Paju Successfully Concludes the '2025 Paju Citizens Grand Debate'
Incorporating Lively On-site Proposals on Transportation, Youth, and Senior Welfare into City Administration
Kim Kyungil, mayor of Paju, expressed his citizen-centered administrative philosophy at the '2025 Paju Citizens Grand Debate' held to mark the third anniversary of the 8th popularly elected administration, stating, "Citizen proposals are the main direction and driving force of city governance."
Kim Kyungil, mayor of Paju, is leading the '2025 Paju Citizens Grand Debate' held at the Paju Citizens Hall Grand Theater on the 3rd. Provided by Paju City
The debate, held on the 3rd at the Paju Citizens Hall Grand Theater, brought together around 200 citizens who participated in a citizen-led policy forum to discuss and propose ideas for the future policy direction of Paju.
On this day, Mayor Kim directly communicated with citizens in a 'talk concert' format, reiterating his commitment to participatory and communicative governance by stating, "I will devote all efforts to restoring the local economy, create a community where everyone is happy, and secure future growth engines to realize a 'greater Paju centered on its citizens.'"
This debate was a meaningful event where citizens directly proposed and discussed policies, envisioning the future of Paju together. The grand debate hall was organized into 28 round tables, divided into six major categories?transportation·urban infrastructure, livelihood·economy, welfare·safety, education·youth, rural·environment, and culture·tourism?and 24 subcategories.
Citizens presented vivid on-site opinions based on their own perspectives and experiences, and through mutual discussion and voting, priority proposals were identified. Among these, the top 10 proposals were introduced by the proposers themselves on stage during the plenary session, after which the final ranking was determined through wireless voting.
At the debate, the proposals selected as the highest priorities for Paju's rapid advancement to a self-sustaining city of one million residents were the 'extension of Subway Line 3' to improve citizen mobility and promote balanced development, and the 'establishment of a public postpartum care center' to alleviate the economic burden on families with newborns.
Additionally, proposals such as incentives to promote Paju Pay consumption and guarantees for the right to life of people with severe disabilities through uninterrupted care received strong support from citizens.
A satisfaction survey was conducted for all participants, and additional opinions were collected through attached notes.
Paju City plans to incorporate the major policy proposals selected at this debate into municipal administration through thorough review by each department, thereby realizing citizen-centered governance. The city will also share the results of how citizens' key policy proposals are reflected, ensuring a prompt response to the enthusiastic participation of its citizens.
Mayor Kim Kyungil stated, "The policy proposals presented here are not just ideas, but practical tasks that will open the future of Paju," adding, "We will swiftly reflect them in city administration after careful review by each department, and transparently share the results with citizens."
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