MEXICALI BRIEFS

percent by mid April and saw his approval ratings descend to 16.3 percent by the end of June.

The poll was conducted July 15 among 1,000 adults.

More than 43 percent of respondents nationwide said the issue of highest concern was insecurity and crime, while 29.2 percent said the major problem in their state was corruption and bad government.

Unemployment and poverty was the most important topic for 17.7 percent of respondents.

The agency indicated that 35,946 homicides were reported last year, the highest since 1990.

Juan Manuel Hernández, who leads the State Public Safety Council, told La Voz newspaper the figures represent the lack of a comprehensive strategy to address the issue.

Hernandez said law enforcement agencies are not coordinated, and more than ever no signs of a solution is seen with a clear strategy.

He told the newspaper the climb in murders was apparently caused by foreign criminal organizations.

Hernandez expressed his concerns about the lack of coordination between outgoing and incoming administrations in terms of public safety.

Almost every day, Gov.elect Jaime Bonilla holds meetings with federal agency representatives to discuss crime, although he holds no public office yet.

No state or municipal authorities are involved in those meetings.

Bonilla announced Tuesday the visit of Congresswoman Juanita Guerra Mena, who leads the Commission of Justice, to the state.

— Arturo Bojorquez, abojorquez@ivpress

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