Spoke with Candido about a few things this morning.
Whilst I was in the Town Hall it was obvious that their staff were getting as frustrated as me with the electricity power cuts (Andreas was kicking his desk in frustration). I asked why it kept happening and whether we could bring any pressure to bear. Candido said that they did often complain to Endesa regarding the interupted supply but it seemed to make no difference. It is caused by the sensitive computer systems that link all the solar plants with the grid, apparently!
Firstly I asked if they had heard about the ruling of the Judge in Almeria who had ruled against the Junta in a case where a Licence of 1st Occupation had been granted under a special ordenacion and they had disputed its validity. He said that they heard about it and it was typical that the following day all the newspapers, supportive of the two main parties, were then saying that they would be working to ensure everyone will be helped to ensure they have services and legal licences of 1st occupation. Funny how they instigated the case in the first place and then when the ruling goes against them they publicise how they will help everyone!
I suggested the following two dates for a "Meet the Mayor" meeting. The 16th or 17th February. He said he would check with the solicitors and let me know which date was best, as soon as he could.
I again asked about the street lights for Cuesta de los Pinos (still awaiting boletin from Endesa) and the parabolic mirror (still waiting on Salvadore and he wasn't in today).
My email jiminysimpson@gmail.com
Friday, January 28, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
January 21st
Called into the Town Hall this morning and it was bedlam. Everyone was dashing about for various reasons but I needed to see Candido about the election as my granddaughter has her communion close to the date I expected the election to be and so I needed to clarify things.
Firstly I have decided to stand for consideration for the Partido Andalucista in this years election. I think I can do it for one more term if elected. I asked Candido if the party would want me to out my name forward and he said that it was up to me but that he would value my participation. So I then asked what date the elections would be so that I could sort out flights for the communion. The election is always held on the 4th Sunday in May, which this year is the 22nd.
I then asked when we would be looking to compile the manifesto and he said that firstly we have to agree the list of 14 names for submission and those 14 together with the rest of the party would put that together nearer the time. Whilst we were having this conversation he asked what would be the biggest concerns of the expat community and responded that obviously the ongoing situation regarding the court cases was uppermost in most peoples minds. He then asked if I thought it would be worthwhile if he addressed a meeting at which, as Mayor, he could answer questions and explain how the court cases were going and what the current situation was. I said that I thought that would be very worthwhile. So we have agreed that he will meet with the solicitors to get updated with regard to all the cases and we would organise a date for a meeting at the Renfe building in La Alfoquia at which everyone would be welcome and he would inform people and take questions. Whilst discussing this Andreas voiced his concerns that his english is not good enough for such meetings as some words he could not translate. I told him that he did very well and I am sure we will manage. The format of the meeting would be an introduction from myself followed by an explanatory statement from Candido followed by questions. he would also be able to give his view as Mayor on any improvements that people felt could be done within the municipality.
Francisco entered the room so I asked how we were getting on with obtaining a Parabolic mirror for Avenida Europa and he told me it should be delivered next week! I then asked him why Endesa had not yet connected the lights in Cuesta de los Pinos and at that Candido rang the boss man at Endesa who stated that the boletin should be with the Town Hall by middle of next week and they should be switched on within one week of that.
As usual any questions or queries email me at jiminysimpson@gmail.com
Firstly I have decided to stand for consideration for the Partido Andalucista in this years election. I think I can do it for one more term if elected. I asked Candido if the party would want me to out my name forward and he said that it was up to me but that he would value my participation. So I then asked what date the elections would be so that I could sort out flights for the communion. The election is always held on the 4th Sunday in May, which this year is the 22nd.
I then asked when we would be looking to compile the manifesto and he said that firstly we have to agree the list of 14 names for submission and those 14 together with the rest of the party would put that together nearer the time. Whilst we were having this conversation he asked what would be the biggest concerns of the expat community and responded that obviously the ongoing situation regarding the court cases was uppermost in most peoples minds. He then asked if I thought it would be worthwhile if he addressed a meeting at which, as Mayor, he could answer questions and explain how the court cases were going and what the current situation was. I said that I thought that would be very worthwhile. So we have agreed that he will meet with the solicitors to get updated with regard to all the cases and we would organise a date for a meeting at the Renfe building in La Alfoquia at which everyone would be welcome and he would inform people and take questions. Whilst discussing this Andreas voiced his concerns that his english is not good enough for such meetings as some words he could not translate. I told him that he did very well and I am sure we will manage. The format of the meeting would be an introduction from myself followed by an explanatory statement from Candido followed by questions. he would also be able to give his view as Mayor on any improvements that people felt could be done within the municipality.
