Well a bunch of us got together last night in La Alfoquia to discuss the order for the election list. There was about 20 members of the P.A. in attendance but I am afraid we did not make much progress.
Candido informed us that some of those, who we hoped would join us, were not able to make it.
That caused problems as without knowing who definitely wanted to be on the list it was going to be impossible to draw up the list.
I knew that out of the list from the last elections we had lost 3 members who had had seats on the council. However to offset that we had a number of new faces who we would need to consider for the list. That included a 20 year old young man from the village called Paco, two ladies Noelia Garcia Jimenez and Maria del Mar, a mature and sensible sounding local man, Jose Juan, and of course Mike Foulkes from La Alfoquia.
There was an open debate during which one of the members suggested Candido do a proposed list and we vote on it. However Candido said he did not want to do it like that it would looked almost dictatorial and was how the PSOE and PP did it. After an hours discussion it was agreed that we could make a definitive numbered ist until we had confirmation from all who wished to be considered so we adjourned until 4.0pm Saturday next.
My email jiminysimpson@gmail.com
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
List Meeting
We had a meeting last Thursday night to nominate our No 1 for the elections and Candido was voted back in. We meet tonight at 7.0pm to decide our list for the elections. It will be the usual shouting match where everyone gets a say (not how the other main parties do it with a head man instructing the party members what the order will be). As I have said before it is a really good example of a democratic process and it may be more interesting this time as we have another UK ex pat resident to consider. Mike Foulkes has joined the party and he will be considered for a position on the list the same as every other member of the party. We also have 3 new Spanish lady members to consider. So it will be interesting how the list developes.
Just for information I have read (and pass this on for your information) in the English, and Spanish press, that from the 7th March the National Speed limit will be reduced to 110kph (from 120kph)
Just for information I have read (and pass this on for your information) in the English, and Spanish press, that from the 7th March the National Speed limit will be reduced to 110kph (from 120kph)
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Big News
We have received the best bit of news that we could recently.
I was up in Costa Calida yesterday having a lovely meal with friends by the seaside when my mobile rang. It was the Town Hall to inform me that we had the 1st of our cases which has reached the highest court in the land in Madrid. The case involved the 100 or so houses built by Prodelor to the north of La Alfoquia. The judge in this court found in favour of the Town Hall, thereby creating a very valuable precedent for us. The process through the courts, of each of the cases, is as follows firstly, lower court hearing in Almeria, secondly an appeal to the higher court in Granada and finally the highest and last appeal court at Madrid. Not only that but the judge awarded costs against the Junta and the costs are very substantial well into 6 figures for all the solicitors etc.
Secondly the case to be heard in the 1st or 2nd week March against the Mayor and others has now been suspended. I understand this to be similar to our 'adjournement sine die'. I wonder if this has anything to do with the decision to find in favour of the Town Hall above!!
It is confirmed that the order for Andalucia Day is as follows 12 noon inauguration of the gymnasium followed by the get together/fiesta at the Renfe at 2.0pm. There will be a BBQ and drinks.
The survey has been agreed and Candido is to buy 500 envelopes for me to use as the ones in the Town Hall are stamped with the Town Hall logo and as this is a Partido Andalucista initiative we have to fund it from party funds.
I have details of about 6 people who have asked that I check out their situation regarding the court cases. I will supply the secretary with these details Monday for enquiries to be made.
Lastly for those of you, who are more fluent than me in Spanish, there is a gentleman from the village, who is our caped crusader (Juan Pardo) and who, because he was once imprisoned by a politically motivated politician, runs a blog to expose the underhand and dirty tricks which these other politicians get up to. His blog is at http://blogjuanpardo.blogspot.com I will try and interpret his latest points and put it on here when I can. (I have put a link on here which you can find in the sidebar on the right.(
We have another meeting tonight at which we have to decide who our No 1 candidate (eg potential Mayor should PA win sufficient seats) is to be.
