Los Verdes of Orihuela denounce the failure of the management of Mónica Lorente y her PP government team in Orihuela in respect of the infrastructure in Orihuela Costa, allowing a succession of unacceptable deficiencies for a centre of population of almost 30,000 registered people.
Despite that Mónica Lorente continues with her image campaign presenting investments that are not hers, and we don't know when they will be realized, investments that in the majority belong to work that should have been carried out by the promoters who constructed the houses, and which the Town Hall has consented to, as happens with those urbanisations that have not been adopted by the Town hall and whose illegality is blatant. The reality is that the situation in Orihuela Costa has not improved at all since the new PP government took office in May 2007.
A few days ago Ms. Lorente appeared, like a catwalk model including protection helmet, in Orihuela Costa showing off some investments that correspond to other financial years, and that in some cases as now, as a consequence of the promised funding from FEIL (funds from the state to fight the economic recession).
Bridges (over the AP7 and the N332) that should be installed by the promoters that made the urbanisations, and that appear in the urban planning; deficiencies in public services that residents have been asking to be rectified for more than 20 years ( for example a sports centre that will be thanks to FEIL); collector of waste water in La Zenia which should have been solved from the beginning of the urbanisation; cleaning of council owned land and private plots, that should not be done with public resources; repair pavements and other infrastructure already promised on previous occasions but never carried out; are now the latest demonstration of marketing that Ms. Lorente sells as if it was a detergent.
Where is the responsibility of those who have allowed year after year these circumstances? Where is the responsibility of those who have permitted the indiscriminate development of Orihuela Costa and without essential services? Now she has the solution to everything with state funds, with everyone's money?
Los Verdes do not believe a single word of the promises of Ms. Lorente because she is a perfect expert in putting up smoke screens and then doing nothing. Ms. Lorente will have to explain why we Oriolanos have to pay our taxes for works that should have been carried out by the Private Promoters, and why the PP of Orihuela allow that everyone's money should cover the shame of their business friends.
Showing posts with label Budget. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Budget. Show all posts
Monday, February 23, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Los Verdes of Orihuela rebuttal of C.L.A.R.O. letter.
Following the very busy surgery on Wednesday 28th January, we held a press conference to repudiate the criticism of Los Verdes contained in the letter by Bob Houliston, president of the C.L.A.R.O. party, that was published in the CoastRider newspaper on the 27th January 2009. As a result of the conference the following article has appeared in the CoastRider 3rd February edition.
Los Verdes respond to C.L.A.R.O. budget letter
A letter penned by C.L.A.R.O. president, Bob Houliston, was printed in last week’s CoastRider, and its contents so angered the Orihuela opposition party, Los Verdes, their councillor and coastal representatives held a press conference to set the record straight.
In his letter about the Orihuela budget meeting, Mr Houliston wrote: “I have seen or heard no reports that either the Socialist or Green Parties stood up in this vital council meeting to criticise the budget for these incredible deficiencies as far as the coast is concerned”.
Los Verdes Councillor Monserrate Guillén said: “Mr Houliston forgot to mention that Los Verdes tabled 74 amendments to the proposed budgets prior to the special council meeting, including 17 specific amendments for the coast. Five of the 14 amendments which were accepted relate directly to the coast. Los Verdes councillors do not wave our arms around in the Pleno, we get on with the business of trying our best to get our proposals agreed.
Prior to the meeting, we discussed the budget with all parties, the ruling PP, the PSOE, and CLR. Our proposals were put together as a direct result of our campaign to encourage citizens to participate by telling us the issues which are most important to them. Had we not put forward these 74 proposals, there would have been nothing at all for the coast.”
The Councillor and Los Verdes representatives asked why C.L.A.R.O. had not put together their own set of proposals or spoken to opposition councillors to ensure their concerns were heard before the budget meeting. The Los Verdes group also added: “C.L.A.R.O. has targeted the opposition councillors when it is the ruling PP which makes the decisions, and C.L.A.R.O. must bear some responsibility for splitting the vote at the last municipal election, which damaged the opposition and kept the PP in power.”
Rebecca Griffin
The full published letter referred to is reproduced below in order to ensure fairness of expression of views.
Dear Editor,
The Socialist Workers Party (P.S.O.E.) captured your front page on 20 January by revealing that Orihuela Costa would probably get nothing out of the investment budget for 2009 and very little for anything else.