Francisco entered the room so I asked how we were getting on with obtaining a Parabolic mirror for Avenida Europa and he told me it should be delivered next week! I then asked him why Endesa had not yet connected the lights in Cuesta de los Pinos and at that Candido rang the boss man at Endesa who stated that the boletin should be with the Town Hall by middle of next week and they should be switched on within one week of that.
As usual any questions or queries email me at jiminysimpson@gmail.com
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
1st Blog 2011
Happy New Year to all.
Had an hour with Candido this morning to go over some of the outstanding issues.
1. The installation of a Parabolic mirror on Avenida Europa, the connection of the lights for Cuesta de los Pinos and expedition of a request for the use of the Theatre by Los Companeros del Teatro for March. These 3 points are all with Franscisco but he has been off work due to his wife being in hospital. Candido will chase up with him, these points.
2. Confirmation of the dates of the Fiestas this year 15th July for la Alfoquia and 31st August for Zurgena.
3. Palaces tarmac and lights. This was discussed between Candido and the Diputacion yesterday and he is hopeful that the work will commence within the next few weeks. They had to wait for a set period after the issue of the contract in case there were any objections but that period has now passed and the work should commence soon.
4. I aksed about the date for everyone to register to vote as being the 15th january. Candido said that was misleading as that date only applies to South Americans. members of the EU have until March but he will try and confirm the exact date.UPDATE I AM RELIABLY INFORMED BY THE AUAN THAT THE 15TH IS THE DEFINITIVE DATE FOR REGISTERING TO VOTE FOR ALL FOREIGNERS.
5. I asked about the time frame for the bowling greens completion and he said that this was in amongst a number of projects all agreed with the Diputacion including the tarmacing of many dirt roads or resurfacing if these I have listed as best I can these tracks below. The completion of this work, it is hoped will be before May but it may go into June. Candido is obviously hoping it is done before the elections in May.
6. I asked about whether they need me to start work on the IBI stuff but as Salvadore was not around I will have to see him about this.
7. Only one english name on the notice board this week Wendy Maureen Evans. if anyone knows her please let her know.
8. Final point on the disposal of large electrical items eg Fridges etc. These are collected on the 12th and 27th of each month and should be placed by the basura a few days before in order that Consorcio Levante (the coy responsible) are aware of what is needed.
Roads/tracks to be surfaced re point 5 above; Zurgena both streets up the side of the main square, La Alfoquia streets near the square, by the doctors and the meat market, Los Carasoles Rio Tajo and Rio Ebro, Palaces main street from church to marble factory, Los llanos Avenida Poetas and Gerardo Diego and the rambla road from Los lanos through Almajalejo to Huercal Overa.
Had an hour with Candido this morning to go over some of the outstanding issues.
1. The installation of a Parabolic mirror on Avenida Europa, the connection of the lights for Cuesta de los Pinos and expedition of a request for the use of the Theatre by Los Companeros del Teatro for March. These 3 points are all with Franscisco but he has been off work due to his wife being in hospital. Candido will chase up with him, these points.
2. Confirmation of the dates of the Fiestas this year 15th July for la Alfoquia and 31st August for Zurgena.
3. Palaces tarmac and lights. This was discussed between Candido and the Diputacion yesterday and he is hopeful that the work will commence within the next few weeks. They had to wait for a set period after the issue of the contract in case there were any objections but that period has now passed and the work should commence soon.
4. I aksed about the date for everyone to register to vote as being the 15th january. Candido said that was misleading as that date only applies to South Americans. members of the EU have until March but he will try and confirm the exact date.UPDATE I AM RELIABLY INFORMED BY THE AUAN THAT THE 15TH IS THE DEFINITIVE DATE FOR REGISTERING TO VOTE FOR ALL FOREIGNERS.
5. I asked about the time frame for the bowling greens completion and he said that this was in amongst a number of projects all agreed with the Diputacion including the tarmacing of many dirt roads or resurfacing if these I have listed as best I can these tracks below. The completion of this work, it is hoped will be before May but it may go into June. Candido is obviously hoping it is done before the elections in May.
6. I asked about whether they need me to start work on the IBI stuff but as Salvadore was not around I will have to see him about this.
7. Only one english name on the notice board this week Wendy Maureen Evans. if anyone knows her please let her know.
8. Final point on the disposal of large electrical items eg Fridges etc. These are collected on the 12th and 27th of each month and should be placed by the basura a few days before in order that Consorcio Levante (the coy responsible) are aware of what is needed.
