Legitimacy Of Socorro, Texas Council Questioned

The El Paso district attorney has asked a judge to consider the legitimacy of Socorro's city council after the state declared council members had violated the law by extending their terms.

District Attorney Jaime Esparza filed a petition with the court Friday asking a judge to consider under what authority the city council members hold office. The El Paso Times reports that the petition alleges the council members unlawfully hold office.

An opinion issued Tuesday by Attorney General Greg Abbott's office said the council members' terms can only be extended by changing the city charter. And voters must approve any change.

Council members voted in 2011 to extend their terms from three to four years. Esparza's petition was filed against all five members.

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Information from: El Paso Times, http://www.elpasotimes.com

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.