Arriving under the tight security net cast over Ajijic from midday Tuesday, September 9, Jalisco Governor Jorge Aristóteles Sandoval Díaz appeared as guest of honor on the podium for the second annual Informe (government report) delivered by Chapala Mayor Joaquín Huerta Barrios.
The mayor opened his address with effusive thanks to Sandoval for his intervention in overcoming red tape hang-ups and facilitating funding for major projects slated for the current administration’s final year in office. He also stressed his gratitude for the state government’s interest and backing to fight crime and restore a sense of security in the community.
Following Huerta´s welcome remarks to the governor, numerous other dignitaries and the public in attendance, the nuts and bolts of the Informe were presented in a 30-minute video, complemented by the handout of a printed booklet filled with facts and figures and dozens of full-color images.
The mayor closed with a short message reiterating his government’s efforts to relieve the municipality’s dire financial constraints through belt-tightening on spending, staff reductions and more efficient local revenue collection.
“We have run an austere government in order to better administer our scant resources. There’s never enough to stretch as far as needed. The next few mayors will have to continue taking tough fiscal measures,” he declared.
That said, one of Huerta’s closest advisors later revealed that total costs for this year’s Informe-including technical bells and whistles, publications, and the post-event reception with live mariachi music-set the city back by about 95,000 pesos.
In his turn at the mike, the governor picked up on the Huerta government’s slogan “Un buen gobierno lo hacemos todos,” noting that government officials at all levels need to work together and maintain the perspective of ordinary people in carrying out their jobs. “When we assume these positions we can’t stop thinking like citizens to better serve the public and work towards achieving the changes and everyone’s desires.”
He underlined his commitment to assuring the well-being of Chapala families and expatriate residents by boosting the state’s support in areas such as public security, tourism and education.
The event was held at the Auditorio de la Ribera before an audience of more than 700 people who filled every auditorium seat and spilled out onto the entrance terrace, contrasting with the notably sparse attendance at last year’s Informe.