Broderick Miles and supporters outside St. Andrews where Miles announces his candidacy. photo by Don Mooney
by Don Mooney
Ft. Worth, TEX—Tis the political season across this great land meaning we can look forward to nine months of political labor pains to determine which senior citizen will lead the nation. In Tarrant County however, the labor process shouldn’t be as painful although the delivery room seems to have gotten a little crowded. Particularly in the race for Precinct 1 County Commissioners seat. Coming out the gate the leader positions Roderick Miles as an early favorite.
Miles addresses audience attendee’s during announcement of his candidacy. photo by Don Mooney
Miles made the announcement on the steps of historic southside religious institution St. Andrews that he seeks to serve as commissioner for Precinct 1. On the same steps long-time and always colorfully bow-tied, Commissioner Roy Brooks announced he will be leaving at the end of this term and endorsed Roderick Miles as his successor. Of course political opponents will phrase the endorsement as more of a grooming. You see Miles has served as Executive Administrator to the commissioners office for the last 10-years.
This, for many, makes Miles an early favorite. For some that gives him a clear advantage over others in the political delivery room and if elected Miles will continue the established momentum that connects to the days of Commissioner Dionne Bagsby. Miles will be expected to continue Brooks signature programs that focused on health and social causes in the county. Brooks established the Tarrant County reentry program and the mental health jail diversion center as important criminal justice programs established during his time in office. Brooks also created the Nurse-Family Partnership Program that aims to reduce maternal mortality.
Precinct 1 has elected Democrats for decades. Bagsby was elected in 1989. Of the four Democrats now vying to be their party’s nominee, three have previously served as public officials. All four are concerned about reducing the number of deaths in the Tarrant County Jail and strengthening the social safety net in the precinct. “I think he’s ready because he’s already working in the community with us, states Carlos Walker, community liason for the Fort Worth ISD (FWISD). “He’s in the community. He’s on the ground. He’s gonna meet the needs of the people.”
Mrs. Juneteenth, Opal Lee providing support for Miles candidacy. photo by Don Mooney
Assessments across Precinct 1 consistently tout Miles as one who is community conscience and has a grip on the needs of the community. He understands the legacy and responsibility first hand. “Roderick Miles is community conscience. I’ve known him for years, and he has worked with Unity In The Community, and with other community organizations and other community-interested leaders longtime,” chimed Dr. Michael Bell.
Precinct 1 stretches from the Southwest corner of the county, beginning west of Benbrook, following Fort Worth neighborhoods to north of Arlington then south toward Everman, Forest Hill, Town of Edgecliff Village, Crowley and Burleson. Precinct 1 combines urban and rural communities along with diversity of its citizenry.
If elected like other commissioners Miles will be responsible for construction and maintenance of County roads in the precinct. Commissioners maintain offices both at the Administration Building and within their precincts. They are responsive to the particular needs of people living within their areas of the County. In Tarrant County, each member of Commissioners Court serves as a liaison to a particular board or agency of the County such as the Hospital District.
Miles boss and mentor agrees he’s more than prepared for the task and believes he will be a great commissioner. When asked, what can the citizens of Tarrant County expect if Miles is elected? “They can expect stability and constant improvement. Stability in that he has been steeped in the values that we held in running the business of the people for the past 18-years. He’s participated in the making of public policy for this community. He knows what to do. He knows how to do it from day one,” said Brooks.
Photo courtesy of Fort Worth Report
Amazingly when Brooks’ replacement is sworn in alongside the new Precinct 3 commissioner, the most experienced members of the Tarrant County Commissioners Court will have held office for just two years. Three others whom have entered are vying for the commissioners seat bring value and freshness to the court. Business owner Darryl Brewer, 63-year old native of Carver Heights says, says his military and business experience sets him apart from his Democratic opponents. He plans to work with the Commissioners Court’s current 3-2 Republican majority by using evidence-based arguments advocating for investments in social programs and health care. “I have a wide breadth of experience that I will bring to bear and make the proper decisions that lead the community to the next level,” Brewer said.
Mia Hall has lead three educational institutions across Tarrant County, including Fort Worth ISD, Crowley ISD and Young Women’s Leadership Academy. She’s running because she sees an opportunity to serve her community through representing Precinct 1. She believes she has the skills to build consensus on the politically divided Commissioners Court.
Kathleen Hicks is a figure and a vialble candidate on Fort Worth political topology. Hicks was one of the youngest women to serve on Fort Worth’s City Council in 2008 along with her deep political roots in Fort Worth hopes to continue her work started on Fort Worth’s City Council, expanding her work countywide. She points to a record of spurring economic development in Fort Worth, specifically by attracting essential businesses such as the Renaissance Square Shopping Center in southeast Fort Worth. Previous efforts with conservatives on City Council will be of benefit for working for the county. “I have that reputation for working with anyone, says Hicks.”
Melinda Hamilton, president of East Fort Worth Neighborhood Coalition, whose known Miles for 15-years, agrees if elected the county will be getting a Commissioner Brooks 2.0. “I know what Brooks has done,” says Hamilton. So by Roderick being up under his wing I’m sure Roderick is going to do just as great, with more things to come.”
“This brother (Miles), is the real deal.” Dr Michael Bell. photo by Don Mooney
With 10-months left Brooks still hopes to accomplish several things in the next 10 months, including the widening of Wichita Street and completing construction on JPS’ medical home for southwest Tarrant County. One thing for sure, in nine months this political pregnancy in Tarrant County will reveal new faces and energy.