Johnny Araya steps down as mayor of San José to run for president

July 1^st, 2013 (InsideCostaRica.com) The mayor of San José, Johnny Araya, left his office on Friday after holding the position for the past 15 years to seek election as Costa Rica’s next president in the February 2014 elections.

Araya, who is the candidate for the ruling National Liberation Party (PLN), will turn his focus to his political campaign that will include tours throughout the country, according to campaign manager, Antonio Alvarez.

Surrounded by municipal employees at his farewell address, Araya indicated that he felt he was leaving office on a positive note, but also acknowledged that “mistakes were made,” and there remains issued that need to be resolved.

“This is a difficult time emotionally,” Araya said.

Remarking of his achievements, Araya talked of the drastic changes to the face of San José, with the construction and renovation of parks and more than 15 kilometers of pedestrian walkways and boulevards.

Deputy Mayor Sandra Garcia will serve as mayor until the next municipal elections in 2016.

According to all the polls, Araya is the clear favorite to win the presidential election.