UPDATE: After complaints were filed with the Texas Ethics Commission, the Texas Attorney General and the Texas Rangers about alleged electioneering against Klein ISD, jurisdiction has been established in 8 out of the 9 complaints by the TEC. The investigations by the Texas Attorney General and Texas Rangers have not yet been weighed in as of yet.
The complaint against Vote Yes Klein PAC (Treasurer, Lauren Dougherty), did not comply with statutory requirements for the commission to determine jurisdiction, and has been sent back for revision. She has 21-days to refile the complaint. The complainant does not plan on revising the complaint at this time.
The commission would have to come to a final order determining whether electioneering by the district occurred in order to enjoin the PAC from the use of Klein district owned content in its advertising for the bond. There is no way such a determination can be made before the election occurs. The staff and Commission will next head for a preliminary review of the 8 complaints.
As millions of dollars are spent by school districts pushing bond elections across the state, Texas residents are watching with anticipation. As big government grows, the voice of the citizen seems to become smaller. Texas voters wonder if they have any recourse against these organizations. The outcome of this investigation will reveal whether Texas citizens still have a voice big enough to hold these organizations accountable.
The Texas Ethics Commission investigates citizen complaints under a narrow jurisdiction. Only certain areas of law are investigated by the commission. Once a complaint is filed with the Texas Ethics Commission, it will find that it has jurisdiction over the matter or not. If not, the complaint will be dismissed. If the complaint does not comply with statutes within its jurisdiction, it will be sent back to the complainant, and the complainant would have 21 days to revise.
The next stage involves the preliminary review by staff and the Commission. This review process will result in either a dismissal, agreed order, or a preliminary review hearing. A final order will be reached. In the case a resolution cannot be reached, a formal hearing will be conducted that will result in the final order. Respondents can appeal the decision.
Publishers Note: Katy Christian Magazine and Fort Bend Christian Magazine has an obligation to report the news and issues that affects the citizens of our communities through a Biblical worldview. We receive no financial assistance from any PAC to promote this issue for either side.
