HomeMy WebLinkAbout1970 Implications of Lawsuit against Mayor & City CouncilmenWhat Are The Implications Of The
Lawsuit Against The Mayor And City
Councilmen Of College Station?
Mr. A. P. Boyett, Sr. and others sued Robert S. Calvert, State Comptroller, in an Aus-
tin court seeking to prevent him from paying the Texas A &M University salaries of th!
Mayor and five city councilmen of College Station while these men are serving in city gov.
ernment. This suit claims that an "employee" of Texas A &M University is an "agent, of-
ficer or appointee" of the State of Texas and thus ineligible to draw a state salary while
holding an office of honor or trust such as service on the City Council even though such
service is without compensation.
While this Austin lawsuit applies only to the particular individuals who have been
sued, and is being heard in Austin since the State Comptroller is involved, the City and most
of the citizens are concerned greatly with the wader implrcotions
WHAT ARE THESE IMPLICATIONS?
Without doubt no employee of Texas A &M University who requires his salary for a
livelihood could afford to serve on any City Council, a School Board, or in any other capa-
city, appointive or elective, which would be considered a position of honor or trust even
though no compensation would be paid for such service.
This some prohibition to serve would apply to all staff, faculty and employees of every
state - supported college and university in Texas.
Numerous people now residing in this community would suffer a disqualification from
public service notwithstanding outstanding individual capabilities. Not only would employ-
ees of Texas A &A University be excluded from public service, bLJt other state employees
would be effected equally.
Voter choice here and elsewhere could be severely restricted and majority rule may be
in jeopardy.
The Right To Serve League has been organized by concerned citizens to keep the pub-
lic fully informed as to the status of this case and in support of voter freedom of choice and
the right to serve.
IS AD PAID FOR 1Y THE CITIZENS RIGHT TO SERVE LEAGUE !I. B. HERVEY, CHAIRMAN, MRS. CLARA L. SANDSTEDT, SECRETARY-TREASURER).