The electoral marathon has entered its final stretch, but Jacques Peyrat, a veteran of a thousand battles, keeps up his momentum by illustrating his vision for the Nice of tomorrow.
For the former chief magistrate, the population is at the heart of the community mission.
However, with special attention to the most vulnerable categories: young children, seniors, people with disabilities, and the homeless. The employed are considered capable of meeting their own needs… Unemployment aside?
A specific action is planned for each of these categories: A significant increase in nurseries and daycare centers with a home help service for working women, more retirement homes, and increased aid to the Social Action Community Center, which lacks the means to carry out its mandates, a policy to adapt urban furniture to promote the mobility of disabled people, or the reopening of one or more shelters for these life’s castaways who should be helped and not needlessly chased by municipal police without any consequence other than moving them from one place to another.
“Housing is a basic necessity,” continues Jacques Peyrat, “whether for the employed or retirees. Today the real estate market is insufficient and too expensive, and the wave of immigration has diverted social landlords from their primary task: building social housing for the employed and not for immigrants. Moreover, the conditions of allocation of housing by Côte d’Azur Habitat are scandalous and have already been the subject of a recommendation by the public control body.”
His goal would be to build at least 500 homes per year, also including university residences.
The sports section does not present big aspirations: “With the Grand Stadium, the situation is quite comfortable. I have only one project, a Sports Palace at the current location of the Exhibition Palace, which will move to the Plaine du Var. Additionally, I will add a 1 or 2 km water body for leisure sports, my example is that of Breil-sur-Roya,” advances the candidate of the Gathering for Nice.
And here the excursus takes us to another strong argument: Culture.
The breakdown of proposals does not require much explanation, it speaks for itself: Firstly, there is the revival of the Nissarte culture, strong in its tradition, its grammar, and vocabulary, making it a true language (of Occitan origin) and not a mere dialect, and its popular manifestations.
Next, the revival of the Military Music Festival, which was very successful in its first editions, and three festivals: in order, one for Traditional Jazz, Contemporary Art centered around the École de Nice and all its masters, and Popular Theaters for which the particularly rich local companies would be activated.
Regarding facilities, ideas abound: from taking over the Studios de la Victorine, which indeed deserves a more innovative and dynamic management (editor’s note: the current concession will expire in 2018) to a sound and light show in the style of Puy du Fou at the Château or Fort du Mont Alban, representing the history of Nice.
Finally, the Spada Hall should be designated for use as a performing arts venue, again relying on the city’s rich artistic fabric.
There remains the discussion of the Old Abattoirs, whose project has not taken off… But, caution, says Jacques Peyrat, “I’m not going to tell you everything; there is still a section to present, that of employment and economic development.”
The former mayor, who does not concede defeat despite unfavorable polls, is back in the campaign: For him, engaging with people is still the surest way to assert himself.
See you Wednesday the 19th for the last round before the election!