This turned out to be correct and C.L.A.R.O. has described the 2009 budget as an INSULT and DISGRACE from Orihuela Costa’s point of view.
But armed with this information BEFORE the budget debate on 19 January, what did the Socialist Party say in defence of the interests of Orihuela Costa? I have seen or heard no reports that either the Socialist or Green Parties stood up in this vital council meeting to criticise the budget for these incredible deficiencies as far as the coast is concerned.
We agree with the Socialist Party arguments in your front page article last week that the proposed outdoor sports centre for Orihuela Costa should not have been considered for Madrid emergency funding since it is not a brand new project, was promised in the Popular Party election manifesto in 2007, and first finance was already provided in the 2008 budget. Orihuela Costa should have got its full share of the Madrid funds for NEW investment projects AND the Popular Party should have included finance for the sports centre in the 2009 budget (with the addition of a heated indoor swimming pool to match that of the neighbouring municipality of Pilar de la Horadada with a smaller population).
This is what C.L.A.R.O. would have said if we had elected representatives in the Orihuela Council. But, the Socialist Party said no such thing in the budget debate in the Council on 19 January. Neither, apparently, did the Socialist Party in Orihuela say anything to the Socialist government in Madrid to the effect that the proposed sports centre was not eligible for emergency funding from the Madrid government.
The traditional opposition parties in Orihuela argue that voters in Orihuela Costa should support them rather than a new, purely local, independent party, as they can defend the interests of the coast locally, as well as regionally and nationally where they are already represented. But they are doing nothing of the sort. Why? Are they concerned that their voters in Orihuela might take fright if they support a bigger share of the cake for the coast? Are they prepared to say openly that more for the coast would mean less for their voters in the rest of the municipality?
Yours,
Bob Houliston,
President of C.L.A.R.O.
From the comments made in the last paragraph Bob Houliston would appear to either be totally unaware of, or chooses to overlook, the well publicised work of the Los Verdes party, through the Orihuela Costa Working Group, on the coast.
He chooses to ignore the work of the many residents who have contributed to the 'Clean up the Costa' and 'Dignity for the Disabled' campaigns being coordinated by Los Verdes.
Are we concerned that the voters in Orihuela might take fright if we support a bigger share of the cake for the coast?
No, because Los Verdes of Orihuela work for the benefit of the whole of the Orihuela Municipality which includes Orihuela Town, Orihuela Costa, and the Pedanias. That is the responsibity of Los Verdes as a elected opposition party within the Town Council.
Are we prepared to say openly that more for the coast could mean less for the voters in the rest of the municipality?
Yes, because the expenditure for each area should be based on the essential needs of the area, subject to the limitations of the total budget for the whole of the Municipality.
What a pity that Bob Houliston, as President of C.L.A.R.O., did not act, by liaising with one of the official elected opposition parties to express his party members' suggestions and concerns, before the Budget was passed by the PP ruling party, rather than criticising those that did, after the event, or is that the easier course to take.
Los Verdes respond to C.L.A.R.O. budget letter
A letter penned by C.L.A.R.O. president, Bob Houliston, was printed in last week’s CoastRider, and its contents so angered the Orihuela opposition party, Los Verdes, their councillor and coastal representatives held a press conference to set the record straight.
In his letter about the Orihuela budget meeting, Mr Houliston wrote: “I have seen or heard no reports that either the Socialist or Green Parties stood up in this vital council meeting to criticise the budget for these incredible deficiencies as far as the coast is concerned”.
Los Verdes Councillor Monserrate Guillén said: “Mr Houliston forgot to mention that Los Verdes tabled 74 amendments to the proposed budgets prior to the special council meeting, including 17 specific amendments for the coast. Five of the 14 amendments which were accepted relate directly to the coast. Los Verdes councillors do not wave our arms around in the Pleno, we get on with the business of trying our best to get our proposals agreed.
Prior to the meeting, we discussed the budget with all parties, the ruling PP, the PSOE, and CLR. Our proposals were put together as a direct result of our campaign to encourage citizens to participate by telling us the issues which are most important to them. Had we not put forward these 74 proposals, there would have been nothing at all for the coast.”
The Councillor and Los Verdes representatives asked why C.L.A.R.O. had not put together their own set of proposals or spoken to opposition councillors to ensure their concerns were heard before the budget meeting. The Los Verdes group also added: “C.L.A.R.O. has targeted the opposition councillors when it is the ruling PP which makes the decisions, and C.L.A.R.O. must bear some responsibility for splitting the vote at the last municipal election, which damaged the opposition and kept the PP in power.”
