[Interview] Gwanak-gu Council Chair of Operations Committee Pyo Taeryong: "Supporting Small Business Owners Is Ultimately the Way to Revive the Local Economy"

As a first-term lawmaker and the Operations Committee Chair representing 20 Gwanak District council members in the second half of the 8th term, actively working on local economic revitalization and amendments to the Tongbanjang ordinance

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] "The backbone of the local economy is small business owners and self-employed individuals."

This is a statement made by Pyo Taeryong, Chair of the Operations Committee of the 8th Gwanak District Council second half term (photo·Democratic Party, Seonghyeon Cheongnim Haengun-dong).

He believes that supporting small business owners and self-employed individuals, who have become even more vulnerable due to COVID-19, is the most important aspect of taking care of the local economy.

Pyo, who has lived in Gwanak District for over 30 years and is practically a "Gwanak native," proposed support policies for the self-employed and the expansion of off-days for the Gwanak District Office cafeteria through last year's district administration questions.

Chair Pyo, who emphasized the urgent need for district administration that carefully inspects every nook and cranny, suggested that each department of the Gwanak District Office establish sisterhood ties with neighborhoods and dine there at least once a month to gather public sentiment and opinions, receiving applause for the idea.

Pyo is preparing to amend the ordinance supporting the revitalization of small business owners in Gwanak District and plans to form and organize small business associations for each project.

He also stressed the need for active measures to address the issue of abandoned vacant houses. Pyo stated, "According to Article 11 of the 'Special Act on Vacant Houses and Small-scale Housing Maintenance,' which has been in effect since November 21 last year, the mayor or county governor can order demolition if there are safety accidents such as collapse or fire, or if the property is harmful to public interest or significantly obstructs urban aesthetics or residential environment. If the owner does not comply without special reasons, the staff can demolish the vacant house," adding, "We will do our best to improve the residential environment."

Along with this, Chair Pyo proposed an amendment to the ordinance on the installation of Tong/Ban leaders in Gwanak District. He explained, "The current ordinance guarantees a term of office for Tongjang (neighborhood leader) of 2 years for new appointments with up to 3 additional renewals, totaling 8 years. However, the new amendment proposes limiting additional renewals to 2 times."

He also emphasized, "There is a strong demand to reduce the term of Tong/Ban leaders to 6 years. While term reduction will be reviewed later, it is necessary to establish a fair evaluation system for the 4th and 5th terms."

Chair Pyo is also considering holding a public hearing soon with experts and representatives of Tong/Ban leaders.

He concluded, "Everyone is going through a time of trial and patience due to COVID-19. Nevertheless, just as the abundant seasons return, the sky shines, and the wind gently blows, I believe our ordinary days will fully come back."