It is that time of year again. The time when people start making goals and plans for the year to come. With the presidential election ahead, more people are thinking about the other seats that will be up for election in 2020.
Whether you are considering running for a local office in your town or a more significant office within your state, campaigning takes a significant investment of time and money.
Election laws are necessarily strict and detailed. Even seemingly minor issues can compromise the legitimacy and accuracy of the process, which is why election officials must be compliant and careful.
Unfortunately, people make mistakes. And in the context of an election, these human errors could cause considerable confusion and controversy. For instance, recently, county officials discovered a missing ballot box, which could reverse a vote approving a $569 million bond to build two new schools.
Part of a solid campaign strategy involves reaching your constituents where they are. Depending on the people in your area, you may be able to reach people through rallies and door-knocking events, but you may find yourself with a very limited reach.
For better or worse, social media is now part of the everyday life of most Texans. It can be a way to make new connections, but there is also potential for public blunders.
The criminal justice system works to hold people accountable for their illegal activities. Given the constitutional rights of Americans, someone who allegedly broke the law must be found guilty to serve the consequences determined by the court handling their case. However, not every judge determines sentencing reasonably and fairly, which can lead to disparity within the system.
Recent legislation in Harris County, Texas, sheds light on some of the potential problems within the nation’s third-largest system. Class-action lawsuits filed against the county may help reform the true meaning of justice for those incarcerated because of their financial constraints.
Being a first responder is a big job. In an instant, there are people counting on you to help them get emergency care that may, ultimately, save their life.
While 911 dispatchers provide an important service to the people of Texas, they were not considered first responders until recently. Earlier this year, a new law went into effect recognizing 911 dispatchers as first responders.
There are numerous rules and regulations with which government workers must comply. Some of these rules are obvious and widely understood. Others are more obscure, even for employers and employees who seem to eat, sleep and breathe government work.
But no matter how insignificant or unusual a rule may seem, it is important to follow it. For instance, government workers should know that certain activities are prohibited in federal government buildings. This includes sleeping.
Every day, it seems as if there is a new political, cultural, generational or regional controversy. Whatever the disagreement might be, people may have strong feelings about it and want to share those feelings with others.
Today, it is easier than ever for people to express themselves and their beliefs, thanks to social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. However, using these platforms to share opinions or disseminate information can create problems, particularly for public sector employees.
In a perfect world, every government worker would know and follow the rules of conduct. There would be no financing violations or conflicts of interest, and there would be little need for elaborate compliance systems.
However, the fact is that violations do occur. The standards can be confusing, and people do not always understand or follow the rules. This means that ensuring compliance with ethics standards remains a critical task. Unfortunately, it is not an easy one.
Campaigning for public office is a long and expensive process. In addition to trying to create a platform that fits your constituency, it takes hours of talking to people and refining your marketing to make sure your message gets in the right hands.
Whether you are running for election or you are supporting someone’s campaign, your constituents need to vote on election day. With the election around the corner, you want to make sure you are having conversations with people who will be able to help your cause.
In today’s world, going to work can include sitting in a café on the other side of town, or joining a meeting while on the other side of the world. What was once a luxury has become common in more industries and offices.
While you may be able to do some of your work remotely, there are certain aspects of the job that require your physical presence. When it comes to the Texas Open Meetings Act, there are rules about who needs to be there.
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2517 North Main Avenue
San Antonio,
TX
78212
Phone:
210-227-3243
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701 East Harrison
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Harlingen,
TX
78550
Phone:
956-421-4904
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Austin,
TX
78745
Phone:
512-279-6431
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League City Office
549 N. Egret Bay Blvd.
Suite 200
League City,
TX
77573
Phone:
832-632-2102
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