At 19, Avrey Anderson defeated a three-term incumbent to become Hays County district clerk.
“Every move I have made since the beginning of my tenure has been under a microscope,” Anderson wrote. “I do not believe I am incompetent in executing specific statutory duties. I have made
mistakes, but I do not believe leaving will prevent these mistakes from occurring. Hopefully someone older than me will be given the benefit of the doubt.”
In June, several staff members from Anderson's office, including the Hays County first assistant district attorney and a deputy clerk, accused Anderson in court of professional incompetence and negligence of his duties. A judge was set to rule on a possible suspension.
It wasn't the first time he’s come under scrutiny.
In September, District Attorney Kelly Higgins called Anderson unqualified, saying he was seen drinking tea and taking selfies during meetings
and twirling in a district judge’s chair. He also claimed Anderson fired or replaced several experienced people in the District Clerk’s office and questioned his reasoning.
"Many within the Hays County legal community were concerned about Anderson's youth, inexperience, and failure to prepare for the role of District Clerk," Higgins said in September.
Anderson said
he hoped he did some good and listed some changes he made while in office, mostly automating processes and enhancing communication systems.
“These efforts will be halted by my resignation, but I am sure that another clerk can figure these things out,” he said. “Perhaps one day I will be able to get back into the government sector but for now I believe it is best for the people of Hays County to have someone who hopefully attracts less
negative attention to themselves.”
Anderson declined to comment at this time.
