Road to 09'

Last week, the United Democratic Party (UDP) presented their official slate which will contest the 2009 Elections. The slate consists of the Mayor and Councilors who have worked hard throughout these three years and are looking for a next win. For some, this would be their third consecutive win, while for one hopeful it will be his second. On the night of endorsement, questions were posed to the candidates. Find their answers below.

(l-r) Councillor Pablo Ico, Justiano 'Nano' Guerrero, Severo Guerrero, Mayor Elsa Paz.

Mayoral Candidate Elsa Paz (contesting a third term)
Q: Why run once more?
A: Because the people are asking me to go again. For the people who believe that I am doing a good job.

Q: What are some of the future plans for the town?
A: We have so many projects that we want to see completed and some of those include completing the cobblestone project to cover other areas and the finalization of the town’s master plan.

Q: What are your expectations going into the elections?
A: To win and with a UDP Central Government much can be accomplished for the town. With them on our side, we can do much more.

Pablo Ico (contesting a second term)
Q: Why contest the elections one more time?
A: Well, because I believe that in three more years, we can offer so much more.

Q: What was your portfolio for the past three years? What were some of your achievements?
A: Youth, Culture and Sports. Through this portfolio many games and competitions were organized. It is nice to see the smiling faces of people who partake in these activities. Once one event is done, people look forward for the following one.

Q: What changes could you bring in the next three years should you win?
A: I would like to work more in the tourism industry, the promotion of our island and country in general to the international market. I can accomplish a lot in exposing our jewel and working closely with our Minister of Tourism. We need three more years to accomplish just that.

Justiniano “Nano” Guerrero (contesting a third term)
Q: Why contest the elections one more time?
A: Because, I feel I can still accomplish more.

Q: What was your portfolio for the past three years? What were some of your achievements?
A: Street Rehabilitation was one of them. It is clearly evident what was accomplished, the cobblestoning of Pescador and Barrier Reef Drive and addressing the situation on Angel Coral Street. The town side streets are operational now, as well.

Q: What changes could you bring in the next three years should you win?
A: Addressing the issue and building accessible roads to and in the San Mateo Subdivision. As well, as addressing their sewer problems and those island wide. We need to protect our environment and our sewer problems may have a detrimental fallback on our island. San Pedrito also needs rehabilitation on their streets.

Severo Guerrero (contesting a fourth term, third consecutive)
Q: Why contest the elections one more time?
A: Not for my benefit but for the benefit of the town. I feel I can do much more.

Q: What was your portfolio for the past three years? What were some of your achievements?
A: Parks.

Q: What changes could you bring in the next three years should you win?
A: Rehabilitating the Boca del Rio Park. The Geo Tubes have been ordered and we are just awaiting the arrival of them.

Part two – next week. Interviews with Romel Gomez, Joe Elijio and Juan Alamilla.