Rule by Man: Justice Mexican Style
The following quotes are from an interview with Mauricio Fernández Garza, member of one of the richest families in Mexico and current mayor of San Pedro Garza, the richest municipality in the nation.
This privileged man, now supervisor of the cradle of Nuevo Leon's elite, recently vowed publicly to rid his town of gangsters
He states his case clearly: "We mayors should have greater powers. In my case, perhaps I'll take them anyway, even if they're not given to me in any book"
Mr. Fernández has the backing of the 10 richest men and women in his state, as well as the Army, several prominent state governors, key presidential aides and every major political figure in northern Mexico.
In his own words, he shall "do everything it takes" to get the bad guys out of town - even if it means stamping on a few civil rights.
Not surprisingly, nobody (except perhaps a few frisky journalists) seems to be complaining. "We'll be subsidized by the government, but it'll also be necessary to raise funds privately. We may have to do a few things which I won't really have the authority to do but, frankly, I don't think anybody will complain".
"What if you face impeachment?" asked a journalist at a recent news conference.
"By whom?" replied Mr. Fernández.
"By citizens who disagree with you."
"But who'll know about it?" responded Mr. Fernández. "I'm saying I plan to do things, but I never said I'd give you details."
This week Mr. Fernández shall be received in Mexico City by both the Attorney General and Senate leaders to plan a project to convert San Pedro Garza Garcia into a model for every Mexican town to follow in the nation's war on drugs.
Up to now, no one has questioned Mr. Fernández's plans to take power into his own hands.
One of the journalists asked how long it would take for the promised changes to occur.
"No more extortion or bribes in my town in six months, and let me tell you this: forget about kidnappings."
"Isn't six months a short time?" asked the newspaperman.
"You're asking me and I'm telling you."
All political eyes are now on the mayor. To most of the nation's political elite, his civil rights threat is a non-issue.
As the mayor himself said: "I won't give any details now so nobody can accuse me of anything but being a good Mexican".
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