Mayor to Fernandinos: Be cautious of candidates

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Mayor Oscar Rodriguez urged residents in this city Wednesday to be “cautious” of candidates for the 2013 mayoralty race here.

This came after his former rival, Dr. Reynaldo Aquino, expressed his intention of running again for election in the capital city.

Aquino earlier said he is “offering himself for service once more.” He was the first city mayor of San Fernando from 1995 to 2004.

Rodriguez, when asked to comment on Aquino’s early declaration, said he (Aquino) or any other candidate is welcome to run in the mayoralty race.

However, he was quick to add that residents should check on the political history of candidates before making any choices this early.

He added that residents should also check the credibility of candidates, and if they still have unsettled issues in their previous terms.

Rodriguez said he is saddened by the apparent early campaign of some politicians aspiring for posts in 2013, adding the city is already littered with posters from politicians.

When asked on his camp’s preparations for the 2013 mayoralty race, Rodriguez said he is leaving it all up to Vice Mayor Edwin Santiago to make the line-up and necessary preparations.

“I don’t want to be accused of meddling too much in the process. But currently, we have many competent and credible people who will make the line-up. I leave the selection to Santiago,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez added he is optimistic that the line-up will be composed by new faces responsive to the needs of the city people, and will continue the legacy projects and sustain the achievements of his administration.