Election Negotiations

At this time there are numerous negotiations going on in advance of the local elections in May.  These discussions involve all the main political parties.

I am not at liberty to disclose what, or how, these negotiations are going, but, suffice it to say, they may have a big bearing on our main concerns in this municipality. I should know more clearly how the negotiations have gone and what the outcome of these is in a few days and rest assured, as soon as I can publish any facts, I will do so. So its watch this space.

Tuesday 7th April

Well I am sure many of you will have noticed the increase in obvious works going on across the municipality. And in all other municipalities! Some of this is due to the completion of projects which Partido Andalucista (P.A.) promised at the last elections but also others are (as is usual prior to an election) completed to garner support.

It would appear that despite all the discussions we, by that I mean the party which has supported the expat community for the past 8 years by listening to it and involving myself on the council and others in decision making processes, will be contesting the election as our own party P.A.

There was consideration being given to our forming various alliances with other political parties but, when we looked at what was best for our community the only really good option was to continue as Partido Andalucista and to involve ,as much as is possible, the best people to continue the work. I hope to be able to stand on the Partido Andalucista list but in a position out of the top 5 or 6. I also hope that those persons, who I have found, worked hardest to achieve things for our community also put themselves forward to be included again on the list for P.A. That way we can be sure of good progression on all fronts. It would be great to see that the party which has achieved so much over the past 8 years enjoy a period in power when they actually have a bit of money! The first tranche if the IBI money from the Junta should be arriving soon.

We do have one problem and that is a lack of ladies to support the party. We could ideally do with 2 ex-pat ladies who are willing for their names to be added to the party list. The amount of work involved is (dependant on the individuals desire, minimal), possibly attending a couple of meetings. If anyone would like to consider this and wants any clarification please give me a call 661147554 or drop me an email. It would be really worthwhile for our part of the community to have such support. 
Please give this really serious thought as it could have a big impact on our Town Hall and its services.

In relation to the works going on, we have a number of projects nearing completion and obviously as and when they are completed we will publicise the fact. I also went round with my open list of issues which need attention and made sure that the workers know of what and where these issues are and they will work them all as they can. I am quite hopeful that all will either be completed or nearly completed within the next 3 to 4 weeks.

I have asked that when they start the work on Calle Finlandia if there is a necessity to block the road that the workers inform the residents. So hopefully if it is necessary they will!

One of the projects nearing completion but not yet there is the sewerage paperwork from Los Llanos down to the dipuradora below Cucador Norte. The main pipe are in but the connections and tarmac remedial work will take place over the next 2 to 3 weeks. This includes connecting the pipe in Calle Abderraman to the new junctions.

As usual any questions do not hesitate to ask.

Update Tuesday 31st March

At last managed to get a substantial meeting with Candido this morning. The problem for him has been in getting time free from the various (and believe me very complicated) negotiations going on in advance of the local Elections in May. The horse trading etc is to be seen to be believed!

Anyway first things first. The PGOU. The junta waited until the last minute of the last day to return our PGOU with a list of about 4 issues which they required changing. These changes (and believe it or not one of those changes was to ensure that all the pages in each part of the document were numbered!) were all attended to the same day and returned to the Junta the same day. We now await their approval. The process now is that the Junta have to pass the plan to a commission (which they set up) who give final assent to the document. We do not envisage any more issues and expect the plan to be agreed by this commission. We had originally hoped that it would be in April but being a little sceptical I think mid May is more likely.

We are still awaiting a response to an inform we asked for which could help the situation regrading the court cases.

I told Candido that the AUAN were again circulating details of his next case to be heard in the Criminal Court No 2 at Almeria on the 15th and 17th April. he looked at the paperwork and confirmed that this was one of the outstanding cases which surprise surprise are being represented just before the elections AGAIN!! The case refers to a piece of land upon which there are no houses but which had been divided into plots on our old plan. So he was surprised to see this being circulated as it has no bearing on any residents and would appear to be just another one of those used to stymie Political parties other than the PSOE.

