friends and community members who I need to reach out to and take care of as well. I'm sure that's true for everybody who
came here. Despite this, uh, by my count, we had 119 people speak in opposition of this redistricting plan and 40 speak for it. Um, and I think the fact that this number of people turned out at 10:00
a.m. on a Tuesday, which is wildly inconvenient for the public, um, really speaks to how important this is to the community. I think this speaks not only to how important it is, but to how factual it is. Um, I know, Commissioner Krauss, you're my commissioner. You are super smart, and I'm not a lawyer. You
had great rebuttals on fine details. That's true. But the bigger detail is that this is an illegal racial gerrymander based on at least three different independent analyses, which are not partisan and don't care about Tarant County, whether it goes red or blue. Um but they are staffed with
lawyers and mathematicians and statisticians and ctographers and have also said the same thing. And I do believe you when you say um this this won't be litigated um the way we want because I'm sure it won't be litigated in time for us to vote on the 2026 election. I'm sure it'll be way past
that. Um, but I think it's important that we recognize that just getting mired in the minutia and the details is disingenuous because the greater bigger picture is more important. Um, and I also want to use my running 15 seconds to just recomment. This is inconvenient
and if you want to engage your public, I would request that you follow suit with the city of Fort Worth and many other cities and make this at a more convenient time for the public to engage with our elected rep representatives. Thank you. Thank you. Thanks for being here. Following Mr. Palmer. We have Amy
Bay. Then we have Carla Palarus. Thank you. First, I'd like to ask for body cams for sheriff deputies. We're in the budget cycle. I would like for that money to be found. I was really surprised to find out that they don't wear body cams right
now. The American Revolution. Uh, one of my favorite quotes is from Thomas Jefferson. Upon the altar of God, I have swore an eternal hostility toward every form of tyranny over the mind of man. And the thing I love most about that is he says over the mind of man. And it's really all-encompassing. It's not just
the actions of man, where man lives, where he works, what he does in private. It's his mind. That's where all action originates. And the American Revolution was an amazing thing for all of humanity, for all of time. We took on the British government. They were a
thousand and0 militarily, something like that. It wasn't just the army, the people that enlisted. It was the farmers, it was the writers, a lot of people lost a lot. And we have what we have. And I'm afraid what we have now today is an embracing of symbols. We're in love with symbols. Um, and it stops
there. We don't really embrace the the voice of disscent. And the reason I bring this up is um the rules of decorum in these meetings. I would like you to I'd strongly ask that you revisit those. Um I don't like the the atmosphere of fear in this room when I'm here when I'm
thinking of what I'm going to write, what I'm going to say. Is this going to get me kicked out? Am I going to get eyeballed? Is somebody going to stand close to me who's armed and I'm not? You know, and it's for other people, too. If somebody accidentally um admits a cuss word and then immediately apologizes,
Anthony Johnson Jr.'s sister did that and she was removed. um it just creates all kinds of problems and chaos and fear in the room is what I'm saying. I think you could remove that and still have a functional meeting. People need to be free to express themselves. It's not your fault. It's not my fault that u the
English language is degraded to the point that people use the words they use, but this is the way people communicate and express themselves and I just wish you'd let people do that. Thank you. Thank you. Following Well, I don't see Miss Bay. I don't see Miss Polyaris.
Next is Lon Burnham. Then it [Applause] must go on public comment or was that Hello again. Okay. There's really nothing conservative or pro-life about
this commissioner court. A conservative court would have stood up for my first amendment rights which were violated for 6 months. A conservative court would have acknowledged its responsibility for the many deaths in our county jail. My
own commissioner would not stand stood in front of a large uh audience at a LUAC meeting and denied jurisdiction or responsibility for what goes on in the jail and a conservative court would not have voted for the radical redistricting
that you just voted for. As I was saying this morning before I was rudely interrupted speaking on agenda item number XA3, you are not physically conservative when you fail to reign in the excessive expenditures of the sheriff's office.
