Follow along for updates on Court proceedings, governance, county operations, and updates from Precinct 2. *This account is run by the Commissioner's staff.
Time to save the date!
On Thursday, October 31st, we'll be hosting our second annual Precinct 2 Halloween Fun Fest at the Mansfield Sub-Courthouse! Bring the whole family and join us from 5 PM to 7 PM for an evening of family-friendly entertainment, food trucks, and
Let me be clear, attempting to close polling locations is voter suppression. I will never go along with colleagues on the court who want to eliminate
@UTArlington
as an early voting location.
UTA students have unique mobility challenges and hosting a polling site on campus is
A truly inspiring day, and one to remember. Seeing scores of young people descend on our Commissioners Court to push back against voter suppression and ending early voting at UTA, TCC, and other campus sites… amazing. If ever you start to forget, use today as a reminder that
Like I said, it was never about parking, cost, or distance between sites. All last week's debate ever was about was an attempt to stifle the voices of young people in our upcoming election.
It's helpful when your opponents say the quiet part out loud.
These claims of widespread voter fraud in Tarrant County have been thoroughly debunked by experts.
From false narratives about duplicate registrations to the misinformation about mail-in ballots, it's clear that spreading these lies only undermines trust in our electoral
Oh, and if
@TimothyOHare
's attempt to shut me up wasn’t enough, check out this clip (same meeting) of him intentionally explaining a motion (AFTER WE CAST OUR VOTES) and allowing a Comm’r to switch their vote. This was his 4th time influencing this man’s vote.
I’d had enough!
The District Attorney’s efforts to retry the Crystal Mason case is an attempt to keep Tarrant County in the national news on the disproven issue of widespread voter fraud.
Read my statement below:
Our county judge disturbingly had Tarrant County deputies remove Anthony Johnson’s grieving sister, who was killed by detention officers six weeks ago. Our Sheriff also failed to appear to provide updates on the most recent jail death, where Chasity Bonner lost her life May 27th.
I’m thrilled that two of my colleagues joined me and supported my amendment allowing county-certified voter registrars to do their vital work inside county buildings.
Volunteer voter registrars perform a public service, for free. Now they can once again do so protected from the
I am proud of my vote today against irresponsible, unsustainable tax cuts to JPS. I fundamentally disagree with my colleagues’ decision. They voted to cut even further the originally proposed Below No New revenue tax rate that JPS had predicated its already austere budget upon.
I stand with Commissioner
@RodneyEllis
,
@RepVeasey
, my colleague Commissioner
@RoyCBrooks
, and my fellow concerned elected officials in asking
@TheJusticeDept
's assistance in pushing back against voter suppression and intimidation tactics in Texas.
We need accountability, transparency, and a thorough investigation into the recent death of Mr. Anthony Ray Johnson Jr. in our jail.
Read my statement below:
The briefing l called was informative, despite the sheriff and DA not showing up. This Election Integrity Task Force has been a farce since day 1.
Substance was never a concern. Having a chilling effect on the “wrong” voters has always been the end goal.
Even if this report is correct, the FWST county payroll report shows the election integrity attorney earns $163,000/year.
We're paying a lot just to POSSIBLY investigate a statistically insignificant number of votes for POSSIBLE double voting.
There is no credibility left in the Sheriff’s Office. Claims of universal training regimens for all jailers must be proven by records and interviews, not simply stated by the sheriff. I was always told, “Trust but verify.” I don’t trust, but l WILL verify.
The Election Board overstepped its authority, as KERA reports. I asked a DA rep if this was an overreach. He agreed in private but said he needed a Commissioner's Court vote publicly. R’s voted to silence him.
I stand for transparency, R’s denied it.
Detention officers, detention supervisors, medical personnel, and the Sheriff— Each and every individual who had a role in causing the death of Anthony Johnson Jr. should be held accountable for their actions or inaction.
#FileCharges
I’m so happy to see this
#Juneteenth
tradition blossom in Arlington over just three years! But then again, I’ve always known folks in Arlington know how to have fun.
Looking forward to the party next week!
Tarrant County Jail Payouts:
Before Waybourn - $350,000
After Waybourn (2017-)
Dean Stewart - $400,000
Javonte Mayers - $1 million
Cory Rodrigues - $200,000
Chasity Congiuous - $1.2 million
Georgia Kay - $750,000
Total: $3.5 million
The cost to the families who lost loved ones
Texas is dead last out of 50 states on mental health! The impact of that failure is tragically shown in the
#TarrantCounty
Jail.
This is why we MUST continue to fund the Mental Health Diversion center after federal funds expire at the end of the year.
I agree with the
@startelegram
editorial board.
