When, on 11 June 2011, the thirteen councilors of CiU, PP, SGI and NH formed the new government, as a result of the clear desire of the residents of Sitges, most of which requested a change in the erratic policy of previous years, we were aware that we had inherited a complex situation, a very difficult situation. As I stated at the press conference last week, the first year of government was often marked by sacrifices, abandoned projects and difficult decisions provoked by the dire financial situation inherited by the City Council.
However, it was also a very busy year. The thirteen councilors who form the Government carried out intense work based on three pillars: drawing the lines of governmental action (within the framework of the Governance Plan), redress and internally manage their respective responsibilities and strengthening dialogue and support with civil society. Such a support is not always possible to perform financially, but also it has been shown that it can be channeled through different formats, sometimes more effective and viable than purely economic channels.
The first year of government was a year of intense work, imaginative solutions, intact illusions and trust in the future, notwithstanding the somber economic situation. The inherited situation and the difficult economic environment has been, in this sense, an obstacle that limited our scope of action, but also proved a stimulus to seek new ways and strive even more to find alternatives.
Probably, it is still too early to assess important results, but have already displayed some significant outcomes: it was possible to halve the debt to suppliers, save on personnel costs, redirect the reform of museums to protect and safeguard our historical legacy, implement a plan to reform sidewalks, implement measures to promote tourism that are beginning show positive results, prepare a stable program for libraries, implement measures to support the needy and social organizations and ensure the construction of the school Agnes de Sitges, among many other tasks. In addition, we just began to work to announce major projects for the future of Sitges. Projects that involve public and private partnership and that unlike the past, will not be announced until their full confirmation. We will not fall into the trap of selling projects that are all smoke and mirrors or false expectations. Sitges still is a place of opportunity and I can guarantee that we are working to strengthen them.
In a general manner, I would like to dwell specially in the implementation of a new culture that values small actions that help us make Sitges more human. A culture that places the City Hall in the same side that residents, and that is pursue of new opportunities for all residents of Sitges. The path is long and uphill, but the backpack is full of ideas, enthusiasm and spirit of service.
Balance of the first year in office (see documentation)
