The Lone Ranger

Right, but not quite right, Dallas County Judge Margaret Keliher is reforming county government while infuriating her Republican colleagues

A A A Comments By Matt Pulle Thursday, Oct 20 2005

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Working with Collin County's Harris, Keliher helped change a bill to maintain local control over the assets of the North Texas Toll Authority, yet another arcane issue that has broad implications. Also, the two county leaders fought to prevent local tolls from being raised to pay for Southwest Parkway. Once again, though, Keliher's work on this front aggravated her colleagues, who claim they weren't consulted on Keliher's actions.

"I read about that in the paper," Mayfield says.

Mark Graham

Up against the wall: Dallas County Judge Margaret Keliher's efforts to change county government have irritated her colleagues.

Mark Graham

Ain't that America: Keliher, husband Lester and her family in a campaign photo.

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On the issue of mental health, Keliher helped guide a fledgling diversion program that takes non-violent, mentally ill inmates out of the county jail and into a coordinated program of therapy and care.

She also successfully lobbied the Envrionmental Protection Agency to include Ellis County, a major contributor to ozone formation, in a clean air plan. That will only help air quality in Dallas County. Interestingly, her fight put her on the side of Democrats such as former Congressman Martin Frost and Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and pitted her against Republican Congressman Joe Barton.

"It was a good experience working with her," says Johnson from her Washington office. "I find her to be very professional and pleasant. I would certainly welcome her into the Democratic Party."

It's a funny remark, since at times Keliher seems to take on issues closer to the heart of Democrats, whether she's talking about mental health, air quality or the importance of improving health care at the county jail. But don't expect her to jump parties any time soon.

"Caring about people doesn't belong to one party or another," she says. "Republicans have appreciated the job I've done in taking care of those issues. What's that term? Compassionate conservative?"