City Council Secretariat: "It Is Appropriate to Pay the Allowance Since the Staff Worked"
Cannot Avoid Criticism for Wasting Taxpayer Money on Political Activities
Kim Haenggeum, the chairperson of Cheonan City Council from the People Power Party, is facing strong criticism after attending the People Power Party's national convention on May 3, a holiday, accompanied by a driver and using an official vehicle. It has been revealed that the council plans to pay allowances and other compensation to the staff member involved.
An official from the council secretariat stated, "It is permissible for an employee to go on a business trip for work on a public holiday," adding, "For working on that day, both travel expenses and overtime pay will be provided."
The official further explained, "Expenses such as fuel costs are covered by the city council's budget, so there is no issue," and added, "Since the staff member worked, it is appropriate to pay the allowance."
As a result, Kim Haenggeum effectively attended the People Power Party's national convention using taxpayers' money.
As the controversy grew, Kim issued an apology on May 12, claiming, "I personally covered some costs, such as meal expenses." However, since the details of this month's business promotion expenses have not yet been disclosed, the actual handling of the expenses remains unclear.
Kim also explained that the trip was "an official duty for information gathering purposes," but many believe it is difficult to consider the event as official business, since the convention was held to select the People Power Party's presidential candidate.
In addition, Kim claimed, "Other local government council chairs also used official vehicles," but has not provided further details.
Administrative experts have expressed concern, stating, "If personnel and vehicles are mobilized to participate in a political event, and this is recognized as official work with allowances paid, it ultimately means taxpayer money is being used for political purposes," and warned, "This could blur the boundaries of administrative judgment."
Meanwhile, city council members from the Democratic Party of Korea submitted a disciplinary request against Kim to the council secretariat on May 9.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
