Public Statement: For Immediate Release
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On Thursday, January 20, I submitted paperwork to the West Lake Hills City Secretary stating my intention to run for re-election in the May 7 mayoral election. As the City's official Election Officer, she reviewed my paperwork, accepted it, and posted it to the City's public website. One other resident, attorney Jeff Taylor, submitted his paperwork to run for mayor thirty minutes before the filing deadline.
A week later, and after all relevant deadlines had passed, Mr. Taylor filed a formal challenge with the City, claiming that my candidate paperwork was incomplete and should be rejected because the "Occupation" section of my form was left blank. Despite my explanation that I do not have an occupation (I am retired), the City Secretary agreed with Mr. Taylor's assessment and rejected the paperwork she had previously accepted. Her decision resulted in Jeff Taylor being the only candidate in the race. Absent any intervention, he would win by default, without an election, and without the citizens of West Lake Hills having the opportunity to vote. I was left with no alternative but to pursue the legal remedies available to me. On March 7, my attorney filed a Writ of Mandamus with the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals in Austin, asking the Court to intervene. My opponent submitted multiple arguments to the court seeking to keep me off the ballot. Surprisingly, the Circuit Court declined to hear my case without explanation, so I filed an appeal with Texas Supreme Court. Today, the Texas Supreme Court granted my appeal and instructed the City Secretary to accept my ballot application and to place my name on the May 7 election ballot. They fully agreed with my argument that not having an occupation should not invalidate my application to run for public office. There will be an election and I am happy to now be able to direct my attention toward my campaign. I look forward to talking with the voters about the issues that are important to them, so I can hopefully resume my efforts to improve our community as your mayor. Despite this most unfortunate event, I want everyone to know that I bear no ill will against the City or City Secretary. It has been a very difficult situation for everyone involved and as much as I hate pursuing litigation of any kind, I truly believe I was obligated to do so. Not listing an Occupation on a form when I truly do not have one seems like a silly reason to be disqualified and I'm pleased that the Texas Supreme Court agrees. Throughout my 12 years of public service to our city, I have always striven to serve with honesty, transparency, integrity, and honor. I am proud of all that we have accomplished during that time – from the widening of Bee Cave Road and successfully navigating the challenges of the pandemic, to the recent successful bond election and the ongoing public works projects it will fund. I've enjoyed meeting so many great citizens of West Lake Hills and I am comforted by the many friendships I have gained. It has truly been a privilege and I hope the voters of West Lake Hills will grant me that privilege once again on May 7. If you have questions or you would like more information, please feel free to contact me at tallawong22@gmail.com. Respectfully, Linda Anthony Below are the various court filing documents, including the Texas Supreme Court's final decision granting my appeal and instructing the City Secretary to include my name on the May 7 ballot: |
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