"Which Came First, the Chicken or the Egg?"
Internal Strife Over Procedure vs. Principle
Democracy is not simply about majority rule, but about consensus. The core of democracy lies in a process where stakeholders engage in thorough discussion and compromise, ultimately reaching agreement-not in mere majority decisions.
Im Chaesung, Chairman of the Sejong City Council, is delivering the opening address at the opening ceremony of the 102nd regular session. / Photo by Council Homepage Capture
Recently, a heated exchange between Sejong Mayor Choi Minho and Sejong City Council member Kim Hyunmi during a plenary session has sparked controversy. In addition, Council Chairman Im Chaesung issued a statement criticizing Mayor Choi, further deepening the apparent conflict between the city administration and the local political community. This is not surprising, as the fourth council has consistently experienced friction, despite outwardly advocating for cooperation. Mutual respect has been lacking, and conflicts have been ever-present.
Kim Hyunmi, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, who is currently awaiting the party's decision following a complaint filed by a fellow party member regarding her alleged abuse of power over council staff, has once again become embroiled in controversy. Mayor Choi claimed that Kim's unilateral changes to an emergency inquiry were procedurally flawed. As a result, Mayor Choi effectively refused to answer, arguing that Kim's questions deviated from the prior notice and thus violated meeting rules.
Although it was announced that the emergency inquiry would address the 'overall poor financial state of the city,' during the plenary session, Kim abruptly shifted to questions about the fourth administration's campaign pledges. In this situation, Kim argued her case based on principle, while Mayor Choi insisted that both principle and procedure must be observed.
Mayor Choi stated, "According to council meeting rules, the main points of an emergency inquiry must be delivered to the administration at least 24 hours in advance, but this was not properly followed." He raised procedural concerns, saying he could not provide answers because the inquiry did not follow the correct process.
As the situation escalated, Chairman Im attempted to mediate and also issued a statement requesting an apology from Mayor Choi. Im pointed out, "Refusing to answer based on unofficial reference materials is a serious matter that disregards the council and undermines the foundations of local autonomy."
Members of the People Power Party in the Sejong City Council also issued a statement, criticizing the council for undermining its own authority by violating procedures. In a joint statement released on the 12th, they said, "We condemn the operation of the council that ignores procedures and principles," and urged a return to constructive legislative activities for the benefit of citizens. The members emphasized, "The council must be operated according to laws and rules. This is a fundamental principle that all members must uphold, regardless of party affiliation."
They further pointed out, "Council member Kim Hyunmi did not properly comply with the procedures set by the meeting rules." Emergency inquiries, according to Article 82, Paragraph 2 of the council rules, must be submitted to the mayor following a resolution by the council's Steering Committee, but this process was not properly carried out.
They fundamentally judged that the core issue was the failure to follow proper procedures.
In particular, the People Power Party members criticized the use of unofficial reference materials in the emergency inquiry process. They stated, "It is wrong to claim that a note, sent in lieu of an official document when switching to an emergency inquiry, constitutes a legitimate procedure." They added, "Mayor Choi's raising of procedural issues was a rightful exercise of his authority, and to frame this as an 'infringement of the right to question' is a distortion of the facts."
They also criticized the preparation process for the emergency inquiry, noting that the 'note' was delivered near the end of business hours on a Friday. The council cited as an example its own recently enacted ordinance prohibiting officials from receiving instructions by phone or otherwise after working hours.
The People Power Party members also addressed Kim's conduct within the council. They remarked, "Given that Kim has previously exhibited high-handed and abusive behavior toward council staff and officials, we hope she will uphold the dignity of her position, respect laws and procedures in her legislative activities, and reflect on her actions."
They also took issue with Chairman Im's statement. "Chairman Im defined this as 'evasion of municipal inquiries,' 'disregard for the council,' and 'arrogant conduct' in his public statement, and Kim Hyunmi also demanded an official apology from the mayor. Such responses are veering away from the core issue and escalating into political offensives," they warned.
The council members questioned, "At this critical time when we must deliberate on next year's budget, which amounts to 2 trillion won, is this situation truly in the best interest of citizens?" They added, "Insisting on authority while disregarding procedures and labeling legitimate objections as 'infringement of authority' is not genuine cooperation." They emphasized, "Cooperation is achieved through mutual respect and dialogue, not through unilateral demands or public statements."
They concluded, "The People Power Party members will focus on essential legislative activities for citizens, setting aside partisan interests. We will thoroughly review the budget bill, constructively point out issues in city administration, and cooperate with the executive branch for the future of Sejong City."
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