The new Aguirre administration in Chapala seems to have hit the ground running to change that. perception. Alejandro Aguirre is projecting an image that he is ushering a new era in competence and transparency in Chapala, and to date, he has backed up that projection with some immediate accomplishments
Alejandro Aquirre listens to a constituent in La Canacinta ( photo: Patrick O’Heffernan)
Expats in Lakeside cannot vote or be involved in campaigns, so we have little influence on what goes on at the municipal governments in Chapala or Jocotepec. We pay our taxes and hope some of the money actually gets spent efficiently in the community.
The new Aguirre administration in Chapala seems to have hit the ground running to change that. perception. Alejandro Aguirre is projecting an image that he is ushering a new era in competence and transparency in Chapala, and to date, he has backed up that projection with some immediate accomplishments.
The rapid and well-coordinated response to the floods and landslides was pretty much a textbook operation by Chapala, despite the fact that the last administration did not leave functioning equipment and vehicles and they had to be rented. Plus, DIF – headed up by Erika Torres, the new First Lady of Chapala – is working daily with many non-profits to distribute food and supplies where they are needed.
Also, almost immediately, Aguirre announced he would open investigations into the illegal building and permit irregularities that led to the destruction in communities like La Canacinta and La Christina. We shall see if he follows through. Laguna will keep reporting on whether this is a real initiative or an empty promise.
Speaking of reporting, from a journalist’s point of view there is definitely a new attitude in Chapala. Aguirre has hired Eli Oropeza as his Director of Communications, a woman with deep experience both in media and government communications. She has set up communication lines with local journalists, answers questions quickly, and even introduced local journalists to President Aguirre.
Aguirre has also quickly announced 22 of his department heads – 75% of the total- only two weeks after taking office, another sign that he intends to get things done. His expansion of the Cultural staff and appointments also is a good start on his promises to beef up the cultural offerings of Lakeside.
As we move forward and see how problems like potholed streets, broken sidewalks, water shortages, the controversial dog rescue center in West Ajijic, underfunded police and fire, and the Auditorio get handled, we will know if his administration is all show and no go, or the competent technocracy he projects.
It is encouraging that Aguirre seems to stress getting out and listening to all kinds of people – including Expats (with translation help from Oropeza) and responding to problems . We will see if he can keep the momentum up for the next three years despite the lethargy inherent in any bureaucracy, the persistent funding shortfalls, and the bizarre state-local-federal relationships any local political leader must navigate .
That is why governing is a skill and an art – we shall see if Aguirre can do both.
Patrick O’Heffernan
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