The upcoming municipal elections that will be held across Spain on 26 May (26M) will be an exciting time for anyone interested or involved in local politics as candidates jostle for position on electoral lists and Political parties get their campaigns underway.
In Pilar de la Horadada the new Partido Popular candidate for mayor is local businessman José María Pérez Sánchez, who many already know through his local links not least of which is as President and main benefactor of UD Horadada football club.
In an exclusive interview with the Leader Newspaper José María told us about his political ambitions.
Why do you want to be mayor?
For many years I have been working for many different associations, such as Horadada Football Club, and the association of the Virgen del Pilar. I think now is the time to take a step forward, and work for the town of Pilar de la Horadada and for its residents, but from within the City Council.
But you are not a politician. You have no experience in politics, how are you going to lead a city council?
I believe that managing the City Council is a team effort, not the responsibility of just one individual and I have the best team of people who will help me with that task. In addition, I know that there are many great staff in the town hall, who know their jobs very well.
Do you already know who will form the electoral list?
I have the support of all my colleagues. In addition, in recent months the Unión Pilareña team has come together and will pursue its election to the municipal government as one. I am surrounded by some very good people.
What plans do you have for Pilar de la Horadada?
We will carry out the tasks that our residents need, both in Pinar de Campoverde, in Mil Palmeras, Torre de la Horadada, El Mojón and across the rest of urban centres. Our people do not need massive projects, everyone tells us the same thing.
But what is your electoral program?
We will start with the most urgent services that are missing in the town. I really want to do things, to improve the lives of all the residents of El Pilar. My purpose is to listen to everyone, no matter what their colour or their race. We will govern for the people and on behalf of the people.
And what will you do with abandoned cultural centre?
I will listen to the people and find out want the majority wants to do with this building. I need to know the opinions of everyone, before I take any action.
What are your priorities should you be elected?
First we have to form the municipal government and then find out what state the finances are in, if we have been left with money, if we can lower taxes, and what we can do with the resources that we have.
But even if we can’t do everything I am confident that we will work extremely hard to achieve what we can. I don’t have a magic wand, but I will explain exactly what can and what can’t be done, and why. The money is not only mine, it belongs to all residents, and everyone has the right to know what is being done with their money. It is my intention in the coming days to publish the thoughts that will help to guide the aspirations that we have for Pilar de la Horadada.
Do you intend to make a career in politics?
Not at all. I am a farmer, I have a family flower company that has been operating for many years, and I plan to return.
Why should the people trust you and the Partido Popular?
Because we have a revitalized party, united, eager to work with and for the people. Because I can say now that the trust placed in me and in my team is a guarantee of stability, of the future and of improvements for Pilar de la Horadada.
