By DANNY O. SAGUN

A NEW City Hall employee reported for work the first time last Wednesday. He is Mark Brian, the son of Mayor Benjie S. Lim, who is appointed his chief of staff. For what specific purpose, we really do not know. He does not need a job like that in government. The family runs an enterprise where the young Lim can better hone his managerial or entrepreneurial skills.

There must be reason why he was suddenly placed there. Perhaps, he is being readied to take over his father in case the latter seeks another position. Yes, it has been floated lately that Brian would run for mayor since the father is seeking to return to his old position as congressman instead.

This corner thinks that plan of the family, if true and irrevocable, is a political suicide. For Mayor Lim to go against House Speaker Joe de Venecia is already a big fight that would drain all efforts, resources, and time. That’s a grand fight that needs all concentration. And Lim is not sure he would prevail against the giant JDV, who we said in previous columns, has been unbeatable in his turf.

Now, for another Lim to fight an equally politically-entrenched family like that of Vice-Mayor Alvin Fernandez is already stretching their luck to the limit. I daresay it’s a downfall waiting to happen.

Again, we say the mayor had better wait. Anyway he is eligible for a term yet and he can get it worry-free. Alvin can also wait. They can continue to work together for a more progressive Dagupan. Anyway the mayor is by profession a manager or administrator as he has proven in his business and in his two terms as city executive. In Congress, he will just be a face there unless he also becomes the speaker.

Let’s give that privilege yet to JDV. Who knows he may yet become a prime minister someday somehow.
* * *
The first edition of the Patrima Kapihan for this year at the new venue, the Magic Café in Guilig, this city, last Thursday drew quite a crowd. Only one gubernatoriable came – Vice-Gov. Oscar Lambino – but the media got enough information from him regarding political developments in the province.

Another aspirant – Dr. Jamie Agbayani, the incumbent governor’s wife – sent provincial information officer Ruel Camba, who also proved he could ably speak for the family. Newsmen also got meaty inputs from him regarding the family’s political plans and other issues.

Retired police general Reynaldo Velasco also came to present his “General problem General solution” program. He proved to be an FVR diehard and we think he’s trying to follow the path taken by the general turned president .

Our congratulations to the officers and convenors of the Pangasinan Tri-Media Association. We hope that forum will continue even after the elections.
* * *

The LTO branch in Lingayen has provided a shed for its clients to make their transactions with the office more convenient. Applicants for a driver’s permit undergo lecture or seminar thru the use of audio visual presentations before they take their tests. Kudos to LTO Lingayen chief Jovita Dion for such innovations.