TIJUANA.- Tijuana has 2nd place on the list of cities with the highest debt in the country, with a deficit over 2,500 million pesos (200 million dollars) this was confirmed by mayor-elect Dr. Jorge Astiazaran Orci, he also stated that the XXI city hall will begin with a 400 million pesos (32 million dollars) liability.
This debt worries him, and will force them to make a more austere and efficient government when it comes to public spending, he will also demand his government employees to be careful with their resources given that ultimately they are administrating money that does not belong to them, so "we have to set an example for our citizens; if we are asking our people to be careful with their money, the government should preach with the example".
On the other hand, Dr Jorge Astiazaran Orci assured that there are several debts when it comes to paying property taxes which will be very important when the new city hall begins their work. He also mentioned that at the beginning of the year, those who with lower incomes are the first to go to the government offices as well as other businesses to pay their property tax. Which is why he considers that those with higher incomes should also pay their taxes on time.
"If we want first world services, we should fulfill our duties and contribute to city hall", declared Dr. Jorge Astiazaran.
About whether or not city hall is self sustainable, the elected Mayor stated that legally city hall can still have more debt, but the plan is to avoid this. He expressed that when December comes, city hall will likely ask for a short term loan, approximately 200 million pesos (16 million dollars) to get up to speed and pay everything that is necessary, given that they will not have enough resources to pay salaries and benefits, it is expected that when January starts, the property taxes will be paid and city hall's finances will improve.
The Elected Mayor, Dr. Jorge Astiazaran Orci, assisted the inauguration of the shopping mall Paseo Chaupltepec Wednesday morning, along with the governor of the state of Baja California, Jose Guadalup Osuna Millan, current Mayor, Carlos Bustamante Anchondo and Salomon Cohen Achmi, who is President of the administrative counsel for the Paseo Chapultepec Shopping mall.
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