Toscolano Maderno Absences Spark Controversy at Community Budget Meeting

Sometimes absences weigh so heavily that the discussion is conditioned precisely by the empty chairs. And so, the approval of the budget for the Comunità Parco Alto Garda (expected, given the numbers) was enlivened by a subtle controversy that permeated the very long meeting: a recurring refrain, reiterated, about the absence of Paolo Elena and Carla Fumagalli (mayor and councilor of Toscolano Maderno, in the majority within the Comunità Montana), as well as Adriano Zocchi, also from Toscolano Maderno, who justified his absence. If the chairs were empty, on the table stood out the four amendments, out of the seven total, presented by representatives of Toscolano Maderno. Three others were added by Renato Cobelli and Vincenzo Zambelli (minority). Elena and Fumagalli proposed amendments to the budget related to interventions to be carried out in their municipality: Valle delle Cartiere (60 million), a trampoline near the Azzurro hotel (100 million), parking lot near Piazzale Bernini (210 million), Gaino nursery and Social Center (150 million). The requests were rejected by the center-right majority, with abstentions from the minorities. Sarcasm flowed in rivulets, energized by particular voice modulations and the use of deliberately emphatic terms, with which Antonio Moro (opposition) and others sought in every way to uncover potential internal problems within the administration led by Bruno Faustini. Heavy volleys, however, mainly from the benches of the majority aimed at Toscolano Maderno councilors, who are also part of it. The same Paolo Elena recently resigned as head of the Polo group, replaced by Giorgio Venturini (vice-mayor of Magasa). Venturini immediately addressed the issue: “What they propose in Toscolano Maderno would be acceptable if presented as a comment or advice before drafting the budget, not as an amendment. The objectives may be valid, but the method is wrong.” Marcello Festa, another majority councilor (vice-mayor of Gargnano), confirmed that “the budget guidelines are clear, while the amendments seem aimed at benefiting their own turf, especially in Toscolano Maderno.” President Faustini attempted to downplay: “The budget is under discussion, but if certain events occur, and the issue becomes political, we will discuss them.” Zambelli said, “The political issue is undeniable: the absence of Toscolano councilors is serious.” During the assembly, Renato Cobelli outlined other amendments. One, concerning social and health assistance in Magasa and Valvestino, was withdrawn after assurances (recorded) given by Faustini. Another, costing 5 million (for improving the office service), was approved after a partial modification. The third, regarding the reorganization of the technical and administrative structure of the Comunità Montana, was rejected. Cobelli reiterated that the Comunità “must come out of its shell, it can no longer just manage itself.” Moro said, “It’s not enough to develop projects; they need to be implemented. A lack of coherence could trigger something destructive.” Milani added, “Soil defense has decreased from 1,700 to 200 million, fire prevention from 500 to 90, while road maintenance has gone from 1 to 2.5 billion. Why?” Giorgio Venturini responded, “For Valvestino, we require constant attention, not just large projects.” Faustini explained, “Negotiations with the Region and Province secured us 1 billion for parking areas, compared to 45 million before. Various collaborations (Region, Province, Forest Service, Municipalities) are helping us come out of our shell. We have advanced the Territorial Plan and the socio-economic development plan: for the latter, by July we will spend 1,450 million, provided we obtain 40% of this amount as co-financing. We will soon appoint the Park director (talking about Paolo Nastasio from the Forest Company, ed.).” Regarding Gardesana, we have requested an institutional table with Anas, Region, Province, and Municipalities. Our budget reflects a strong commitment, with planning and decisions, and there are signs of a shift—indeed, in Tignale, the school has reopened after rumors of closure. Furthermore, in June, the Visitors Center of the Park will launch.