Rebecca Griffin
The full published letter referred to is reproduced below in order to ensure fairness of expression of views.
Dear Editor,
The Socialist Workers Party (P.S.O.E.) captured your front page on 20 January by revealing that Orihuela Costa would probably get nothing out of the investment budget for 2009 and very little for anything else.
This turned out to be correct and C.L.A.R.O. has described the 2009 budget as an INSULT and DISGRACE from Orihuela Costa’s point of view.
But armed with this information BEFORE the budget debate on 19 January, what did the Socialist Party say in defence of the interests of Orihuela Costa? I have seen or heard no reports that either the Socialist or Green Parties stood up in this vital council meeting to criticise the budget for these incredible deficiencies as far as the coast is concerned.
We agree with the Socialist Party arguments in your front page article last week that the proposed outdoor sports centre for Orihuela Costa should not have been considered for Madrid emergency funding since it is not a brand new project, was promised in the Popular Party election manifesto in 2007, and first finance was already provided in the 2008 budget. Orihuela Costa should have got its full share of the Madrid funds for NEW investment projects AND the Popular Party should have included finance for the sports centre in the 2009 budget (with the addition of a heated indoor swimming pool to match that of the neighbouring municipality of Pilar de la Horadada with a smaller population).
This is what C.L.A.R.O. would have said if we had elected representatives in the Orihuela Council. But, the Socialist Party said no such thing in the budget debate in the Council on 19 January. Neither, apparently, did the Socialist Party in Orihuela say anything to the Socialist government in Madrid to the effect that the proposed sports centre was not eligible for emergency funding from the Madrid government.
The traditional opposition parties in Orihuela argue that voters in Orihuela Costa should support them rather than a new, purely local, independent party, as they can defend the interests of the coast locally, as well as regionally and nationally where they are already represented. But they are doing nothing of the sort. Why? Are they concerned that their voters in Orihuela might take fright if they support a bigger share of the cake for the coast? Are they prepared to say openly that more for the coast would mean less for their voters in the rest of the municipality?
Yours,
Bob Houliston,
President of C.L.A.R.O.
From the comments made in the last paragraph Bob Houliston would appear to either be totally unaware of, or chooses to overlook, the well publicised work of the Los Verdes party, through the Orihuela Costa Working Group, on the coast.
He chooses to ignore the work of the many residents who have contributed to the 'Clean up the Costa' and 'Dignity for the Disabled' campaigns being coordinated by Los Verdes.
Are we concerned that the voters in Orihuela might take fright if we support a bigger share of the cake for the coast?
No, because Los Verdes of Orihuela work for the benefit of the whole of the Orihuela Municipality which includes Orihuela Town, Orihuela Costa, and the Pedanias. That is the responsibity of Los Verdes as a elected opposition party within the Town Council.
Are we prepared to say openly that more for the coast could mean less for the voters in the rest of the municipality?
Yes, because the expenditure for each area should be based on the essential needs of the area, subject to the limitations of the total budget for the whole of the Municipality.
What a pity that Bob Houliston, as President of C.L.A.R.O., did not act, by liaising with one of the official elected opposition parties to express his party members' suggestions and concerns, before the Budget was passed by the PP ruling party, rather than criticising those that did, after the event, or is that the easier course to take.
Monday, January 26, 2009
The 2009 Budget is NOT a surprise for Los Verdes
The Los Verdes party decided to vote NO to the 2009 Budget for Orihuela because;
It is not participatory, as it does not take into account the wishes of the citizens;
It is not supportive, as the social elements are decreased considerably;
It is not just, as it does not take into account the real needs of those who most need help;
It is not fair, to the different parts of the Municipality and in particular to the Costa;
It is not committed, as it is not intended to create jobs, to generate confidence that the people need now;
It is not balanced, as the bureaucratic machinery that the PP government has created, needs a large part of the budget.
We have asked many times over the past years as to what will happen when the "bad times” come as the construction boom will not last forever. The PP government branded us (Los Verdes) as prophets of doom. During the boom years, they (PP government) have not been able to manage the revenue, and have even created a Council Deficit (debt) and it will be made worse in these years of difficulties.
The 'bad times' have come.
Now we can not spend the money on parties and assistance to "hangers on " that, certainly, do not need it. On the contrary, this government has got into debt due to extravagant vanity, and today we must all pay dearly.
