But in a very real and
revealing way, the locals showed better discernment and choices compared to the
electorate in the last US presidential elections where the top candidate judged
as underperforming in most critical issues was allowed to get re-elected largely
on continued promises of better governance. And for this, we ought to be extra
thankful. And I am happy to be rendered
wrong in my dire prediction.
With this very significant
and auspicious though incomplete victory, those who suffered temporary setbacks in
this election ought to bring the good fight into the next election so that the remaining
roots of misgovernance still in place and thriving can be duly removed and
replaced.
Sadly, we note that this same
malignant cancer has taken firmer hold in the rest of the province, where the
son and his cohorts have co-opted victories in the many provincial positions. Let us strike a blow against those who want
to set in place political dynasties, with personal aggrandizement as primary
objectives.
But in the meantime, we are
hopeful that the newly-elected mayor, who also rode on the coattails of these
able and deserving but losing candidates, will allow them to show their mettle
and competence with various positions in his new government. If he had firm trust and confidence in their
qualifications as his candidates, they should able to mesh perfectly in his
upcoming administration. Awarding such responsibilities
would allow them to be known to more people and more importantly, afford them
the opportunities to show what they are capable of accomplishing beyond the
campaign rhetoric. What real governance
means, as compared to empty rhetoric or rich promises of some largesse in
exchange for patronage.
We also see that locally we
have not attained the hoped-for majority in the council. This would have
ensured that the resonating voices of change could not be stymied or short-changed
by those whose naked aims would simply be to insure failure for the upcoming
administration. With the very powerful head summarily removed, these allies
should be rendered powerless and exposed to the people for what they truly
were, as simply footstools for a despotic ruler.
In the area of tasks, it is
easy for us at this stage to dream of big dreams for our city and we truly deserve
them for all the efforts expended to bring about this change.
But we have to be grounded in
the realities to be faced.
It was with obvious
seriousness of heart and gravity of voice, that I heard OCA mention during the
campaigns that if he would win, he would be faced with a very grave problem
that may not have any easy solutions. It
was the problem of illegal settlers or squatters that have spilled into and infected
all parts of the city. How they can all
be equitably relocated and resettled.
Their numbers would include most if not all of those sidewalk/street
vendors that we see in our markets, in our parks and public places, and in most
other place where they shouldn’t be because their presence have caused us many
of the problems we now detest. Like
chaotic traffic in our streets.
Deteriorated and neglected parks and other public places. Unwanted increased criminality. Etc.
This ought to have first priority
and may consume the best efforts and resources this new administration may be able
to muster for its initial tasks of rebuilding this city.