Lastly an english performance in the Zurgena theatre as below
Los Companeros del Teatro
present at
The Teatro Municipal Zurgena
Two comedy one act plays
"White Lies"
by Richard James
and
"The Last Panto"
by David Tristram
Friday 4th March
Saturday 5th March
doors open 7pm - curtain up 7.30pm
tickets available, for your donation of 5€
Girasol 1 Stop Pool Shop Sabor Restaurant
Albox Longos Albox La Alfoquia
Tickets may also be available on the door.
Please phone, or email for availability
689 760 551 theatre01@hotmail.co.uk
I was up in Costa Calida yesterday having a lovely meal with friends by the seaside when my mobile rang. It was the Town Hall to inform me that we had the 1st of our cases which has reached the highest court in the land in Madrid. The case involved the 100 or so houses built by Prodelor to the north of La Alfoquia. The judge in this court found in favour of the Town Hall, thereby creating a very valuable precedent for us. The process through the courts, of each of the cases, is as follows firstly, lower court hearing in Almeria, secondly an appeal to the higher court in Granada and finally the highest and last appeal court at Madrid. Not only that but the judge awarded costs against the Junta and the costs are very substantial well into 6 figures for all the solicitors etc.
Secondly the case to be heard in the 1st or 2nd week March against the Mayor and others has now been suspended. I understand this to be similar to our 'adjournement sine die'. I wonder if this has anything to do with the decision to find in favour of the Town Hall above!!
It is confirmed that the order for Andalucia Day is as follows 12 noon inauguration of the gymnasium followed by the get together/fiesta at the Renfe at 2.0pm. There will be a BBQ and drinks.
The survey has been agreed and Candido is to buy 500 envelopes for me to use as the ones in the Town Hall are stamped with the Town Hall logo and as this is a Partido Andalucista initiative we have to fund it from party funds.
I have details of about 6 people who have asked that I check out their situation regarding the court cases. I will supply the secretary with these details Monday for enquiries to be made.
Lastly for those of you, who are more fluent than me in Spanish, there is a gentleman from the village, who is our caped crusader (Juan Pardo) and who, because he was once imprisoned by a politically motivated politician, runs a blog to expose the underhand and dirty tricks which these other politicians get up to. His blog is at http://blogjuanpardo.blogspot.com I will try and interpret his latest points and put it on here when I can. (I have put a link on here which you can find in the sidebar on the right.(
We have another meeting tonight at which we have to decide who our No 1 candidate (eg potential Mayor should PA win sufficient seats) is to be.
Lastly an english performance in the Zurgena theatre as below
Los Companeros del Teatro
present at
The Teatro Municipal Zurgena
Two comedy one act plays
"White Lies"
by Richard James
and
"The Last Panto"
by David Tristram
Friday 4th March
Saturday 5th March
doors open 7pm - curtain up 7.30pm
tickets available, for your donation of 5€
Girasol 1 Stop Pool Shop Sabor Restaurant
Albox Longos Albox La Alfoquia
Tickets may also be available on the door.
Please phone, or email for availability
689 760 551 theatre01@hotmail.co.uk
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Bits
Firstly my suggested survey/questionnaire has been approved apart from a couple of bits so I hope to start delivering that in the next few days. I will also make a copy available on the internet but I would prefer if people use the paper copies as it will save me having to print too many off. We want to break down the responses and discuss.
Secondly we have now decided that the gymnasium will be inaugurated before the celebrations for Andalucia Day on February the 28th at 12 noon. It has not yet been decided whether the gym will be full time manned and its hours of opening have also to be agreed with the secretary. We have been assured that the last of the equipement will be delivered in time. Lets hope so. The charges for using the gym have also not yet been set or agreed but hopefully we will know this by the 28th.
This will be followed with the fiesta at the Renfe which will run from 2.00m until 5.0pm the same day. I am told there will be food and drink.
The meeting, which I am having after my surgery on Thursday at 12 noon, will give those who were unable to get clarification last Wednesday a chance to discuss. there is a possibility that Candido will be able to support me but that will depend on demands on his time, of which there have been a lot lately.
