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Texas AG: Socorro Violated Law

The state says Socorro, Texas violated the law when it extended the terms of office for elected officials.  An opinion Tuesday by Attorney General Greg Abbott's office says the terms for city councilors in Socorro can only be extended by altering the city charter. Voters must approve any change.

Terms were lengthened in 2011 from three to four years. Councilors also decided to hold elections in November rather than May. The move resulted in terms being extended to 4 ½ years for some.

City spokesman David Garcia says state law allows election dates to change as long as terms of office don't run longer than four years. He says city leaders were not clear whether a term begins from the election date or first of the year.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.