With the political race coming to the finish line on Wednesday, March 4, both political parties have been arduously conducting house-to-house campaigns; the United Democratic Party under their slogan “Keep Progress Alive” while the People’s United Party has been campaigning under their slogan “We make things Happen – Ready, Willing and Able”. This week Ambergris Today Newspaper met with both mayoral candidates to get their last feelings and messages to the electorate.
*PUP Mayoral Candidate – Mr. Baldemar Graniel
What do you feel are the strong points in this year’s elections?
I believe that the strong point in my party is the credibility and transparency of the candidates. The candidates are well known and the people want a change, they are tired of the inconsistency of the United Democratic Party and we the candidates are Ready, Willing and Able to work for the people and for what they need.
What has been the response of the people on your house–to-house campaign? What are their main concerns?
The response of the people has been great! The people want to talk and they have expressed their concerns and most of the complaints have been about the streets. For instance, San Mateo residents are tired of waiting for unkept promises to be fulfilled; they were promised streets and have received nothing.
Other issues that have risen are the garbage collection and street sweeping. There are many complaints, but the main ones are that other streets have not been paved and are being neglected.
If elected what will be your first task?
Well it is a bit difficult to say what our first task will be. We will have to see in what financial state the council has left the town and then from there we can decide on what to do. But most definitely our main focus will be the San Mateo Area as well as proper street cleaning, beaches, parks and a better garbage collection system.
Any last message to the electorate?
I believe everyone has made their mind and want what’s best for the island. All I ask is that on March 4 for the people to vote PUP 7. I cannot do anything on my own; I need my team to work together for a better San Pedro.
*UDP Mayoral Candidate – Ms. Elsa Paz
What do you feel are the strong points in this year’s elections?
I believe that the party’s strong point is that we no longer are the opposition and the United Democratic Party is in power and Central Government can and will help us. The people of San Pedro should take advantage of this as well as to the fact that for the first time our Area Representative is a minister and also a member of the cabinet, a big plus for the party and the island.
What has been the response of the people on your house–to-house campaign? What are their main concerns?
We have had a positive campaign; people have seen the progress of the island under our two terms. And of course the roads have been the main concern, but we have bought hardcore for the streets which cost $250,000. The shipment was delayed but we are doing our best to alleviate the street problems.
If elected what will be your first task?
Definitely the pavement of the Boca del Rio Area; this project has been signed for already and the project will include the San Juan Area, the main road to the bridge and the beachside.
Any last message to the electorate?
My people of San Pedro think about the future of your children and the Island. Let us continue moving forward and let us keep progress alive; on March 4 vote UDP 7.
Note: Polling Stations have been confirmed to be situated at the San Pedro High School compound and not the San Pedro R.C. School as previously reported by Elections and Boundaries Department
