EDINBURG, RGV – Long-serving Hidalgo County Judge Ramon Garcia says he will not seek re-election.
In a statement, Garcia said he wants to return to being a full-time attorney and to work with his son Orlando, who has just become a lawyer.
Here is Garcia’s statement in full:
“After 10 years serving as your Hidalgo County Judge and achieving my goals for a stronger, fiscally sound, and transparent county government, I am pleased to announce that I will not be seeking reelection in 2018.
“In 2002, when I was elected to my first term in office, the county was in poor financial shape. Taxes had skyrocketed from 44 cents to 59 cents and our fund balance was at an all-time low of $702,648.
“Today, our fund balance is at about $29 million, taxes have not gone up in 15 years, Commissioners Court works well together by putting the needs of residents before our personal goals, and our county is stronger than ever. I am satisfied that I have accomplished my primary goal to address the fiscal issues in the county.
“It is time to return to being a full-time lawyer. Now, in my forty-second year of practicing law in South Texas, I have been given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of welcoming my son, Orlando, to the firm and I look forward to practicing law with him by my side.
“I feel it is important to make this announcement now so that potential candidates have time to weigh their options and make the necessary preparation to mount a campaign, should they decide to seek this office.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the people of Hidalgo County for placing your trust in me during the 12 years I will have served as County Judge. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the residents of Hidalgo County and I pledge to continue to serve our constituents during the time remaining in my current term.”
