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. Five questions were issued to twelve candidates from both parties (PUP/UDP) on Friday January 20th. It was requested that all responses to these questions be submitted by Thursday January 26th. At the due date, only eight responses were received. In our effort to be fair to all that submitted their responses in a timely manner, The San Pedro Sun regrets to inform that responses submitted after the deadline will not be printed.
However, on Tuesday January 31st, two independent councilor candidates visited our office to announce their intention to contest the upcoming municipal elections. On this date, those candidates were given the opportunity to answer the same five questions. They immediately provided their answers in an on-the-spot interview and their responses will be printed.
Bernabe Badillo – Independent Candidate
- Why are you running, and what makes you a good candidate?
I have seen how political works. It’s always about promising and sometimes it doesn’t happen. I feel that if I am elected there I’ll try my best for my citizen, which is the community will have the voice. I will be available. I will work as a councilor, listen to my constituents, pass information to my mayor and we can all work together to fix the problem. - Which portfolio would you like to fulfill and why?
I would like Security and Town Beautification. Making sure that the roads are always neat. Places like San Pedrito have been neglected. Raining causes big holes in the roads. Eventually people can not get out and if they call a taxi, taxis don’t want to go get them. - As an independent candidate, how do you plan to work with them?
I would have no problem working with anybody who is in there. I have always been trusting in my lord which is the most important and I take everybody as the same thing. I don’t’ see colors. - Should you win, what would be your top three priorities for our community?
Actually to help the community – in whichever way I could actually serve my community.
Safety for the community: township working more with the police station, the township working more with the fire department.
Traffic: we need proper traffic control.
San Mateo: Land fill, A second access to San Mateo, Roads - Do you have any final comments for the electorates?
I have done nothing wrong against my community. I have a family, have never been divorced. These are some of the things you look at while choosing who do vote to. If one cannot handle his personal life pretty good, what can he do for the community? You have the right to vote, make your vote wise; look for the best of whoever you think will be doing good for your community, and not for a party. This is not about being a fanatic; this is about thinking about your country about your town where you live. Choose wisely.
Reymundo Nuñez – PUP Candidate
- Why are you running, and what makes you a good candidate?
First of all I care for my people. I believe in equal rights and respect the opinion of others. I decided to run in the election because I strongly believe that we need a change and a change in ideas in how the town is run. Our people have been neglected in sports, education, health, infrastructure…you name it. Voting for them is like going down with a sinking ship - Which portfolio would you like to fulfill and why?
Currently I am not looking for a portfolio. If given the chance of choosing one, I would consider working on the care of streets and garbage collection. I can definitely coordinate our present workers to be efficient and to do an excellent job. I am a people Person. - If the opposition party should win most seats, how do you plan to work with them?
As mentioned in my previous answers, I am a people person. In the case that I am elected along with other members of the opposition I am willing to work with anyone, as long as it means that our people of La Isla Bonita are listened to. To me it is working with my people that matters. I can handle the job I guarantee this to you! - Should you win, what would be your top three priorities for our community?
First of all I would involve as much people as possible in the decision making process. I believe in committees doing their job. Next we would need to sit down as a council and sort out our priorities since there is an enormous job ahead for us. In analyzing them we would decide which to tackle first. - Do you have any final comments for the electorates?
I hereby ask the residents of San Pedro, young and old, newly registered and newly transferred to give us a chance. Take a good look at our slate, all honest, sincere and ready to work. Look at our track record, ask people who know us! This entire crowd is here with an open heart. You have in your hands a chance to change this bad course. Nothing will change under a UDP council. Make the most of your vote. Take all what they give you free and make the difference. Vote P.U.P 7.
Gualberto “Wally” Nuñez – PUP Candidate
- Why are you running, and what makes you a good candidate?
Ever since I was a little boy, I have dreamt of being a leader in my community who is not only a leader but also a role model to the young generation. I have aspired to engage in political aspects and represent the people of our beautiful Isla Bonita. What makes me a good candidate is the great desire, passion and energy to serve my community. - Which portfolio would you like to fulfill and why?
There are many different factors affecting our community. Including health, infrastructure, tourism, security, taxes and the need for educational activities. I would be more than willing to work with any portfolio appointed by the Mayor. The reason why, is because all portfolios are of great importance and should all be equally addressed. - If the opposition party should win most seats, how do you plan to work with them?
San Pedro has been known for being a united community, despite political and religious beliefs. In order to make San Pedro an even more successful community, we must work together hand in hand. Nevertheless, I would definitely prefer to work along with the “BLUE TEAM” as great accomplishments have been done under the administration of the People’s United Party. - Should you win, what would be your top three priorities for our community?
Tourism is Belize’s top industry; with our island being the heart of Tourism in Belize. It provides 95% of employment opportunities on the island. Therefore, it should be at the top of our priorities. Moreover in order to boost up our industry, infrastructure and security is of great importance. With infrastructure creating employment opportunities while, at the same time adding tourist attractions and security bringing safety to all our residents and visitors. It also encourages tourist to return and visit or even consider investing in our community and making La Isla Bonita their new home. - Do you have any final comments for the electorates?
My final comment to the electorate: We have been living 9 years under a UDP Town Council and the top priorities for our island have not been addressed properly. It all goes back to the reason why I chose to represent my people of San Pedro. We have come together as the “BLUE TEAM” to not only represent, but to work to revive our Isla Bonita. On March 7th, 2012 I humbly ask for your support for myself “Wally” Nunez and my “BLUE TEAM”.
