With summer, the lack of news and free time, the controversy is served. Whatever it is, it doesn't matter whether it's the coastal ordinance, a politician's sexy photo on social media, or the San Ginés poster.
Arrecife, whose opposition confuses political oversight with criticism of everything and everyone, is fertile ground for the most outlandish press releases, which feed bored citizens and journalists dozing off on duty during the summer period.
The latest summer snake is seasoning the preparations for the capital's patron saint festivities these days, on account of the competition for the San Ginés 2017 advertising poster, a contest that has been declared void because, in the opinion of the jury, none of the works submitted reached the minimum required quality.
A pity. The initial political intention was to find the best poster to illustrate the festivities from among those who entered the competition. In an open and participatory way.
But the technical decision, the one taken by a jury that honors us with its help in this task - the painters Rosa Vera and Rufina Santana, the writer Félix Hormiga, the director of the MIAC Castillo de San José, María José Alcántara and the director of the Pancho Lasso school, Manuel Perdomo - was another. And in no case should their verdict be ignored. Whether we like it or not.
Trying to tarnish the decision by suggesting that Dámaso's designation was planned, demanding citizen participation but criticizing the jury's decision, calling it disrespectful that the candidate works are not of sufficient quality in the opinion of the professionals who decide, criticizing the direct designation of the author, in discount time, despite the fact that the invited artist has accepted with generosity and enthusiasm, or making fun of a municipal art gallery with works by César Manrique, Santiago Alemán, Juan Gopar, Tayó or Rufina Santana, is bad intention, it is ignorance and it is easy criticism.
Jimena Álvarez, Spokesperson for the PSOE municipal group in the Arrecife City Council
