Ethics complaint against mayoral candidate David Saucedo dismissed

The Texas Ethics Commission has rejected the ethics complaint filed against mayoral candidate David Saucedo, announced Saucedo.

In a letter by the Texas Ethics Commission forwarded to KVIA by Saucedo, it states that the complaint lacked sufficient evidence that Saucedo violated fundraising laws.

The campaign treasurer for rival mayoral candidate Dee Margo, Oscar Orenlas, filed the complaint April 24, alleging Saucedo’s campaign violated numerous municipal and Texas election code laws.

The complaint alleges Saucedo violated the law with his first campaign finance report, reporting in writing more than $47,000 in contributions.

Ornelas says State law and municipal ordinance both require campaign finance reports to be filed electronically if contributions are over $20,000.

The complaint also alleges Saucedo filed his most recent campaign finance report as his “final” one, thus terminating his campaign and treasurer, although he has continued to raise money.

In a letter to Ornelas dated April 28, the Texas Ethics Commission states the Election Code does not require electronic filing of a campaign finance report filed with the local filing authority, adding that even if the allegation was true, it does not constitute a violation.

It also states that there was a lack of evidence to support that Saucedo accepted political contributions when he did not have a campaign treasurer appointed.

The letter states Ornelas has 21 days to re-file the complaint with the necessary changes.

Margo and Saucedo are two of eight candidates running for Mayor. Election day is May 6.