Yongjae Lee, Gwangyang Mayor Preliminary Candidate, Presents Future Gwangyang City Blueprint at Joint Debate

Future Gwangyang City Blueprint Clearly Presented

Determined to Win and Lead Gwangyang's Development

Walking Steadily, Focusing Only on Citizens

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik] Lee Yong-jae, the Democratic Party of Korea's preliminary candidate for mayor of Gwangyang, announced on the 8th that he received a positive response after fully presenting his vision for the future of Gwangyang City at a joint debate hosted by the Democratic Party's Suncheon-Gwangyang-Gokseong-Gurye (Eul) District Committee and others.

Candidate Lee Yong-jae engaged in in-depth discussions with candidates Kim Jae-mu and Moon Yang-o, and was evaluated as having consistently demonstrated his blueprint for the development of Gwangyang.

In the leading debate aimed at verifying the qualifications and policies of the preliminary candidates, Lee presented concrete pledges and realistic policies, reportedly earning high marks.

In his statement of candidacy, Lee said, "I offer great comfort to the local residents who have wisely overcome COVID-19," and added, "I will definitely win the mayoral election of Gwangyang and lead the development of Gwangyang based on my experience in provincial administration."

Regarding a question on how to finance the relocation of the Kumho-dong housing complex, one of Lee’s key pledges, he explained, "The houses here are over 35 years old and considerably deteriorated. We expect the relocation to take about 10 years and estimate the budget at around 1 trillion won. However, if an industrial complex centered on advanced materials is established on the relocated site, sufficient funds can be secured," adding, "The site is currently planned between Gwangyeong and Jungma-dong."

When asked about the development of Gwangyang Port, he stated, "Although there is a steel mill and Gwangyang Port, we need to ensure that the container terminal can actually grow," and suggested, "We must attract manufacturing industries to the hinterland complex to create an industrial structure where cargo volume can be supplied directly."

Additionally, Lee emphasized the importance of diversified future growth engines such as transitioning to a hydrogen economy, focusing on secondary battery development, creating quality youth jobs, and achieving balanced development between east and west regions.

He drew attention by stressing that the state should also take responsibility for normalizing the Health University.

Lee said, "Health University is the only medical university in Jeonnam. Considering the increasing elderly population trend, I believe the state should step in to revive the Health University," and added, "Fortunately, National Assembly member Seo Dong-yong is preparing legislation to resolve this issue."

Regarding questions on innovation in the Gwangyang mayoral office and improving public officials' integrity, Lee responded, "When I served as chairman of the provincial council, Jeonnam's integrity rating improved from grade 4 to grade 2," and said, "A leader must have an attitude that embraces both authority and responsibility."

In his closing remarks, Lee stated, "By looking at the path a person has walked, you can see the path they will take," and added, "I will utilize my political experience to become the nourishment that makes Gwangyang a livable city and a city where citizens are happy."

Gwangyang = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik hss79@asiae.co.kr

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.