Bexar County leaders to move DA attorneys, critics claim power grab – San Antonio Express-News

Bexar County leaders to move DA attorneys, critics claim power grab  San Antonio Express-News

Bexar County's next district attorney will inherit a smaller office as county commissioners transfer attorneys out, a decision that has sparked bipartisan opposition and questions about its legality. As part of the current budget, commissioners court voted in September to transfer 16 positions, including six attorneys, to a separate county office. Two county commissioners and all three candidates vying to replace DA Joe Gonzales object to the decision and question its legality. The DA’s civil division handles all of the county's non-criminal legal disputes, including employment lawsuits involving the county's workforce and civil rights cases filed against law enforcement. It also advises commissioners court, providing legal guidance to commissioners and negotiating county contracts.

By creating the new office, commissioners and County Judge Peter Sakai effectively put some of the DA's civil attorneys under their control. Supporters say the move would make the office more efficient, allowing county lawyers to report directly to the officials they advise. Opponents question whether commissioners have the authority to make the change and warn it could weaken the DA’s office and cost taxpayers more. The proposal was the primary reason Democratic Precinct 4 Commissioner Tommy Calvert voted "no" against the $2.6 billion budget, which went into effect Oct. 1. Republican Precinct 3 Commissioner Grant Moody was also opposed to the move. Calvert declined an interview