NUECES COUNTY, TEXAS: Colby Wiltse, State Director for County Citizens Defending Freedom, as a resident of Nueces County Texas, filed a petition under Chapter 87 of Texas Local Government Code to remove Nueces County District Attorney Mark Gonzalez from public office.
This petition for removal is a citizen’s tool being utilized to reestablish law and order, and protect the citizens of Nueces County, Texas. Texas does not have a traditional impeachment or recall process for elected officials for incompetence or official misconduct. County citizens, however, have the authority with a Petition for Removal under the Texas Constitution and by Local Government Code 87.
Gonzalez, first elected in 2016, has been under increased scrutiny during his current term for his high rate of criminal dismissals, mishandling of murder cases, mishandling of evidence, lack of oversight, and failing to pursue charges against violent offenders. We contend that his actions have led to a revolving-door criminal justice system in Nueces County where offenders, even violent offenders, have been released back onto the streets where police officers are discouraged from making arrests.
A petition for removal of a Texas County District Attorney under Chapter 87 of Texas Local Government Code recently occurred in El Paso County, with similar facts and circumstances as those in Mark Gonzalez’s tenure. As a trial was set to prosecute the case for that attorney’s removal, El Paso District Attorney Yvonne Rosales resigned ahead of the removal trial.
County citizens have the right to full accountability from their public officials, particularly concerning public safety and the rule of law. Nueces County Citizens Defending Freedom (CCDF-Nueces) stands ready to support county citizens in holding government officials accountable for breaches of liberty and governance.
When asked for a statement, Mr. Wiltse responded, “Our citizens deserve better. We have built this community, and we deserve to live here and raise our families without fear of criminal activity and without fear of being attacked for doing what we know is right.”
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