SAN BENITO — After about seven months in office, City Commissioner Carol Lynn Sanchez has announced she is running for Cameron County Court-at-Law No. 2 judge.
Sanchez believes she can continue to serve as the city’s Place 4 commissioner while sitting as a county judge if she defeats longtime incumbent Laura Betancourt in the March 6 primary election.
However, the City Charter states city commissioners can hold no other elected office.
City Attorney Ricardo Morado said he has not reviewed the matter.
“Except where authorized by law, no city commissioner shall hold any other elected public office during the term for which the member was elected to the city commission,” the city charter states.
The Texas Secretary of State’s office did not respond to a message requesting information on whether an elected official could hold a second elected office.
Yesterday, Sanchez, an attorney who serves as the commission’s mayor pro-tem, did not respond to a message requesting comment.
But in a Facebook post, she states her research shows she can hold both offices.
“Just to clarify, I am not abandoning my commission position. That is the first thing I checked on,” Sanchez wrote.
“Since the commission is a volunteer/non-paid position, I am able to run for another,” she wrote. “Neither position oversees the same work so there is no conflict whatsoever. Just like other commissioners have full-time jobs as well, this position (God willing) will simply be mine.”
On Sunday, Sanchez announced her candidacy on her Facebook page.
“The time to follow my dream has come,” Sanchez wrote. “Everyone who has known me since I started my journey knows this is what I’ve always worked hard for. I’d like to announce my candidacy for Judge County Court-at-Law #2.”
Sanchez wrote she wants to continue to serve her hometown as a commissioner.
“I am a product of my great community, from everybody’s endless support, to my teachers, to my church and I would not just leave it hanging,” she wrote.
“As long as you want a free attorney on board to overlook things as I have been, I am here for you lol. All jokes aside, this is just a step I’m taking in my career, which unfortunately has to be done through politics.”
Last May, Sanchez won election to the position longtime Commissioner Joe D. Gonzalez vacated to make an unsuccessful run for a San Benito school board seat.
Gonzalez resigned after announcing his candidacy, remaining in office until the election.
The term expires in May 2018.
