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Laura Leeman
Laura Leeman (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Tarrant County Commissioners Court to represent District 3 in Texas. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Leeman completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Laura Leeman earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Connecticut in 1991 and an M.S. from Wheelock College in 1996. She graduated from the Texas Partners in Policymaking program. Her career experience includes working as a business owner.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Municipal elections in Tarrant County, Texas (2024)
General election
General election for Tarrant County Commissioners Court Precinct 3
Matt Krause defeated Laura Leeman in the general election for Tarrant County Commissioners Court Precinct 3 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Matt Krause (R) | 63.8 | 156,216 |
 | Laura Leeman (D)  | 36.2 | 88,663 | |
| Total votes: 244,879 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Tarrant County Commissioners Court Precinct 3
Laura Leeman advanced from the Democratic primary for Tarrant County Commissioners Court Precinct 3 on March 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Laura Leeman | 100.0 | 13,176 |
| Total votes: 13,176 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Tarrant County Commissioners Court Precinct 3
Matt Krause advanced from the Republican primary for Tarrant County Commissioners Court Precinct 3 on March 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Matt Krause | 100.0 | 43,141 |
| Total votes: 43,141 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Leeman in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Laura Leeman completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Leeman's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Originally from Ohio, she has lived across the U.S. and in Japan, where she taught English in middle schools and corporate settings, including Honda, Toyota, and Suzuki. Laura's journey into advocacy began during her tenure at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, where she became deeply aware of the challenges faced by people with disabilities. This understanding intensified after her oldest son was born with serious medical issues, prompting her to become a fierce advocate and public speaker.
Following the passing of her son Victor at 18, Laura remained committed to supporting others in the disability community. She runs a small business aimed at empowering wheelchair users while balancing her role as a full-time mom to her 12-year-old son, Benito.
Laura is passionate about fostering an inclusive community in Tarrant County, ensuring that every voice is heard and every need is met.- Fiscal Responsibility
I have spent years advocating for those in need, emphasizing the importance of fiscally responsibility, transparency, and accountability. Unfortunately, I am concerned about the current TCC, which seems increasingly driven by partisan agendas that waste taxpayers’ money. We’ve all been witness to the millions being paid in jail wrongful death lawsuits, misallocation of funds meant for childcare and the homeless, healthcare budget cuts made without proper review, and increased incarceration costs being driven by an inefficient judicial system. All of this and more is happening at the taxpayers’ expense.
Tarrant County deserves better. I will ensure your tax dollars are spent effectively and responsibly. - Transparency You deserve to know where your tax money is going and how it's spent. Sadly, some members of the Commissioners Court act like they can make decisions without explaining them behind closed doors. It's time for change! Everyone in Tarrant County, deserves to have confidence with how and why their tax dollars are being spent. We need to develop our infrastructure, fund essential services, protect our citizens, properly fund our healthcare systems and ensure fair access to voting with election integrity. I pledge to enhance the trust and transparency of the Commissioners Court by ensuring residents have their questions answered and voices heard.
- Accountability No matter their race, gender, or religion, everyone in Tarrant County deserves the opportunity to thrive together. Unfortunately, some politicians, have enacted divisive policies and distorted our history in pursuit of power and control. This is not what the people of Tarrant County seek. We want leaders who will dismantle barriers and foster collaboration for the benefit of all. If certain practices or departments are not working towards these goals, and residents are being negatively impacted, then the TCC needs to create and adhere to a system of accountability. I care deeply about justice and the well-being of our community. Tarrant County deserves better, and I believe we can achieve that together!
I am committed to investing in essential services, such as affordable housing, mental health funding, and initiatives to end homelessness, while also supporting residents and local businesses. Additionally, we must prioritize safe roads and effective transportation planning.
In addition to a heart of service, a successful County Commissioner should embody several key qualities:
1. Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and honesty is vital. A commissioner must be trustworthy, ensuring that constituents feel confident in their leadership.
2. Transparency: Being open about decision-making processes and financial matters fosters public trust and encourages community engagement.
3. Strong Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential for conveying ideas clearly, listening to constituents, and collaborating with other officials and stakeholders.
4. Leadership: A good commissioner must demonstrate strong leadership abilities, guiding initiatives, inspiring others, and making tough decisions for the benefit of the community.
5. Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to analyze complex issues and develop effective solutions is critical, especially in addressing the diverse needs of Tarrant County residents.
6. Community Focus: A successful commissioner should prioritize the needs and interests of the community, being actively engaged and responsive to constituent concerns.
7. Collaboration: Building partnerships with other government entities, organizations, and community groups is important for addressing regional challenges and maximizing resources.
8. Visionary Thinking: A successful commissioner should have a forward-thinking perspective, anticipating future needs and planning for sustainable growth and development.
9. Adaptability: The ability to respond to changing circumstances, whether economic, social, or environmental, is crucial in navigating the complexities of county governance.
1. Budget and Finance: Commissioners play a crucial role in the development and approval of the county budget, ensuring funds are allocated appropriately for public services, infrastructure, and community needs.
2. Infrastructure and Maintenance: They oversee the construction and maintenance of county roads, bridges, and public facilities, ensuring safe and efficient transportation and access to services.
3. Public Health and Safety: Commissioners work to promote public health initiatives, emergency management, and law enforcement coordination, contributing to the safety and well-being of county residents.
4. Land Use and Development: They review and approve zoning and land use plans, balancing community development with environmental and economic considerations.
5. Community Services: Commissioners are involved in promoting and funding various community services, such as parks, recreation, and public health programs, enhancing the quality of life for residents.
6. Intergovernmental Relations: They collaborate with other government entities, including state and federal agencies, to secure funding and resources for county projects and initiatives.
7. Constituent Services: Commissioners address the concerns and needs of their constituents, providing support and advocacy on local issues.
8. Elections: TCC oversees election administration, approves budgets, sets policies, certifies results, and supports voter registration efforts, ensuring fair and efficient elections in the county.
Colin Allred – US HD 32, Jasmine Crockett – US HD 30, Salman Bhojani - TX HD 92, Terry Meza - TX HD 105
AFL-CIO Labor Council, Muslim Democratic Caucus of TX, Tarrant County Young Democrats, Tarrant County Democratic Women’s Club
1. Public Trust: Transparency fosters trust between the government and constituents. When residents see clear and open financial practices, they are more likely to believe that their elected officials are acting in their best interests, enhancing civic engagement and participation.
2. Responsible Stewardship: Commissioners manage taxpayer funds. Accountability ensures that these funds are used efficiently and effectively, minimizing waste and maximizing the impact of public spending on community needs.
3. Informed Decision-Making: Transparent financial practices provide valuable data that helps commissioners make informed decisions. Access to clear financial information allows for better planning and prioritization of projects and services that directly benefit residents.
4. Preventing Corruption: High levels of transparency reduce opportunities for misconduct and corruption. By openly sharing financial data and decision-making processes, commissioners create an environment where unethical behavior is less likely to occur.
5. Community Engagement: When financial information is accessible, residents can better understand how their tax dollars are being spent. This encourages public discussion and input on budgeting priorities, leading to policies that reflect the community's needs.
6. Compliance and Oversight: Adhering to transparency standards helps ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of audits or penalties that can arise from mismanagement.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
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Candidate Tarrant County Commissioners Court Precinct 3 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 7, 2024
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State of Texas Austin (capital) |
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