Firefighter José Brasil is the Chega a Velas candidate

Firefighter José Brasil, 49, is the Chega candidate for the Municipal Council of Velas, on the island of São Jorge, in the October elections, to “give voice” to the community's desires and retain young people.

"The reasons that led me to accept the candidacy are diverse and profound. I believe it is essential to give voice to the desires of our Velense community and fight for a better future," the candidate told Lusa news agency this Tuesday.

José Brasil said that “many Velenses are fed up with a policy that has dragged on for 50 years, full of unfulfilled promises” and “unsatisfactory solutions to problems.”

The candidate says it is “heartbreaking” to see the land “falling behind compared to other regions.”

"With each passing day, we see a delay in development, which directly affects the quality of life of our citizens . We must end the flight of young people. Increasingly, we see our young people leaving the island in search of better opportunities. Some even move to the neighboring island of Pico in search of better job recognition and better living conditions," he said.

The candidate for mayor of Velas believes that the municipality "urgently needs policies that encourage young people to stay" and contribute to the future, as "they are the key to the desired economic and social development."

"I believe the main challenge we face is retaining talented young people in our country. This issue, while central, is interconnected with other important problems, such as health and housing. [...] Accessible, quality health care is essential, as is the provision of adequate housing. Without these basic conditions, it is difficult to convince young people to stay," he added.

For José Brasil, it is also essential to support families with "programs that help with education, health, and the promotion of well-being ," to create "a favorable environment for young people to settle."

“To achieve this, we need to work on several fronts: health, housing, and family support, to ensure a promising future for our Velense community,” he argues.

If elected mayor of Velas, the Chega candidate promises to "make efforts" to purchase land and offer it for the construction of a new health center and "collaborate with government partners to retain doctors and specialized personnel."

Supporting the elderly and developing an assistance program that includes regular visits, social activities, and health services are other proposals.

The candidate also proposes carrying out a study to “evaluate the need for and impact of a new road” to access the village, “involving the community in the discussions.”

Creating a package of tax and logistical incentives for companies wishing to establish themselves in the municipality, organizing events that promote local opportunities and connect entrepreneurs with investors, and promoting festivals and gastronomic fairs that "highlight local culture and traditions" are also part of the Chega candidacy's electoral program.

Firefighter José Brasil has never had political or partisan experience, and considers himself a "newcomer to the field," but with "strong empathy and an interest in contributing to a better community."

The current Velas municipal executive is composed of four elected members from the CDS-PP and one from the PS. The current mayor, Luís Silveira (CDS-PP), is ineligible for re-election due to term limits. In the 2021 municipal elections, the CDS-PP won with 66.3% of the vote, while the PS obtained 27.2%.

In addition to José Brasil, the candidacies of Isabel Teixeira (PS) and António Machado (CDU, PCP/PEV coalition) for mayor of Velas are known. The local elections are scheduled for October 12th.