Opinion Editorial: Redrawing Precinct Boundaries – Fort Bend County Commissioners Court Should Implement Transparency

By: Robert “Bob” Hebert, Former Fort Bend County Judge and Fort Bend Business Coalition County Committee Chairman

Recently an agenda item was presented in Fort Bend County Commissioners Court regarding redrawing Commissioners Court precinct boundaries for our county in 2025. After much citizen testimony, mine included, the good news is the Court decided to table the item allowing for more transparent process. While this was a welcome and necessary action, redrawing Fort Bend’s districts is a crucial process to ensure continued growth and prosperity for Fort Bend citizens, and it is a process that requires above all else transparency and adherence to state law.

How should Commissioners Court tackle such a vital decision affecting all our citizens both now and for years to come? As County Committee Chairman of the Fort Bend Business Coalition (FBBC), I have submitted a specific process to the court that we believe will ensure public confidence and produce fair, balanced precincts reflective of the county’s diverse political makeup.

We urge the Court to consider the following process:

1. Create a Citizen Committee. The committee should consist of 15 members, with each member of Commissioners Court appointing three members. This same structure was used effectively in 2011 and should be reestablished to promote balance and legitimacy.

2. Engage Independent Legal Counsel. The Court should retain an outside law firm with substantial experience in redistricting law and demonstrated familiarity with Fort Bend County.

3. Ensure Transparency. All committee meetings should be required to provide minutes to insure that every part of this process is documented, and these minutes should be available to the public. All documents, maps, and communications provided to the committee should be posted promptly on a publicly accessible webpage dedicated to the redistricting process.

4. Promote Political Balance. The committee should be instructed to draw four precincts in the following configuration: one solidly Republican, one solidly Democratic, and two competitive. Three or four solid precincts do not reflect Fort Bend’s political diversity and would be very difficult to achieve in light of the state’s redistricting laws. Four highly competitive precincts, on the other hand, risk instability and policy swings that deter long-term investment and economic growth.

The FBBC is dedicated to cultivating and supporting elected officials who understand and act on the needs of the business community by exercising common sense in making decisions and developing policies. We strongly encourage Commissioners Court to adopt our recommendations and stand ready to assist in any way.

For more information about the Fort Bend Business Coalition, visit www.FortBendBusinessCoalition.com.

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