Seo Cheol-mo, Mayor of Hwaseong, Elected Chairman of Participatory Democracy Local Government Council

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Jung Jun-sung] The Participatory Democracy Local Government Council held its '2021 First Regular General Meeting' on the 15th and elected Seo Cheol-mo, Mayor of Hwaseong, as the new chairman.

The general meeting was attended in a non-face-to-face online format by heads of member organizations of the council, including those from Hwaseong, Seongdong-gu in Seoul, Geumjeong-gu in Busan, Namgu in Gwangju, Ansan, Anyang, Osan, Icheon, Gwacheon, and Nonsan, as well as former Cheong Wa Dae Senior Secretary for Political Affairs Choi Jae-sung.

At the general meeting, proceedings included a case presentation on direct democracy from Hwaseong, an agenda item for research services to establish a local government governance system, election of new officers, and discussions on future implementation plans.

Mayor Seo Cheol-mo introduced the 'Online Policy Advisory Group' operated by Hwaseong during his case presentation on direct democracy.

Mayor Seo explained the significance, achievements, and utilization plans of the 'Online Policy Advisory Group,' which is being operated under the theme of 'Ask citizens and let citizens decide' to reflect citizens' voices in administration.

At the general meeting, the council also deliberated on research services for establishing a basic plan to activate democracy governance among local governments and held discussions on the future direction of operations and projects for the council.

Meanwhile, the Participatory Democracy Local Government Council was launched in August 2019, led by heads of 15 local governments nationwide, with the goal of establishing substantive local autonomy.