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Outgoing Galena Park officials speaks on controversy
The outgoing Galena Park mayor and secretary sat one-on-one with FOX 26's Randy Wallace address claims from and about the city's incoming mayor.
GALENA PARK, Texas - Days after narrowly losing reelection, longtime Galena Park Mayor Esmeralda Moya is pushing back against accusations from mayor-elect Oscar Mireles, who claims she removed city property and left City Hall in disarray—allegations she firmly denies as tensions rise ahead of the leadership transition.
Esmeralda Moya has been the mayor of Galena Park since 2014. Last Saturday, she lost to Oscar Mireles by 132 votes.
Galena Park current mayor, city secretary speak out
What we know:
On Wednesday, Mireles accused Moya of leaving the city with no one in charge and stealing city property. Accusations the long-time mayor denies.
Galena Park has no one in charge following close election, current mayor says otherwise in statement to FOX 26
A closely contested mayoral election in Galena Park has quickly escalated into controversy, as the newly elected mayor raises allegations against his predecessor, disputed claims emerge from city staff, and some residents call on the state to step in.
What they're saying:
In an interview Thursday, Moya took on her detractors.
"When you're going to speak, you should have the facts behind it," she said.
Mireles posted a video on Facebook showing Moya leaving city hall with the bed of her truck filled with black plastic bags. He alluded she was stealing city property.
She told us the bags were filled with personal items/gifts she has received during her tenure in office and nothing that belonged to the city.
Mireles told us on Wednesday the longtime city secretary abruptly quit. Mayra Gonzales, a 22-year Galena Park city employee, denies that.
"I have given my resignation," she said. Her last day is Friday.
Why is she quitting?
"I decided to leave because the mayor-elect, for the last three years, has harassed city employees and myself, and I chose not to work for that administration," said Gonzales.
Moya says six other city employees have resigned due to Mireles, and she believes there could be others. Moya denies social media accusations of voter fraud.
"The machines don't lie. We don't personally count the ballots," she said.
Mireles will be sworn in as the new mayor of Galena Park on Wednesday, May 13 at 6 p.m.
The Source: FOX 26 Reporter spoke with Esmeralda Moya, current Galena Park mayor, as well as Galena Park City Secretary Mayra Gonzales.