Panton Dismisses UDP Candidate Recruitment Concerns

As next year’s municipal elections draw closer, the UDP insists it has no trouble assembling its slate of candidates. Opposition Leader Tracy Panton says the party is instead preparing to unveil all nine of its mayoral candidates at a major media event next week. Panton says the candidates represent a new generation of UDP leadership, bringing experience, integrity and a commitment to public service as the party seeks to position itself for a return to municipal office.

 

Tracy Panton, Leader of the Opposition

“On Tuesday we’re hosting a media event where we will be introducing our nine mayoral candidates as a way of marking this very historic and important occasion for the United Democratic Party. I think it’s very exciting. Actually, I was in a meeting last night in Orange Walk, and I am sincerely impressed with the caliber of candidates who have stepped forward to represent the party in the municipal elections, not only in Orange Walk, but throughout the country. Y- I think we are going to be very pleased to meet our mayoral candidates. All of them bring something significant to the table. All of them have demonstrated stellar leadership in their communities and I believe represents the new face of the United Democratic Party, one that is committed to serving people, a team that I can say come with integrity – will serve with competence and compassion.”

 

According to sources, the only two returning mayoral candidates are incumbent Mayor Earl Trapp in San Ignacio and Santa Elena and Frank “Kranka” Polonio in Punta Gorda Town.

 

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.

 

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