He told HERITAGE that although Fox was the first member of the PAN party to win the Mexican presidency, and thereby break Mexico's century-old, one-party rule, the PRI party still controls the Mexican Congress. During Fox's speech following the swearing in, "many PRI members sat on their hands during the applause lines, and some even cat-called and booed," Filner said. His conclusion: Fox has his work cut out for him over the next six years.

Besides Filner, Rep. Benjamin Gilman (R-N.Y.), the outgoing chairman of the House International Affairs Committee, and Gov. Gray Davis of California were among the Americans attending the ceremonies. Filner said that dignitaries from numerous countries were also present, including "Fidel Castro (of Cuba) who was in the next box."

Following the inauguration, Filner had the chance for a reception line conversation with Fox: enough time for Filner to tell the new President about his efforts to revive the Arizona and Eastern Railroad on both sides of the border and to have a U.S.-financed sewage plant constructed in Tijuana to prevent effluent from flowing over the border into San Diego and Imperial Beach. 

Filner said he was impressed by Fox's "can do attitude" and was pleased that the new President already has named former Baja California Gov. Ernesto Ruffo Appel to serve as his "border czar," thus simplifying the chain of communication concerning U.S.-Mexico border issues.
-- Donald H. Harrison