Thank you for your consideration to offer your services to the citizens of Port Lavaca by becoming a candidate in this year’s municipal election. Your candidacy entails the obligation to comply with certain applicable state statutes and local ordinances. The term of office for Mayor is two (2) years and the term for Council Members is three (3) years.
In an effort to assist you, the Office of the City Secretary has prepared this “Candidate’s Packet” with the links necessary to obtain forms and pertinent instructions. I urge you to read this letter and see the following prior to filling out the specific forms.
- City of Port Lavaca District Map
- Home Rule Charter of the City of Port Lavaca (Article 4, Sections 4.01 through 4.09).
- Calendar of important dates (just for the candidate) for the election indicating dates for filing, submitting forms, etc.
- City of Port Lavaca Signs Ordinance (see Section 36-7(c)1-5 for temporary political signs).
Other forms and information for the City of Port Lavaca General Election for City Officials are listed below. You will need to submit the first two forms when you file for office. I cannot over-emphasize the importance of adhering to the financial reporting procedures. Campaign reports are considered open records/public information and will be viewed as such, by anyone wishing to do so.
1) Application for a place on the City of Port Lavaca General Officers Election Ballot (bilingual). The loyalty oath is included on this application and must be signed before any Notary. There is no filing fee. Please note that each application must be carefully reviewed, to determine whether it complies with the Election Code requirements, as to content. Please file your application as soon as practicable to allow sufficient time for this review. The Office of the City Secretary must complete review of the application not later than the fifth day after the application is received.
2) Appointment of a Campaign Treasurer By a Candidate (Form CTA), Amended Appointment of a Campaign Treasurer by a Candidate (Form ACTA), together with Form CTA – Instruction Guide. The Form CTA should be filed in the Office of the City Secretary at the same time as the application for a place on the ballot. Please note the statement that must be signed regarding the nepotism law. A summary of the nepotism law is in the CTA Instruction Guide.
3) Candidate/Officeholder Campaign Finance Report (Form C/OH), together with Form C/OH – Instruction Guide. The Form C/OH is to be completed by the candidate or the candidate’s campaign treasurer (but signed only by the candidate). This is to be filed in my office on the dates specified on the form and on the election calendar. Form C/OH-FR, Campaign/Officeholder Report: Designation of Final Report is the last page attached to Form C/OH. This form is to be filed when you are no longer receiving or spending political contributions. A completed Form CO/H (Candidate/Officeholder Campaign Finance Report) must be filed when you file the Designation of Final Report. The instructions on how to file the Final Report are in the Instruction Guide for Form C/OH.
4) Texas Ethics Commission Filing Schedule. In this schedule you will find information regarding the election. Any questions on reporting procedures, contributions, or expenditures should be addressed to the Commission at (512) 463-5800.
5) Campaign Finance Guide For Candidates and Officeholders Who File With Local Filing Authorities.
6) Texas Ethics Commission’s Political Advertising, What You Need To Know.
7) Texas Ethics Commission’s Code of Fair Campaign Practices Form CFCP. This form may be signed voluntarily; it is not mandatory.
It is your duty to become familiar with the laws applicable to campaigning for office. Regarding the filing of candidate/officeholder reports, the City Secretary is limited to accepting and filing the various applications, affidavits, and/or statements, and noting the date and time of filing thereon. Should you have any questions regarding reporting procedures, contributions, or expenditures, please call the Texas Ethics Commission at (512) 463-5800, or online at http://www.ethics.state.tx.us .
You may direct questions about election laws to the Secretary of State at (800) 252-8683 or (512) 463-5650, or go online at http://www.sos.state.tx.us . Please note that a copy of the current Texas Election Code is on file in my office, and you are more than welcome to stop by and review it during regular business hours.
The Office of the City Secretary is open to help you. Your interest in municipal government is appreciated, and I trust that this will be a positive and exciting experience for you and your supporters. If you have any concerns, or if I may be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. My best wishes to you!
Sincerely,
Mandy Grant
City Secretary
