Local Inaugurations Take Many Forms

Yesterday, the fourth elected heads of local governments officially embarked on their tenure. Although most of the local governors and mayors pledged that they would “revive the people’s economy,” some of them were criticized due to their excessive expenditure on their inaugural ceremony.

Some local governments, which were previously accused for numerous bribe scandals, took “oaths of integrity” instead of playing fanfares of inaugural ceremonies. Working their first schedule, many local government leaders expressed their dedication on the key tasks they pledged such as revitalizing the economy, preserving the environment, and harmonizing the county people.

Contrast between luxury and thrift-

Provincial governor of North Chungcheong, Jeong U-taek, spent more than 40 million won for his inaugural ceremony held in front of the provincial office building at 10 in the morning. In addition to sunshades and a steel-framed special stage, a celebrating monument was established. During the ceremony, traditional dance performances, Taepyeongmu and Hwaseonmu, were put on the stage.

Provincial governors of South Chungcheong, Lee Wan-gu, and Gangwon, Kim Jin-seon, omitted the ceremony or reduced its expenditure to about 2.0 million won by using the auditorium of the provincial office.

Han Yong-taek, county chief of Okcheon, issued invitation letters that read, “I won’t accept any gifts including wreaths. However, I will accept donations of domestic agricultural product certificates such as rice and hand them to the poor.”

Ha Gye-yeol, chief of Jin-gu, Busan, designated his first day on duty as a “voluntary service day.” He didn’t invite any guests but summoned his people in the office and went out to do some voluntary work.

Gloomy Inaugurations-

In Suncheon, South Jeolla Province, considering that three previous elected mayors were all jailed for charges such as bribery, an “oath of integrity” was taken at the end of the inaugural ceremony.

Ten municipal officials, including Mayor No Gwan-gyu and the vice mayor read and signed the oath in one accord. “I pledge to perform my duties honestly, justly and sincerely according to the law and principles and be a model to others by living an integrated and sound life so that I can fulfill our citizens’ expectations.”

Bonghwa County replaced the inaugural ceremony with a staff meeting since their chief Kim Hee-mun has been charged for a scandal related to his party nomination and put into Andong Detention House on June 21.

Expressing Determination to Carry Out Policies-

Kim Gwan-yong, Governor of North Gyeongsang Province will soon visit Dokdo to announce the “Dokdo Peace Declaration,” whose points are that Dokdo is Korean territory and should be used for peaceful purposes. Originally, he scheduled his visit on the fourth but delayed it due to weather conditions. Governor Kim will also visit the dwelling of Kim Seong-do and his wife, the sole registered residents on Dokdo, to set up a doorplate and mailbox for them.

Kim Tae-ho, provincial governor of South Gyeongsang, and Kim Beom-il, mayor of Daegu, visited small- and medium-sized enterprises to have lunch with laborers or went to local marketplaces to have a talk with merchants.

Heo Nam-sik, mayor of Busan, signed for a memorandum of understanding for investment with Lotte Card Co., Ltd. to host a 300-seat scale call center.

Chief of Saha-gu, Busan, Jo Jeong-hwa, held his inaugural ceremony at Eulsukdo Cultural Center instead of his office to show his determination to preserve the ecosystem surrounding Eulsuk Island.

Park Wan-su, mayor of Changwon invited the previous mayor and 45 local council members to his ceremony. At the flower bed of the city hall, he reinforced his solidarity with them planting trees in a manner that well symbolized his purpose—mixing soil and water transported from the city’s 15 subordinate districts.