Lee Hak-su, Jeongeup Mayor, Begins Official Schedule with Visit to Memorial Tower

[Jeongeup=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jae-gil] On the 1st, Lee Hak-su, mayor of Jeongeup City in the 8th term of direct election, began his official schedule by visiting the Chung-hon Tower with the Jeongeup Mayor Transition Committee (Chairman Kim Cheol-su) members to pay tribute to the spirits of the patriotic martyrs and national heroes.

On this day, Mayor Lee held an inauguration ceremony at the large conference room on the 5th floor of the city hall, attended by National Assembly member Yoon Jun-byeong, Jeongeup City Council members, former Jeongeup Mayor Kim Saeng-gi, Kang Kwang, president of the Jeongeup Sports Association, Lee Seung-ho, former president of the Honam Middle and High School Alumni Association, Ha Kwang-yong, current president of the Honam Middle and High School Alumni Association, as well as other guests, media personnel, and public officials.

Considering the impact of COVID-19 and the economic downturn, the inauguration ceremony was held modestly and simply, proceeding with congratulatory performances by the Jeongeup City Gugak Orchestra, introduction of the mayor’s background, presentation of congratulatory flower bouquets, oath-taking, inaugural address, and screening of a hope message and vision video for the 8th term of direct election.

Through the oath-taking, Mayor Lee solemnly pledged, “I will comply with laws and regulations and faithfully perform my duties as mayor for the welfare of residents, development of the local community, and implementation of national policies.”

He continued, “Jeongeup, once a representative city of the southwestern region of Jeonbuk with a population of 270,000, is now facing the risk of extinction due to population decline and ongoing economic recession. I will shed the nominal status of Jeongeup mayor and prioritize people’s livelihoods to achieve a new leap forward for Jeongeup and improve the quality of life for Jeongeup citizens.”

He then pledged, “With the slogan ‘Citizen-centered, Leading Jeongeup’ for the 8th term of direct election, I will carry out administration by the citizens, for the citizens, and of the citizens.”

As administrative indicators, he presented ▲ Prosperous livelihood economy ▲ Advanced city of agricultural life ▲ Education and culture that opens dreams ▲ Safe, clean, and happy sharing ▲ Citizen participation and open administration.

He also identified key projects for each indicator to realize these goals. Representative projects include ▲ Creating a business-friendly environment and quality jobs ▲ Establishing an advanced agro-bio industrial complex ▲ Installing a public postpartum care center and a children’s exclusive ward ▲ Establishing the Jeongeup Culture and Tourism Foundation and early restoration and maintenance of Gosaburi Fortress (Baekje Jungbang Fortress) ▲ Creating a pet playground park ▲ Building a welfare network that does not discriminate against socially vulnerable groups ▲ Establishing a citizen communication office, among others.

Mayor Lee said, “Citizens have given me the mission to revive Jeongeup, which is facing the risk of extinction, so now I ask for your help,” urging citizens’ encouragement and support.

He also emphasized the very important role of public officials for Jeongeup’s leap forward and called for changes and efforts by public officials to achieve the goals of the 8th term Jeongeup administration.

After the inauguration ceremony, Mayor Lee signed the office transfer documents in the presence of Deputy Mayor Choi Jae-yong and approved economic stimulus measures to overcome COVID-19, such as the payment of daily recovery support funds and expansion of local love gift certificates.

He then held a luncheon meeting with employees in busy departments and, in the evening, met with bus transportation workers to listen to their voices from the field, encourage their hard work, and ask for cooperation in building a new Jeongeup in the 8th term.

Mayor Lee said, “The 8th term administration will surely realize the recovery of the livelihood economy and clean administration, and create a city where children and parents are happy, where youth can dream, and where the elderly can live comfortably. I will look only to the citizens and work together with them so that I can be remembered as a successful mayor in the future.”

Jeongeup=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jae-gil gjg7070@asiae.co.kr