by Giorgia De Cupertinis
“It will be a constructive opposition. Proactive. Capable of looking to the future.” It spells out one after the other the “ingredients” of a political recipe that today Professor Maria Grazia Modena dictates without any hesitation: in the team that will tighten the reins of the opposition, Professor Modena appears to be the only one elected to the external City Council ‘ to the coalition of the centre-right candidate, Luca Negrini.
“But civility can be a great strength and, independent of political parties, I will make my voice heard – assures the doctor –. With the majority? I am looking for collaboration and loyalty, certainly not clashes or battles…”.
Professor, after the elections a new chapter is now opening, that of the City Council. How are you preparing?
“Yes. A chapter in my political journey in which I will continue to carry forward the ideas that, during this electoral campaign, I summarized one after the other in my program. A program that also had good feedback from the citizens themselves, and which will certainly not be archived now: among the crucial points that will find space in my opposition – beyond healthcare, a decisive aspect – I want to continue to keep the spotlight on safety and urban planning”.
Meaning what?
“First of all, I will immediately highlight the need to revise the Municipal Statute, absent in the statute and regulations of the Municipality of Modena, except for some rules provided for by Legislative Decree 10 August 2000, n. 267 TUOEL. It is in fact necessary to establish greater protections also for minorities and initiating an opposition statute also at municipal level. We are talking about a preponderant majority in the Council, so we must avoid becoming mere rear-ends, this will be the subject of one of my first questions”.
What response do you expect from the new mayor Mezzetti?
“He spoke about loyalty right from the start and I like to think that he will remain loyal in the same way also in his relations with the opposition. I will be present as much time as possible in the Council, above all to give a voice to the citizens who voted for me and who have believed in my program. We must pursue the well-being of the community as the first objective.”
What about waste?
“It is one of the first problems that the mayor will have to face. And on which I also want to keep high attention, because there are many critical issues that need to be resolved. Starting with the replacement of the ‘failing’ waste collection project applied by Hera: In my opinion, we need a circular economy perspective that leads to the closure of the incinerator, a source and danger of disease for citizens. Honestly, I don’t think they will be able to easily reverse the trend, but there are examples that can be emulated. like the one in Forlì with Alea”.
Security is a thorny issue. How will you try to make his voice heard in the Council?
“I will immediately ask the prefect when the Modena Sicura plan was verified and applied. It is well done, but in my opinion never used in reality. On healthcare, however, I will fight to fill the hole that has been created between the territory and the hospital: it is needed a real territorial network, just as tools are needed, starting with telemedicine”.
Her run as a mayoral candidate came to a halt on Monday, winning 2,712 votes. Satisfied or did you expect more?
“Satisfied. I have received appreciation that allows me to be part of the city council today, and my recipe will be – I repeat – to remain consistent until the end with the ideas that I have brought forward in recent months. There are people who have given trust and for this I am grateful. Also for this reason I expect and hope for a strong collaboration with the majority. I want to make an important contribution, without ever forgetting to carry on my battles…”.