Expenditures that are not related to keeping people safe and alive. Many times the out ofstate uh trip travel is to inappropriate events. and I lost track of how many times he traveled to Austin at our expense to lobby on issues
that this court did not take a position on. These are trips out of state and instate are too often to pursue Christian nationalist agendas. I for one self-identify as a Christian and resent
the continuing implications that we are not Christian or that we are communists. There is nothing Christian nor fiscally responsible uh if you continue ignoring and denying your responsibility for the
way too many deaths in this jail. I promised the last court I would only come when there was a death in the jail, but I'm going to have to come more often than that because you've had three years to work on this problem. Katie
Starns following the Starns Jolyn Patenza I don't see her here then Joshua [Applause] Moore as a concerned citizen I believe that Tarant County should not be
withholding records regarding Kimberly Philip's death from her daughter. Her death was a result of cruel and unusual punishment and the culture of cruelty that is enforced upon people who are accused of a crime at Tarant County Jail. Her death was ruled by the medical
examiner of being caused by dehydration and malnutrition which is deeply horrifying. And as you know with my history and my incarceration in the past, it does really hit home because I have a
lot of food allergies and I have also not had my dietary needs accommodated and I lost a lot of weight. And then Liza uh Elizabeth Gadlin dies in custody just this last April at only 57 years
old. Although we don't know the cause of her death yet, this is now 71 lives that have been lost since 2017 after Sheriff Wayborn took office. How many more people have to die for you to actually do something that will help put a stop
to preventable deaths? We need Tarant County to release the reason why this unfortunate soul was taken to the hospital and why she died there after being incarcerated. There is an unremarkable pattern of
records being withheld, tapes not being released when they should be, like the one of Anthony Johnson Jr.'s death. Sheriff Wayborn is causing taxpayers lots of money and causing the stain to
darken on this county. He's got to go. Thank you. Thank you, Joshua Moore. Stacy Melo is not here. Renee Thomas is not here. Charles
Bills following Mr. Bills. It's Donna Collins. I wanted to speak about uh well my dad he was a decorated veteran. He flew planes in the Vietnam War and he was, you know, the most intelligent man I know. And his true area of expertise
is things that would come back to bite me in the ass. And he would always let me know whether I asked or not. And from if he was around today, he would probably know would say
something about the court's behavior today and how it has been basically since Republicans have been in power. The only Republican I've seen that has had something basically seen consequences for his incompetence is
David Williams who was a sheriff that was so outrageously incompetent that he got primar and that was probably 30 years ago. Now it's basically still at a point at some point I would hope
that what your actions will come back and you will get voted out but I'm still it's still a matter of it's our job as Democrats or independents who don't who want to change that we're going to have to do it ourselves and actually come to
the polls and vote. Uh, Donna Collins. Donna Collins here. Melinda [Applause] Aowski, Gail [Applause]
Smith, Paul [Applause] Seagull, Rachel [Applause] Seagull, Karen Wiseman. All right, that was everybody that signed up for public comments. Now we
have announcements and comments from the court members. Any announcements or comments? Can Can I just say one? Uh you make an announcement or comment. Announcement or comment. Uh redistricting whether regardless of which side you're on, the county administration office did a ton of work on all the public hearings on making sure everything went well. So I want to
thank Chandler and Tom and Candace and Megan and all the others who did a great job I thought facilitating all those meetings. I know it was a lot of long hours. So, appreciate you guys. Y'all did a great job. And then I forgot to mention the transportation summit that's coming up next week uh at the Hurst
Conference Center uh June 12th. Would love to have every one of you there. Uh we're going to be talking about transportation, what it looks like for the World Cup, coming to the region and all those things. But it's going to be good and we've got uh several great folks coming in and we'd love to have you there June 12th at the Hurst Conference Center next week and uh we'd
love to have you. I don't have anything. I do. I just want to uh express my sincere appreciation to members of this community, our constituents that um have paid attention
to this redistricting effort that have done the research, uh drew their own maps, um contacted my office, contacted all of our offices, is um I've tried to be
extremely responsive. My staff, I'd like to thank them. Uh they have been wonderful in working with the with the community. Uh but my staff and most certainly the constituents, thank you
all for still still sitting here. um and all of all of your interest in because I preach all the time about quit paying attention to what's happening in DC and pay attention to what's happening in your own footprint and so that's what
you have been doing with this redistricting uh nonsense and I appreciate it. All right, I don't think we have any other comments. Um there's no close session so we are now officially adjourned.