A surprise appointment announced by Chapala Mayor Joaquin Huerta has put enforcement of municipal regulations in the hands Carlos Rosales Pérez, one of the city government’s sternest critics.
Rosales stepped into the post of Director de Reglamentos, Inspección y Vigilancia on Friday, July 18. He takes over from Arturo Rivera Mexicano, who resigned earlier this month to take a new post with the Jalisco Electoral Institute.
A well-known local activist who has been involved in Chapala politics, the community’s soccer circles and leadership of the grass roots movement “Si al Lago, No al Nuevo Acueducto,” Rosales has earned a reputation as an acid-tongued pundit whose commentaries slamming current administration officials for failing to fulfill their duties have been widely circulated through social media.
His prior experience in city government affairs includes a stint as director of the Municipal Sports Commission during the 2004-2006 administration and a fiery city councilor who served a 2020-2012 term under former Mayor Jesus Cabrera.
In his new role, Rosales says his first priority will be to impose order in the commercial zone at the Chapala Malecón, where fractious vendors and city authorities have been embroiled in constant conflict for many years.
“I want to tackle this challenge not just as a government official, but also as a concerned citizen,” he told the Reporter this week. “My first task will be to get all city hall personnel on the same wave length so that we can engage the vendors in meaningful dialogue. If I can’t get full backing from my colleagues and make some progress within a month’s time, I’m fully prepared to quit the job.”
Rosales is also equally sensitive to other problems, including beefs from Ajijic residents regarding disturbance of the peace caused by noisy watering holes and private events.
Last weekend he accompanied his staff of inspectors on their late-night rounds, overseeing the issuance of fine notifications to two bars that were discovered doing business after permitted hours. He encourages residents who are bothered by recurrent situations of this nature to register a written complaint at his office.