Earl Trapp Officially Declares Candidacy for Fifth Term  

Political sparks are already flying in the twin towns tonight, even though the 2027 municipal elections are still a ways off. The P.U.P. has made its first move, naming town councilor Aaron Mai as its mayoral candidate in San Ignacio and Santa Elena. Mai is the lone P.U.P. voice on a council dominated by the U.D.P. under long‑time mayor Earl Trapp. So today, we asked Mayor Trapp what it’s like working alongside a councilor who now plans to challenge him at the polls. Trapp didn’t hesitate, saying anyone has the right to run, and then dropping his own news: he’s going after a fifth straight term as mayor.

 

Earl Trapp, Mayor, San Ignacio & Santa Elena

“If he believes that is a call for him, he has a right to put his name on the ballot and at the end of the day the people will decide. But I want to publicly state that I will be seeking reelection. This is, this would be my fifth running for an election as mayor. And I feel very good about myself, but at the end of the day the people will speak. From the moment I got into office almost twelve years ago, I’ve been working. That has not stopped. That have not changed. I’ve been working Monday to Monday, so the people have seen it. The people have seen the changes in this community. I believe that the people are enjoying the developments that have come to this community under my tenure ship.”

 

Shane Williams

“What has your relationship been with the counselor who they have selected to run against you?”

 

Earl Trapp

“We have been very good friends. I cannot remember one day we had any disagreements or altercation. No, we are good friends. Like I said, I mean everyone is entitled to make that decision that they believe that they might have a calling for.”

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

Watch the full newscast here: