Proposition M: Filing Fees and Petitions for Candidacy

Proposition M seeks to amend Section 7.03 of the Harker Heights Charter to impose a filing fee or petition requirement for those seeking to run for Mayor or councilmember. This proposal introduces new financial and procedural hurdles for candidates.

Key Changes:

• Mandatory $100 Filing Fee: Candidates must pay a $100 fee to get on the ballot.
• Petition Alternative: Instead of the filing fee, candidates can submit a petition with signatures from:
  • 25 qualified voters
  • OR one-half of one percent of the total votes cast in the most recent mayoral election.
• Petition Review Process: If the City Clerk finds a petition insufficient, candidates will be notified within five days. The candidate can submit a corrected petition within the regular filing period if necessary.
• Reason for the Change: The city claims the fee helps offset administrative costs, despite residents already funding city operations through taxes.

Why Vote NO on Proposition M:

• You Already Pay for These Costs: Taxpayers already cover administrative costs through city taxes. Charging candidates an extra $100 or forcing them to gather petition signatures is unnecessary.
• Discourages Candidates from Running: The filing fee or petition requirement places unnecessary barriers on residents interested in public service. This could discourage newcomers or grassroots candidates without financial backing or political connections from participating.
• Overly Complicated Petition Process: For those opting out of the fee, the petition process introduces bureaucratic hurdles that could turn away potential candidates, reducing political diversity and competition.
• Existing Rules Work Fine: The current candidacy requirements are clear and accessible. There’s no need to introduce additional financial or procedural barriers, especially when the city already has the tools to handle elections efficiently.

Conclusion:

Vote HELL NO on Proposition M. This amendment introduces an unnecessary fee and complicated petition requirements under the guise of covering costs that residents already pay through taxes. Keeping the candidacy process accessible ensures more people can run for office, fostering greater political participation and competition in Harker Heights.

For more information, visit the official Harker Heights Election Page.