Business owners criticize new mayor appointment law

Members of the State Entrepreneurial Coordinating Board criticized the enacted law that allows the governor nominate substitute mayors.

The proposal, enacted and voted on a week ago, permits the governor and the Assembly to appoint substitute mayors in case incumbents step down for more than 30 days.

Mexican and state law left that decision to the city councils. Also, alternate mayors, elected at the same time as the incumbents, were legally and politically entitled to occupy the office in case of resignation or death.

However, the governor’s office introduced a new law after Tijuana Mayor Arturo Gonzalez stepped down for weeks and returned to office without reporting substitute Mayor Karla Ruiz.

The business group said neither the governor nor lawmakers are legally entitled to nominate and vote for substitute mayors, as it violates municipal sovereignty.

“Respecting our laws is imperative,” the organization said. “(Legal) modifications must address the public’s interest and not the interest of a specific group.”

The council has criticized other laws and policies implemented by state authorities that violate Mexican law like the legalization of illegal vehicles and a local fuel tax.

The organization said state lawmakers have disappointed by forgetting their commitment to the public and committing instead to a political party.

The council said it will seek all legal tools to repeal the new law.

Also, the council argued the state has more serious issues to address, such as public health, crime, transportation and others.