Charlie Cabler Finalizes Power Grab, Reinstates Suspended City Administrator

City of  Brownsville Court Coordinator Roberto Baez is back at his familiar desk, reinstated by City Manager Charlie Cabler, after having been suspended with pay for allegedly participating in a scheme to circumvent the City Charter, pulling municipal court employees out from under the supervision of the court into a new city department, likely named "Court Services."

In short order, Baez, a Mexican National with alien resident status, has worked as an official with the Public Utilities Board, the City of Brownsville's Human Resources Department and recently, as Court Coordinator for the Municipal Court. 

Seemingly, Baez, along with City Secretary Micheal Lopez, had been trying to sneak the administrative changes past Municipal Judge Ben Neece, waiting until the judge left town on vacation.  

Neece, however, stuck around town for a day or two, preparing for his trip, and evidently caught the presumptuous duo red-handed in their attempted coup, leading to the Baez' suspension. 

City Manager Charlie Cabler

Likely, the attempted coup had been orchestrated by Cabler all along, to bring employees in municipal court out from under the supervision of the municipal judge and under the umbrella of the City Manager.

This assertive side of Cabler may have an underpinning of mayoral support as it contrasts with the City Manager's typical persona. Remember, Cabler stood meekly by as the mayor unnecessarily leased and refurbished a downtown "office" with taxpayer monies, an office he NEVER used.

Yes, Cabler strikes us a "go along to get along" type guy, not one to initiate a shakeup in the municipal court without direction or support.

From the editor:  We've sat on this story since 11/23/16, but since the gist of the story is out there, we publish our belated version.