Gimcheon City’s Pledges Verified Through Citizens’ Eyes

Citizen Evaluation Group Concludes Third Meeting
Laying the Foundation for Transparent Administration and Trust

The activities of the "Pledge Citizen Evaluation Group," which Gimcheon City, Gyeongbuk, has operated to review the feasibility and effectiveness of the 9th mayoral term's pledge projects under the 8th popularly elected administration, have concluded with the third meeting.

Citizens of Gimcheon, Gyeongbuk, are directly evaluating. The Gimcheon City Pledge Citizen Evaluation Group is holding a meeting.

At the final meeting held on September 11, the results of group discussions on 18 agenda items previously discussed in the first and second meetings were shared, and a general vote was conducted to determine whether to accept them. As a result, all agenda items received a majority of votes in favor, leading to the conclusion that "adjustment is appropriate." Gimcheon City plans to reflect these results and release the finalized pledges to the public through the city hall website.

One member of the Citizen Evaluation Group commented, "I was able to see firsthand that Gimcheon City respects citizens' opinions in the policy decision-making process," and added, "I have gained trust in the process of fulfilling these pledges."

Gimcheon Mayor Bae Nakho emphasized, "A pledge is a promise to citizens and a compass for city administration," and continued, "We will actively collect diverse opinions and ensure that the pledges are implemented without setbacks. I will continue to do my best with citizens for the development of Gimcheon."

The Citizen Evaluation Group for the Advancement of Democracy began its activities with the first meeting on August 11, which included the presentation of appointment letters, manifesto education, and group formation. The second meeting involved explanations and Q&A sessions regarding pledges requiring adjustment, and the third and final meeting confirmed the adjustment plans for the pledges.

This initiative is regarded as a meaningful achievement in local governance, as it institutionalized citizen participation and enhanced the transparency and trustworthiness of policy-making.

Gimcheon City's operation of the Pledge Citizen Evaluation Group goes beyond a simple administrative procedure, serving as an example of returning the authority of policy review to the citizens. As an experimental model for building trust between local governments and citizens, attention is being paid to whether it will spread to other regions in the future.