With every passing day that the full tape depicting Anthony's death in the jail is not released, the excuses become more absurd.
The decision now can't be seen as anything but a political calculation.
I was proud to be a part of yesterday’s Grand Prairie
#CincoDeMayo
parade! It’s an honor to celebrate the rich culture and heritage of our Mexican-American community. Let's embrace diversity, unity, and the spirit of resilience!
I was so proud of the student leaders, activists, and my fellow electeds who came today to the UT-Arlington campus to speak out against ongoing voter suppression in Tarrant County.
@UTArlington
and
@TCCollege
have some of the most vibrant, diverse student bodies in the country.
Big thanks to the 817 Podcast for having me on last weekend to discuss the importance of paying attention to county government. It's vital that we all stay informed and engaged in local politics.
Check out this episode on your favorite podcast platforms!
On this
#EarthDay
, I'm thrilled to announce that the
@EPA
has awarded nearly $250 million to the Texas Solar for All Coalition, of which
@TarrantCountyTX
is a member, for clean energy projects benefiting disadvantaged communities.
Read my statement below:
For the first time in the history of the United Auto Workers
@UAW
, all three of the nation’s unionized automakers are on strike at the same time. I stand in solidarity with them, including the 5k workers at Arlington’s GM plant, as they fight for a fair contract.
Another great piece by
@BudKennedy
.
The beautiful Fort Worth Botanical Gardens will be forever marred by hosting this event espousing the Great Replacement Theory and other fringe, racist ideas.
Fort Worth leaders should have held strong.
If you even go over one second at Commissioners Court meetings, then that's apparently enough for our county judge to want to throw you out.
We have got to be better than this.
Let’s remember what caused this unprofessional outburst.
I disagreed with a contract for the judge to use public tax dollars to pay a political consultant.
I will NEVER shut up when it comes to proper use of your tax dollars.
#TarrantCounty
Three deaths in five weeks?
Something is seriously wrong at the Tarrant County Jail. Those held pending charges are PRESUMED INNOCENT. Arrest for a low-level offense shouldn't be a death sentence.
Congratulations to the
@TexasTribune
on its Pulitzer nomination! I’m so thankful to have this wonderful source of journalism in our state.
Like so many of their press counterparts, the Tribune does important work in holding those in power accountable.
Here are my questions this article provokes: Why is it necessary for the press to do a PIA request simply to obtain jail procedures?
Why hasn't Sheriff Waybourn bothered, in 7 years in office and post George Floyd, to review & update extant procedures?🧵
Thanks
@RepVeasey
for calling attention to the unacceptable number of jail deaths in Tarrant County. We MUST have an unbiased, federal entity look into this problem.
County jail should not be a death sentence.
We need answers and accountability for the alarming number of inmate deaths and other incidents that are occurring at the Tarrant County Jail.
That is why I am urging
@TheJusticeDept
to launch an investigation into this matter.
More here:
Two more weeks left! 14 days until the voter registration deadline in Texas. Don't wait, register today!
To learn more about Tarrant County Elections, visit
To check the status of your voter registration, you can visit
Happy 98th birthday to the unstoppable and inspiring Ms. Opal Lee, the Grandmother of Juneteenth! Your unwavering dedication to social justice and advocacy continues to light the way for all of us. Thank you for showing that it’s never too late or too early to make a difference.
It is unfortunate that a stellar county Elections Administrator, who has operated an office void of political interests, is forced to resign. This is what you get when you have commissioners court members playing political chess with our elections process.
“We’ve said repeatedly that commissioners must involve themselves in the jail’s problems at a granular level. The 3-2 Republican majority on the court cannot turn its head because of the potential political risk to Waybourn or anyone else.”
I agree 100%.
Happy 88th birthday to Mission Arlington's founder Tillie Burgin! She has always had a passion for serving those in need, and it is through Mission Arlington that she continues to make a difference in people's lives. Thank you for continuing to be a force for good.
My heart goes out to the women in these articles. They are already having to make impossible choices.
Texas Health & Human Services Commission shouldn’t impose a new and unnecessary rule that makes it harder to care for those they love.
Our County Sheriff can’t even show up for a briefing to explain his own office’s standard operating procedures, instead sending a statement citing “rules and regulations” as an excuse to avoid transparency.
Tarrant needs Sheriff Waybourn to do his job.
Like you, I’m monitoring the situation with Bowie High School. Reunification is happening at the 1001 E Division St at the AISD Athletics and Aquatics Center.
Follow
@ArlingtonPD
for updates.
UPDATE:
The Arlington Police Department is investigating a shooting incident
@Bowie
High School. Parents can reunite with students at 1001 E Division St at the AISD Athletics and Aquatics Center.
