The U.S. ambassador in Mexico, Roberta S. Jacobson, congratulated Mayor Mauricio Vila Dosal for the recognition obtained by the Mérida City Council from the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness (IMCO), which placed him in first place of the Index of Municipal Budgetary Information 2016, (IIPM2016).
The recognition of the IMCO was due to the quality of the city’s budget information based on a catalog of good practices and government accounting standards, which focus on the transparency and accountability of public resources.
“I congratulate you on the work done on these issues that are very important for the public exercise,” the diplomat said, according to a press release.
She also congratulated the City Council for having received the designation, for the second time, as the American Capital of Culture, and for the city’s 475th anniversary Jan. 6th.
U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Roberta Jacobson with Merida Mayor Mauricio Vila Dosal. (PHOTO: yucatan.com.mx)
The mayor met with the ambassador in the Presidential Hall of the Municipal Palace, where they discussed issues of constant growth in the city, the actions taken by the current administration to combat social inequality, the brotherhoods between Merida and cities in the United States, and actions to be carried out during 2017, such as possible student exchanges.
They also addressed issues on climate change and the strategies undertaken by the municipal administration to make Mérida a more sustainable city.
Upon arrival at the Presidential Hall, the ambassador spoke about the beauty of the Historic Center, the color and cleanliness of its streets. “More than 20 years ago I came to this city to vacation and I am amazed to see how beautiful it looks now, the Historical Center is more beautiful and I recognize their work to keep it that way,” she said.
During the meeting, the mayor reported on the two major challenges facing the current administration: urban growth and for which work is underway in the Urban Development Plan, and the fight against inequality, for which various programs have been designed.
The ambassador said that work can not be done alone, and that it is necessary to add efforts by highlighting the participation of government orders to implement measures that directly benefit citizens, without distinguishing colors, parties or ideologies.
They said that educational exchanges could be revived between Merida and sister cities in the United States, such as Miami, Sarasota and Panama City in Florida; Erie, Pennsylvania; New Orleans, Louisiana; And Glendora, California.
Source: yucatan.com.mx
