Mayor of Granadilla: on cooperation with Vox, the port, and development priorities

José Domingo Regalado, born in Granadilla de Abona in 1981, once again became mayor six months ago, after a vote of confidence in March from councilors of the Popular Party and Vox. This is the third time he has led the local government. He first became mayor in 2016, following a motion of no confidence against the socialist Jaime González Cejas. He then governed the town from 2019 to 2023. Now, leading a new team, he wants to complete projects he had planned previously, but which he says were delayed by the previous administration. Among the most important projects are the construction of housing, the use of the Port of Granadilla, and the launch of the Los Letras treatment plant. Although he doesn't say directly whether he will run for the Canarian Coalition in the 2027 elections, everything indicates that he will lead the project again.

– How do you assess these six months as mayor?

"I assess them positively. There is always room for improvement, but the changes that have taken place in Granadilla de Abona in these months are evident. We have come out of a complete standstill, and now we see movement, works are underway, new staff have arrived, and the administration is more flexible. For example, we have reinforced the technical department with architects, engineers, and assistants, which allows us to process files faster and launch projects. Works are being carried out in different areas – El Médano, San Isidro, Los Abrigos, Charco del Pino. Projects that we had planned before are being implemented, and people are starting to see results."

– There has been a lot of talk about how you became mayor thanks to an agreement with Vox. Your party had stated "red lines" regarding this party. Has this collaboration influenced your work and the priorities of the government in these six months?

"Not at all. This agreement has not influenced our plans. From the beginning, we made it clear that it was an agreement between people who want stability for the town, not an ideological alliance. The main thing was that Granadilla could not remain at a standstill. And we are doing it. I know the two people from Vox who are in the government, and I can say that they are doing their job diligently and responsibly. This agreement has helped to restore stability, and it shows. Those who said that social programs would disappear with this pact were wrong. On the contrary, we have strengthened them. Ideologies are important, but it is more important to govern the town well for everyone."

– One of the problems in Arona is the congestion of the port. There has been talk that the Port of Granadilla could help alleviate it. Has this possibility been considered? Could it accommodate passengers from other islands?

"Yes, we have considered it and asked for a study to see if it is possible. The Port of Granadilla could have separate routes that would help alleviate the Port of Los Cristianos. We need to analyze travel times, fuel costs, and other expenses, as well as the advantages: less congestion in the tourist area, less pollution, less time in traffic jams. The industrial port of Granadilla has a direct exit to the highway and is not in the town, which would reduce the transport problems that Los Cristianos has. In addition, it would boost the town's economy: taxis, restaurants, shops. Of course, a technical study has to show whether it is feasible, but I think it is worth considering. It is not about competing, but about finding solutions. If the extra travel time is compensated by the fact that people don't spend hours in traffic jams, then it would be good. Everything needs to be analyzed carefully."

– Collaboration with other authorities is very important. How do you assess the relationship with the Government of the Canary Islands now?

"They are good. And they have to be, because towns depend on other authorities for many issues: roads, treatment plants, schools... Regardless of ideologies, it is important to collaborate and communicate. Before, the relationship was bad due to personal interests and political differences. That was a mistake. A mayor has to collaborate, even if they don't agree. I have criticized when something was wrong, but that doesn't prevent us from working together. You can't refuse to meet with the president and then give a press conference. That doesn't solve anything. Granadilla needs agreements, not grand pronouncements. And we have done it: we have restored collaboration to carry out projects that will benefit the residents."

– Shop owners in El Médano have complained about the inconvenience caused by the repairs on the wooden promenade. Do you think the compensation will be fair?

"The repairs to the promenade were necessary, not only for aesthetics, but also for safety. It couldn't be left in that state: the boards were wobbly, nails were sticking out, people were falling and getting hurt. People had been asking for it for years. I understand that the shop owners have been inconvenienced by the noise, dust, and blocked access, but the works were urgent. The town council will assess how it has affected trade and will pay the corresponding compensation. We are understanding with them and will continue to be so. But we must remember that in return we will have safety, comfort, and a modern look."

– What are your priorities for improving the lives of the residents of Granadilla?

"The priorities are clear. First, to complete the water treatment system, which has been one of the town's biggest problems. Previously, there were no treatment plants, and this led to pollution. We have already invested more than 40 million euros in the construction of pipes and collectors. The Los Letras treatment plant will be operational very soon and will allow the water to be used for agriculture. This is a historic change: to stop dumping into the sea and to use treated water. Another priority is affordable housing. We need public housing so that young families can live here. We are also committed to development that does not harm nature and to ensuring that the town grows without losing its identity. And, of course, to improving the quality of public services."