Barreling down the final stretch on the 2012 campaign trail, candidates running for the Chapala’s mayor seat will do their best to drum up support during the final series of rallies slated in different localities through Wednesday, June 27.
As voters prepare to go to the polls on July 1, local political observers predict that top contenders Gerardo Degollado and Joaquin Huerta will go down to the wire in a very tight race. Depending upon voter turn-out, minor party candidates will have to garner at least 1,000 ballots to win a place on the next city council.
The five contenders provided thumbnail biographies and some comments to introduce themselves to the Reporter’s readers.
LUIS PADILLA MARTINEZNew Alliance Party (PANAL)
Age: 47, born March 10, 1965, Chapala, Jalisco
Education: Graduate, two semesters of study towards teaching degree.
Profession: Pre-school music teacher, Jardin de Niños 266, Jocotepec.
Public administration & work experience: No previous experience in government; practicing music teacher since 1990; various posts in the National Education Workers Union (SNTE), secretary general, district DI-137, 2010-2012
Comment: “Integral education involving schools and families is the motor for rebuilding the fabric of society and resolving the situation we are now living through in the Chapala area. As a teacher I have often seen the consequences of domestic violence. I’m an advocate of programs to guide parents in giving children the love, care and quality time they need. Most of our public schools are run down and lack adequate classroom space, bathrooms, furnishings and equipment. The mayor should work hard at obtaining more resources to improve our educational institutions.”
JOSE ANTONIO FLORES PLASCENCIA
Party of the Democratic
Revolution (PRD)
Age: 45, born November 11, 1966, Ajijic, Jalisco
Education: Graduate Tlajomulco Technological Institute, degree in agronomy engineering; SEP-Jalisco Center for Postgraduate Studies, Master’s degree in education
Profession: Engineer in water basin management & residual water treatment
Public administration & work experience: Water supply analyst, Guadalajara metro-area water agency SIAPA; president Amigos del Lago, 2007-2009, professor, ecology-environment courses, CETAC-Jocotepec & CONALEP-Chapala.
Comment: “In Mexico we have made corruption a way of life. Mexican philosopher Octavio Paz referred to the United States as the first multiracial democracy in human history. In the countries our foreign residents come from, justice and transparency are the foundations of government. Our municipality should take a lesson from that example to achieve transparency in public spending, to root out corruption and impunity. That is the basis for reweaving the social fabric of our community.”
JOAQUIN HUERTA BARRIOS
National Action Party (PAN)
Age: 49, born October 11, 1962, Chapala, Jalisco,
Education: Graduate University of Guadalajara, degree in electromechanical engineering Profession: electromechanical engineer
Public administration & work experience: Director Chapala Water Service Agency Simapa, 2001-2004; Director Social Development office, Chapala city government, 2010-2011; independent electrical contractor & employment in private business sector, 1985-2001 and 2005-2009; physics teacher, Preparatoria Chapala.
Comment: “I thank foreign residents for choosing to live in Chapala and for their contributions to our municipality. I want to restore the region’s value and dignity and ensure that foreigners enjoy security, a tranquil place to live and the confidence of being treated with the friendship and kindness they deserve. I will strive to develop closer ties of communication and collaboration to achieve a healthier and more productive coexistence. Thanks to the foreign community, many citizens have jobs and sources of income that benefit the local economy.”
GERARDO DEGOLLADO GONZALEZ
Institutional Revolutionary
Party-Green Ecologist Party
(PRI-PVEM)
Age: 50; born September 9, 1961, La Palma, Michoacan
Education: Graduate Laton High School, California
Profession: Entrepreneur
Public administration & work experience: Three-year term as Chapala Mayor, 2007-2009. Business experience in family-operated enterprise, producing export quality reproductions of pre-Hispanic ceramic figures.
Comment: “The principal complaint of our foreign friends is insecurity and the distancing of the authorities who do not fully appreciate their value. Should I triumph on July 1, my government will be committed to restoring order, peace and liberty through a complete reorganization and professionalization of the municipal police department. We will strive to draw more Mexican and foreign tourists and residents, trying always to remain close to all of you. If we conscientiously live up to our commitments, people will speak well of Chapala.”
FRANCISCO JAVIER DIAZ OCHOA
Citizens Movement (MC)
Age: 47, born April 3, 1965, Zapopan, Jalisco
Education: Graduate ITESO University, degree in architecture.
Profession: Architect
Public administration & work experience: No previous experience in government; state delegate and Chapala municipal committee president for MC; entrepreneur & independent building contractor at lakeside since 2000.
Comment: “My platform principles are: Equality for Children – free uniforms, shoes and school supplies for all pre-school and elementary students. No more abandoned elders – monthly stipends for seniors over 65. Restored Tranquility for our families – coordination between the three levels of government so that all may live in peace. Popular Consent on Public Spending – citizen participation in municipality’s budget decisions. Public Will – a referendum to ratify our mandate during our second year in office. If the people don’t want us to continue governing, we will resign.”