Pretrial proceedings that will set the stage for the upcoming removal hearing of Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo will soon be underway.
The June 2 pretrial hearing is expected to cover early groundwork for the not-yet-scheduled removal hearing — a process that will be similar to a civil court case.
In the pretrial hearing, six members of the City Council are expected to discuss motions, witness lists and subpoenas, among other preparatory work leading up to the removal hearing.
Guajardo will not be included in the discussions, and City Councilmen Everett Roy and Roland Barrera have stated they are abstaining.
The remaining council members will eventually act as judges and jurors in the removal hearing and will have final say on whether Guajardo retains her office.
The events were put into motion by a removal petition, signed by six registered voters, that had been considered and moved forward by the City Council via a divided vote in March.
The petition alleges malfeasance or misconduct by the mayor in the handling of what became a controversial award of tax incentives to a downtown hotel project.
In later articles of impeachment, signers accused Guajardo of perjuring herself during a deposition taken as part of a lawsuit related to the funding.
Guajardo has denied any wrongdoing and asserted that initiation of the proceedings was driven by dispute over the proposed Inner Harbor desalination plant.
Supporters of the hearing have denied that the petition is linked to the project.
Kirsten Crow covers city government and water news. Have a story idea? Contact her at kirsten.crow@caller.com.
Consider supporting local journalism with a subscription to the Caller-Times.
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: What to expect in next steps of removal hearing of Corpus Christi mayor
Reporting by Kirsten Crow, Corpus Christi Caller Times / Corpus Christi Caller Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
