What role will the European residents play in this new group? What truth is there in the rumour that the British are taking over the town?

Over 40% of Bedar’s registered voters are non-Spanish.  To ignore this statistic or their presence is to ignore reality.  From the beginning, our group has always considered this segment of our population, predominantly British, to be important.  Don’t forget that they need the same services and attention to problems as the Spanish, something which the current administration has not been adequately providing.

Putting in token non-Spanish into the list has happened frequently in the past.  For example, the current PSOE list has two non-Spanish in the final positions where it is unlikely they will be allowed to participate actively nor bring solutions to the town’s problems.  We, on the other hand, take the points of view seriously (of our non-Spanish residents) and believe that both communities should work together for the common good.  We are all in the same boat.  Therefore, the only way to attain complete integration is to put several British names in the upper positions on our list such that everyone will feel represented and know that their opinions will have a voice. 

Furthermore, amongst our non-Spanish residents are individuals who are highly qualified and ready to run a town hall.  Their experience is one of the strongest points of our list and ensures the local Bedarenses that finally there will be someone in the town hall that represents everyone, that listens to everyone, and who is able to manage the town and its resources such that Bedar can grow as a town and a society.  This is particularly important now that income from construction has dried up.  It is vital and urgent that we develop new economic models to give life to the town and ensure its future. 

The experience of the British on our list combines well with the enthusiasm, intelligence and willingness of our younger Spanish list members who make up for what they lack in experience with their commitment to making the town a better place.  This teamwork results in much more value than that offered by a sole person making all the decisions without consulting with anybody – something which we are all accustomed to in the current town hall.  In addition, the team is supported by a group of volunteer advisors offering a wealth of important and necessary skills, such as legal counsel, translating, IT skills and tourism development.

(answered by LSOS councillor Juan Antonio Soler)