Andongwoo, Mayor of Jeju City, 100 Days in Office: "Reflecting Citizens' Voices"

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Chang-won] “We will operate communication channels that reflect various voices so that citizens can express their opinions in all areas of administration, and we will do our best to develop new policies that prioritize improving citizens' happiness.”

Jeju City Mayor Andong-woo held a briefing at 11 a.m. on the 28th in the city hall press room, ahead of his 100th day in office, stating, “Although 100 days is far too short a time given the many tasks at hand, it was a precious time to reflect on my role as mayor and to renew my determination.”

Mayor Ahn said, “We will not use the difficulties we face as an excuse to avoid reality or overlook the hardships of our citizens,” adding, “During this challenging time, we will humbly accept your perspectives and criticisms directed at the administration and use them as nutrients for Jeju City to make a vigorous leap forward.”

He also emphasized his intention to “apply a method of gathering opinions first and making policy decisions later to devise solutions that satisfy everyone and bring happiness to all.”

Mayor Ahn stated, “To improve the difficult financial conditions, we will restructure annual and repetitive inefficient projects,” and “By reflecting voices from the field in next year’s budget formulation, we will revitalize the stagnant local economy.”

In particular, Mayor Ahn said, “In the mid to long term, we will focus on solving major issues in Jeju City such as parking difficulties, waste problems, revitalization of the old downtown area, and balanced development,” and “We will discover new New Deal tasks unique to Jeju City that correspond with the Korean-style New Deal and incorporate them into city administration to promote Jeju City’s leap forward.”

Regarding his future determination, Mayor Ahn explained, “Even policies for the public good inevitably cause exclusion and conflict,” but “we will communicate and cooperate more widely so that no one’s rights are easily ignored or marginalized.”

He added, “While humbly accepting citizens’ reproaches and criticisms, we will steadily move toward our ultimate goal of a happy Jeju City,” and “Thanks to the efforts of the citizens, we were able to prevent greater chaos, so I ask for your continued cooperation in the progress of the 32nd Jeju City administration.”