I expect many readers weren’t living here 20 years ago when Alejandro Aguirre served his first term as Chapala mayor.

Back then he was a single guy, recently engaged to his future wife Erika Torres, and at that time the youngest man ever elected to the job. Despite no previous political experience, he racked up some admirable accomplishments, such as making a deal for the government to buy the main part of the former Hotel Nido that was put on the market shortly before he took office. The purchase saved the historic building from an uncertain fate and provided the government with a dignified home when the former town hall building was abandoned due to severe structural damages, and official offices were spread out all over town in rented facilities.

Aguirre also spearheaded a fund-raising campaign to clinch the construction of the Technical Institute, roping in expat residents to contribute a substantial amount of Chapala’s financial share in the project.

Please login or subscribe to view the complete article.