And while the mayor denies having favorites or that his council is divided - the true test of the council's mettle will come later this month when they have to elect a new Deputy Mayor.
That is sure to show the divisions in the council and with Kaya Cattouse seeking national office - a lot of what happened next depends on if she wins or loses. But, for sure, it is going to be a power struggle and the mayor, without apology, says he favors his son in law councillor Eluide Miller:
Jules Vasquez
"How do you see the interplay of politics working out after the general election when you all elected a new deputy mayor?"
Bernard Wagner, Mayor, Belize City
"I believe this team that we have put together is a very, very tight-knit group. Very, very tight-knit group."
Jules Vasquez
"But people are ambitious, Mayor."
Bernard Wagner, Mayor, Belize City
"They are ambitious and nothing wrong with being ambitious. Nothing is wrong in that. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't want to have people around me that are ambitious."
"And the mere fact that we have 10 individuals who always are striving for greatness and striving to be the deputy mayor, striving to be the mayor, that should be part of the urge that will push you as an individual."
"And so I do believe that out of this next couple of weeks, whatever, in respect to the deputy mayor, the group, it's up to them to decide who they want to be as a deputy mayor. I know Alan Pallad has served for the past three consecutive terms."
"He has done a good job. I do believe that whosoever within this scope, a group of people, I believe maybe it's time. Remember prior to that, I had been agitating for a female mayor. I've been agitating for some time."
"I've always agitated for continue to change it, to ensure continuity. And so it would be left up, obviously, to the councilors."
Jules Vasquez
"Would you endorse your son-in-law?"
Bernard Wagner, Mayor, Belize City
"I don't vote, right. But certainly Mr. Miller Elude has done tremendous work and he's well respected in the council, he's respected on the job, he's respected in the community. And so I do believe that he would make a very good deputy mayor."
Later in the news we'll have more from the mayor as he once again goes on a campaign to get cabinet to approve a residential garbage tax.
