TILLIE'S PEARLS
DR. JORGE CATALAN, MAYOR OF ENSENADA
By Tillie Foster
In early December of 2001, Dr. Jorge Antonio Catalán Sosa began his
three-year term of office as the Mayor of Ensenada (XVII Ayuntamiento).
A quiet, unassuming 49-year-old man with a gentle sense of humor,
Dr. Catalán is a general practitioner who has put his medical career
temporarily on hold. Married for 25 years to Marisela Luna, they are
the parents of one son and two daughters.
Dr. Catalán first became interested in politics in 1986 when he was invited
to support the mayoral campaign of Ernesto Ruffo of the National Action Party
(PAN). From 1989-1992, Dr. Catalán served as Primer Regidor (Councilman) for
Ensenada and, from 1994-1997, as Diputado Federal (Congressman) for
Baja California. In the year 2000, he was approached by PAN and asked to
run as the party’s mayoral candidate. He was elected in 2001 and became
Ensenada’s third PAN mayor in history. Dr. Catalán’s jurisdiction over the
municipality of Ensenada, one of the largest in the world, extends as far
north as La Misión, as far south as the border with the state of
Baja California Sur, and stretches from the coast of the Pacific to the
Sea of Cortéz.
Dr. Catalán’s first six months in office have been occasionally
controversial and a bit rocky at times. As the new mayor, he has made
some moves that have annoyed a few of the local citizens, especially those
of the PRI opposition party. But as all politics go, matters have settled down
and Dr. Catalán has been accepted as being in the driver’s seat. The next two
and a half years should be very promising for Ensenada and at the same time,
interesting to watch. Mayor Catalán has very ambitious goals for the city,
such as implementing the bases for Ensenada to become the leading city in
Baja California in all fields, with the primary focus on tourism and new
industry. He envisions Ensenada as a modern, safe city without ecological
problems. He would like to see the construction of a centrally located security
center that would house both the police and fire departments, modeled after the
successful C4 centers in Mexicali and Tijuana. He would also work for the
regularization of property ownership, making the prospect of purchasing
property more secure for future investors.
And this is just for starters. Mayor Catalán has a great many goals but so
little time. Since he cannot succeed himself as mayor, he needs to cover a
lot of ground during his three-year tenure. Mayor Catalán invites comments
and constructive criticism from the general public including foreign residents
and visitors. Visit the Spanish-language Ensenada municipal website
www.ensenada.gob.mx or send a letter directed to Dr. Jorge Catalŕn
e-mail: csocial17@hotmail.com
Meanwhile on the Micro...
Hi you all, I haven't been able to get off the Micro. I kept going around in circles, but today I jumped off
and took a time to breath, and recollect my thoughts and the past year in Ensenada. It seems the older you get the time flies by. Here it is almost a new year and most of us have had a lot to think about and the happenings of 2001.
Ensenada has been very quiet the last few months, the date of September 11th has affected us all.
We have been trying to recoup and get back to "normal" what ever that is. We have tried to get people moving and traveling.
Events here continue to be on going. A week after September 11th, the Juan Hussong International Chili Cookoff was held, I
had the pleasure of being elected Ms. Chili Pepper 2001 . What fun!! In Ensenada, "Seniors" not blondes have more fun!!!
The winning cook went on to Las Vegas to participate in the International Cookoff.
But these days it seems more difficult for people to get traveling again, at least by plane. So
Ensenada continues to attract people but not as many as before, If you need to escape the stress and strain of every day, head South of the border. We are close enough to drive, and far enough away for a weekend geta way. The hotels are offering great deals. The San Nicolas in particular, is offering 2 nights and dinner for 2
for the lowly sum of $104 midweek and $124 weekends. Can't get any better than that!!
The whales are heading South to Scammon's Lagoon, they don't care what's happening in the world, they just follow
their basic instinct. To visit the whales in their natural habitat is a marvel of nature and not to be missed. Write me for more info on how to get there. tillie@sannicolas.com.mx
Getting into Mexico isn't a problem, and contrary to the exaggerated reports of a long wait returning to the U.S. the
most you would have to wait is 1 hour except on a Sunday, One day that is ALWAYS a bit longer.
Other news:
Baja California has seen the entrance of a new Administration. In July the election of Governor Elorduy of the
PAN (Partido Action National), and as of this past week Ensenada has a new Mayor. On December 1. Dr. Sergio
Catalan, also of the PAN party took the reins for the next 4 years. Ensenada has the distinction of being the largest
municipality in the world, and we are listed in the Guinness Book of Records as so. The inauguration ceremony was
very impressive with many special guests from San Diego. The new administration is vying for closer relations with the
city of San Diego and its administrative officials.
So here we are only 3 weeks away from Christmas and a new year. We are, as always, thinking about our New Year's resolutions, and the ones we will probably break after 1 week. In my case, The older I get, my resolutions get fewer. Its just easier not to make any. Anyhow,before I go I will leave A few pearls of Wisdom to every one:
First of all Be kind to one another, then don't forget to stop and smell the roses.
But above all stay healthy!! Keep the Faith!!
May Peace be with you all during 2002
Tillie Foster
tillie@sannicolas.com.mx
[HOME]