I could start this text by using the hackneyed expression "It's not a goodbye, it's a see you later", in order to leave doors open because we already know the twists and turns of life... even more so in politics. But no, that's not my case.
This farewell to political life that I am making public today, and to which I have dedicated so many years of my life, is a 'Farewell forever'. A decision deeply considered in private and shared with my closest circle and my family before considering that it was appropriate to communicate it publicly now, at the doors of the end of the legislature.
I have made this more than difficult decision because I consider, and need, to dedicate more time to my personal life and my family. It is time to step away from public life, although I will continue to be an active part of the great family that is the Popular Party. I will continue to contribute my experience and bet on policies for the benefit of the people, but now from another side of the playing field. Outside of politics there is a lot of life to live and a lot to do, especially for and for others.
The citizens have been my main source of energy during all these years. Out of respect and deep gratitude to all the men and women who have trusted me, I want them to consider my decision as proof that the virtue so despised of 'knowing how and when to leave' really exists, always under the umbrella of humility that I believe I have demonstrated with my work and dedication. Now it is up to others to continue defending the achievements made by our party, which are never secure, and to continue looking to the future based on work, effort and dedication.
When I started my journey in politics, back in 1983, at the headquarters of Alianza Popular (now Partido Popular) that was located in the old Civil Guard Barracks, in the Plazuela, with José Ferrer Perdomo as president, I never thought that my journey was going to be so satisfactory, rewarding and a great school of life. I owe all the presidents the trust placed in me since my beginnings. I want to thank so much the aforementioned José Ferrer Perdomo, José de Páez, Pedro Medina Abarca, Rafael de León Expósito, Alejandro Díaz Hernández, María Dolores Luzardo de León and currently Astrid Pérez Batista, among others.
I especially want to express my gratitude to our current president and mayor of Arrecife, Ástrid Pérez. Thank you, partner, for trusting me to be part of the Popular Party project for the city of Arrecife. In addition to occupying different councilorships in the capital, during my political career I have held different organic positions in the party that have helped me grow as a woman, as a person and as a politician. I have been very faithful to my political principles and have demonstrated loyalty to all the presidents; I will always carry something in my heart from all of them.
With special melancholy I remember the year 2007, when I started my political career as a councilor of the town hall, under the leadership of my dear and always remembered mayor Cándido Reguera Díaz. Those endless meetings with Cándido at the helm, and all the hours shared with him and the work teams, taught me that the main maxims to consolidate a political project must always be integrity, simplicity, humanity, humility and flexibility. Thank you Cándido. Wherever you are, I hope you are happy.
I suppose there will be those who do not consider it appropriate to remember everything we have achieved in the institution and for Arrecife during these years of political activity, because that is what we are paid for, and I will not be the one to take away their reason. But I cannot avoid feeling special pride in some of the projects and actions that we managed to carry out and I do so, mainly, as a sign of respect and as a sign of gratitude to the human teams, to the municipal workers, without whom the reality would be different. As an example, the inauguration of the Tourist and Artisan Market of Arrecife in April 2010, when I was in charge of the Department of Commerce and Tourism.
No one can escape the fact that the legislature that is about to conclude has been extremely complicated due to many factors. When we arrived we found a huge amount of paralyzed projects, unmet needs, abandoned neighborhoods and a long etcetera. We got down to work and I think the changes, improvements and results are in sight of everyone.
On the other hand, we cannot forget the arrival in our lives of a pandemic that turned the world upside down. My councilorships were among the most affected by the health restrictions. Sectors such as Urban Public Transport, Restaurants, Bars, Terraces, Beaches and playgrounds were deeply affected and had to respond quickly and forcefully. My personal life took a back seat, as my priority was always to meet the needs of our neighbors, workers, small business owners. Even so, in an atmosphere of concern, sadness and pain, I never ceased in my efforts to achieve my objectives before the end of the legislature. And I can say that I have fulfilled them.
The improvement of the Traffic Light Network of Arrecife is already a reality, as well as the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan or the improvements made to the beaches such as, for example, the bathrooms of El Reducto, its Security and Emergency Plan, the purchase of the surveillance tower and obtaining the Blue Flag distinction four consecutive years for one of the great tourist attractions of Arrecife, are just some of the actions that I have carried out during these years. I cannot leave behind the change in the maintenance of playgrounds, now they are safer and more accessible.
I have tried to do my job in the best possible way, I have had the honor and responsibility of being part of the government team, to which I will be eternally grateful. The best thing I take away from this legislature is the friendship and loyalty of my colleagues demonstrated during the hardest moments, which I hope will not be repeated. I also greatly appreciate the understanding and support that all the people who have helped me to develop my work in the different councilorships that were delegated to me have shown me and, of course, I extend my gratitude to all the staff of the town hall.
The time has come to say goodbye to politics, turn the page and start a new stage in life. I will continue to demonstrate my loyalty to the Popular Party, I will collaborate in whatever is within my reach and I will continue to be with the men and women of the PP fighting for our ideals.
To you, Ástrid, what can I say that you don't know? I am very proud to have been part of this beautiful adventure. You will always have a partner by your side but also a friend. I am convinced that you will continue to reap successes for our city and that you will see your effort and your determination rewarded.
To my family, without whose support it would have been more difficult to make this decision, my deepest gratitude. Now I will have more time to dedicate my efforts to maintaining unity and love around us.
Thank you all and... farewell forever!
Ángela Hernández, PP councilor in the Arrecife Town Hall
