Sergio Fajardo For President Of Colombia

SUERTE GRINGO says on Oct 1, 2008, 11:20:

Is he ready to be president of Colombia? Fajardo has proven to be a man of the people for the people but is he prepared to deal with the multitude of issues regarding Colombia's many bloody conflicts? Uribe has some work to do before he can hand over power to someone of Fajardo's ilk.

“If you're gonna eat your crackers in bed, you're gonna have to sleep with crumbs."

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Mononoke28 says on Oct 1, 2008, 11:23:

I think he's totally ready based on what he did with Medellín when he was mayor. Now, would I vote for him if Uribe was on the ballot? No way. I think Uribe has more experience and has proven that he's the best that we've had. If Uribe decides not to run for a third term, then yes, he would definitely get me thinking to vote for him.

Diana

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kenblanquito says on Oct 1, 2008, 12:53:

Dear PBH's
I have had the privilege of seeing the way that Sergio Fajardo has transformed the city of Medellin during his 4 year tenure as Mayor and to say that the improvements that have been made have been spectacular would be an understatement. It was probably his efforts more than any other factor that convinced me to set up home in Medellin, my wife's city, in the year 2005.
Some friends of my wife know him very well on a personal basis and the image that many would have witnessed by means of his weekly TV interview sessions is very real; he is probably the most uncorrupt man that has ever held a position of responsibility in this country for many years and he really does care about his people. In this money-grabbing society in which we live, do you not find it refreshing that somebody who had a very comfortable life and profession in the States has decided to come back with a vision to try to help his people.
Having also met the man himself, I am a big fan and he would have my vote for President any time and will when I obtain the status to be able to do so.
Sergio, apart from being bright and a good speaker of English, is a great international symbol for this country and one could imagine him having no problems meeting any of his international peers. The guy has charisma! Also, he is open-minded and willing to learn and listen. Uribe, although he appears to have improved the country thanks to his tougher security policies, has done nothing to help the displaced, sick or elderly: too much of the GDP is utilised for defense purposes.
In my opinion, this country needs Sergio, or somebody very much like him in order to begin its recovery process. Continue reducing the corruption and violence but also help the displaced and others affected by the 40 year "civil war" by helping them to return to their former homes. The country has so much potential, particularly in the areas of agriculture and related industries but this potential will only be realised if the lands previously used for such purposes are reclamed from the terrorists so that the farmers feel safe to return. Also, the educating of the rural population needs to become of higher priority, an area in which Sergio would excel; one needs to appreciate what he did in Medellin to understand that!
I could go on but I will not. This note is my opinion only and probably some of you out there will be thinking "how dare a Brit who has lived here for 3 years and knows nothing about Colombia could express an opinion?" OK, I agree but if Sergio was living in the UK and he was a prospective Member of Parliament, he would still receive my vote!

On another matter entirely, many congratulations to all of the people responsible for initiating and maintaining PBH for 10 years: indeed a great achievement.
I have read many of the articles over the last 6 months and there have been some very good contributions. Amazing how certain people contribute so frequently and with some, one can even imagine what they are like to talk to! This is my first but definitely not my last now I have been able to register properly with the site.

Peace,
Ken

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jaramillo says on Oct 1, 2008, 13:28:

Sergio was my classmate in high school (Benedictinos, class of 73). In a small school, our class was 30, we knew each other pretty well. I played goalie in our soccer team, and he was a pretty decent forward. A smart, decent, good sense of humor kind of guy. Personality shows early (in fact Alvarito was a student a couple of years ahead, but he was kicked out of school por irrespetuoso. He had to go finish at Jorge Robledo. See what I mean?). Go Sergio.

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romy says on Oct 1, 2008, 13:55:

what position did Alvarito play? puntero izquierdo? or I could see him as a little rabid dog in the middle biting at people's ankles

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jaramillo says on Oct 1, 2008, 14:07:

If I met him it didn't register. I would expect him to have played on the right...

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kenblanquito says on Oct 1, 2008, 18:56:

Pleased to read some positive responses regarding Fajardo.
My father-in-law was born, bred, educated and subsequently lived in various parts of Medellin all of his life. A very well-educated man and also very politically aware!
When my wife and I talk politics with him, he independently reckons that Fajardo was by far the best Mayor that Medellin ever had and although he previously voted for Uribe, his vote would now be for Fajardo. He probably knows far more than most on this site regarding the city's progress or lack of over the years and with an age of 82 and still very sharp, his and other people of his generation should be listened to. Who are we but children politically!

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gamm2 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 1, 2008, 19:10:

Sam Salmon says on Oct 1, 2008, 22:17:

Interesting news-Thanks for the info!

' a la orden!'

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rocinante says on Oct 2, 2008, 06:21:

Fajardo or Uribe. We can't lose!

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Not that the US president actually runs the US." Feb 5, 2008

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Mononoke28 says on Oct 2, 2008, 11:56:

rocinante says on Oct 2, 2008, 06:21
Fajardo or Uribe. We can't lose!
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I agree 100%.

Diana

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