2009 BUDGET
Let's look at the numbers:
67 million € in 2009 (in 2008, 90 million €).
The overall budget reduced by 27%, investments are down by 89%, lower overhead costs down by 19%, financial liabilities, that we have to pay to several banks, are increased by 115.25%.
Staff Costs
The bureaucratic machinery that the PP government has created, needs 40% of the budgets to pay approximately 1,000 staff (including joint ventures). In overtime they have been paid a whopping 1 million €. As for productivity, the arbitrary concept of the PP is to reward the good and punish the bad civil servants, this will amount to 980,000 €.
Investment
The investments are estimated at approximately 2.4 million €, of which the City will provide resources of 563,000 €, whilst 975,000 € will be financed with a new loan and the rest will be from subsidies of 804,000 € from Regional Administration and Central Government.
Debts
Financial Expenses: The City Council owes 40 million €, which costs about 5 million € this year, 1.8 million € in interest and 3.2 million € in repayment of the capital owed.
If we make a comparison between the investments and debt we see that investment is half the cost of debt, or better said, the cost of debt is double the investment. It demonstrates once again the fiasco of the management of the PP in the past 20 years. With proper management we could have an investment of at least 7 million € each year for the whole municipality, including the Coast
Amendments
Los Verdes in the face of these budgets, accepted its public commitment to Orihuela and its citizens. Therefore we made a Campaign of Participation to gather needs of the Oriolanos (citizens of Orihuela Municipality) to be included in the Council's 2009 Budget. The outcome of the campaign was the presentation of 72 amendments that reflect the real concerns of the Oriolanos. The citizens collaborated and developed the suggested amendments.
Of these 72 amendments 14 have been approved, including 5 amendments relevant to the coast as follows:
- Undertake a campaign aimed at businesses within Orihuela, to provide support, for the replacement of plastic bags by other forms of packaging that causes less damage to the environment.
- Removal of physical architectural barriers that restrict access for the disabled to the beaches of the municipality.
- The provision of information signs on illegal construction sites.
- Purchase by the local police of Orihuela of electrically propelled motorcycles.
- Purchase of sound level meters for the local police to measure noise.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, the PP ignores the real needs of citizens and then develops a budget intended as a political strategy of prestige for the Mayoress, Monica Lorente. It is not a social budget because there are cuts in social policy spending. It is not intended to create employment because there is only half a million euros for investments which can give employment to Oriolanos.
Ultimately the bad management of the taxes of Orihuela by the PP, in looking after their own interests and not that of the town, squandering the income of the Regional Administration or Central Government, has contributed to this abominable policy, the stagnation of Orihuela and lack of services for its citizens.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Orihuela Costa Budget Proposals 2009
As part of the preparation by Los Verdes of the 70 proposed amendments put forward, to the PP controlled Town Council, for inclusion within the Orihuela Municipality Budget for 2009, the Orihuela Costa Working Group of Los Verdes has put forward the following suggestions for the benefit of the inhabitants of Orihuela Costa.
We ask for a financial investment within Orihuela Costa in proportion to the population and taxes collected within the coastal area. This has been blatantly ignored by the PP ruled Council for the last 20 years!
The items are not listed in any order of priority or cost.
We ask for a financial investment within Orihuela Costa in proportion to the population and taxes collected within the coastal area. This has been blatantly ignored by the PP ruled Council for the last 20 years!
The items are not listed in any order of priority or cost.
- Building of a heated indoor swimming pool
- An effective Public Transport system that truly meets the needs of the people.
- Provision of Municipal Public Library facilities.
- Maintenance and revitalization of public green areas.
- Increase in the number of Local Police officers present in Orihuela Costa
- Programme for the reduction of the cost of public street lighting without reducing the safety level of lighting.
- Installation of Solar Panels on Public Buildings to reduce financial and environmental costs.
- Improved provision and maintenance of street signs and road markings, such as pedestrian crossings, parking areas, and road traffic markings etc. to increase safety on the roads.
- Provision of safe and effective bicycle lane system.
- A public funded, coordinated and effective, 'Integration Program for Foreign Residents' (e.g. language course, cuisine, culture etc.).
- The Civic Centre to be open to all residents regardless of age, or a new multi-purpose centre
- Provision of facilities and activities for young people especially teenagers
- Provision and maintenance of correct access facilities for persons with reduced mobility in all public spaces, including public buildings, pathways in urbanisations and beaches.
