DON’T COMPLAIN! THIS IS SPAIN!

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How many times have you heard members of the expat community living in Spain in general or here on Orihuela Costa in particular utter the above words? I am sure it has been more times than can be counted!

Many international residents who have chosen to make their home along the Costas feel that if they voice their dissatisfactions about the lack of basic services on offer in their particular area of residence that this is being disrespectful to their host country of Spain.

What many people fail to recognise is that it is only by complaining, advocating and highlighting issues that any changes are ever made by politicians, and this is especially true about local politics.

Irrespective of where people live there are always things that the local community wants and needs. Things may be as basic as a patrolled crossing near the local school to the more costly provision of essential infrastructure such as a brick built school or the building of an Emergency Services Centre. It doesn’t matter what facility or service a local area wants it will inevitably incur a cost that has to be paid out of local rates and taxes.

Invariably every locality within a larger municipal authority will feel that their needs are greater or more important than the needs of another district within the same local authority! All residents, irrespective of nationality want access to the same quality of services enjoyed by other people living in the same municipal area. Further, many people will feel discriminated against if residents from an adjacent local government area have better facilities and services than their own local authority provide.

How an area makes their needs known is through complaining, often using local newspapers, local radio and television to highlight the importance of the issue and gaining more public awareness. Local residents will also advocate for a particular service or provision, pointing out that this service is generally available in other parts of the municipality and that their particular area is being disadvantaged by not having access to the same types of facilities that are enjoyed by other ratepayers.

Often in a democracy local residents will present petitions showing the strength of feelings people have about particular issues, for example building on the last piece of undeveloped land on the coast such as Cala Mosca.

People need to realise that criticising the poor level of local services provided on Orihuela Costa is not a criticism of Spain. Orihuela Costa is not typical of Spanish towns and villages; it lacks all the basic services that are taken for granted by Spanish nationals. Spanish people living on Orihuela Costa state that they are disgusted by the blatant discrimination shown by Orihuela City Councillors towards the coast.

Spanish people welcome the interest shown by international immigrants in advocating for essential services that can be enjoyed by all Orihuela Costa residents.

Orihuela Costa will only be treated fairly if it elects a sufficient number of councillors who live on the coast and who will listen to the real concerns of all coastal residents.

Ensure that you are registered to vote and use your vote. Local Government spending has the most important influence on your enjoyment and the quality of your life in Spain. Complain! Complain. You have rights in Spain!

Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/41293/

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