A city that looks forward. It is what Francesco Fanelli, former regional councilor for Health, is thinking of and is now a candidate for mayor of the extended centre-right with 7 lists in support (Fratelli d’Italia, Forza Italia, Lega, Noi Moderati, Potenza civica, Insieme per Potenza, Progoglio Lucano)
Lawyer Fanelli, a month ago he ran for the regional elections, becoming the first non-elected person on the League list. Today the candidacy for mayor. Is it a choice dictated by being a party man?
«It is a choice made with the heart and for the love of my city. Around my figure it was possible to build a broad coalition that starts from the center-right parties and extends to center parties and civic movements. So it is a demonstration that with my candidacy it was possible to build a broad coalition and a programmatic proposal, identifying the problems and imagining the solutions for the capital. Because we have a single interest: the city of Potenza.”
Mario Guarente defined her as a brotherly friend, explaining that she could be a better mayor than him. What do you want to do to make the city evolve?
«There are many aspects that we must follow. We must continue to invest in some projects already underway. I am thinking of the construction of the Olympic swimming pool, the Musumeci bridge, the urban regeneration of Bucaletto. Then we want to undertake an action of listening and involving everyone to make this city, which is the regional capital which provides services for a community much larger than the resident population, capable of providing increasingly higher quality services, and be welcoming and inclusive.”
For years the administrators of Potenza have complained about having to offer services that also concern the inhabitants of the hinterland with the related expenses. Hence, the requests for structured regional financing. Do you also think that this could be one of your first commitments?
«Without a doubt the Region must recognize Potenza’s role as regional capital and it is therefore necessary to identify resources also for the services that the city provides to all Lucanians. One solution, for public transport, is to block extra-urban buses, which create traffic and pollution, through the hub Terminal in via del Gallitello and a new hub which is the northern gate, and to connect them with the city’s local public transport, allowing the Region to save on the contribution for extra-urban buses which can be paid to the municipality of Potenza”.
What are the three projects that, in the event of elections, do you plan to do in the first 100 days?
«I’m not thinking about the hundred days but about the next 5 years. Without a doubt we need to continue on the roads, continue with asphalt because we have a very long road network, 500 kilometres, for a small population compared to this. Then, urban decoration, parks and greater accessibility and inclusiveness, addressing the young and the less young but also the most vulnerable.”
Do you think you will win in the first round or if it were to reach the run-off, who is the opponent you fear the most?
«We don’t fear our opponents. We are going around the city, explaining our reasons and our ideas. We are convinced that we can win in the first round not only because of the polls that give us above 50% but also because of the affection we are seeing among the citizens.”
Lastly, you are the first non-elected member of the League in the Regional Council with a centre-right majority. This, due to the councilor appointments, makes her entry a given. If you are not elected mayor, what will you do?
«We really don’t take into consideration the option of not winning: I will be the mayor of Potenza!».
