Arlington mayor Jim Ross decries polarization

Arlington Mayor Jim Ross issued a passionate appeal to end political tribalism, saying partisan divides were too prevalent in nonpartisan arenas such as cities and school districts. His appeal came after I asked him about his still early days as mayor. Ross was elected last year.

“There are parts of it that bothers me. I do not enjoy the politicalization of what is supposed to be a nonpartisan position,” Ross said on Lone Star Politics. “I am a true middle-of-the road type of person. I don’t care if you’re blue or red or Black or white, or Christian or Muslim, or straight or gay. I’m the mayor for everybody.” Ross said political polarization is one of the biggest problems facing public servants. “People want to compartmentalize people. They want to tribalize everybody’s beliefs and then they fight each other,” Ross said. “I think that’s the biggest problem we have in today’s society, both locally, statewide and nationally.” The Arlington mayor said he’s “sick and tired of people in politics hating on each other because they’re of a different political party.” “I’m tired of it,” he said. “Do your job … do your job and stop fighting everybody just because they’re in a different party.”