Aragon vs. Burgos in Orange Walk East
In tonight’s edition of our continuing series on “Elections ’98,” News Five’s Patrick Jones spoke with the candidates from the Orange Walk East constituency: veteran politician Elodio Aragon and his young challenger, Dave Burgos.
Dave Burgos, P.U.P., Orange Walk East
“We have three issues mainly that we are campaigning on in our division. One of them is education. We have seen our young people, especially a lot of young people who don’t go to second college. And this is one thing that we will be working in our area. That is the reason we have seen that many people have moved from the academics. And that is the reason we are bringing the C.E.T. program in Orange Walk, Centre for Employment Training, whereby we believe that a lot of young people will be able to have some more skills and trade so they can go out there and defend themselves in the town and district.”
Elodio Aragon, U.D.P., Orange Walk East
“Well we have, I should say, we have many but two special ones which is the security of the nation. In which hands is the country safer and the answer to that as far as I am concerned, is that the country is safe in the hands of the United Democratic Party. I’m confident of that. I’m sure that that is what is the main issue and at the local level it’s a matter of tested leadership. I have been in that area for many years, my strength has always been organizing the grassroots, empowering them to take control of their destiny and I keep well in touch with them. I make them feel that they are the builders of this nation and that together we can do it.”
Q: “Your opponent is an outgoing two time minister, Mr. Elodio Aragon. Does that make it easier for you to beat him in the polls?”
Dave Burgos
“Well he has really made it easier for me because for the last five years, he abandoned the people in my area. For five years people didn’t know what Elodio Aragon is. He couldn’t go to their homes, I don’t know what reason but definitely when I visit the people I see their needs and if you know the people’s needs, then you can go to Belmopan and represent their needs and this is what he didn’t do.”
Elodio Aragon
“I am confident that the people in my area have trust in me. I think they understand that I have been working with them over the years, that I have made them feel that they have dignity, that they have pride and that they can participate in the building of this nation and that whatever they do is in the best interest of country, the people and the future of this nation. And I feel that when you have done that with people you create a loyalty, because they believe in you. They trust you and they are prepared to vote for you again. That is my strength.”
Dave Burgos
“Well definitely they will get true representation through me. I’ve always wanted to represent good things for my country, especially at a time when we see our young people, the education system, the health system all coming down. It’s a time to represent these people – genuine represent them.”
Aragon was first elected in 1984 and was also victorious in 1989 and 1993. Don’t forget to tune into the combined Channel Five and Love FM live continuous election coverage on August twenty seventh.
