Monday, June 04, 2007 Nalzaro: A heartless mayor By Bobby Nalzaro Saksi
WITH the elections over, whatever issues, intrigues, lies and dirty tricks contending parties used during the campaign period should be water under the bridge, so to speak. Losers have already conceded. Winners should start mapping out plans to implement their programs of government, which they promised their constituents, once they assume power on June 30. They should also reach out to their opponents for reconciliation.
So why is Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña making the lives of Lahug residents, especially the children, miserable? The people of Lahug did nothing wrong to Tomas. Why punish Juan for the sins of Pedro, or, in this case, Maria? If they voted for Mary Ann de los Santos for mayor during the last elections, it was because they believe in her leadership and capability. Maybe they also viewed her as a better alternative to run the affairs of the City and rid City Hall of the bondage of arrogance and vindictiveness.
Some of those who voted for Mary Ann did not necessarily agree with her platform of government. They were merely expressing their disgust at the attitude of Mayor Osmeña. I think everybody knows about my relationship with the mayor. He hates me because I am very vocal against some of his policies. How many times has he snubbed me? But its okay, I am not the kind who bears a grudge against people who don’t like me.
In fact, I maintain my stand that Mayor Tom is a good administrator and nobody among his predecessors can surpass his performance. Had I been able to vote in the last elections, I would have voted for him. His only negative trait is his arrogance. He is also vindictive. Naay iyang batasan nga dili makaon ug iro.
Now, he does it again. Tomas is “running amuck” to get back at his political opponent. He stopped the construction of a 20-room school building at the Lahug Elementary School because, according to him, Mary Ann distributed leaflets during the elections informing voters that his administration did not give any assistance or projects to the barangay. He also ordered to stop the gasoline allocation for the barangay’s garbage trucks and the subsidy for its garbage collectors.
What’s happening with you, Mayor Tom? Where is your heart? Is this a result of the anesthesia during your recent hospitalization or of your drinking habit? Again, why punish the people of Lahug for the sins committed by their barangay captain? You are a veteran politician and I’m sure that during the past elections, you also spread lies against your opponents to get the sympathy of voters.
Spreading lies and doing dirty tricks are part of our culture during elections. Others even resort to dirty politics, like vote-buying and adopting political violence, just to be elected. I’m sure you know that.
With the shortage of classrooms at the Lahug Elementary School, some parents will be forced to send their children to nearby barangays. And that will be an additional financial burden on their part. Besides, the children’s safety will be jeopardized. They have to walk and ride jeeps. I hope no one will figure in an accident because of your action, because, God forbid, if that ever happens, Tomas will get the blame.
I think Tomas wants to be remembered as the heartless and vindictive mayor rather than a good administrator.
