Last Wednesday, the Auditorium of Miramar Building witnessed the third Public Audience. I prepared the act with the same faith and conviction I devoted to the first one, one year and a half ago. In other words, as one opportunity available to a Mayor to show the general lines of government action, the opportunity of all residents to ask and criticize whatever they want to their Mayor; and the opportunity of both parties to discuss in a constructive way how to improve municipal management and all problems affecting residents.
I was quite satisfied by the Audience due to several reasons. First, now the government can show more government actions, second, current projects for 2014 are really exciting, and the fact that the discussion with all participants was constructive, beneficial and a sign that notwithstanding different visions, we all share the same desire for a better Sitges.
The formula of the Audience is a good tool to articulate discussions and build a mutual understanding, and, at the same time it shows as in very few instances a good practice of transparency and participation. Beyond those two topics, we believe in those two concepts. And the following step that confirms it is that the next municipal budget will offer the opportunity to make real and active proposals to citizens. Neighbors will have a lot to say, propose or criticize during the preparation of our next budget.
I will retain some points from the last Audience. First, the evidence that rigorous financial management and cost control generates results, despite all sacrifices provoked in their wake. We managed to wipe out the deficit -even though the debt is still very important and limiting. This resulted in some implementations that were very necessary and that were out of our scope in the past, due to the dismal condition of municipal finances in 2011. Namely, transportation of sand to the beaches of Sitges (very damaged due to storms) saved the tourist season, the creation of the Blue Card and Soup kitchen were essential for people who need these services, the reduction in bus fares, which have reduced its impact, and the transfer of the retirement home in Carrer Maragall to the City Hall, had it not been for this action the retirement home would be closed by now since the financial institution that took over Caixa Penedès did not want to assume the burden...
Secondly, the projects that we will carry out during 2014 will also be very exciting. We are doing our best to improve social welfare policies, reorganizing municipal administration to speed up the creation of businesses and services for entrepreneurs, we are stepping forward in the promotion of tourism and attracting business and initiatives such as the recent arrival of Institute of the Arts in Barcelona, and we will execute a remarkable package of public improvements revolving around heritage conservation: inauguration of the museum reform following criteria for heritage conservation, refurbishment of the library and the building of Prado, improvement of Vallbona tunnel and replacement of tiles in a stretch of Passeig de la Ribera.
And finally, I will also retain from this Audience the strength showed by this municipal government, as shown in the daily government action and interdepartmental work. The political parties that make up the current government are the only three that have not moved the list of officials elected due to leaves -justified or not- and were able to negotiate budgets, actions or motions with the entire municipal representation.
I have faith in 2014. It will still be a year of tears and toil, but it will also serve to show that all the sacrifices of previous years were not only necessary, but an investment for the future.
