From his military training (Saint-Cyrien and officer of the national gendarmerie), he has retained his austere demeanor, but this moderate man wants to be well-present in the life of a city that he, even if it is not his own, has learned to love and understand its not always very rational impulses.
To achieve this, Benoît Kandel tries to address these issues with a focus on pedagogy and efficiency so that political action does not remain merely a matter of fine words and promises but becomes the fulfillment of a civic duty, which motivated him to abandon a well-charted military career to choose a political adventure, signifying that despite a reserved demeanor… his heart is in it!
“I joined Christian Estrosi’s political project in 2008, when he was a candidate for the Mayor of Nice, which interested me due to his strategic vision for changing Nice: to make it a city open to the future and in control of its destiny with ambitious action,” he tells us, adding, “The composition of his team, made up of many people from civil society with quality professional backgrounds, convinced me that even though my skills were foreign to politics, they would have their place and could serve this vision.”
This is why Benoît Kandel found himself in politics without a militant past or even an engagement that would have prepared him for the important roles he holds today: 1st Deputy Mayor and General Councilor of Nice’s 12th canton, where he is a candidate for reelection in the 2011 cantonal elections.
How can we explain and understand this transformation in such a short time along with the accompanying success?
Experts explain that a manager has both general and specific skills. Reality reveals a much more complex picture. Behind these acquired skills lie the pleasure and energy felt in experiencing this journey. It is the drivers of this energy that are the true roots of success. Therefore, these are the ones to be understood when it comes time to define the “what,” the “why,” and the “with whom.”
Here is our analysis of the reasons why Benoît Kandel, whom appearances might confine to a technical role, has become a key player in the municipal team, and it is evident that he thrives in this new role to which he brings the care of listening, along with the habit of thorough examination and analysis of issues in the decision-making process, which is not always easy alongside a mayor who, due to his fervent personality, is more focused on the future and always concerned with the apprehension of tomorrow than with the current affairs.
All this while never straying from his sober style of a good Catholic faithful to the spiritual thoughts of Saint Ambrose: “May no senseless word leave your mouth to be lost in the void.”
NP: Why are you running again?
BK: General Councilor for less than two years, I have already accomplished much and launched numerous projects. I know, however, that there is still much to be done. In other words, I haven’t completed my mission, and it’s not in my values to abandon midway!
NP: How do you view this mission?
BK: A General Councilor is primarily a local elected official. I strive to remain constantly attentive to the many individual requests addressed to me, and I then work to ensure they are resolved within the planned timelines.
A General Councilor is also a departmental elected official. As such, I must defend the interests of the canton and ensure that its development is considered in each of the numerous projects that concern the planning of our canton (installation of public services, schools, transport, sanitation, waste management, and many more…).
Thus, I am both at the disposal of every inhabitant of the 12th to help them in their daily lives and the primary defender of the canton when it comes to planning projects.
NP: What does being First Deputy bring you?
BK: The 12th is entirely within the Municipality of Nice, where I hold the responsibilities of 1st Deputy to Christian ESTROSI. In managing the canton’s affairs, it is a considerable advantage as I can rely on the support and human resources of both the City of Nice and the General Council. Thus, not only does everyone work with the same spirit, but financial resources are combined.
Clearly, I would never have been able to advance as many projects if I did not benefit daily from the capabilities of the two communities.
NP: You mentioned achievements; what are the main projects you have advanced?
BK: Primarily, significant efforts have been made on roadways, particularly on hilly roads long neglected. Each time, next-generation soundproofing surfaces have been used. They reduce noise by a factor of four.
In housing, 880 apartments have been renovated, rehabilitated, or delivered. It’s a very significant effort that must and will continue.
Most sports facilities have been redone: Bob Rémond Stadium, Galeries Lafayette Stadium, forage park micro-site… New or improved green spaces have been delivered: Chemin du Littoral, Vinaigrier, Liserons, and a real bush-clearing policy has been launched to reduce the high “forest fire” risk in the canton.
In terms of security, the Municipal Police force has been increased, prevention teams have been established, and over 40 video surveillance cameras have been installed.
Finally, the industrial wasteland that the slaughterhouses had become now hosts a beautiful cultural project that will bring new life to the neighborhood.
NP: What are the main proposals you are carrying for this new mandate?
BK: In terms of major infrastructure, progress must be made on the tunnel project under Mont Boron, which alone will resolve the chronic traffic and parking difficulties.
At the same time, we will continue to develop public transport options and upgrade roads and networks.
In proximity issues, I will remain very attentive to employment, housing, cleanliness, and security, which are the daily concerns of residents. Again, my belonging to Eric CIOTTI’s departmental majority and Christian ESTROSI’s municipality will give me the means to provide concrete responses on all these subjects.
I cannot end this interview without mentioning the good fortune I have in having Denise FABRE as a deputy. As Deputy Mayor of Nice in charge of the city’s influence, her passion and personal investment for Nice and the 12th canton are invaluable assets for my candidacy. I have great admiration for her career and great respect for the commitment she has once again agreed to make by my side. I am very proud and very happy to work with her.
Benoît Kandel’s official blog: https://benoitkandel.wordpress.com
Photo credit: Richard Zanca
