Faces of Costa Rica

Juan Bosco Acevedo wants to see Upala grow and develop. As the canton's mayor, he is in a unique position that allows him to work toward goals of better schools, better roads and better health care.

But it is not always easy. "This is an area that has been abandoned for years, little financial help arrives from the central government," he said, "and now because of economic problems, less and less money has been arriving each year.

"We need to learn to prioritize and not spend, spend, spend," Acevedo said.

The canton of Upala has a yearly budget of $600,000, much of which is already earmarked for road improvements, infrastructure services such as trash collection and water, and administrative costs. The area has 40,000 residents, living spread throughout 1,600 square kilometers, and is one of the poorest areas of Costa Rica.

A member of the National Liberation Party (PLN), Acevedo is the first mayor elected by popular vote rather than appointed by the municipal government. "Being voted in as mayor implies compromise. The people have put their confidence in me, despite the fact that I am from a different political party than the current national government," Acevedo said.

Bureaucracy and political differences as well as financial challenges serve as roadblocks to success. But with the help of the community, the mayor believes changes can be made.

"There are many people in the community who want to make a contribution," said Acevedo. "We collaborate with community members who work towards goals such as finishing the town's central plaza and bettering the aqueduct and water service."

Upala is part of the province of Alajuela, the second largest province with a population of more than 700,000 located in north central Costa Rica.