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Tarrant County approves $250,000 legal contract with Public Interest Legal Foundation amid sharp objections
Summary
The commissioners approved a contract with the Public Interest Legal Foundation to defend the court's June redistricting map despite sustained objections from two commissioners and public commenters who warned of conflicts and ethical concerns. The contract passed 3'to'2.
Tarrant County commissioners on Tuesday approved a contract for legal services with the Public Interest Legal Foundation Inc. (PILF) to defend the court against litigation tied to the June redistricting maps, voting 3 to 2.
The contract authorizes PILF to represent the county in the lawsuit that challenges the newly adopted precinct boundaries. Commissioner Alisa Simmons (Precinct 2) and Commissioner Roderick Miles Jr. (Precinct 1) voted against the contract, repeatedly raising concerns about PILF's role in drawing maps and whether lawyers associated with the firm could be treated as witnesses in any ensuing litigation.
Why it matters: The county faces a pending lawsuit over the June maps. Approving PILF's contract shifts up to $250,000 in potential legal spending onto county…
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