Injecting politics into Tarrant County appraisals, polling places is an ominous sign | Opinion

Time for a major turnaround

Thank you to Bud Kennedy for his Sept. 9 commentary, “When red Tarrant County flips blue, blame these Republicans.” (9C)

I have not always agreed with Kennedy throughout the years, but his point about Tarrant County is self-evident. I called the offices of County Judge Tim O’Hare and my county commissioner protesting the idea of closing early polling sites, especially for college students. Aren’t we supposed to make voting free, open and easier in this country?

Also, why is the appraisal of our properties becoming so convoluted? It is one thing after another, and it seems to all point to the hard right turn in Tarrant County politics.

Tarrant County residents need to stand up and say: We’re not going back.

- Linda Garcia, Arlington

Fort Worth deserves answers

The Tarrant Appraisal District was created for two reasons:

The first was efficiency. Instead of each government having its own office to appraise, bill and collect taxes, there would be a countywide office.

Second was removing politics from appraisals. They were to be timely and accurate, and not subject to influence by elected officials.

Now that district leaders have gotten into the politics, Mayor Mattie Parker needs to send a letter similar to what she sent to the school board to ask what the Tarrant Appraisal District is going to do about the unsatisfactory performance by the Fort Worth school system.

- W.B. Gordon, Fort Worth

Contact prohibited by US law?

Bloomberg News reported in the Monday Star-Telegram that U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign officials to devise a strategy for capturing voters who previously supported his party but had shifted their allegiance in recent years. (Sept. 9, 7A, “Veterans of Labour’s big win cross Atlantic to aid Harris”)

It is a violation of the Federal Election Campaign Act for a candidate to collude with a foreign government — even a friendly ally — for the purpose of influencing an election.

Do I hear calls for a federal investigation, similar to the probe into Russian interference with American elections in recent years?

If not, why not?

- Jack Damario, Granbury

Texas, we can move forward

Recent threats against LGBTQ+ people, particularly targeting transgender communities, are alarming. We continue fighting for equal rights but still face severe discrimination, increasing violence and the risk of being denied housing.

I work to uplift trans people and build stronger communities. I’ve learned that solidarity is key — we cannot do this alone. Remembering our shared humanity and common dreams for a safe life and opportunity is vital. As the Ad Council’s American Dreams campaign reminds us: We’re just people, working to care for our families, yearning for safety and peace.

Despite these challenges, I believe Texas can evolve, embracing greater understanding and acceptance for all its people.

- Carter Brown, Carrollton

Commercial a worrying sign

Recently, I was shocked to see a major television network run a commercial for bow-hunting equipment at the sporting goods store Scheels.

First, a bow is almost more dangerous than a gun. A bow hunter might simply cause pain for a deer and not kill the animal. The deer can, and often does, live for days in terrible pain before death.

I encourage television stations to refrain from running commercials for dangerous products such as this. I certainly hope the bow ad is not a precursor to advertising for firearms.

- Frankie Andrew, Willow Park