In the wake of a closely contested election, the outgoing mayor of Galena Park, Esmeralda Moya, is firmly refuting allegations made by her successor, Oscar Mireles. Following a narrow defeat in which she lost by just 132 votes, Moya has been accused by Mireles of improperly removing city property and leaving City Hall in disarray—a claim she vehemently denies.
Moya, who has served as the mayor since 2014, addressed the situation directly, stating, “When you’re going to speak, you should have the facts behind it.” The controversy escalated when Mireles shared a video on social media showing Moya leaving City Hall with her truck filled with black plastic bags, suggesting that she was taking city property. Moya clarified that the bags contained personal items and gifts she had received during her tenure, asserting that nothing in them belonged to the city.
Recent developments have added to the turmoil, as it was reported that Mayra Gonzales, the city secretary and a long-time employee, abruptly resigned. However, Gonzales refuted this claim, stating, “I have given my resignation,” and confirmed her last working day would be Friday. She revealed that her decision to leave was influenced by alleged harassment from Mireles over the past three years, saying, “I chose not to work for that administration.” Moya echoed this sentiment, noting that several other employees have also resigned under similar circumstances, suggesting a troubling environment within the city’s administration.
Furthermore, Moya has rejected claims circulating on social media regarding voter fraud, emphasizing the integrity of the voting process: “The machines don’t lie. We don’t personally count the ballots.” As the community grapples with these allegations, Mireles is set to be sworn in as the new mayor of Galena Park on May 13 at 6 p.m.
