Harlingen — Public comment at the Harlingen City Commission meeting included sharp criticism of the mayor's handling of airport affairs, with speakers linking recent staff resignations and two Federal Aviation Administration investigations to alleged mayoral interference.

Dawn Ray Leonard told the commission she had warned previously about ignored safety protocols and alleged the mayor "muddied the waters" at an airport board meeting and "attempted to derail the hiring process." Leonard said the airport director and assistant director of aviation had resigned recently and asked whether taxpayers would be responsible if the FAA cited the airport or the city for violations. She criticized commissioners' conduct at the board meeting and accused some officials of intimidating board members.

Robert Leftwich echoed concerns about local governance and accused city officials of favoritism in unrelated contracts and hiring decisions at Harlingen Water Works, citing a claimed annual payment to an uncle (a figure Leftwich gave on the record). Leftwich said elected officials should act for the citizens rather than special interests.

The mayor and commissioners acknowledged the public comments but did not offer a detailed on-the-record rebuttal during the public-comment period. City staff did not provide FAA findings or documentation during the meeting record. The allegations in public comment remain claims in the meeting minutes; the transcript records them as raised but not substantiated within the meeting itself.

The meeting proceeded with its agenda. The public-comments segment and the commissioners' responses indicate the topic could prompt follow-up requests for records, aviation board minutes and any FAA correspondence if residents or the commission seek to substantiate the claims.

Note: Statements in this article are attributed to the speakers who made them in public comment. The commission's official record does not include FAA determinations or completed investigations in the public meeting transcript.