AD candidate for Nadur council elections

Toni Falzon, a 64-year-old farmer from Nadur, is contesting the local council elections of March 12 for Alternattiva Demokratika - the Green Party (AD).

AD chairman Harry Vassallo said: "Mr Falzon is one of the first Gozitans to introduce Green values not only in Nadur but also throughout Gozo.

"He is a hardworking, sincere farmer with honourable Green principles. He is admired by many for his courage in challenging the two-party mindset. For him it does not matter what your political beliefs are; Mr Falzon sets an example which shows that we can work together to ensure a healthy and clean environment through his gentle character and simple life, " he added.

AD Gozo regional spokesman Victor Galea said that what mativated the Gozo Regional Committee to approve the candidacy of Mr Falzon was that he has no 'hidden agendas'.

"His only interest in representing Nadur residents in their local council is to ensure that his village will be a better place," Mr Galea said."This, he does for the future generations and not for his own personal gain. Toni is a conventional farmer but wants to start using organic farming methods. He would like to introduce classes in organic farming in Nadur.

"Alternattiva Demokratika, through the Ceratonia Foundation, is committed to give this learning opportunity to the many part-time and full-time farmers in Nadur. This way, improved healthy produce will be available to the people of Gozo, Maltese and tourists alike," he added.

One of the main reasons why Mr Falzon is contesting the local election for AD is his principle of social justice and equality for all, without any prejudice to any political party.

"A case in point," Mr Falzon said, "is the large gaping crater dug out in the road leading to Archpriest Fr Martin Square in Nadur. Residents are, rightly, very angry that this hole in the ground was until recently a beautiful historical house with a natural well 70 fathoms deep, locally known as, 'l-Ispiera ta' Censu'.

"This building was demolished by its self-serving owners. Ironically, 45 years ago Nadur Youngsters Football Club was obliged 'in the public interest' to give up part of its property to make way for the widening of the street. The public interest was certainly not considered in this case as the excavation works were alongside directly onto the public street. How has the person responsible for this anti-social act escaped retribution? The authorities in Gozo cannot allow such acts to continue," he said.

Asked what his candidacy could offer to the Nadur community, Mr Falzon told The Sunday Times: "I have no personal agendas, life has taught me not to be afraid to seek and tell the truth. This is borne out by those Nadur residents who joined me in protests against illegal developments in our village. The Green Party for which I stand supports the enhancement of organic farming in our village.

"I intend to bring people together to create new, healthy produce and make it available to people for better, healthier lives. I will strive for justice and equality without any prejudice to any political party. I will be the voice of those who go unheard, of those who opt to live a simple life like me and of those who need no political favours to realise their ambitions..

"I would bring to Nadur the Greens' local, European and worldwide experiences," he said.