Campaign News
October 9, 2008
Jerry Lee Phillips, the Democratic opponent to Republican incumbent Gary Fickes in the race for Tarrant County Commissioner Precinct 3, has a unique approach to funding the county’s transportation needs.
"I don’t accept the proposition that the money for infrastructure is not there," Phillips says. He blames Fickes and other local officials for continued highway congestion in Tarrant County, saying they just haven’t worked hard enough to get the county’s fair share of existing funds.
Never mind that any number of experts puts the state’s funding shortfall for needed highway projects at somewhere between $66 billion and $86 billion.
Never mind that the Texas Department of Transportation says the state could let $12.7 billion worth of highway contracts in 2010 but will only have $2.7 billion to devote to those contracts.
Phillips just doesn’t believe it and says we should blame Fickes.
Then he launches into a conspiracy theory about Fickes and others wanting to confiscate land across a broad swath of Northeast Tarrant County for toll roads.
Earth to Jerry ... Come in, Jerry ...
Meanwhile, back in the real world, Fickes has worked hard at solving problems on transportation, healthcare, economic issues and more.
He pushed for a county property tax cut this year and got some of what he was aiming for. He helped bring about better coordination of ambulance service in Keller, Roanoke and far north Fort Worth. He has helped get the JPS Health Network back on track and to expand its services in Northeast Tarrant County.
The Star-Telegram recommends Gary Fickes for Tarrant County Commissioner Precinct 3.
September 26, 2008
News Release
Commissioner Gary Fickes is proud to announce support for his Re-Election from Mayors throughout Precinct 3. Commissioner Fickes has worked with all of the Mayors in Precinct 3 since his election in 2006. Fickes says “There's no limit to what we can accomplish when we have the understanding that the citizens needs come first.”
Here’s what Tarrant County leaders here say about Commissioner Gary Fickes:
“Commissioner Gary Fickes has earned the respect and admiration of the people of Northeast Tarrant County through years of dedicated service. I support his re-election as Commissioner so that he can continue to provide exemplary leadership to the people and communities of Precinct 3.”
William D. Tate, Mayor of Grapevine
“Gary is an outstanding public servant. It is a pleasure to work with him on regional issues that affect the quality of life we all enjoy in Tarrant County. He is fair, thoughtful and does his homework on behalf of his constituents.”
Mike and Rosie Moncrief, Mayor of Fort Worth
“Gary Fickes has the experience we need for our County Commissioner from his service as mayor, health advocate, transportation representative and county commissioner for our communities. Let’s keep an experienced commissioner for the Tarrant County Commissioner Court…..Gary Fickes.”
Mary Lib Saleh, Mayor of Euless
“Gary Fickes has been a great Tarrant County Commissioner for Precinct 3. He has been a good friend to the City of Richland Hills and surrounding cities through his help with streets, roads, and expanding the County Health Care program plus other citizens concerns in NETC. He has earned the right to be re-elected and continue to serve as County Commissioner.”
Dave Ragan, Mayor of Richland Hills
“It’s a genuine pleasure to endorse Gary Fickes for re-election as County Commissioner, Precinct 3 because I can so without reservation. In the 2 years gary has been Commissioner, he has already shown his willingness to help cities in his precinct and has displayed a genuine interest in listening to his constituents. I know this will continue to be his method of service in the future.”
Richard Ward, Mayor of Hurst
“Since taking office, gary has hit the road running. Providing assistance to the cities in Precinct 3. Roadwork is ongoing all over the precinct. Also he was instrumental in getting a health care center in Watauga. Gary sees the need of his precinct and his vision is exceptional. Transportation, mobility, regional rail are some of his priorities in NETC. Gary has done an outstanding job and continues to make improvements in Precinct 3. I enthusiastically support Gary Fickes for re-election.”
Harry Jefferies, Mayor of Watauga
“Commissioner Gary Fickes has been a great asset to the citizens of Colleyville. His leadership, experience and integrity are the three main qualities I think of when I see him. He brings people together to solve the complex issues of all our cities.
David Kelly, Mayor of Colleyville
"Commissioner Gary Fickes is a good man who is committed to doing what is best for N.E. Tarrant County. His work ethic and high personal values make him an outstanding elected official. His prompt offer of assistance immediately after the wind damage of the April storm enabled the City of Bedford to perform the clean-up quickly and assist our citizens in getting the city back to normal."
Jim Story, Mayor of Bedford
"Serving with Gary since 1991, I know firsthand of his commitment to the citizens of Tarrant County. He has the experience, knowledge of issues, a proven record and the high moral character of a true leader. Tarrant County needs to re-elect Gary Fickes."
Southlake Mayor Andy Wambsganss
September 2, 2008
Hurst, TX
Commissioner Fickes endorsed by the Tarrant County Law Enforcement Association (TCLEA).
This morning, incumbent County Commissioner Gary Fickes received the endorsement from TCLEA. Commissioner Fickes was very proud and honored to receive this endorsement from these dedicated law enforcement professionals. Commissioner Fickes has had the pleasure of working with TCLEA and their association president, Bobby Harden for the past two years. They agree, that working together toward common goals will enhance their value to the citizens of Tarrant County.
August 28, 2008
Keller, TX
Commissioner Fickes awarded prestigious award from the Greater Keller Chamber of Commerce.
Tonight, Commissioner Gary Fickes was presented with the Spirit of Enterprise Award. This award recognizes a local official who has made significant contributions to the development and welfare of the community and surrounding area, enhancing the quality of life for all. Chamber President, Joe Petersen presented the award to Commissioner Fickes. The Commissioner stated that “I am honored to receive this award tonight, but this is an honor that I must share with my family and my office staff”. Fickes went on to praise the leadership of the Chamber and the City of Keller for having a clear vision for the future of their city and working the past 15 years to make that vision a reality.
August 28, 2008
Austin, TX
Commissioner Gary Fickes and Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson in agreement concerning the right path for transportation in Texas.
Today, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson spoke at the Texas Associations of Counties Annual Convention in Austin. The Senators main topic was transportation. She, like Commissioner Fickes, expressed opposition to the Trans Texas Corridor and opposition to any tolling of existing open and free lanes on Texas freeways. She enthusiastically endorsed the Texas High Speed Rail and Transportation Corporation for their effort to bring high speed rail to Texas. She and the Commissioner discussed our regions efforts to bring a true regional rail system to the DFW area.