Chamber becomes a platform for 'reelected' Paulo Garcia
The mayor of Goiânia uses irony extensively when discussing his administration and his relationship with city council members. He's openly campaigning, even announcing salary increases for public employees right under the noses of the opposition.
Goiás 247 – With no opponent for reelection in October, the mayor of Goiânia, Paulo Garcia (PT), is so comfortable that he is campaigning right under the noses of his opponents.
This morning he was only supposed to report on the mayor's activities to the Joint Committee of the City Council. He took the opportunity to curry favor with public employees. He announced a 5,10% raise, in two installments – one in May and the other in December, after the election.
Paulo Garcia's tranquility is not reflected in the opinion polls, which give him an advantage but make it clear that a new name could complicate his future. It is evident in the complete lack of names to challenge him, so far. In fact, there are many names, but none that frighten him.
The mayor and his staff are so self-confident that he no longer hides his status as the favorite in the October election. When he formally states that he is not a candidate, he displays a suggestive smile. And, off the record, he is categorical: talking about the race now is out of the question; he doesn't even have an opponent yet...
Some city councilors, those linked to Governor Marconi Perillo (PSDB), were upset today with the mayor's behavior. Even those who were not present at the committee meeting, but who heard from their colleagues about the mayor's "show" – as they called it – were upset.
They saw arrogance in irony disguised as jokes. But, they believe, it's not the time to counterattack. Right now, the state government is on the defensive, and many of them are too, accused of being part of what became known as Carlinhos Cachoeira's group.
But they calculate that this won't last forever. The payback will come at the right time. Especially since the city hall also has some explaining to do regarding its relationship with Cachoeira and other companies concerning stalled projects, like the one in Mutirama. That's what they say.