Secondly we have now decided that the gymnasium will be inaugurated before the celebrations for Andalucia Day on February the 28th at 12 noon. It has not yet been decided whether the gym will be full time manned and its hours of opening have also to be agreed with the secretary. We have been assured that the last of the equipement will be delivered in time. Lets hope so. The charges for using the gym have also not yet been set or agreed but hopefully we will know this by the 28th.
This will be followed with the fiesta at the Renfe which will run from 2.00m until 5.0pm the same day. I am told there will be food and drink.
The meeting, which I am having after my surgery on Thursday at 12 noon, will give those who were unable to get clarification last Wednesday a chance to discuss. there is a possibility that Candido will be able to support me but that will depend on demands on his time, of which there have been a lot lately.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Legality Meeting
Following last weeks meeting with the solicitors and the Mayor I have been made aware that a number of people did not make the meeting and would have liked to hear what was said. I tried to cover it in an earlier post but, to try and ensure everyone has an opportunity, I am going to be in the Pleno room (at the side of the reception desk) at the Town Hall, this Thursday at noon for anyone who wishes to have further clarification or ask any questions.
I would be grateful, if you do intend coming along, if you could let me know. So that I can make sure I have enough chairs out. Drop me a mail to jiminysimpson@gmail.com
I would be grateful, if you do intend coming along, if you could let me know. So that I can make sure I have enough chairs out. Drop me a mail to jiminysimpson@gmail.com
Friday, February 18, 2011
Survey Forms
Following discussions, which I have had with various members of Partido Andalucista over the past few weeks, we have agreed to conduct a survey/questionnaire of the ex pat community. I am in the process of putting this together this weekend and if approved early next week I will circulate it physically to each home. There will also be copies available on the internet.
The purpose in doing this is to try and identify the best way forward, to provide the things which the local authority can, to make life in our municipality better for the older residents. There will be two parts to the survey the first is to help us understand the demographics of our community and the second part will be more specific and asking for the things which you feel would/could help.
I will be asking that everyone completes these forms, in order that we have a more representative view upon, which we can decide items for inclusion in the manifesto. Please support this process it is your chance to help affect how the area is provided for in the future.
The purpose in doing this is to try and identify the best way forward, to provide the things which the local authority can, to make life in our municipality better for the older residents. There will be two parts to the survey the first is to help us understand the demographics of our community and the second part will be more specific and asking for the things which you feel would/could help.
I will be asking that everyone completes these forms, in order that we have a more representative view upon, which we can decide items for inclusion in the manifesto. Please support this process it is your chance to help affect how the area is provided for in the future.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Last Nights Meeting
Thought I had better post an outline of what was discussed at last nights meeting with the Mayor for the benefit of those not present.
Firstly the top table consisted of the Mayor, Candido Trabalon, Anthonio Segura (the head of the chambers of solicitors representing the Town hall) and Fran one of his solicitors.
Candido initially outlined the fact that the many cases being pursued by the PSOE controlled Junta were all at various stages of the judicial process however he did want to stress that not one case had yet been found in the Junta's favour all had so far been found in favour of the Town Hall. There were two areas where the cases had been won in the lower court and in the first appeal court in Granada. There is one month left for the Junta (out of a total of 3 month period) to make a final appeal on these two cases before they have run out of time. Therefore they either appeal to the highest Court in the land in Madrid by then or exhaust their options. Anthonio stated that as far as the solicitors were concerned they could see no reason for the Town Hall to lose any of their cases in any of the courts, as all had had building licences correctly processed within the law. I have to try and find out which areas these are and post on here.
Various questions were then asked about the situation with regard to individuals situation and it was agreed that if anyone wished to identify whether there was a case open against anyone then they should let me know the details (copy of licence of 1st occupation or building licence)and we would try and identify what the situation was. He did ask that everyone should note that the Town Hall solicitors were defending all the actions and not leaving any individual (eg owner) to defend their own case.
