New Jalisco governor sets ambitious agenda

Aristoteles Sandoval made over 20 ambitious pledges and promised to focus on five key areas upon taking up office as governor of Jalisco on Friday, March 1.

Sandoval addressed 1,500 special guests, including 22 governors and U.S. Ambassador Anthony Wayne, for just over 45 minutes at Guadalajara’s Instituto Cabanas Cultural. Making numerous pledges, some more general than others, he said his administration will concentrate primarily on sustainable government, security, a competitive and sustainable economy, inclusive social development and innovation.

Sandoval made several pledges regarding transport, vowing to expand Guadalajara’s subway (tren ligero) network and open two more Macrobus routes, as well as introducing free public transport for students. He also said his administration would improve the train line from Aguascalientes to Juanacatlan and finish widening the highways from Guadalajara to Colima and Puerto Vallarta.

On the environment, Sandoval said he would allocate greater resources for the protection of the Bosque Primavera nature reserve and promised that his government will soon unveil a state law against climate change.

On security, Sandoval said he will reinforce Jalisco’s borders and plans to create a single, unified metropolitan police force.

Other announcements included the opening of 20 music schools, aimed at keeping children off the streets and away from organized crime, and the creation of the Department of Innovation, Science and Technology, which will extend broadband internet access to all 125 Jalisco municipalities and help promote Guadalajara’s Creative Digital City project.

Sandoval said he will raise the funds for these projects through “responsible spending and austerity” in other areas of government, yet critics will recall that he failed to fulfill many of the pledges made when taking up office as mayor of Guadalajara.