Judge Cantú States Removal Petition Is Political and Tied to Him Being In The Way of Certain Individuals Misusing Maverick County Tax Payer Dollars
EAGLE PASS, Texas — Maverick County Judge Ramsey English Cantú addressed the recent petition seeking his removal, stating that the effort is political and tied to his stance on protecting taxpayer dollars and controlling county spending.
Cantú stated that individuals who submitted the petition have not been supporters of his, naming Chief Deputy De Leon from the Sheriff’s Office, former Mayor and attorney Rolando Salinas, CGC Ritchie, and local attorney Poncho Navarez.
He further stated that attorneys CGC Ritchie and Poncho Navarez are financially supporting his opponent, County Judge candidate Gerardo “Jerry” Morales, noting that Ritchie contributed $5,000 and Navarez contributed $10,000 to the campaign.
Timing of District Court Funding Issue
Cantú addressed allegations tied to funding for the 365th and 293rd District Courts, stating that the budget was set in October 2025 and that the district judges were fully aware of those numbers at that time.
He questioned why the issue is being raised now, stating that it comes as the runoff election approaches.
Cantú stated that it is “funny” the issue is being brought forward at this time, suggesting it was intended to make him look bad politically.
Explanation of Budget Reallocation
Cantú explained that funds were reallocated from the district courts to help fund a newly created County Court at Law, which will take on a portion of cases from the district courts.
He clarified that this decision was made by the entire Maverick County Commissioners Court, not solely by the County Judge.
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District Court Growth and Travis County Comparison
Cantú stated that for many years, the district courts have been given what they have requested and have grown into operations exceeding $1 million.
He stated that when comparing Maverick County to Travis County, a much larger county, the differences in salaries are clear.
Cantú stated that a Travis County court coordinator earns between $53,000 and $66,000, while in Maverick County similar positions are being paid over $116,000.
He questioned whether that is fair, stating that in his opinion, it is not.
Cantú stated that this situation developed over many years, where departments continued to request and receive more funding.
He stated clearly that he does not operate that way and bases decisions on numbers and what the county can afford.
365th District Court Staffing and Salaries
Cantú stated that the 365th District Court, under Judge Amado Abascal, has 13 employees plus the judge.
He listed salaries including benefits as follows:
- Cecelia D. Elizondo — $93,816
- Vacant position — $94,820
- Erica Mancha — $92,243
- Vacant position — $61,006
- Samantha Espinoza — $74,142
- Patricia G. Salinas — $177,827
- Melissa Garcia — $116,572
- Amanda Capetillo — $86,283
- Aracely Garcia — $92,938
- Jimena Lopez — $70,816
- Deborah Montemayor — $110,495, identified by Cantú as a part time employee earning over $100,000
- Ariana Hernandez — $85,492
- Vacant position — $51,532
Cantú pointed out that three vacant positions account for approximately $200,000, stating that these funds could have been reallocated without affecting a single employee.
He reiterated that he does not have anything against the employees, but that this information must be presented to the public. He stated that all figures are from the publicly available Maverick County Budget for Fiscal Year 2026.
293rd District Court Staffing and Salaries
Cantú then addressed the 293rd District Court, under Judge Maribel Flores, which has 10 employees:
- Guadalupe Adams — $104,496
- Lisa Blanks — $159,995
- Raquel Hernandez — $117,634
- Monica Moreno — $65,121
- Rosa Baye — $88,359
- Stephanie Ontiveros — $60,779
- Migdelia Lorelei Bruno — $49,416
- Emily Esquivel — $81,648
- Guadalupe V. Rodriguez — $48,324
- Yolanda Gomez — $60,616
Cantú noted that Migdelia Lorelei Bruno is the spouse of candidate Jerry Morales and stated that taxpayers should be aware of that connection.
He again reiterated that his concern is not with employees, but with how the budget is structured.
District Court Budgets
Cantú reported that the 365th District Court receives $1,076,055, while the 293rd District Court receives $1,170,287. He stated that although these courts serve Maverick, Zavala, and Dimmit counties, Maverick County contributes the largest share.
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Cuts Within County Judge’s Office
Cantú stated that his office reduced spending by eliminating three positions, including one executive assistant position and two grant funded positions, totaling approximately $90,000 in reductions. He added that these cuts were not limited to his office, stating that other departments across Maverick County also received budget reductions as part of efforts to create a more balanced and responsible budget.
Call for Countywide Review
Cantú expressed support for a comprehensive pay study and a full operational review of all departments.
He stated that an independent firm should evaluate staffing levels, salaries, and operational needs across county government. He stated that Maverick County has struggled to create efficient budgets and pointed to this situation as one example.
Cantú assured taxpayers that he will continue holding livestreams to discuss additional areas of county spending and provide transparency.
Cantú Says He Is Standing in the Way of Excessive Spending
Cantú stated that his actions have made him a target, saying he is standing in the way of individuals who want to continue increasing budgets and maintaining high salary levels.
He stated that some employees are earning well over $100,000, while other county employees with decades of service earn significantly less, with some making around $56,000.
He questioned whether that is fair to taxpayers.
Final Remarks on Government Spending
Cantú stated that while he is a Democrat, he agrees with President Trump that at times government needs to “drain the swamp.”
He stated that Maverick County has issues that need to be addressed and that those issues persist because he is standing in the way of certain individuals who want continued increases in spending.
Cantú emphasized that Maverick County is one team and that all employees should be treated fairly.
He stated that the county cannot continue operating under the current structure and that changes are necessary.
Ongoing Situation
Cantú’s statements reflect his position regarding the removal petition and the ongoing budget dispute.
The Maverick Times will continue to follow developments related to the petition, campaign activity, and county financial decisions.
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