Esther Morales is the first mayor of El Tanque in 200 years of institutional history. She took office on July 27 and never imagined that she would do so two years after running for the first time in a municipal election on the list headed by the socialist Román Martín, who introduced her to the world of politics. Nor that he would do it because his mentor was disqualified for twelve years from public office for prevarication, when authorizing the opening of the nursing home. In this sense, he does not hide that he would have liked to reach the Mayor’s Office in another way, above all, due to the importance of this assistance resource for the municipality.How does it feel to be the first mayor of your municipality?
“The first mayor in history, these are big words, which make me feel very proud and it is an honor for me to be able to be. Without a doubt, it will mark a point in the history of our municipality ”.
Would you have liked it to be otherwise?
“Yes, the situation in which it has occurred is not the right one or the one that I would have liked, it is not pleasant for me the way in which I have held the position and especially for Román Martín, who has fought so hard for his neighbors and always thinking about El Tanque moving forward. It’s a bittersweet situation ”.
How did you get started in politics?
“I had never considered the fact of presenting myself in politics, although it is true that there were many things that I saw in the municipality that I did not like, because we did not advance as a municipality, we did not grow or develop, but I continued with my daily routine until One day Roman crossed my path and proposed a project to improve El Tanque. They were moments of reflection and taking that step was difficult, but even so, I made the decision and today I do not regret it ”.
Did the previous mayor have a hard time convincing you to join him on the list in the last elections?
“Yes a little bit. There are certain things that you consider for this job, since it requires a lot of dedication. It is an intense job and although it may not seem like it, there is wear and tear, especially since our work rhythm is non-stop. But when you do what you like and you see that even though there are difficulties, you achieve the goals you set, you forget everything and decide to continue ”.
What are the most immediate needs of El Tanque?
“Needs, there are always them, although I think that today, despite being a small municipality, the services we offer from the Administration cover a large part of them. To a certain extent, I would dare to say that employment, since due to the pandemic, many families are going through difficult situations. And on the other hand, housing. We need to promote initiatives in this regard since we are a strategic point, close to both the South and North of the Island and a junction point for the Daute Isla Baja region. Currently our housing occupation is 100%, it is difficult to find a rental, but to a certain extent it is good for the municipality, it means that we grow and that we generate an economy ”.
Will your policy be one of continuity to that of Román Martín or do you have your own projects and initiatives that you would like to carry out?
“Yes, it will be of continuity since it does not make sense to change something that works. Our line does not have any magic recipe, only work, perseverance, effort and a lot of dedication to improve the quality of life of our neighbors. We have a good group and of which I am proud, everyone contributes, everyone works and when this happens everything goes smoothly, there are always difficulties, but also solutions for them. We all agree that the line we started with Roman is the correct one. I could say that there are many projects underway and that they will see the light of day, and of course there will be new initiatives and we will work to move them forward ”.
Do you expect to be able to tender the Ecomuseum cafeteria?
“The City Council has requested on several occasions that the management for its opening be carried out. We have presented several proposals to start up this equipment, so fundamental for the development and consolidation of this service and they have not been attended until now. We hope that the Cabildo will carry out the tender as soon as possible, because it is essential to energize the facilities and a strategic enclave to respond to the thousands of hikers who visit us weekly. In the next few days, both corporations will hold a meeting to put this issue on the table, which is delayed in time ”.
Do you consider it essential for the region to maintain the Los Silos pool?
“Yes. The public utility of this facility has always had a marked regional character. Many residents of this town make use of this public service, which has allowed them to learn and enjoy the sports activity of swimming, mainly the girls and boys of our town, who for decades have participated in the courses organized by the City Council ”.
Is there a date to start the works on the Plaza de Ruigómez?
“I do not dare to put a specific date because the administrative procedures are as they are and sometimes what we think will come out in a month is delayed by a month and a half. But I can assure you that the writing of the project is finished in the absence of small details ”.
Do you aspire for El Tanque to house the island’s first hydroelectric pumping plant?
“Our intention is that you can do it. It would be an economic boost for the area, but the decision does not depend on us but on Red Eléctrica de España and the Government of the Canary Islands ”.
Do you trust the innocence of the former mayor and party colleague, Román Martín?
“Yes, how to doubt it. Opening a residence is essential and necessary for El Tanque. The facts are in place and the residence hall works, it offers all citizens a good service, with a necessary service to our elders 24 hours a day, every day of the week. And not only to them, but to their families because it allows them to develop their daily lives and access their jobs. In addition, it is an important employment niche for the municipality. The innocence of Román is impossible to question, in doubt it would put those who left her in abandonment and disuse ”.
Do you think your conviction has been unjust?
“Totally unfair. The end is what it is and there is no evil in it, quite the opposite. The benefit is for the citizen and whoever doubts it can approach the residence. As a reflection of the sentence, I did not sign Román Martín, I am left with this phrase from Judge Joaquín Bosch Grau: Sometimes I have the bitter feeling as a judge that the laws are cobwebs that catch the poor flies and let wasps and bumblebees pass ”.
