Urban Planning Prompts Most Citizen Appeals, Says Civic Defender Report

Urban planning is the most popular issue among citizens who have appealed to the competencies of the civic defender. This was reported by Dr. Eugenio Vitello in his first annual report.

Functions and Activities of the Civic Defender

At the start of the experience, citizens, moreover, did not have a clear understanding, explains the civic defender, of the functions assigned to him, mistaking him for a justice of the peace or even for a partisan lawyer. This led to the creation of flyers that clarified the limits and functions of the defender, who protects subjective rights and legitimate interests, in addition to safeguarding the interests of the community.

He exercises his functions regarding the activities of the Administration, its offices and services, institutions and companies, and entities affiliated with it, as well as Consortia and contracted activities in which the Municipality participates. Dr. Eugenio Vitello, pending a permanent location for his office, has been able to use the mayor’s office, sharing it with the assistance of Mrs. Anna Pettinazzi for secretarial duties.

Citizens’ Requests and Proposals

As we have recalled, urban planning is the issue most frequently raised by citizens. No requests or appeals concerned, instead, control over the legality of resolutions passed by the municipal council regarding contracts and assignments of services and supplies or hiring of personnel in the staff, all matters within the defender’s competence.

Dr. Eugenio Vitello then lists, in his report, the proposals made to the Administration regarding employment of Lonate residents for school children supervision services. Logistical difficulties, however, prevented the implementation of this initiative, as well as his proposal to prepare regulations for the installation of signs in the historic center of Lonate.

On the other hand, the extension of the deadline for the Ici tax was accepted.