- Provision of more parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities both in urbanizations and public areas.
- A Public TV Broadcasting station providing multilingual programmes and services orientated towards the coastal area.
- Provision of free to use WiFi facilities, for residents and tourists, at the major centres in Orihuela Costa, such as the Ayuntamiento, Civic Centre and in the beach areas.
- Opening of the connecting road between the Los Balcones and Dream Hill urbanisations to provide effective access with the rest of the Orihuela Costa area.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
It's your Money - Participate
The final Budgets for 2009 for the Municipality of Orihuela are due to be presented, by the government team of the PP, to the December meeting of the full Town Council for approval.
Los Verdes believe that it is essential that there is the facility for citizens to participate in the preparation of the municipal budgets, so as to include the needs and concerns of it's inhabitants. We advocate the system for a Participatory Budget similar to those prepared in other Spanish towns, where it is regulated that the residents can contribute in the preparations of the financial budgets.
The citizens pay the taxes so they should have a say how the money collected is spent.
Los Verdes want the inhabitants to be consulted and given the opportunity to contribute ideas for spending their money, on issues that really need it, and not as now where the PP ruling Councillors systematically ignore the views of the tax payers in favour of expenditure to maintain their (PP) political image.
Los Verdes of Orihuela have launched a campaign entitled
“It's your Money – Participate”
to collect suggestions from all the citizens of the Orihuela Municipality for the preparation of the council Budget for 2009.
During the month of November, and up to the final meeting of the Information Committee, prior to the presentation of the Budgets to the Town Council, Los Verdes will provide facilities to the citizens to enable them to participate in the development of the Budgets by forwarding their ideas. The suggestions received will be collated and, where possible, will be put forward as amendments to the draft budgets of the government team of the PP, prior to the December council meeting.
This is the opportunity for the residents of Orihuela Costa to express their views on those items that they feel are needed on the coast, and that should be included within the Budgets for 2009. These can be matters relating to cultural, social, health, transport, environment, and civic facilities that have an effect on the quality of peoples lives.
To help and encourage the residents living in Orihuela Costa to participate, Los Verdes are providing local methods of contact for putting forward their suggestions. They can be sent by email to losverdesorihuela@yahoo.es or elliotsampford@gmail.com , or given by telephone to 965319660 (English) and 965328190 (Multilingual), or by visiting the surgeries held in Orihuela Costa by Monserrate Guillén, Los Verdes Councillor for the Coast during November (details of the next surgery Los Verdes Surgery - 29th October), or by using the comments facility on this Blog.
Los Verdes believe that it is essential that there is the facility for citizens to participate in the preparation of the municipal budgets, so as to include the needs and concerns of it's inhabitants. We advocate the system for a Participatory Budget similar to those prepared in other Spanish towns, where it is regulated that the residents can contribute in the preparations of the financial budgets.
The citizens pay the taxes so they should have a say how the money collected is spent.
Los Verdes want the inhabitants to be consulted and given the opportunity to contribute ideas for spending their money, on issues that really need it, and not as now where the PP ruling Councillors systematically ignore the views of the tax payers in favour of expenditure to maintain their (PP) political image.
Los Verdes of Orihuela have launched a campaign entitled
“It's your Money – Participate”
to collect suggestions from all the citizens of the Orihuela Municipality for the preparation of the council Budget for 2009.
During the month of November, and up to the final meeting of the Information Committee, prior to the presentation of the Budgets to the Town Council, Los Verdes will provide facilities to the citizens to enable them to participate in the development of the Budgets by forwarding their ideas. The suggestions received will be collated and, where possible, will be put forward as amendments to the draft budgets of the government team of the PP, prior to the December council meeting.
This is the opportunity for the residents of Orihuela Costa to express their views on those items that they feel are needed on the coast, and that should be included within the Budgets for 2009. These can be matters relating to cultural, social, health, transport, environment, and civic facilities that have an effect on the quality of peoples lives.
To help and encourage the residents living in Orihuela Costa to participate, Los Verdes are providing local methods of contact for putting forward their suggestions. They can be sent by email to losverdesorihuela@yahoo.es or elliotsampford@gmail.com , or given by telephone to 965319660 (English) and 965328190 (Multilingual), or by visiting the surgeries held in Orihuela Costa by Monserrate Guillén, Los Verdes Councillor for the Coast during November (details of the next surgery Los Verdes Surgery - 29th October), or by using the comments facility on this Blog.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
