A director of the Katy Watchdogs organization, a citizens group that promotes conservative fiscal policy at Katy Independent School District,

A.D. Muller, a Director of The Katy Watchdogs, says that he will ask the Fort Bend County District Attorney to pursue a criminal investigation to determine the source and funding of a political ‘mailout’ endorsing Katy I.S.D. school board incumbent Robert Shaw and a $261.5 million bond issue set for May 13. Candidate Neal Howard was also endorsed in the political document.

“This mailer did not include any political disclaimer whatsoever,†Muller said. “It was a clear violation of Texas law, and it is my hope that the District Attorney will pursue this matter vigorously,†Muller said. “This is not a frivolous violation of the law, and I am confident the District attorney will take this matter seriously."

While the document does not have a disclaimer, Muller says his investigation has turned up additional evidence that he will provide to the District Attorney Monday that he believes will be of great assistance to law enforcement officials’ efforts to enforce the law.

“It’s clear cut. The required disclosure statement that indicates who paid for the advertising is not printed anywhere on the campaign material,†Muller said. “The reason the political disclaimer law exists is that citizens have a legal right to know who pays for political communications. What are they hiding – more special interests vendors who make money when bonds are sold?â€

“We know that the powerful vendors who make a lot of money off the school district are doing what they can to keep their flow of money coming into their businesses,†Muller said. “They may say this is for the children, but a lot of it is about old fashioned greed.â€

“If school district vendors helped pay for that mailing, then we have a right to know,†he said.

In a separate issue, Muller says he will also file a complaint against the organization K.I.D.S, a general purpose political action committee that supports the proposed $261.5 million bond election set for May 13.

“Their campaign financial statement indicates the group has accepted contributions from corporations without indicating that those funds are dedicated to administrative expenses,†Muller said. “Since the K.I.D.S. does not claim any paid employees, offices or any other elements of administrative costs, this conduct would appear on its face to be a violation of Texas law.â€

“Once again, Katy I.S.D. and its bond supporters find themselves mired in another election scandal,†said Muller. “The group’s most recent filing with the Texas Ethics Commission had not been posted Friday afternoon. I certainly hope that when we get a look at their latest report we won’t find even more corporate money being spent to try to convince voters to increase their profit margins at the public’s expense.â€

Last year, the Texas Rangers investigated misuse of the school district’s computer network including inappropriate email supporting incumbents in last year’s school board race being sent by administrators to other school personnel.

While Fort Bend District Attorney John Healy did not file criminal charges, he did file complaints with the Texas Ethics Commission against District