Martinelli leads by example after media exposure

PERHAPS encouraged by an exposure in La Prensa, or a twinge of conscience,  President Ricardo Martinelli went to the National Authority for Land Management in Amador on Tuesday, December 10, to personally ask for an assessment of his property in Altos del Golf.

The visit came after a front page story in La Prensa, earlier in the day,  highlighting the real  value of his home  and the last assessed value.

"I come here as a responsible citizen because I learned that my home has not been appraised for 25 years," he said.

Martinelli had come under criticism for ordering appraisals done in luxury areas, but exempting his own area from the process.
A recent media report stated that his home was appraised for less than $300,000 but was worth $4 million.
Martinelli admitted his house was under-appraised, but did not agree with the $4 million figure.
"If I were to sell this property, it would be for less than 20 percent of what they say it's worth," he said.
He also asked other politicians with luxury homes to follow suit.
"We must lead by example," he said.