### Norma Bustamante Reassumes Mexicali’s Mayoral Role with “Renewed Commitment”
Norma Alicia Bustamante Martínez has taken the oath of office once again as the mayor of Mexicali, leading the city under its 25th administration. The inauguration ceremony took place on Monday at 1:00 PM, hosted at the State Theatre with attendees from various parts of the community.
In her inaugural speech, Bustamante expressed gratitude to the governor, Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, and emphasized her dedication to addressing incomplete projects, stating she has a “renewed commitment” to the city’s progress. “Three years ago, I stepped into this role aware of the challenges, but certain of Mexicali’s greatness,” she stated.
Having served as Mexicali’s mayor since 2021, Bustamante was previously the director of the Municipal Institute of Art and Culture (IMACUM) during Marina del Pilar’s term as mayor. Known for her extensive media career, Bustamante spent over 25 years as the host of the news program ‘Contacto Matutino’ on Canal 66. She is also an educator and the owner of Libreria Universitaria.
Focus areas in Bustamante’s administration have included enhancing security and public services, particularly in the city’s outskirts. One standout initiative was the replacement of approximately 40,000 public lighting units with LED lamps, though over half of these were reported to have manufacturing defects.
Another notable effort was the acquisition of 164 police patrol vehicles in 2022, a substantial improvement from the previous count of just 65 units covering the urban and rural areas of Mexicali exhibiting high crime rates.
During her official remarks, Bustamante declared her vision for a just and equal Mexicali, where power is held by the citizens. She concluded with a promise to introduce a new surveillance and police intelligence system aimed at reducing crime rates and a social prevention program to revitalize high-crime areas and bolster neighborhood watch efforts.
### Secondary Article: Security Challenges Continue in Mexicali
Amid the renewed leadership of Norma Bustamante, security remains a significant point of discussion in Mexicali. Over recent months, residents have raised concerns regarding crime rates and the effectiveness of local law enforcement.
In response to public outcry, Bustamante’s administration has pledged to prioritize security improvements with new technological implementations and increased police presence. According to local reports, the upcoming plans include a state-of-the-art video surveillance system designed to both monitor high-traffic areas and act as a deterrent against criminal activities.
Efforts to combat criminal behavior will also extend to social programs within vulnerable communities. The initiative aims to refurbish neglected public spaces and foster community engagement through neighborhood watch programs, aiming to create a more secure environment for all residents.
Continued vigilance and robust community involvement are critical as Mexicali moves forward under Bustamante’s continued leadership, seeking to realize a safer and more thriving city.