In a race that will shape how Tarrant County’s courts handle paperwork, fees and technology, 82‑year‑old Republican Tom Wilder is running for a 33rd year as district clerk. Wilder, first elected in 1994, says his experience and business background make him the right steward for the office.
Incumbent’s record and priorities
Wilder describes the district clerk’s office as a “business‑like operation” that supports 28 elected judges and 27 magistrates. Over the past year the office processed roughly 68,000 cases, handling everything from family‑court files to criminal records. He points to a history of cost‑saving measures, noting that the office has run under budget each year and returned surplus funds to the county.
Three key priorities guide Wilder’s campaign:
- Complete the rollout of the TechShare court‑case management system across criminal, civil, family and juvenile courts by April 2028.
- Renovate the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center, consolidating the clerk’s staff onto the third floor to improve efficiency and cut expenses.
- Reduce employee turnover while keeping the county’s tax burden unchanged.
Wilder says he has no intention of retiring, emphasizing that the job is a calling rather than a financial necessity. He provided a recent “fit‑to‑work” letter from his physician and noted that the same medical clearance is required for his staff.
Challenger’s critique and proposals
Democratic candidate Nathan Smith, a former staffer for County Commissioner Alisa Simmons and a U.S. Army compliance officer, frames the clerk’s office as a public service rather than a revenue generator. Smith argues that charging residents for electronic access to court documents runs counter to the office’s mission.
Smith’s platform includes three main goals:
- Staff magistrate hearings with district‑clerk personnel as required, ensuring judges have complete information.
- Streamline the jury‑summons process and shift responsibility away from an unelected bailiff.
- Eliminate fees for residents seeking online case documents, following examples set by Harris and Bexar counties.
He also calls the TechShare system an “abject failure,” citing complaints from attorneys about frequent crashes and missed deadlines. Smith proposes forming a working group of county leaders to evaluate whether to continue with TechShare or adopt an alternative software solution.
Key issues for voters
The district clerk’s office touches many aspects of daily life in Tarrant County. It manages the flow of court records, collects fees for certified copies, and oversees the logistics of magistrate hearings. While Wilder argues that modest fees help sustain the office’s operations, Smith contends that essential information should be freely accessible to the public.
Both candidates agree that the court‑case management system is critical, but they differ on its execution. Wilder emphasizes that early implementation challenges have been resolved and that the system is now operating smoothly. Smith warns that missed deadlines and system crashes could jeopardize the county’s ability to serve its residents effectively.
What’s at stake
With the November 3 ballot approaching, Tarrant County voters will decide whether to keep a seasoned administrator who promises continuity and fiscal prudence, or to elect a younger challenger who seeks greater transparency and fee reductions. The outcome will affect how quickly court documents become available online, the cost of obtaining certified copies, and the overall efficiency of the county’s judicial support services.
Both candidates will appear on the ballot alongside other county races, giving voters a chance to shape the direction of Tarrant County’s justice system for years to come.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
