“Life in Acapulco is Wonderful” – Governor Torreblanca

(Chilpancingo, JG 20 December) During year-end festivities in Chilpancingo yesterday, outgoing Governor Zeferino Torreblanca Galindo made a special point of addressing himself to Acapulco, which recently has suffered from organized crime violence in the outlying, working-class suburbs. "In spite of the consequences of that violence," he affirmed, “life in Acapulco is wonderful.” He added that the state government is working with federal authorities to reinforce the security network in Acapulco so that new criminal activity can be prevented.

His remarks came when a reporter asked him about the security issue in Acapulco and if that would impinge on the year-end holidays. He said, “Acapulco is great. [The tourists] can come to sunbathe like iguanas and put their feet in the air.”

When reporters asked him about other controversial matters, like the “La Parota” hydro-electric project, the governor declined comment, saying that he was participating in the traditional year-end party. “I want to avoid controversies on this day of celebration,” he said. With respect to the political campaigns, he said “I am not involved in the campaigns; I respect them greatly, and I don’t have the least idea whether how they will come out in the end.”