[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Amid ongoing conflicts between the executive branch and city council members over recent controversies regarding the attitude during the administrative audit in Gwangju Metropolitan City, Jeong Muchang, the chairman of the Gwangju City Council, delivered a message of harmony.
On the 28th, at the 3rd plenary session of the 2nd regular meeting of the 312th session, Chairman Jeong said, “Let us shake off the regrets and shame of the past and devote ourselves to overseeing city administration and politics with confidence, dignity, and warmth.”
He continued, “I expressed my hope that we reflect on whether there were any misunderstandings during the intense debates arising from differences in views between elected officials and appointed officials regarding the ‘administrative audit’ and that we carry out dignified and confident legislative activities,” adding, “However, I feel heavy-hearted as the gap of conflict between the executive branch and the council seems to be deepening.”
He also emphasized, “I hope we acknowledge the differences in roles and take a closer look at the differences between politics and administration. Being different from me does not mean ‘you are wrong,’ and I hope we consider both our differences and our similarities.”
Furthermore, he explained, “There are ‘differences’ such as ‘appointed or elected’ and ‘regular or non-regular,’ but whether an executive official or a city council member, all are citizens entrusted with public office,” adding, “The standards and goals of public service are undoubtedly ‘the law’ and ‘citizen happiness.’”
Along with this, he stated, “It is problematic to excessively bind ourselves to the law and make citizens unhappy, and it is also unacceptable to break regulations in the name of citizen happiness,” emphasizing, “Gwangju city council members and executive officials should work for the development of Gwangju and the happiness of its citizens based on ‘laws and ordinances,’ despite differences in status and duties.”
He concluded, “They say the ground hardens after the rain,” and added, “I hope that through this controversy, the city council and the executive branch will join forces with mutual respect and consideration for the development of Gwangju and the happiness of its citizens.”
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