Ambato elected Mr. Luis Manobanda – a rural councilor and owner of a mechanic shop – as deputy mayor, who today follows Eng. Diana Caiza, the first indigenous woman to lead the municipal government of Ambato, in governance. Thus, as a result of popular will, two members of the Pachakutik party are primarily responsible for the fate of the capital Tungurahuan.

But which profile is ideal for leading a state body? Following common sense, we doubt that governments need statesmen. The Spanish Dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) defines a statesman in two parts: “a person skilled in state affairs or politics”. The first part of this concept is attractive, as it refers to someone who has a deep knowledge of the processes, laws and resources that enable the state to function. However, knowledge is not always a well-used resource, sometimes it serves only for personal gain.

Use value and exchange value

The word “politics”, in the popular Ecuadorian context, can be understood as something that deceives and is nothing serious; the reason why it is used in expressions like “it’s pure politics!”. Thus, the second definition of a statesman as a person “politics expert” has different nuances and ranges from the practice of agreement to combativeness in political parties or the ability to negotiate. In any case, today the term “politics” causes pain in the streets because it alludes to fraud and personal gain.

It is therefore understandable that Ambato and his municipal council chose a hard-working man, a mechanic from a rural area, a plain-spoken person as vice-mayor; This shows that maybe we are tired of “politicians” and want someone who knows how to right the wrongs, put the pieces in place and start the inefficient and spoiled municipal apparatus from the politicians on duty.

if we agree

Perhaps in the popular view, a mechanic with a simple heart, someone who earned his living day by day by the sweat of his brow, is exactly what we need to restore hope. If he, Mr. Manobanda, can show that his contribution will be transcendental to the city and that he will have a sharp and watchful eye to discover what he is not doing, he will deserve a special place in the heart of the city.

(…) it is understandable that Ambato and his municipal council chose a working man as deputy mayor…

However, if municipal governance fails, as a result of naivety, ignorance or limitations, we all stand to lose, not just the Caiza-Manobanda couple. In order to reduce the risk of failure, it is necessary to enlighten their decisions with the support of specialized technicians, prestige and proven quality.

From this space for citizens’ opinion, we want the government to surround itself with honest people and establish bridges of dialogue with members of the municipal administration. That they remain the characteristics that made them successful and that with discipline, clear goals and humility they open the paths of progress.

If the management of Caiza-Manoband is successful, with them the women, the working people, the common people will see their hopes rewarded. In short, the people prefer workers, not statesmen. (OR)