Anthony, Texas mayor responds to police department allegations

Mayor Lee Vela of Anthony, Texas responded to allegations from its own police department.

The Anthony Police Department claimed town officials have been holding up efforts to negotiate their contracts with a collective bargaining agreement.

An attorney for the police department told ABC-7 officers turned in the paperwork and a petition to put the issue on the ballot back in May.

Anthony town council did not put the item on the ballot.

Mayor Lee Vela said the documents were not turned in on time.

In a statement to ABC-7, Vela said, “the petition that was submitted by the (police) association was turned in on a Friday after 3 pm. Friday is the deadline for any agenda items.”

Mayor Vela added the documents had to be reviewed by him and the town clerk, but neither were present that day.

“Once I was notified of the request I instructed the employee to leave the item on my desk for review upon my arrival on Monday,” said Vela.

Vela added the petition would have needed to be verified by the the County of El Paso Elections Bureau as qualified registered voters.

An attorney for the police department said town officials delayed the process and failed to follow the law by not putting the issue on the ballot back in May.

A judge ordered a special election for September 15, but it will cost the town more money.