New Year's Address Uiwang City Mayor Kim Sang-don

[New Year's Address]

Esteemed Citizens!

The eventful year has come to a close, and the bright new year of 2020, the Year of the Rat, has dawned.

As we welcome the Year of the White Rat, a symbol of abundance, wisdom, and healing, I hope that the lives of all our citizens become more prosperous and happy throughout this healthy new year.

Under the vision of 'A new Uiwang where citizens are happy,' Uiwang City in 2020 will do its best to bring about substantive changes in the lives of our citizens.

First, through open government that fosters communication and participation, I will usher in 'Uiwang, a city of local autonomy and decentralization.'

I will promote collaborative governance that shares city policies with citizens promptly and communicates with residents through empathy and dialogue.

Second, I will create 'a vibrant city of Uiwang' through the revitalization of the local economy.

I will strengthen the competitiveness of small businesses, create a foundation for young people to nurture and realize their dreams, and do my best to create more and better jobs through various employment support programs.

Third, I will build a warm 'welfare city of Uiwang' through care and consideration.

I will carefully attend to and provide multifaceted support to improve the quality of life for citizens and foster a healthy local community.

Fourth, I will create 'Uiwang, a pioneering innovative education city.'

I will ensure that young people grow into healthy members of society and will operate various specialized programs to promote lifelong learning culture among residents.

Fifth, I will build 'Uiwang, a safe and pleasant environmental city.'

I will prepare more thoroughly for citizen safety and accident prevention, and will create healing spaces in the city center where all citizens can walk comfortably.

Finally, I will create 'an entertaining city of Uiwang' overflowing with cultural and sports content.'

I will make every effort to establish cultural and sports infrastructure and provide citizens with engaging cultural content to watch and enjoy.

This year's New Year's theme is Dongshimdongdeok (同心同德). It means 'the spirit of working together toward the same goal,' and I believe it is a fitting motto for this year, when there is much to be accomplished to achieve citizen happiness.

Uiwang City this year will advance to the next level and do its best to realize the value of 'a new Uiwang where citizens are happy.'

This year, so that all citizens of Uiwang City, the driving force of change and development, can take greater pride in their city, I and approximately 700 public officials will work with increased passion and sense of mission to do our utmost for the advancement of city administration and citizen happiness.

I will make greater efforts so that this year becomes one where the ordinary daily lives of citizens are filled with happiness and they feel satisfied with their lives.

I ask for your active participation and support for the development of Uiwang City.

In the new year of the Year of the Rat, I hope that all your wishes will be fulfilled as you desire,

and that your homes will always be filled with joyful laughter and hope.

Wishing you a happy new year! Thank you.

January 2, 2020

Uiwang City Mayor Kim Sang-don