Mayor drops gauntlet over street facelifts

OVER THE OBJECTIONS of the comptroller, Panama City Council has endorsed the proposal by Mayor José Blandón to spend $52 million on facelift  projects on Via  Argentina and Calle Uruguay.

The project will be aimed at burying utility cables and other improvements.

The comptroller’s office had reserved its approval of the projects because of the cost.

But the council endorsed it on Tuesday Mar.14 and Mayor Blandon threw down the gauntlet to the  comptroller.

“I feel there was a misunderstanding on the part of the comptroller,” Blandón said. “If the decisions I am

making are right or wrong, then it will be my political responsibility. If the comptroller wants to make the mayor’s decisions, he should run for mayor.”

The comptroller did not respond to requests for comment.