If you want my vote, this is what I want from you. I want someone who can deliver basic services to the city seamlessly. And with no excuses for failure to do so. Because, well, I’m not aspiring to be mayor. You are.
These basic services include the delivery of water and power, the collection of garbage, the repair and maintenance of roads as well as the provision of effective sewerage systems for sanitation and flood control.
A good transportation system is basic. It’s also crucial.
Beyond well-lighted roads that are free of potholes, the establishment of an efficient and cost-effective mass transit system would decongest traffic, reduce pollution and cut down the cost of road maintenance. But it would also do wonders for business, education, tourism and community development, as a whole.
When travel times are cut from home to work or to school, downtime is increased. People get home faster and earlier, allowing them more time with their families. When people get more rest, they are happier and healthier.
Infrastructure needs have evolved. The role of telecommunications is now paramount. Connectivity beyond roads and bridges is crucial.
In order for Cebuanos to thrive in the digital age, as mayor, you need to be able to provide fast, safe and reliable means of connectivity in the city. It’s time to legislate Internet speed, to provide free Internet access in public spaces and to compel service providers to step up.
Imagine how many more jobs it would generate. The world is already our marketplace. But with greater connectivity would come greater opportunities. Cebuanos wouldn’t have to leave home to provide for their children, spouses and families.
Your re-election is already guaranteed if you can make Cebu the foremost digital hub in Asia with the fastest and strongest connectivity.
What’s truly important is not how well you can sing, dance or crack jokes but how committed you are to making these a reality: affordable healthcare, education and housing, successful resettlement of informal settlers, permanent reduction of crime and pollution, effective and quick response from police, fire and emergency services.
Beyond being able to deliver basic services, you have my vote if you can cut red tape, reduce permits and procedures, get rid of corrupt employees, make it possible to do business in the city, hassle and stress-free.
When government creates a stable, friendly and supportive environment for business instead of an unreliable, hostile and punitive one—it creates a domino effect. Investments rise. Businesses flourish. Jobs are created. Income is generated. Purchasing power is boosted.
Everybody wins when government supports business.
Streamline all government services in all offices and everyone will vote for you. Cut queues by employing more efficient working methods. Improve services by training staff to be friendly, helpful and accommodating rather than being rude, arrogant and indifferent to the needs of the people.
Leadership is important. You can’t ask people to do what you can’t or won’t do yourself. Whether you decide to adopt a servant-like or royalty-like attitude, know that everyone else will take their cue from you. So, think before you speak or act.
I know it’s a tall order. That’s why I’m not running for mayor. But you are. So, step up to the plate if you want my vote as well as the votes of all thinking Cebuanos.