Emergency Statement Issued... Calls for Bipartisan Cooperation
"A Dedicated Division Is Essential for Job Creation and the Local Economy"
In a statement released that day, Mayor Park stated, "At this time, it is crucial to attract private companies and secure an investment base in order to strengthen our role as a hub city in the southwestern part of the Seoul metropolitan area and to respond to the changing industrial structure," and called on the city council to take action.
Previously, the city submitted an amendment to the "Gwangmyeong City Administrative Organization and Staffing Ordinance" to the City Council’s Autonomous Administration and Education Committee, which includes the establishment of an Investment Promotion Division dedicated to attracting investment in future industries.
However, the bill has been left in limbo and has not passed, as the committee was adjourned amid clashes between ruling and opposition party council members.
On June 9, Lee Jaehan, a member of the People Power Party and committee chair, opposed the amendment, stating, "A clear strategic vision for what and how this organization (the Investment Promotion Division) will achieve has not yet been presented." He refused to process the amendment, resulting in the committee's automatic adjournment.
In response, council members from the Democratic Party of Korea have demanded that the standing committee meeting be reconvened to review the organizational restructuring plan, and have declared a boycott of the committee's schedule.
Mayor Park argued, "In order to foster growth and create jobs in strategic areas such as Gwangmyeong Siheung Technovalley and the Gwangmyeong Siheung Public Housing District, a specialized and dedicated organization is essential. If the establishment of the Investment Promotion Division is delayed, important policy initiatives such as the sale of general and advanced urban industrial complexes in the second half of the year could face long-term delays."
He emphasized the urgency of establishing the division, stating, "To achieve tangible results such as attracting promising future companies, creating jobs, revitalizing local businesses, and securing tax revenue, a proactive and dedicated administrative organization is necessary."
Mayor Park added, "Necessary decisions must be made in a timely manner, and administrative paralysis ultimately leads to inconvenience and losses for citizens. I hope this issue will be resolved quickly in the spirit of cooperation."
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