Graziano Rinaldini, the Municipality responded to your controversies about the sewers with the images of the cameras sent to search underground. Does this close the discussion?
“I have some images too.. (opens the mobile phone gallery) Some of them I take. Others, many, are sent to me by the citizens, of all types. Do you know what they say? That it is true that the Zattini council made the things, but it’s hurting them.
A bumpy sidewalk in the center of town, an unworked scaffolding, the cracked plaster of the new social services headquarters scroll across the phone. And others still.
“Here it is: this is a sewage truck in Via Isonzo on the evening of May 15th. I spoke to the operator: it hauled 10 cubic meters of mud. They want to say that the sewers are clean…”.
Both you and Zattini have proposed expanding the sewers. It will take time.
“It will take funds and 10-15 years. But we have to make Forlì a draining city: using ad hoc asphalt on roads, sidewalks, car parks… The Municipality doesn’t even use it on new construction sites.”
Yes, at the Campus car park.
“But we can also use underground tanks. The sewers should be doubled.”
For climate change, Zattini proposed a new dam. What do you think?
“We are waiting for the Region’s mapping of the areas at risk. But at this stage it seems impractical to me. It is true that we need to collect water in case of drought, but better small reservoirs along the rivers. More useful, among other things, also to contain floods: I’m thinking of Bidente”.
The center-right has relaunched Cervese’s proposal.
“The Cervese must be expanded, also including a cycle path that reaches the sea. The fast Forlì-Cesena connection is decisive. And I think of a further opportunity: in Rimini, now, there is talk of having the sea-metro reach up to Santarcangelo. From there a surface metro could be built to Cesena and Forlì.”
A key theme of the electoral campaign is the harmony that Gian Luca Zattini tries to build with the moderates. Starting from the rehabilitation of left-wing mayors…
“Zattini says everything and the opposite of everything. First he said that it had been 50 years of ruin…”.
However, there is a political point: the last left-wing mayors, Nadia Masini, Roberto Balzani and Davide Drei, are not campaigning for her.
“I meet Nadia and Davide at many initiatives. By the way: I think we will have to resume, naturally updating it, Nadia Masini’s plan for the historic center of 2009”.
Zattini brought on stage, alongside him, some ‘testimonials’ who however said they had not voted for him in 2019. Is he also able to intercept left-wing voters?
“I understand the world of associations: they collaborate with the Administration, I don’t want to put them in difficulty. There may be an appreciation, but I don’t think it’s so deep-rooted”.
One of the challenges of the next 5 years is Eridania. Aside from the park, how would you manage the old sugar factory?
“We have eleven theater companies in the city, not just amateur ones, for a total of 500 registered people. Other companies have to do with cinema and audiovisuals, including international ones such as Sedicicorto or actual companies”.
Do you want to dedicate space to them? Aren’t auditoriums like the former Odeon and San Giacomo enough?
“Giving them space allows them to develop activities that then animate the city. I saw an industrial archeology project in Lyon: walls on the outside, metal structure on the inside. Let’s call it the ‘citadel of culture and conviviality’. On the ground floor there are they can set up small food businesses.”
You often talk about universities but the mayor claimed that there isn’t a line in the centre-left programme. Possible?
“We talked about Nautical and Aerospace under the heading ‘economy’ or about Interpreters regarding internationalisation”.
5 Star case in the parish: is the bishop’s halt right?
“I understand his decision: the PCI was already ready to contest. But I would like to point out that the donation is important and will be done.”
A goal in its first 100 days.
“Politics must have a long horizon. But I say one concrete thing: new rules for the covered market. My committee is based in Piazza Cavour, I talk to the merchants: the rules block them, it’s a shame.”
If he wins, he will immediately have to decide how to plan Christmas 2024. Illuminations yes or no?
“Maybe there is a contract already signed… However, a few lights, yes. Then I would involve the Forlì associations for animation”.
No videomapping?
“No videomapping as long as there are problems with flood victims: we will fight on this until exhaustion.”
But aren’t the images projected in the square an attraction anyway?
“The promotion of the historic center is done in another way”.
What will you vote for in the European elections?
“Stefano Bonaccini for the Democratic Party”.