PGOU. Following on from these points the Mayor outlined the position with regard to the PGOU He said that he had heard from some people that Zurgena was not moving forward on their PGOU compared to Arboleas and other areas. Candido said this was NOT the case and that Zurgena was in probably the best position in all of the Almanzora valley. He said that to there knowledge only Huercal Overa and Seron were in a position to get their PGOU agreed in a similar time scale to us. He explained how over the past few years they have had many many meetings with the Junta to try and make progress on the PGOU. he was now in a position to inform the meeting that our provisional PGOUY will go before Pleno session of the council in the 1st week in March for agreement by the Council. It will then be available for all to examine. We would make it available on this blog (if I can manage that), hopefully on the inet and also posted on the Town Hall notice board. It would remain there for 4 weeks and then be sent to the Junta for agreement. Candido stressed that negotiations so far had all been verbal so they had been careful not to give too much away. Once the plan is agreed in session and sent to them they have give written objections if they disagree with any urbanised area and our solicitors are ensuring that when prepared the PGOU is bullet proof. He also said that Arboleas are not working on their PGOU yet as they are still having to work on amending their norms (local planning bye laws) before they can start on their PGOU. He also stressed that they would be including every house in the municipality in the plan,. As the law that applies to one has been applied to all. He was confident in making this statement as they have engaged the assistance of a Chancellor of the University of Malaga (one of four men who are also responsible for creating planning laws in Spain) and he has advised them that Zurgena's plans and licences are all correct.
A question was raised from the floor about paying for infrastructure. Candido again confirmed that no occupants would have to pay for infrastructure and that the Town Hall would do so. He informed the meeting that the contracts for locations such as Palaces (tarmac and lighting) had been issued and should be completed in the next few weeks.
Other questions were asked but mostly of specific cases and people started to drift away. Candido wanted me to ensure everyone was invited to the Andalucia day (28th February) in this same building. It is intended to open the new Gymnasium and then move down to the Renfe for the Fiesta.
The meeting ended about 1935 and we adjourned to the Pool Bar for further discussions and a beer! Ended up speaking to the man who is going to be running the restaurant at Cuesta de los Pinos previously known as the White Horse community centre. It seems he has encouraging plans as to what the place will be. It seems he is intent on making it a more upmarket restaurant which may be good for that area. I believe he said he will be calling it "La Vida".
Before and after the meeting I met a number of people who were interested in becoming involved in politics. I agreed to have private discussions with them to let them know what was involved and how things work. I do know we may have a bit of a squeeze this year with more wanting to be considered than spaces available (13) but we will have to work through that.
Just so that people know my desire for my input into the manifesto this year will be along the lines of making Zurgena an area to where the elderly wish to come and live, and to that end I will be trying to get included a paragraph that sets out that as a mission statement backed up by factors such as better transportation, facilities, paving etc. I am working on my presentation for that know and of course would welcome any suggestions. This of course will only be for discussion by the fuller P.A party and consideration for inclusion in their proposed manifesto should they gain sufficient seats to put these ideas into practice (if adopted). A second point will be that every house should have a tarmac access and I will try and get that included.
On a side issue the barriers for the road between Cuesta de los Pinos and Llanos del Peral should be installed later this year. The completion of the works around the old church in Llanos will be done as son as they can get time to do it.
Finally if you were sitting in the hall about 2 to 3 rows back from the front and have lost a grey baseball cap please contact me as I found one when tidying up the chairs after the meeting.
As usual any questions or issues please email or call jiminysimpson@gmail.com or 661147554. I am sure I have forgotten some bits but as and when I remember them I will add.
Firstly the top table consisted of the Mayor, Candido Trabalon, Anthonio Segura (the head of the chambers of solicitors representing the Town hall) and Fran one of his solicitors.
Candido initially outlined the fact that the many cases being pursued by the PSOE controlled Junta were all at various stages of the judicial process however he did want to stress that not one case had yet been found in the Junta's favour all had so far been found in favour of the Town Hall. There were two areas where the cases had been won in the lower court and in the first appeal court in Granada. There is one month left for the Junta (out of a total of 3 month period) to make a final appeal on these two cases before they have run out of time. Therefore they either appeal to the highest Court in the land in Madrid by then or exhaust their options. Anthonio stated that as far as the solicitors were concerned they could see no reason for the Town Hall to lose any of their cases in any of the courts, as all had had building licences correctly processed within the law. I have to try and find out which areas these are and post on here.
