Not every day you meet someone who reminds you why it's worth believing in politics. I had that luck with Alfredo Mendoza in the first two years of his term in the previous legislature in the Arrecife city council. Besides being a friend, we share a curious coincidence: we were both born on January 4th.
Perhaps that's why I understand his way of being so well. Alfredo is not one to raise his voice to impose himself; he is one who listens, dialogues, and seeks to understand before deciding.
His capacity for sacrifice for the collective good is impossible to measure, his coherence and sense of honesty are a knack in these convulsive times in danger of extinction.
His human quality is what I admire most. He has the rare virtue of treating the anonymous neighbor with the same respect as the highest public office. In a time when many get carried away by the photo and the easy headline, Mendoza continues to bet on discreet work, the kind that is not seen but changes lives.
In the last elections, he led the most voted candidacy in Arrecife. I remember that night, our electoral headquarters were separated by just 3 meters, and when the final result was given we both hugged on the stairs of that building, me convinced that he would be the mayor of my city, that partially relieved me from being left out of the Arrecife plenary by a handful of votes.
That support was not accidental: it was the response of a citizenry that trusted his honesty and his management capacity. But a few weeks later, being the most voted candidate, he had to go to the opposition, since the other two majority political forces decided to form a government between themselves, although sometimes it seems unfair as is the case, that is the greatness of our democratic system.
As a politician, I know that I will never be on a list that he leads. But as a resident of Arrecife, I would vote for him without hesitation. Because above the acronyms is the responsibility to put my city in the hands of someone who knows how to take care of it and respect every cent of public money. I could also apply that sentiment to people of other totally antagonistic political colors such as Astrid Pérez of the Popular Party or Oswaldo Betancort of Coalición Canaria, when they have demonstrated high-mindedness and real commitment to the people and, most importantly, give value to the box of gofio.
When you manage a millionaire budget as is the case of Arrecife, you cannot afford mistakes or frivolities. Administering public funds is an act of responsibility that must be guided by principles, not by improvisations and whims. And that's where Alfredo makes the difference. Arrecife does not need more nonsense, nor showcase and incapable managers, specialists in parties every weekend. We need management, humanity, coherence, and dialogue.
And in that, Mendoza is not only an example: he is the opportunity that Arrecife should not miss.