"Will Use All Means to Stop It"‥ Gyeonggi Provincial Assemblyman Kwon Jaehyung Blocks 'Gosan Logistics Center and Dobong Driver's License Test Site Relocation'

"Projects Unwanted by Citizens Must Be Withdrawn"

Kwon Jae-hyung, Member of the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly of the Democratic Party of Korea (Construction and Transportation Committee)

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-chul] Kwon Jae-hyung, a member of the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly and prospective candidate for the next mayor of Uijeongbu from the Democratic Party of Korea, who has maintained an opposing stance on the controversial construction of a logistics center in Gosan-dong, Uijeongbu, and the relocation of the Dobong Driver’s License Examination Office in Seoul to Uijeongbu, directly contradicted Mayor Ahn Byung-yong of Uijeongbu, who expressed his intention to proceed with the projects without interruption.

On the 22nd, Assemblyman Kwon stated in a press release, "The projects such as the construction of the logistics center in Gosan-dong and the relocation of the Dobong Driver’s License Examination Office to Jangam-dong must be withdrawn," adding, "We will explore all possible methods to ensure that citizens’ opinions are reflected and to stop the project’s progress."

He continued, "Those who call themselves administrative experts will not be free from responsibility for failing to prevent such situations," emphasizing again, "We will not use livelihood issues as tools for political strife and will stand together until the citizens’ will is realized."

He then directly criticized Mayor Ahn, saying, "It requires the courage to reflect on whether the citizens’ desires are being heard properly, whether their voices are being listened to, and whether they are being dominated, along with the corresponding decisions."

Assemblyman Kwon also argued, "Leaving a good legacy will allow a new beginning to start well," and stated, "The past 12 years, during which the citizens entrusted the mayoral office, as Mayor Ahn said, are not much time left, so it is a short period even to wrap things up."

In particular, he said, "I respectfully ask that controversial projects such as the relocation of the Dobong Driver’s License Examination Office and the construction of the logistics center in Gosan-dong be left to the next mayor, and that the remaining term be conducted according to the citizens’ will."

He emphasized, "That will be the final repayment to the citizens of Uijeongbu who allowed me to serve as mayor for 12 years."

Earlier, Mayor Ahn Byung-yong, who had left the Democratic Party of Korea and was preparing to run for Gyeonggi Provincial Superintendent of Education, held a press conference on the 21st and declared that he would not run for the education superintendent position. He also applied for reinstatement to the party.

Mayor Ahn explained the reason for not running for the education superintendent, saying, "I intended to run for the education superintendent based on my achievements during three consecutive terms as mayor and the support and backing from Uijeongbu and northern Gyeonggi," but added, "However, for several months, the political circles in Uijeongbu, regardless of party, have been criticizing and impeaching the policy tasks I have carried out."

He further stated, "I earnestly ask local politicians and citizens for cooperation to ensure uninterrupted development of Uijeongbu and stable city administration," and pledged, "I will carry out the mayoral duties without wavering to create the Uijeongbu I promised during the remaining term."

Meanwhile, opposition from both ruling and opposition parties and residents continues regarding Uijeongbu’s current issues such as the relocation of the Seoul Dobong Driver’s License Examination Office to Uijeongbu and the establishment of a logistics warehouse in Gosan-dong.

In particular, the 'Gosan New Town Association,' composed of residents of Gosan-dong, submitted a 'Request for Public Interest Audit' concerning violations of related laws and a 'petition signed by 330 residents' to block the logistics center to the Board of Audit and Inspection on the 8th.