BUSTO ARSIZIO – On the second attempt the majority manages to discuss and pass the management report. There is a quorum this timeafter the mess of the first call, and the document to be voted on passes with 13 in favour, the absolute majority. But more than the budget accounts, the “slave revolt” in Gianfranco Bottini’s editorial is controversial. «Slaves? The counselors do a very valuable job» the reply of mayor Emanuele Antonelli directly from his seat in the hexagonal room.
The mayor’s apology
The majority closes ranks and shows up almost completely (only two justified absences, Tallarida and Tovaglieri) for the second convocation of the city council, after the disgrace of the session missed the previous evening due to the gaps in the centre-right benches. «I apologize to all the minoritybut also with technicians, managers, secretary, for having had to return this evening – this is how Mayor Antonelli closes the case of the missing quorum – it can happen, it happened for the first time in eight years, and I’m sorry for this mix-up.” Words that Gianluca Castiglioni (Busto al Centro) acknowledged by thanking the mayor: «Apologise it is a sign of nobility of souleven if there was already a risk of an accident a few months ago.”
The report
What “takes up” almost the entire evening, until midnight, is the approval of the management report, illustrated by thebudget councilor Maurizio Artusa with the final accounts for 2023, which generated a free maxi-surplus of over 8 million euros. The councilor speaks of a «balance sheet largely in order. And I challenge you to find gaps and shortcomings.” Then the mayor and the councilors report on what they have done in the past year, each for their own delegations. The mayor in particular does the point on the situation of the Agesp – underlining the «positive trend» of the Spa, the Strumentale «losing half a million also in 2023 but improving operational management», the Energy which «has largely overcome the crisis» and Neutalia which is heading towards «1.4 million profit» – and lists the public works and PNRR construction sites in the start-up phase: «It was a lot of work». Among the many thanks, the one to the broke delegate stands out Orazio Tallaridawho does “a splendid job”.
Antonelli against Bottini
In the speech of Mayor Antonelli there is also the unscheduled in response to Gianfranco Bottini’s editorial on Malpensa24: «I can’t call them slaves but my advisors do a very valuable job and they are not paid, like all of you – he says addressing the minority – I’m sorry they were called slaves, democracy is beautiful for that. But coming from someone who has been a slave, or rather an advisor, for many years – here referring to Bottini – and has also had several paid and he managed to cause disasters, like the ice rinkI apologize for these comments.”
The “slave” debate
Castiglioni (BaC) also intervenes on the “slaves” issue: «It is right to respect everyone’s opinions. I quite agree with what was written (by Bottini, ed.). A few times I have heard an opinion expressed from the majority benches, for or against”. And then also Roberto Ghidotti (Lista Antonelli): «I don’t like the term “slaves”, I like Loschiavo who is our councilor. And I have always done the interventions, according to my expertise.”
Voting declarations
The opposition, however, makes no concessions. Maurizio Maggioni (PD) sees «difficult prospects» for the future: «The new works financed by the PNRR they will cost when we have to manage them and innovative initiatives are needed for services, otherwise we will not be able to achieve our objectives.” Ultimately, in the final balance «the strategic dimension is missing». Gianluca Castiglioni (BaC) reports «i unsolved problems», speaking of sports facilities – «gymnastics gym and swimming pool» – public lighting, greenery and waste, while Holy Cascio (Project in Municipality) stigmatizes «target shooting on some councilors, I don’t like this attitude because then projects are withdrawn, emptying the role of the council municipal”. Clear reference to the PUMS case. Emanuele Fiore (mixed group) instead denounces “serious omissions”, citing the increases in canteen, bus and parking prices. «But these are topics that have nothing to do with the final balance. Which is unassailable” he replies Simone Orsi (League). AND Luca Folegani (FdI) reproaches the opposition who «thank, appreciate, then vote against. It’s not consistent.” The vote is 13-6 for the majority: the final balance passes, as does the budget change and the new agreement for the library system.