Please avoid the area.
We will provide further updates as they come.
I am proud of my vote last year as the sole member of the Tarrant Commissioners Court against renewing this contract. NBC’s investigation has since unearthed very troubling details of the program, which necessitated the county severing its relationship.
Last year, the ethical
Remembering Dr. Allan Saxe—a passionate educator whose wisdom and humor touched countless lives.
His legacy in political science and philanthropy will continue to inspire generations.
Rest in peace, Dr. Saxe.
This was an incredibly emotional moment for me. I am awed by the strength of the Johnson family in being able to show up to Commissioners Court to seek change, so soon after the death of Anthony.
I'll keep fighting for transparency and accountability.
Weeks of back and forth is correct. The public’s efforts is the only way we got this through.
I’ll rely on that same effort to make sure Tarrant gets its fair share.
It is great to see democracy in action and TAD candidates presenting their ideas about fixing what has been a troubled body of late. I encourage all Tarrant residents to educate themselves on the issues and candidates in this race.
#tarrantcounty
As WFAA shows, there is no valid LE justification for Sheriff Waybourn failing to update jail policies over seven years. TCSO employees themselves often don’t know what leadership expects of them. This is dangerous & unfair. I won’t accept this status quo.
My Commissioner Precinct 2 Social accounts are now live! Be sure to, follow, like and share us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Head over to CommALSimmons for updates on Tarrant County Commissioners Court proceedings, governance, county ops, and updates from Precinct 2.
I'm so proud of the Arlington, Texas community for hosting their incredible pride event last weekend!
Even though I couldn't be there in person, I'm filled with joy and admiration for everyone who came together to celebrate love, diversity, and inclusion.
This video, and this entire incident, are both infuriating and heartbreaking. In my short time on Commissioners Court, we’ve approved every resource requested by this sheriff, often despite my “no” vote.
Today, I celebrated the workers,
@UAW
Local 276, and
@GM
management at the Arlington Assembly Plant as they produced their 13 millionth vehicle and marked 70 years in operation right here in Precinct 2. Congrats to the entire team for this historic achievement!
Come to our Elections Town Hall on Thursday, October 17th, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Arlington Sub-Courthouse to learn the truth about election security!
RSVP here:
We heard calls today for DA Sorrells to drop charges on Kai’Yere Campbell. I pray daily for this young man, right after l finish sending the DA another appeal for his release. I can't sign another taxpayer check away to a grieving mother. Release Kai’Yere.
Congratulations to
@UTArlington
for being recognized by the
@WSJ
as the top school in North Texas and No. 6 in Texas in their 2025 Best Colleges in the US list!
I couldn't be any prouder at the hub of innovation that UTA has become, helping students achieve academic success!
#MWBE
provisions for local gov were hard-fought & took decades to achieve. They ensure massive corporations don't get every contract & raise prices.
If there were issues with this company’s services,
#FortWorth
should provide an opportunity to remediate.
Here we go again. Ozone (smog) season. It’s damaging to our bodies, especially for kids and those with preexisting conditions. Please pay attention to warnings to keep yourself and family healthy.
In the meantime, let’s work to end ozone days in Tarrant.
I'm extremely concerned about maintaining the secrecy of the ballot. The
@TXAG
even issued an opinion which states the "requirement of secrecy is mandatory".
I will be monitoring this issue to make sure no voter's privacy is infringed upon.
#txlege
Solar for All has passed in
#TarrantCounty
! Thank you to all the speakers for raising your voice in Commissioner’s Court today for solar energy!
We’ll now be joining some of the largest Texas counties and the City of San Antonio to bring Solar for All funding to our community!
Happy
#EarthDay
! We only have one planet we call home, and that's Earth!
I’d like to say a special thanks to my Environmental Advisory Council. This special group of folks are invaluable in keeping me informed and on target on local environmental issues. Thanks for your service!
Happy
#MothersDay
to all the incredible moms out there! Your love, strength, and wisdom shape our world in more ways than words can express. Today, we celebrate you!
Admitting to a problem is the first step to finding a solution. We have a problem at the TC Jail.
Tuesday, members of the public implored the sheriff to conduct a nationwide search for an experienced jail chief rather than an inside hire.
Let’s bring in a fresh perspective.
“It’s remarkable that neither the Sheriff or the District Attorney are here to brief us, considering the Election Integrity Task Force was their idea.”
The victim’s attorney, the victim’s family, the detention officer’s attorney, a county commissioner… the community. All have called for the release of the full tape.
What are we doing here, Sheriff Waybourn? Release the full tape.
