Chairman Park Gwangho Points Out Procedural Flaws in Sannae-myeon Wind Power Project
Denounces "Administration Favoring Corporate Convenience"
Assemblyman Choi Younggi Warns of "Lonely Deaths" Among Middle-aged Single-person Households
Assemblymen Jeong Jongmun and Kim Hanggyu Call for Administrative Innovation
The Gyeongju City Council has voiced sharp criticism regarding key municipal issues.
At the 3rd plenary session of the 294th 2nd regular meeting held on December 18, council members directly addressed the lack of transparency in administrative procedures, the existence of neglected welfare blind spots, and the sluggish progress of the city branding project, urging the executive branch to adopt a more proactive attitude.
◆"City-owned land for corporations?"... Chairman Park Gwangho directly criticizes wind power administration
Park Gwangho, Chairman of the Culture and City Committee, pointed out specific "serious procedural flaws" in the process of establishing wind power facilities on city-owned land in Naeil-ri, Sannae-myeon.
Chairman Park reminded the council that the site in question was land reclaimed by Gyeongju City after three years of litigation to preserve its "public value." He criticized, "Just a few months after the management department changed, a proposal to create an access road for a corporation was submitted, disregarding both the intent of previous court rulings and the results of earlier studies."
He particularly highlighted that, despite the relevant department's opinion that the land could not be leased, an official document permitting the lease was sent with only the responsible manager's approval. He strongly condemned this as "an administration prioritizing corporate convenience over the public interest."
◆Welfare, infrastructure, and city identity... Numerous issues left in the blind spot
In addition to administrative criticism, policy suggestions for neglected local issues were also made.
Assemblyman Choi Younggi warned that, with the proportion of single-person households in Gyeongju City exceeding 46%, "middle-aged single-person households facing crises such as divorce or unemployment are thoroughly excluded from policies focused on the elderly and youth, pushing them into the high-risk group for lonely deaths." He called for a fact-finding survey and the establishment of a dedicated support system.
There were also further remarks regarding urban infrastructure and identity.
Assemblyman Jeong Jongmun, Chairman of the Economic and Industrial Committee, cautioned against administrative overlap and confusion in the 150 billion won "Dongcheon-Hwangseong Urban Forest Trail Project," and proposed the early demolition of the Dongcheon underpass as a top priority.
Assemblyman Kim Hanggyu pointed out the "lackluster gateway unworthy of a city hosting APEC" and called for the construction of a landmark gateway that reflects the dignity of the ancient Silla capital.
◆2.388 trillion won supplementary budget bill, passed with amendments after close scrutiny
Meanwhile, at this plenary session, an amended version of the "3rd supplementary budget bill for 2025," totaling 2.388 trillion won, was approved after 555 million won deemed unnecessary was cut and reallocated to the contingency fund.
Deliberations were held on seven agenda items, including the "3rd supplementary budget bill for 2025," the "3rd fund operation plan amendment for 2025," two ordinance bills, one consent bill, the "recommendation of committee members," and the "motion to amend the agenda schedule." The "motion to amend the agenda schedule" was rejected.
During the ensuing municipal administration questions, Assembly members Choi Jaepil, Han Sunhee, and Kim Donghae each pressed the executive branch on sensitive local issues such as dementia welfare, the utilization of sports facilities, and the progress of the SMR national industrial complex project.
Lee Donghyeop, Chairman of the Gyeongju City Council, emphasized, "The procedural issues and policy suggestions raised by the council members represent the voices of citizens. The executive branch must humbly accept this criticism, correct flawed administration, and immediately address inadequate policies."
The Gyeongju City Council plans to conclude this year's final regular session with the 4th plenary meeting scheduled for December 19.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
