Meet your Councilor Candidates – Vasquez, Sanchez & Aguilar

With the municipal elections right around the corner, The San Pedro Sun takes this opportunity to present the Councilor Candidates to the San Pedro public. We have devised five questions which were disseminated to all candidates for their response. It is our hope that their response to these questions will assist you, the voting public in your decision making process come March 7, 2012. In this issue we feature response from two UDP candidates, two PUP candidates and one Independent Councilor Candidate.

Maribel Vasquez – PUP

1. Why are you running, and what makes you a good candidate? I am running because like most of our Island residents I have felt the neglect of the UDP administration. Having worked in customer service and public relations for several years and always trying to make sure my customers were happy. I know that I am capable of using this knowledge to help my people. I know that we deserve better and I feel that it is my turn to do my share for my island home.
2. Which portfolio would you like to fulfill and why? I am a team player, I will accept any responsibility assigned to me. My first choice however would be in the area of Health. It is always the poorest of our society that suffer the most. Especially in the area I live, the residents find themselves with health problems and it breaks my heart to see that many of them go unassisted.
3. If the opposition party should win most seats, how do you plan to work with them?
   It is easier to work with a group that shares the same ideologies and aspirations. However, if the electorate should decide otherwise, I will still express my views and plans and work hand in hand with whomever the electorate chooses. I will make sure that we work for the people and if I see that it’s not being fulfilled, I will ask you the voter to help me by whatever means necessary to make sure that your best interest is not forgotten.
4. Should you win, what would be your top three priorities for our community? When elected my priorities are clear. Better health for my island residents, proper and sustainable developments with emphasis on protecting our environment, and better communication between the Council and the residents of La Isla Bonita.
5. Do you have any final comments for the electorates? My fellow resident of Ambergris Caye, there is no doubt that our whole community has been neglected for far too long. The present UDP Town council has proven that they are about promises and grand ideas but no fulfilment. Ask yourself, “Are you better off now, than when the PUP was in office?” I am sure the answer is No! Vote them out! They win and they forget us, now it is our turn to forget them. On March 7th, 2012, just remember it is time for a change, Vote for the “BLUE TEAM.”

Hilberto Sanchez – Independent Candidate

1. Why are you running, and what makes you a good candidate? For the past eight years I have managed Hummingbird Furnishings Showroom here in San Pedro. As Manager, I was trained to do sales, track inventory and orders and submit periodic reports. Hummingbird has instilled in me the value of doing my best and treating all customers with respect and honesty. These are the qualities that will make me serve the people of San Pedro without fear or favor.
2. Which portfolio would you like to fulfill and why? Sports – because it is one of my favourite things to do. It’s something that I love doing. If I get to do it I would do it with all the passion and all that I have in me.
3. As an Independent, how do you plan to work with them? I don’t see any difficulty working with other party members or whoever is in seat. I know that I would be put in there to voice the voice of the people and I would see that I do anything to get whatever the town is asking for.
4. Should you win, what would be your top three priorities for our community?
   There are many areas of concern in San:
   1. I am committed to preserving our environment and will work to assure its preservation for future generations.
   2. Ensure that your tax dollars are spent honestly and wisely to run the town properly with no tolerance for corruption.
   3. Secure a multi-purpose sporting facility with proper lightning, seating and bathroom facilities. We can host better tournaments for our youths and visiting teams.

   San Pedro can be an example for the whole country as we have talented players in all different sports.

5. Do you have any final comments for the electorates? I humbly ask for the opportunity to be your councilor. This election is an opportunity for us to unite. I ask you to consider the two-two-two unity team. I will be voting for two red, two blue and two purple and the best choice for Mayor, Mel Paz. I ask you to do the same. Together in unity, we can make San Pedro a better place for all of us to live, work and play.

David Aguilar – PUP

1. Why are you running, and what makes you a good candidate? The reason why I decided to run for the upcoming municipal election is because I am feeling the pain and cries of my people. After nine years of the UDP neglect, I David Aguilar is offering myself as a councilor candidate to restore confidence and provide the service La Isla Bonita deserves.
2. Which portfolio would you like to fulfill and why? Our islands youth are a priority to me. I would like to be able to head a committee that will be responsible and dedicated to them. However, I am fully prepared to take on any challenges or portfolio assigned to me.
3. If the opposition party should win most seats, how do you plan to work with them? I know that the People’s United Party will bring change to this community. On March 8th party colors will be of no importance and I pledge to work hand in hand with anyone that is elected for the betterment of Ambergris Caye.
4. Should you win, what would be your top three priorities for our community? My top priorities if elected would be Sustainable development, Youths and Sporting events and Tax collection.
5. Do you have any final comments for the electorates? Your choice is clear! The UDP has neglected and forgotten us for the past nine years! It is in your hands to make a change. On March 7th, 2012 I ask that you make the right choice, Vote for the “BLUE TEAM” a new generation for a better tomorrow.