Roads/tracks to be surfaced re point 5 above; Zurgena both streets up the side of the main square, La Alfoquia streets near the square, by the doctors and the meat market, Los Carasoles Rio Tajo and Rio Ebro, Palaces main street from church to marble factory, Los llanos Avenida Poetas and Gerardo Diego and the rambla road from Los lanos through Almajalejo to Huercal Overa.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Last Pleno for 2010
As a matter of urgency (whenever is it not) a Pleno meeting was held today at noon.
The purpose of the meeting was to agree the accounts for 2009 and basic expenditure for 2010 in order to apply for funds from the various authorities in order that we can meet our financial requirements for the coming months. I have a copy of the breakdown of these if anyone wishes to see them.
That was the only matter for discussion at the Pleno.
I was given details of a letter from Almeria regarding the timescale for anyone wishing to ensure they are registered to vote. It states that anyone who wishes to register must do so before the 15th January and these registrations must be forwarded to the Office of Electoral Censor by the 20th January. It is expected that all those who voted at the last election should get the forms in time for the next elections but anyone who didn't and wishes to ensure they can vote needs to call into the Town Hall before the 15th January.
This will be the last blog post of 2010 and to all the readers of this blog can I wish you a very happy Xmas and, hopefully, a progressive and enjoyable New Year.
The purpose of the meeting was to agree the accounts for 2009 and basic expenditure for 2010 in order to apply for funds from the various authorities in order that we can meet our financial requirements for the coming months. I have a copy of the breakdown of these if anyone wishes to see them.
That was the only matter for discussion at the Pleno.
I was given details of a letter from Almeria regarding the timescale for anyone wishing to ensure they are registered to vote. It states that anyone who wishes to register must do so before the 15th January and these registrations must be forwarded to the Office of Electoral Censor by the 20th January. It is expected that all those who voted at the last election should get the forms in time for the next elections but anyone who didn't and wishes to ensure they can vote needs to call into the Town Hall before the 15th January.
This will be the last blog post of 2010 and to all the readers of this blog can I wish you a very happy Xmas and, hopefully, a progressive and enjoyable New Year.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
14th December
Managed at last to have some time with Candido this morning and below is a list of issues discussed and their results or otherwise.
Firstly I was aware that yesterday there had been many raised voices and discussions betweennt he various members of the council and enquired as to what that was about. It transpires that the main discussions were about the financial status of the Town Hall. We are in dire straits although not quite as dire as many others. It transpires that we paid for the Tanatorio work and now have to await reimbursement of that before we can have enough to pay the wages! A bit of an error! We need to have a pleno soon to agree that last years budgets so that we can apply for a loan for next year and enable us to pay the people and finance normal operations.
I then raised the issue of the pubic discussions on forums etc about next years elections. I informed Candido that on some forums they had discussed the fact that Zurgena's PGOU would go nowhere and was not being worked on and also that he was not going to be standing for reelection. On the latter issue he had attended a meeting with the President of the Partico Andalucista who this comment was attributed to. The President denied ever saying anything of the sort and that it was a made up story. He also said the same was true of the former comment. He, Manolo and Luiz (the architect) were all actively working on the pGOU and as he had intimated previously hoped to present it to Pleno in February or March and try and get approval before the elections in May. He provided me with a paper copy of where the PGOU was at the moment but said I should not release it as there are many changes yet to be made to it. He also added that due to the fact that the regional authorities keep changing the person responsible for negotiating the PGOU we are tyo go ahead with what, we understood to be the agreement of the previous holders of that office, and present that to the new one.
I then asked about next years election and Candido's position. He said that whoever started that rumour knows more than he does. He said yhe only problem about the next years elections was that there is only one fully paid up member of the P.A. and that is himself. We had a general discussion about what we need to do for next years election and he urged me to suggest further expat citizens who may wish to join the Partido Andalucista and therefore have a say in the compilation of the list for the election and have input into the Manifesto. If anyone out there is interested please forward me an email so that you may be considered for membership. He is particularly keen to see some ladies apply for membership as the only female member of the council (spanish) s resigning). I understand it only costs a few euros each couple of months and obviously to ensure I can have input on the list and manifesto I will be joining the party and becoming a proper card carrying member. So please consider this. We do need to get down to sorting things in advance of the elections and he urged me to get the expat community to give the manifesto some thought so tat any ideas we have are considered for inclusion. This is your chance to have a say.
There had a been a small problem for a number of people with the WiFi however, that problem has been resolved and should not recur.
Did manage to get a couple of Certificates of Expediente and will contact those individuals by email.
Also got a copy of the route of the motorway from Cucador to La Conception (well the bit past Palaces anyway) although he did say this may be years away due to the financial situation in Spain.
We have received some of the documents for us to start work on the IBI bills. I will be assisting Salvadore with this start
ing in the next weeks.
