Tijuana Mayor Ends Term

“Montserrat Caballero acknowledges unfinished projects in Tijuana, passing baton to Ismael Burgueño. Pending developments include boardwalk, bridge, and park upgrades, requiring continued attention from the incoming administration.”

### Montserrat Caballero Acknowledges Pending Projects as Tijuana Mayor

On Saturday, September 28, 2024, the 46th and final council session of Tijuana’s 24th City Council, led by Montserrat Caballero Ramírez, took place. During the meeting, the council unanimously approved the protocol for transferring responsibilities to the incoming administration of Ismael Burgueño. Following the session, Caballero admitted to leaving several projects incomplete.

Among the unfinished projects Caballero mentioned were the boardwalk, the Macroplaza bridge, and others including the missing baseball field at Cerro de las Abejas park and the last phase of Cañón del Alacrán, which remains only partially finished. These projects will need to be continued by the next administration.

### Reflections and Regrets

When asked about any regrets during her tenure, Caballero confessed that she sometimes regretted being overly transparent in what she described as a “hypocritical world.”

“I preserved my dignity and essence. If you notice, in all my speeches since I began, I’ve remained the same person. I regret being so transparent in a hypocritical world—perhaps I should have been a bit more hypocritical,” she stated.

She was also questioned about her disputes with Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda and offered advice for her successor on maintaining resolve during valid disagreements. “Undoubtedly, the governor works much better with gentlemen, so there’s already a significant advantage. Just keep your dignity and head held high, as I believe that’s the hardest thing for a municipal president,” she said.

### Challenges Faced

While Caballero voiced satisfaction with her performance as the head of the 24th City Council, she admitted it wasn’t an easy role. Among the challenges she faced were the “Black Friday” vehicle burnings by a criminal cell, which terrified residents statewide. She also dealt with the eviction at the El Chaparral border crossing and the influx of Ukrainian migrants following the Ukraine-Russia war.

“On Black Friday, I was the only authority to come forward for Tijuana; I was the only authority. At the Chaparral eviction, we were the only ones to face it head-on. Regarding migrants, beyond the Chaparral, we handled 13,000 migrants, including Ukrainians. And let’s not forget the debt payment,” Caballero detailed.

### Security: The Primary Challenge for Burgueño

When asked what she believed will be the main challenge for her successor, Caballero emphasized security. She noted that security is a top priority for all levels of government.

“Certainly, security is a major issue. But the positive side is that his mandate starts with the president’s backing. Security is a priority for federal, state, and municipal governments, so he’ll receive ample support to move forward,” she commented.

### Secondary Article: Updates on Pending Tijuana Projects

In other related news, the incoming administration of Ismael Burgueño has announced plans to prioritize the completion of the unfinished projects left by Montserrat Caballero. The new administration has already started assembling specialized teams to tackle these initiatives.

For the boardwalk, initial assessments have been conducted to determine the extent of work required. Revised timelines and additional funding allocations are being proposed to expedite the process. The Macroplaza bridge and the baseball field at Cerro de las Abejas park are also under review to ensure that these projects are completed efficiently.

Regarding the Cañón del Alacrán, local environmental groups have been consulted to ensure that the development aligns with sustainable practices. These efforts aim to balance infrastructural growth with environmental conservation.

Stay tuned to TJGringo.com for more updates as the new administration takes charge and progresses with these crucial projects for Tijuana.