The legality of Uvalde County Attorney John Dodson’s residency outside of Uvalde County was called into question by Diana Olvedo-Karau during a public participation portion of the meeting where the County was considering an agenda item considering and acting upon lease agreements for office of JP 2, JP3 and County Attorney.
“I want to ask a question with all due respect to County Attorney John Dodson. But, just to clarify for the meeting, does Mr. Dodson reside in Uvalde County still? The reason I ask is that you may already know…” Karau said.
“We’re discussing the lease,” Judge Bill Mitchell said.
“Right. And you’re discussing the lease about the County Attorney’s space,” Karau said.
Karau continued, “And if the county attorney no longer lives in Uvalde County then that’s an issue, because by law he is required to reside, his primary habitation, to be in Uvalde County and it is many people’s understanding that has not been true for a number of months. And so it’s incumbent on this court, this body, to determine the facts,” Karau said.
County Attorney John Dodson responded, ” Thank you for asking the question. Been hoping to update and do this publicly. First of all, you don’t understand the law.”
“Do not quote chapter and verse of the law you are saying, that requires somebody to live, once they’ve been duly elected, requires them to stay there the entire term. That isn’t the case”
“For example, say you are elected as constable in your precinct. However, for whatever reason , you decide, it is the best interest of your family or for whatever reason, circumstances, you inherit the house across, in the next precinct or even the precinct over from that. The law does not require you to vacate your position, for that reason. It’s built into that. Things happen to people over the term of their service. As long as they’re still serving their community in the capacity that they are required to do so, then residency is out the window. Residency is only required to get elected.
“So, it is true. I have moved my wife and family to another part of the state. However, everything else and the reasons why are not the public’s business. I am here to serve this community until the end of my term. And I will tell you as I’ve told everyone else who’s asked me, I am not seeking reelection. I had 20 years in this county and have five generations of my family in this county. So, if you think I am leaving this county and you’re putting it out on Facebook, without talking to me, I have a problem with that.” Dodson said.
“And thank you for giving this opportunity by asking the question publicly. Because I want to make it very clear; I’ve given up a lot to serve as county attorney for this community for 20 years and I will continue to do so for the next two years,” Dodson said.
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