W are trying to get the contract for the bowling green signed off so that we can start to use it, even if we cannot get it fully operational as a club in the near future. I know a couple of people have informed me they know where the basic equipment can be obtained from for a good price. If you do please let me know. Partido Andalucista (which is the party I have been associated with for the past 8 years) is responsible for getting this investment in the green and we would like to hold some sort of competition, albeit without all the infrastructure, in the next few weeks. So if you know of somewhere or someone who could provide the basic equipment please get in touch.

The work on repairing Calle Finlandia will start after the easter holidays as will the work on the end of Calle Escocia. As regular readers will know the reason for the delay has been the difficulty in the TH getting the necessary funds from Madrid.

The previous list I gave to Candido regarding areas wanting tidying up etc is being worked through as is the minor repairs to roads etc. Please bear with us as there is a lot to attend to.

The situation with Tanatorio remains the same, which is that there is no electricity supply and there is an internal political situation which is restricting us from getting this sorted.

We then had a lengthy discussion about movements and thoughts about the compilation of the lists of candidates for the various parties for the upcoming local elections. Until the horse trading is complete it would not be appropriate to decide which party I would support. Suffice it to say that I cannot see myself in anyway supporting PSOE who have and continue (as far as Zurgena is concerned) to cause us many problems and restrictions. We are winning these battles, particularly in the courts, and it looks now as if we may see the end of these spurious actions before too long. This fact is enhanced by the cases that we have recently won with good clear rulings in support of the TH actions at the time.

As usual any questions or queries please just email or call.

One More Day one More Frustration

Sorry folks. I tried again today to speak to those who matter but failed, as no one showed up. This is getting very annoying again!! I keep promising people that I will get answers but when I try to speak with Candido, or sometimes others, I fail. Apologies to all who were waiting answers I will keep trying until I get the questions answered.

This is now two weeks since I spoke with anyone but I bet they will want to speak to me nearer the elections. It does reinforce my determination to finish my role within the Town Hall by the end of May e.g. at the next election.

As an aside it does appear that we will be able to do the trip to Carboneras on the 16th April but we are a few short of the numbers we had hoped to get. If you know of anyone who may be interested in the trip please let them know and ask them to either contact myself or Noelia in the Town Hall. I think it is excellent value for a day out at €25 including the services of the guide, the coach and the 4 course meal. Please spread the word.

Empty Town Hall

Called in supposedly to meet with Candido but on arrival the cupboard was bare. Both Candido and Luis (the Mayor) had both departed on an urgent request to meet with the Regional Authorities in Almeria. I believe it is to do with some important aspects of politics, which could impact on many things in the area, but the detail is being kept from all other councillors at the moment. I will publish as soon as I get any clarification. What tangled webs they weave.

Checked with the others in the Town Hall as to whether any objections to our PGOU have been received and no one knows of any. So in that regard things are looking good. If no objections then the plan stands!

Cardoneras Guided Visit

Bookings for the Carboneras Trip, organised by the Councillor for Culture, Noelia Garcia Jimenez for Thursday Aril 166th departing at 0930 from Zurgena, can be made at the Town Hall, but, to make it easier for residents I will be available at the Pool Bar La Alfoquia from 1200x 1300 this Wednesday 25th and from 1300 x1400 on the same day at La Vida. Cucador Norte for anyone wishing to make a reservation.

The cost (payable at the time of booking is €25 per person. And bear in mind this includes the coach, the services of a guide for the visit to the castle, and the antique windmill and a full meal at a local restaurant in Carboneras. This is the first time the TH has organised a trip primarily for its English speaking residents and, whilst there are many organisations doing so, the TH is in the position of not making money from the trip and in fact partially subsides it, so it would be good to see a high level of support. The coach is a 50 seater and so far there are seats available. 

Apology

Sorry folks unable to update blog this week due to a number of factors which included a bit if ill health (for me) and a lot of work on (for Candido).
I have agreed to meet with him next Tuesday to get updates on all the outstanding things and whether any objections yet raised by the Junta to the PGOU. I was aware that none had been received by Tuesday!