From the last-gasp victory 5 years ago with just 35 votes, to the triumph achieved in the first round of the latest administrative elections with 53.21 percent. The parable of the mayor of Argenta Andrea Baldini should be studied and included in local politics manuals. The last time, as mentioned, the victory in the run-off came by a hair’s breadth, in the photo finish. From that day, mayor Andrea Baldini understood that he would have to work tirelessly to emerge in what was once considered a center-left stronghold. And, after 5 years of mandate, what was a narrow, almost impalpable gap has widened “thanks to the constant dialogue with citizens and the electoral program that we have maintained to the end”. This is how the reconfirmed mayor Baldini explains the victory, who beat Gabriella Azzalli, obtaining an impressive 5,530 votes. And when he is reminded of the feat he has just accomplished, the mayor does not lose one of his characteristics: humility. “The result was not at all a given – comments Baldini – because the other time we had won with just 35 votes. So what rewarded us? The work of these 5 years, trying to give answers to our citizens, the presence continues in everyday problems but also in the great critical issues of the territory. This explains the votes obtained, which are more than those of the previous time”.
What made the difference?
“In these 5 years we have been among the people, talking and carrying forward our program, without ever shouting but with the strength of our ideas”.
Could the relaunch of the hospital have had an impact?
“When I became mayor the first time, we faced a protest from the Mazzolani staff. Now, however, after 5 years the situation is much more solid and the structure is at the center of important projects. But we don’t only have work on the hospital “.
Please explain…
“We have intervened in all the schools in the area, in particular in the elementary schools which overlook the main square. This complex is a bit of a symbol of our work in this crucial sector. Yes, we have invested a lot in school buildings, because we believe that the future of our young people is also linked to the places where their training takes place”.
What challenges remain?
“We never stop and there is always something we want to do to improve the quality of life in Argenta. For example, sports facilities are one of the objectives we want to develop in the next five years. We have a rich panorama of sports clubs that are growing more and more. This is where the need for new spaces arises. Furthermore, when planning the interventions, we will consult with the sports clubs, because we want to maintain a close dialogue with the citizens”.
Is there any news on the legal dispute linked to State Highway 16?
“Of course, on 11 July the TAR will rule on the appeals against some acquisitions of areas preparatory to works on the artery. Up to now Anas has worked in the sections where there had been the green light from the owners. If six of the appellants win the appeals, we will need to make an important reflection, if not, we will be able to continue quickly.”
The new council announces itself with confirmations and new faces…
“The city council will be held on June 22nd and I will communicate my choices. Of course, part of the past council will be confirmed, but we will also give space to new forces because the next administrative mandate will be long and complex”.
And what does it tell us about our opponents?
“There were countless certificates of esteem from the opposition. Many contacted me to congratulate me. Some reached me in person to congratulate me. Only Azzalli was missing, but I pretend that she complimented me too”
