McAllen, TX - Yesterday, the Agua SUD Board of Directors adopted a resolution authorizing a candidate filing fee of $1,000 for the 2018 Agua SUD Board of Directors election. Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa issued the following statement:

"Agua SUD's candidate filing fee is equivalent to a poll tax for candidates and the incumbents are clearly attempting to limit the number of individuals who can run for office. They are trying to eliminate competition. This is an unnecessary obstacle for our residents who want to be candidates and serve their community. It is not only outrageous that a special utility district would require a filing fee at all, but to require a fee of $1,000 is disproportionately excessive.

Imposing a candidate filing fee is not allowed under Texas statutes for political subdivisions unless there is specific authority to do so. Agua SUD is governed by the Texas Water Code and the Special Districts Local Laws Code, neither of which give the district the legal authority to impose such a filing fee. Regardless, in cases where candidate filing fees are permissible, candidates who do not have the necessary funds have the authority to file a petition with signatures.

I am calling on Agua SUD to rescind this unfair filing fee as it is excessive and un-American."

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