Mineral Wells sets third recall election for May; Maldonado petition forces vote
Feb. 13—MINERAL WELLS — Council members called for a recall election in a special session held Tuesday to beat Friday's deadline to set the May 4 ballot.
Friday also is the final day to file to run for a seat on the council.
Mayor Regan Johnson was joined Wednesday on the ballot by Ron Davis, the leader of the Maldonado petition drive.
Ward 2 representative also has filed for reelection, and is now challenged by Bryan Sheeman. Ward 1 Councilwoman Beth Watson had drawn no challenger by Wednesday.
With Tuesday's 7-0 vote, Ward 2 Councilman Carlos Maldonado joins Tomlin and Ward 4 Councilman Doyle Light as targets of successful petitions seeking their ouster over rising water rates.
Ward 2 is northeast Mineral Wells, Wards 1 and 4 are the southeast and southwest areas of the city, respectively.
Only residents of those wards will see a recall on their ballot.
Maldonado issued a somewhat philosophical statement to local media, distinguishing Mineral Wells' ongoing water war as "perception" versus "perspective."
The first, he noted, arises from personal interpretation of the world and events. He distinguished the second as the "art" of observation, with its most powerful shape coming in "sitting in the seat of the person opposite you."
"I know the challenge that comes with viewing our community today in a perspective view," he continued. "I have challenged myself along with leaders and community members to view change in the perspective form. ... I know this community will rise above and continue to succeed united."
Maldonado's term normally would be up in May 2025. So would Light's, but a quirky question appears in the case of Tomlin, whose term will end this May regardless.
Tomlin has filed for reelection, and a reply from the Texas Secretary of State's office to the Weatherford Democrat indicates Tomlin's recall is for the current term.
Thus, he could be ousted from office and win a new term on the same day.
The Secretary of State also contradicted advice the city attorney gave the council when Tomlin's petition was certified — that the state elections code superseded the city charter.
The home-rule charter says a recall will be held 30-60 days after a petition is certified, while the state code says cities will hold elections only in May or November.
"As there is no general recall provision under state law, recall is primarily driven by home-rule charter provisions (as is the case here with the city of Mineral Wells)," the secretary of state's email reads. "Ultimately, questions regarding interpretation of city charter provisions should be addressed to the city attorney's office."
Regarding the charter, the council in December set about proposing seven charter amendments to align with the state code. That also is set for the May 4 election.
