RICHMOND, Texas — The two candidates seeking the Precinct Four seat on the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court faced questions Tuesday night on public safety, disabilities, government spending and the growing political rhetoric surrounding Muslim Americans at a forum hosted by PILLAR PAC.
Promoting Inclusive Leadership, Legislation, Accountability and Reform, PILLAR PAC describes itself as a Texas-based general-purpose political action committee focused on increasing the political visibility and influence of Muslim Americans and promoting inclusive and accountable leadership.
The forum was held at Kahwa Culture Yemeni Coffee in the heart of Precinct Four. The setting was informal and, at times, noisy, thanks to order beepers, entry doorbells, and a popping mic. The audience was made up largely of people connected to Fort Bend’s political community, including candidates, precinct chairs and party activists.
Shaz Iqbal moderated the commissioner section of the forum and introduced the candidates and guided them through questions from both the organizers and audience.
The race to replace incumbent Precinct Four Commissioner Dexter L. McCoy pits Republican Ken Mathews against Democrat April Jones. McCoy, who has represented Precinct Four since January 2023 after winning election in November 2022, is running for Fort Bend County Judge.
Jones, a longtime Fort Bend County political insider, emphasized her experience as a paralegal, small-business owner, HOA president and MUD board member. Mathews emphasized his business background, his current MUD board position and previous law enforcement experience.
Public safety exposes a difference in approach
Public safety was among the first major issues raised.
Mathews argued that the county should look for waste and prioritize putting commissioned officers in the field rather than administrative positions. He also criticized what he called “ghost police cars,” arguing that visible patrol vehicles can serve as a deterrent.
Jones focused instead on compensation and training for constables, saying Fort Bend County faces a shortage of constables and needs to provide competitive pay and opportunities for advancement.
The sharpest distinction came when the candidates were asked about recent allegations involving the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office and its academy, including questions about discriminatory policing.
Jones said she would look at putting policies in place to address such issues and ensure a “fair playing field.”
Mathews offered a more specific explanation of what a county commissioner can and cannot do.
He pointed out that the sheriff and constables are independently elected officials and maintain operational control over their agencies. Commissioners Court, he said, does not control their day-to-day operations adding its primary leverage is through the county budget.
Disability services produce another contrast
The candidates were also asked what programs they would support for residents with disabilities and special needs.
Mathews offered several specific proposals, including an all-abilities park modeled after a facility in Precinct 3. He also raised concerns about mobility transportation services for disabled residents, saying he had heard from residents who faced long waits when trying to schedule special-needs transportation.
Jones said she would pursue a program for residents with disabilities and cited accessibility improvements such as ramps.
Muslim voters and political rhetoric
The most politically charged question came near the end of the forum, when Mathews was asked about anti-Muslim rhetoric coming from Republican leaders at the state and federal levels.
The moderator asked what Mathews would say to voters who supported his policies but were uncomfortable with the rhetoric.
Mathews declined to criticize specific Republican leaders.
“I don’t hold other individuals responsible for what other people say,” Mathews said, adding that he could only speak for his own views and conduct.
He said he treats everyone equally and intends to treat people kindly and help anyone he can.
Candidates pressed on what they don’t know
The moderators also asked both candidates to identify the biggest gap in their experience or knowledge as they seek a seat on Commissioners Court.
Jones said every new job involves a learning curve but pointed to her experience with budgets, contracts, boards, business and the oil and gas industry as transferable skills.
Mathews acknowledged that his biggest adjustment would be moving from the private sector, where he has sometimes had final authority, into government, where decisions require cooperation among elected officials and departments.
He cited experience managing businesses and budgets ranging from small operations to a global oil and gas division.
The forum also included questions about infrastructure decisions and how candidates would distinguish objective expert advice from advice coming from people with financial interests in a project.
Jones said she would ask questions, conduct research and consult experts before making decisions.
Mathews said his private-sector experience had taught him to work with people he did not necessarily agree with, a skill he said would translate to Commissioners Court.
A race about what Commissioners Court can actually do
The forum ultimately revealed two competing approaches to the job.
Jones emphasized her long history in the community, her experience on boards and her willingness to build relationships across party lines.
Mathews emphasized government accountability, budgeting and the limits of a commissioner’s authority over independently elected county officials.
For voters, that distinction may be as important as the candidates’ individual policy positions. A county commissioner has significant authority over county spending, infrastructure and policy, but does not directly command the sheriff, constables or other independently elected officials.
With Precinct Four continuing to grow, the race is likely to put questions of infrastructure, public safety, development and representation at the center of the campaign.
The forum offered voters an early look at how each candidate intends to approach those issues, and where the candidates’ understanding of county government begins and ends.