One of the consequences of processes such as the primaries, or the electoral process itself, is that those of us who aspire to gain the trust of voters invade the written press with thoughtful opinion articles.
The usual formula prescribes a pinch of historicism and a pinch of self-criticism on a generous base of enthusiasm for the future. In the specific case of Arrecife, we must add in a prominent place the age-old reflection of a city that has lived with its back to the sea.
I don't think that's what the citizens demand: a collection of commonplaces and promises that then remain in the drawers. That is why, when I am asked what Arrecife I want, I start by pointing out what PSOE I want.
Arrecife will not change, or at least the PSOE will not be the engine of the necessary change, as long as we continue to make the mistake of talking to everyone while the program is being drafted, and locking ourselves in offices when it is time to govern.
I am not criticizing the work of my colleagues in the City Council. On the contrary, I recognize their dedication and commitment to daily work. But governing Arrecife is more than just managing the routine every day. It is being able to offer projects with the capacity for transformation, and that can only be done from a living party, with internal debate. That can only be done from a political leadership focused on contact with citizens and the associative fabric.
And yes, I know what I would do if I have the possibility and the honor of leading the PSOE candidacy to the Arrecife City Council.
Arrecife is experiencing an economic and population recession. A setback exacerbated by the increasingly important role played by San Bartolomé or Teguise in the cultural and economic sphere. Something that is good, because I would never criticize other municipalities for increasing their role in the island scene; what distresses me is the loss of weight of the capital.
For this reason, my first measure would be to bet on the recovery of its economy through a Strategic Capital Plan, the elaboration and execution of an Urban Quality Plan for the neighborhoods, and strengthen the marina as the great strong point for tourism.
But, if I may, my first commitment is to work day by day, throughout the entire term and I publicly promise not to launch any neighborhood or resurfacing plan in the last year of that term.
Cristina Duque Ramírez, candidate for the PSOE primaries for Mayor of Arrecife.
