Wednesday, May 30, 2007 Editorials: Contrasting fates of Ouano, Radaza
ONE interesting result of the just concluded political exercise is the encounter for mayor in the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu.
Both incumbents went through similar issues questioning their integrity and honesty: the overpricing of decorative lamp posts used to light the streets of Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu for the Asean summit last January.
Strong public reaction against the alleged abuse of public trust generated demands for their immediate punishment.
And so, Mayors Teddy Ouano of Mandaue and Arturo Radaza of Lapu-Lapu were preventively suspended for six months.
Elections
Ouano was not a candidate, though, after serving three terms, but his son ran in his place.
What was surprising is that Radaza won reelection and Ouano’s son Jonkie lost.
It seems that the political sins of the father hounded the son.
But why did Radaza win and Ouano lose in the elections?
The answer does necessitate looking into the backgrounds of both city executives, their performance as city mayors, the public image they carved and the behavior they showed up to the time of their suspension.
Public image
Here lies the great divide that meant victory for one and “defeat” for the other.
In the case of Radaza, his performance as mayor was rather benign, generating an image of doing only what needs to be done.
He strikes the public eye as a reactive executive rather than an initiator and risk-taker.
He thus projected a neutral profile as city manager, politician and leader.
But he generally serves the basic needs of his constituents.
Ouano, meanwhile, is an involved man.
He projects the image of a city executive who would not hesitate to dip his finger into all sorts of public “pies.”
He does not hesitate to take risks, thus his involvement in all sorts of controversies.
Less intrusive
In the lamp posts case, while Radaza “submitted to the suspension order with bowed head,” Ouano fought back, proclaiming his innocence.
In the end, Ouano’s show of belligerence did not go well with the public.
It portrayed him as one who had something or so much to hide.
Between Radaza and Ouano is a difference in political temperament, management style and performance that is easily observable to voters.
Radaza won because he has a less intrusive public image.