Good morning everyone! Today, the
@TarrantCountyTX
Commissioner’s Court is getting started at 10 AM! You can follow along here and watch live at this link:
Follow along on this thread too to keep up as the day progresses! 🧵
I agree with the
@startelegram
editorial board. In fact, I plan to tackle this problem at Court on Wednesday.
County-certified voter registrars shouldn’t be forced out in the heat to conduct their important work. I was ill during the Commissioners Court meeting in which the
I thank the ST for this story. It shows a portrait of who Anthony Johnson, Jr. was to those of us who didn’t know him. It depicts a life which was so much richer than just those last moments captured in a brutal, grainy video on a jail floor.
Anthony’s case reminds us of the
If this move signals a willingness by TAD to push back against big corporate lawsuits, I'm in.
For every dollar large corporate properties escape paying on property tax, homeowners and small businesses pick up the burden. TAD must have tools to push back.
Grateful for the support at our Kidney Wellness Expo! With 100 screenings and 300+ attendees, we're making strides in kidney health awareness. As someone with Stage 2 CKD, this cause is personal. Thanks to all involved, let's keep prioritizing kidney health! 💙
#WorldKidneyDay
I was beaming with Precinct 2 pride as I watched President
@JoeBiden
welcome the Texas
@Rangers
to the White House to celebrate their 2023 World Series championship.
Many thanks to the Rangers organization for the invitation to join them in our nation’s capital.
Good morning everyone! Today the
@TarrantCountyTX
Commissioners Court meets for the June 18th regular meeting! You can watch live on YouTube at the link here:
Follow along in this thread to keep up with today’s meeting! 🧵
I was proud to agendize the info briefing to try and understand the DA's appeal decision. I'm left with more questions than answers. Crystal's vote didn't count 8 years ago. Why?
The DA should prioritize timely trials, not pursue fabricated voter fraud.
Is your property valuation way too high? Don't know how to protest your valuation?
I've teamed up with Realtor & Appraisal Consultant
@chandlercrouch
for a Town Hall on Thursday, May 2, to help you save on your property taxes. See you there!
RSVP Here:
On this Memorial Day, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Their courage will never be forgotten.
#MemorialDay
In a very moving act of acknowledgment and reparation, Fort Worth’s
@BroadwayBaptist
continued to demonstrate it is the church God is calling it to be. The “John Thomas Memorial Portrait Dedication Service” was a powerful service of atonement and remembrance of a distinguished
My questions from Court are now answered. Three years into his term, our sheriff contemplated updating outdated policies. But no updates were made. Now Tarrant County is paying the price in human lives and costly settlements due to this failure in our jail.
Today is the deadline to register to vote in Texas! Make sure you're registered by the end of the day to have your voice heard in the 2024 general election.
Visit to learn about Tarrant County Elections.
Check the status of your voter registration here:
Some of my Commissioners Court colleagues engaged in voter suppression this week.
I'll never stop fighting for your right to vote.
Watch this week's recap here:
This morning, our Environmental Advisory Council for Precinct 2 convened for the first time! A crucial step towards a greener future, fostering collaboration to tackle local environmental challenges in
#TarrantCounty
. Thanks to all community members for joining us!
#Precinct2
Chilling, and a pattern we’re seeing throughout Texas due to
#SB17
. Let’s be clear, this is an academic purge which seeks to drown long-overdue conversations on race and community in the dirty bathwater of right-wing extremism.
@naacp
#DEI
#txlege
Enabling more people to vote regardless of party is good for our democracy. I don't think concerns over transportation should hinder that sacred right. Despite its failure, I was proud to vote for providing election-day Trinity Metro passes.
The clock is ticking! 17 days left to register to vote in Texas. Be the change you want to see!
To learn more about Tarrant County Elections, visit
To check the status of your voter registration, you can visit
“We desperately need a mental health alert system for magistrates." I voted no to the delay. We need it now.
This would inform us of known mental health conditions. I believe it could save lives and keep some with mental health issues out of our jail.
With the 2024 General Election just around the corner, election security is on all of our minds. Join us for an Elections Town Hall on Thursday, October 17th, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Arlington Sub-Courthouse.
Tarrant County Elections Administrator Clinton Ludwig and his
This Saturday, August 3rd,
@mansfieldisd
will be holding its Back-to-School Bash at the Dr. Jim Vaszauskas Center for the Performing Arts! There will be plenty of helpful resources for students and parents alike.
Learn more here:
Yet another sad tale of budget cuts in Tarrant schools. Research shows vibrant libraries boost student performance. Our
#txlege
is sitting on a rainy-day fund. Using some to bolster school libraries would indicate a seriousness about improving outcomes.