The regional authorities have awarded the contracts for the following works, the guard rails along the road to Llanos del Peral, the tarmac and lights for Palaces and some work on the bowling green. We should see progress on these issues in the next few weeks.
I asked about the Court Case for the Palaces case as requested by one of the residents but without a good deal more information it would not be easy to find . I will contact the individual to ascertain what I need to know to be able to trace that case.
I also asked about the issues which I was awaiting response from Paco on regarding the street surface in Cucador, the lighting in Cuesta de los Pinos and a couple of other bits, including the idea of increasing the fence round the football pitch at La Alfoquia. He noted each and said he would also speak with Paco. He asked whether people would rather the lights were switched on sooner or await the installation of the extra lights. I suggested that given how the winter is passing by sooner would be better.
I thanked Candido for allowing the expats to use the village hall in Llanos de Peral. He replied that he was pleased they were able to use it as that is what it is for and that it will be even better when completely finished.
I was unable to speak with the secretary as he was off work sick. I will try later in the week regarding other certificates of expediente and licenses.
I also spoke with Jose from the Correos today. He had called round following my email to him regarding the rumour that the Post Office in Zurgena was to close. He was a bit annoyed and wanted to know who had started this rumour as it is not true. I told him I did not know who had started it but that I would publish his comments on here. Zurgena Post Office will remain open except for Bank Holidays. There is also the possibility that it may move to the old doctors surgery in the New Year when it becomes available as it will be better for the operation.
Just as an aside, due to the sporadic nature of these blogs, if you wish to keep up to date with it, without having to check it, you can use the 'follow' feature on the side bar which will inform you of any updates.
Firstly I was aware that yesterday there had been many raised voices and discussions betweennt he various members of the council and enquired as to what that was about. It transpires that the main discussions were about the financial status of the Town Hall. We are in dire straits although not quite as dire as many others. It transpires that we paid for the Tanatorio work and now have to await reimbursement of that before we can have enough to pay the wages! A bit of an error! We need to have a pleno soon to agree that last years budgets so that we can apply for a loan for next year and enable us to pay the people and finance normal operations.
I then raised the issue of the pubic discussions on forums etc about next years elections. I informed Candido that on some forums they had discussed the fact that Zurgena's PGOU would go nowhere and was not being worked on and also that he was not going to be standing for reelection. On the latter issue he had attended a meeting with the President of the Partico Andalucista who this comment was attributed to. The President denied ever saying anything of the sort and that it was a made up story. He also said the same was true of the former comment. He, Manolo and Luiz (the architect) were all actively working on the pGOU and as he had intimated previously hoped to present it to Pleno in February or March and try and get approval before the elections in May. He provided me with a paper copy of where the PGOU was at the moment but said I should not release it as there are many changes yet to be made to it. He also added that due to the fact that the regional authorities keep changing the person responsible for negotiating the PGOU we are tyo go ahead with what, we understood to be the agreement of the previous holders of that office, and present that to the new one.
I then asked about next years election and Candido's position. He said that whoever started that rumour knows more than he does. He said yhe only problem about the next years elections was that there is only one fully paid up member of the P.A. and that is himself. We had a general discussion about what we need to do for next years election and he urged me to suggest further expat citizens who may wish to join the Partido Andalucista and therefore have a say in the compilation of the list for the election and have input into the Manifesto. If anyone out there is interested please forward me an email so that you may be considered for membership. He is particularly keen to see some ladies apply for membership as the only female member of the council (spanish) s resigning). I understand it only costs a few euros each couple of months and obviously to ensure I can have input on the list and manifesto I will be joining the party and becoming a proper card carrying member. So please consider this. We do need to get down to sorting things in advance of the elections and he urged me to get the expat community to give the manifesto some thought so tat any ideas we have are considered for inclusion. This is your chance to have a say.
There had a been a small problem for a number of people with the WiFi however, that problem has been resolved and should not recur.
Did manage to get a couple of Certificates of Expediente and will contact those individuals by email.
Also got a copy of the route of the motorway from Cucador to La Conception (well the bit past Palaces anyway) although he did say this may be years away due to the financial situation in Spain.
We have received some of the documents for us to start work on the IBI bills. I will be assisting Salvadore with this start
ing in the next weeks.
The regional authorities have awarded the contracts for the following works, the guard rails along the road to Llanos del Peral, the tarmac and lights for Palaces and some work on the bowling green. We should see progress on these issues in the next few weeks.
I asked about the Court Case for the Palaces case as requested by one of the residents but without a good deal more information it would not be easy to find . I will contact the individual to ascertain what I need to know to be able to trace that case.
