### Mayor Montserrat Caballero Declares “I Am Not a Woman Who Wages Wars” During Third Government Report
On Wednesday, August 7, 2024, Tijuana’s Mayor Montserrat Caballero Ramírez presented her third government report to an audience of 7,000 attendees. During the event, she highlighted the initiatives and projects led during her term and firmly declared, “I am not a woman who wages wars.”
Caballero emphasized, “Let it be clear: I am not a woman who wages wars,” but added, “I’m not afraid of battles either because we have always faced them. I am ready, and we will continue to fight as always.” This statement comes amidst her ongoing conflict with seven council members: Mónica Vázquez, Miriam Patricia Echeverría, Edgar Montiel, Marisol Hernández Sotelo, Erwin Areizaga, Alejandro Cabrera, and Claudia Casas. On the same day, these council members filed a complaint against her for abuse of authority with the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE).
Notably, only three out of 15 council members – Óscar Manuel Montes de Oca, José Refugio Cañada, and David Ruvalcaba – attended the report.
#### Highlights from Her Administration
During her speech, Caballero expressed gratitude to her collaborators, starting with Secretary of Economy Luis Cañedo, who allocated 340 million pesos in 1,122 entrepreneurship loans to citizens. Cañedo also launched the border pass program for students crossing daily to the U.S. via the San Ysidro International Border.
In the realm of public safety, led by José Fernando Sánchez González, Caballero noted the creation of the “purple button,” benefiting over 466,000 women. The municipal police confiscated 3,350 firearms and 27,300 rounds of ammunition. Programs like D.A.R.E. benefited 144,000 children in crime prevention.
On infrastructure, overseen by Secretary of Urban and Environmental Development Juan Enrique Bautista Corona, 40,400 LED streetlights were installed, covering 92% of inhabited areas. Key projects included the Alacrán Canyon, the new Tijuana Beaches Boardwalk, and the Cerro de las Abejas Park. Investments were made in road infrastructure (181 million pesos), storm drain maintenance (376 million), and pothole repair (410 million).
Through the Secretariat of Well-being, led by Gerardo López Montes, the “No More Street Children” program safeguarded 179 vulnerable children. The “Integrating Lives” initiative helped 4,800 homeless individuals with addiction issues.
In education, the Secretariat led by Andrea Ruiz Galán launched the “Stop Bullying” program, ensuring all city primary schools have a psychopedagogical support unit. Over 2,000 people received guidance to complete their high school education, and an interpreter for Mexican Sign Language was assigned to each disabled student.
The state government’s Secretary General, Alfredo Álvarez, attended on behalf of Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila. Caballero thanked Chief Official Marcelo de Jesús Machain Servín for maintaining financial transparency, claiming Tijuana as the most transparent municipality in Baja California and among the top five nationally.
#### Message to Successor
Caballero sent a message to her successor, Ismael Burgueño Ruiz, who assumes office on October 1: “I hand over a financially healthy city with a historic debt payment of 2,572 million pesos and collaboration with the state government on a 1 billion peso ISSSTACALI deficit settlement. I am confident you will provide continuity… I anticipate better times for Tijuana. We leave satisfied with our best effort,” she concluded.
#### Prominent Absences
Despite being accompanied by her entire cabinet, notable absences included 12 council members, her seven dissenting colleagues, PAN members Gina Arana, Enrique Anaya, Sandra Magaña, and her colleague Rogelia Arzola. Neither her successor Ismael Burgueño nor Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila attended.
### Additional Article: Council Members File Abuse of Authority Complaint Against Mayor
On the same date as Mayor Caballero’s third government report, council members filed a legal complaint for abuse of authority with the State Attorney General’s Office. The ongoing conflict reflects broader tensions within the municipal government, raising questions about governance and collaboration in Tijuana’s political landscape.
These events are unfolding with significant public and media attention, suggesting future political developments and potential shifts in local power dynamics.
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