Public commenters urge council to respect voters amid impeachment proceeding

During the hearing’s public‑comment period, several residents urged the City Council and the tribunal to respect the will of voters and the mayor’s electoral mandate. A sampler of remarks included appeals to leave decisions to the ballot box and arguments that the mayor has broad community backing.

Other commenters, however, asked that evidence be examined closely. Melinda de los Santos told the tribunal she believed screenshots and other records had been altered and urged the council to consider whether misconduct or malfeasance occurred. The public‑comment speakers who identified themselves on the record included Sean Merritt, Shelly Hinojosa and Melinda de los Santos; several referenced documentation submitted to the tribunal.