I also asked about the issues which I was awaiting response from Paco on regarding the street surface in Cucador, the lighting in Cuesta de los Pinos and a couple of other bits, including the idea of increasing the fence round the football pitch at La Alfoquia. He noted each and said he would also speak with Paco. He asked whether people would rather the lights were switched on sooner or await the installation of the extra lights. I suggested that given how the winter is passing by sooner would be better.
I thanked Candido for allowing the expats to use the village hall in Llanos de Peral. He replied that he was pleased they were able to use it as that is what it is for and that it will be even better when completely finished.
I was unable to speak with the secretary as he was off work sick. I will try later in the week regarding other certificates of expediente and licenses.
I also spoke with Jose from the Correos today. He had called round following my email to him regarding the rumour that the Post Office in Zurgena was to close. He was a bit annoyed and wanted to know who had started this rumour as it is not true. I told him I did not know who had started it but that I would publish his comments on here. Zurgena Post Office will remain open except for Bank Holidays. There is also the possibility that it may move to the old doctors surgery in the New Year when it becomes available as it will be better for the operation.
Just as an aside, due to the sporadic nature of these blogs, if you wish to keep up to date with it, without having to check it, you can use the 'follow' feature on the side bar which will inform you of any updates.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Another Frustrating Day
As you know I have been waiting for Andreas to return to work following his fathers admission to hospital. Yesterday was his first day back so thought I would leave it until today - mistake!
Called in but there was no one working Juan Jose was off, the father of the secretary Jose seems to be very poorly and dying so he was not in, Maribel and Isa both off so Andreas on his own. It seems that family considerations certainly take precedence over work! Maybe thats the way it should be.
My lengthy list only saw a couple of points clarified firstly regarding IBI and working on our calculations this is awaiting a password from Almeria so that other documents which are online can be accessed from our offices. So that is not going to be before January.
Secondly regarding the WiFi new rates. If you feel that it is unfair that the rate you have paid in advance is excessive given the new rates you can try and see if they will uprate your connection for the remaining period but I would only do that if you have a good number of months to go. Otherwise the new cheaper rates will be applied to all from 1st January 2011.
I will try again on Monday and Tuesday to see the other councillors, the secretary and Candido.
Called in but there was no one working Juan Jose was off, the father of the secretary Jose seems to be very poorly and dying so he was not in, Maribel and Isa both off so Andreas on his own. It seems that family considerations certainly take precedence over work! Maybe thats the way it should be.
My lengthy list only saw a couple of points clarified firstly regarding IBI and working on our calculations this is awaiting a password from Almeria so that other documents which are online can be accessed from our offices. So that is not going to be before January.
Secondly regarding the WiFi new rates. If you feel that it is unfair that the rate you have paid in advance is excessive given the new rates you can try and see if they will uprate your connection for the remaining period but I would only do that if you have a good number of months to go. Otherwise the new cheaper rates will be applied to all from 1st January 2011.
I will try again on Monday and Tuesday to see the other councillors, the secretary and Candido.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Andreas Update
Just to let people know that Andreas' father is recovering and the investigations have revealed no cancers. So that is a big relief for the family. I believe he hopes to be back in the office next Thursday. Monday and I think Wednesday are bank holidays.
We were able to allow some of the residents of Llanos Del Peral hold a Christmas Carol evening in the newly refurbished iglesia in the village. Apparently it went very well and they even had some Spanish locals there. I will feed that back to the Town Hall as they are keen to see such facilities used by all the residents. From the organisers words they may well make it a regular event.
As those of you who are resident will know by now, the first part of the new road is open from Cucador to, up by the bridge. There is however no access from that end into or out of La Alfoquia. The only way in or out is by the Cucador turning.
Due to one individuals change of plans I have one available postal box for the Cuesta de los Pinos developement. I have lost my waiting list. So if anyone is interested in having this box (price 30 euros one off purchase price) then please let me know. First come first served.
Sorry now gone!
We were able to allow some of the residents of Llanos Del Peral hold a Christmas Carol evening in the newly refurbished iglesia in the village. Apparently it went very well and they even had some Spanish locals there. I will feed that back to the Town Hall as they are keen to see such facilities used by all the residents. From the organisers words they may well make it a regular event.
As those of you who are resident will know by now, the first part of the new road is open from Cucador to, up by the bridge. There is however no access from that end into or out of La Alfoquia. The only way in or out is by the Cucador turning.
Due to one individuals change of plans I have one available postal box for the Cuesta de los Pinos developement. I have lost my waiting list. So if anyone is interested in having this box (price 30 euros one off purchase price) then please let me know. First come first served.
Sorry now gone!
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