I don't know if it's appropriate to write. I don't know if it's right for a mayor to talk this way. What I know is that it's not common. I don't even know if I'll publish it. It is a sign that I have dared to read it. And if not, it will at least help me to vent.
I have always followed with great interest, but I have not been linked to politics. So I have just started.
I've also spent years outside of Azpeitia. But I've always felt Azpeitiarra. In 2009, I returned to my village, Azpeitia. I have experienced the change that was taking place in Azpeitia. I felt identified with the innovative management model that was taking place in Azpeitia. I've seen and learned that it's possible to do things differently. Political will seems sufficient to change things.
Later, I was offered to run for mayor from EH Bildu. And I said yes. Because I think it is worth making an effort for our people.
For the ones I want you the most, I swear that the City of Azpeitia does not have an economic project to open Corrugados. That there are no administrative procedures in place for the implementation of this activity. I write to you in strange hours, but my dream is not lost the hours of telling the truth. When I hear it said publicly that there is a project, I think if those are going to sleep.
When I hear people say there's a project, I think if they say they're asleep.
And I wonder what has publicly driven them to mix this issue in this way. I wonder what he has pushed for without an economic project, without having started the start-up procedure, from a simple account or oral consultation of an entrepreneur, to talking about a ‘unique opportunity’ to create hundreds of jobs.
I remember that they have economic difficulties. Those who lose sleep because they are unemployed or in precarious working conditions. And I would like to know how the false announcement of hundreds of jobs has influenced their lives. What I have seen and lived as a tremendous irresponsibility, how they interpret it.
A simple booty cabel has a terrible echo. By the echo, it seems that there is no choice but to dance to the rhythm that they marked. It is also fearful to see from within the capacity to distort the reality that is attuned to by the main media.
We're not rich new. Places are limited rather than the usual rich ones. We are a working people and we are proud of what we are.
Time puts everyone in place. And here, the only procedure that has been officially underway was the demolition of Corrugados. In 2009 the Basque Government decided to declare the Trukutxo area as a steel company in the PTP. In 2013, with the plant underway, Azpeitia City Hall, EH Bildu and the PNV agreed to take Corrugados out of the town centre. And that decision has followed its course. In fact, neither I nor the Azpeitia Municipal Government have taken a single decision on this. We have done nothing but respect and comply with what they decided. Reality is insistent. And Corrugates are starting to collapse.
I'm not going to start replying to the disqualifications. I would not like to bore you. And I don't like arguments without arguments. Under the same conditions and with respect, publicly, I would be prepared to argue with anyone.
I do not deny that. It's hard to live this inside. A wave like that can run over you and choke you. Some have stood on the road. We are making the way among many. And these kinds of situations show that we still have a lot to do, to change, to improve. These kinds of situations show that we are making progress.
I know this isn't a personal thing. Among many, it's now up to me to give my face and give my voice. I would like to thank all of us who formed the team.
Time puts everyone in place. And here, the only procedure that has been officially underway was the demolition of Corrugados.
It's beautiful to hear the voice of the people. I would like to thank all the Azpeitiars who have brought you closer to me, to us, to offer you support. One after the other you have stopped me in the street. Azpeitiarras of different sensibilities, even faithful voters of the PNV and affiliates. And for you to know the whole truth, I will tell you that only one citizen has come to ask me to open in the centre of Corrugados. I am also grateful to him for having welcomed it very clearly and gladly in the second round.
I thank the technical and legal advisers of the City Hall. Because you have guided us and worked professionally. Because you have warned me that authorization to open Corrugados in the city centre can have criminal consequences.
I would like to thank the unions. Because you have received us with closeness and confidence.
I should like to thank a number of employers. By discretion, because you have transferred your vision to us and informed us of the situation in the steel market.
I want to thank EH Bildu. For having first accepted the people and then the party. First of all, Azpeitia.
I want to thank a lot of people, I wouldn't end.
And I want to thank you too for reading it.
Ah! Don't think this is a greeting. To tell the truth gives a breath. I have a quiet conscience, I will fall asleep and I will strengthen myself. Together we will make Azpeitia for everyone.
* Nagore Alkorta is Mayor of Azpeitia