Various questions were then asked about the situation with regard to individuals situation and it was agreed that if anyone wished to identify whether there was a case open against anyone then they should let me know the details (copy of licence of 1st occupation or building licence)and we would try and identify what the situation was. He did ask that everyone should note that the Town Hall solicitors were defending all the actions and not leaving any individual (eg owner) to defend their own case.
PGOU. Following on from these points the Mayor outlined the position with regard to the PGOU He said that he had heard from some people that Zurgena was not moving forward on their PGOU compared to Arboleas and other areas. Candido said this was NOT the case and that Zurgena was in probably the best position in all of the Almanzora valley. He said that to there knowledge only Huercal Overa and Seron were in a position to get their PGOU agreed in a similar time scale to us. He explained how over the past few years they have had many many meetings with the Junta to try and make progress on the PGOU. he was now in a position to inform the meeting that our provisional PGOUY will go before Pleno session of the council in the 1st week in March for agreement by the Council. It will then be available for all to examine. We would make it available on this blog (if I can manage that), hopefully on the inet and also posted on the Town Hall notice board. It would remain there for 4 weeks and then be sent to the Junta for agreement. Candido stressed that negotiations so far had all been verbal so they had been careful not to give too much away. Once the plan is agreed in session and sent to them they have give written objections if they disagree with any urbanised area and our solicitors are ensuring that when prepared the PGOU is bullet proof. He also said that Arboleas are not working on their PGOU yet as they are still having to work on amending their norms (local planning bye laws) before they can start on their PGOU. He also stressed that they would be including every house in the municipality in the plan,. As the law that applies to one has been applied to all. He was confident in making this statement as they have engaged the assistance of a Chancellor of the University of Malaga (one of four men who are also responsible for creating planning laws in Spain) and he has advised them that Zurgena's plans and licences are all correct.
A question was raised from the floor about paying for infrastructure. Candido again confirmed that no occupants would have to pay for infrastructure and that the Town Hall would do so. He informed the meeting that the contracts for locations such as Palaces (tarmac and lighting) had been issued and should be completed in the next few weeks.
Other questions were asked but mostly of specific cases and people started to drift away. Candido wanted me to ensure everyone was invited to the Andalucia day (28th February) in this same building. It is intended to open the new Gymnasium and then move down to the Renfe for the Fiesta.
The meeting ended about 1935 and we adjourned to the Pool Bar for further discussions and a beer! Ended up speaking to the man who is going to be running the restaurant at Cuesta de los Pinos previously known as the White Horse community centre. It seems he has encouraging plans as to what the place will be. It seems he is intent on making it a more upmarket restaurant which may be good for that area. I believe he said he will be calling it "La Vida".
Before and after the meeting I met a number of people who were interested in becoming involved in politics. I agreed to have private discussions with them to let them know what was involved and how things work. I do know we may have a bit of a squeeze this year with more wanting to be considered than spaces available (13) but we will have to work through that.
Just so that people know my desire for my input into the manifesto this year will be along the lines of making Zurgena an area to where the elderly wish to come and live, and to that end I will be trying to get included a paragraph that sets out that as a mission statement backed up by factors such as better transportation, facilities, paving etc. I am working on my presentation for that know and of course would welcome any suggestions. This of course will only be for discussion by the fuller P.A party and consideration for inclusion in their proposed manifesto should they gain sufficient seats to put these ideas into practice (if adopted). A second point will be that every house should have a tarmac access and I will try and get that included.
On a side issue the barriers for the road between Cuesta de los Pinos and Llanos del Peral should be installed later this year. The completion of the works around the old church in Llanos will be done as son as they can get time to do it.
Finally if you were sitting in the hall about 2 to 3 rows back from the front and have lost a grey baseball cap please contact me as I found one when tidying up the chairs after the meeting.
As usual any questions or issues please email or call jiminysimpson@gmail.com or 661147554. I am sure I have forgotten some bits but as and when I remember them I will add.
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