Suwon Mayor Yeom Tae-young Steps Down After 11 Years and 7 Months in Office

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Jung Jun-sung] Suwon Mayor Yeom Tae-young stated, "I will take bold new challenges toward Suwon's greater development and a nation of 'local autonomy and decentralization' for all."

Mayor Yeom delivered a retirement address at the city hall grand auditorium at 2 p.m. on the 14th before stepping down from the mayoral position after 12 years.

Taking office as Suwon mayor in the 5th popular election in July 2010, Mayor Yeom was the first to successfully serve three consecutive terms since the implementation of the local autonomy system. He formally announced his bid for Gyeonggi Province governor at his book launch on the 5th, sent a resignation notice to Gyeonggi Province and the Suwon City Council on the 7th, and held his retirement ceremony on this day.

In his retirement address, Mayor Yeom said, "I am deeply regretful and apologetic that I must step down without completing my full term," and "I extend my renewed gratitude to the citizens who gave me the opportunity to serve as Suwon's first three-term mayor."

He continued, "If you were to ask me, 'What accomplishment during your tenure are you most proud of?', I would answer, 'I instilled pride in each citizen about living in Suwon.' The many achievements over the past 12 years were made possible by the power of 'Suwon-style governance' conducted together with citizens."

He also stated, "My 12 years in office were a continuous challenge to break the existing restrictive framework for basic local governments," and "Suwon is now establishing itself as a leading city in all sectors of the Republic of Korea and is advancing as a 'confident basic local government' that speaks its mind to regional and central governments."

Mayor Yeom said, "I will not forget the public servants who have devoted themselves quietly at the front lines of city administration over the past 12 years," and "Being able to work with you for the great citizens of Suwon has been the greatest fortune, fulfillment, and honor of my life."

He concluded his address, "I believe in the strength of the great citizens of Suwon. I earnestly wish for the brilliant development of Suwon, a city where people are welcomed."

After the retirement ceremony, Mayor Yeom exchanged greetings with public servants at the main building lobby before departing Suwon City Hall.

Meanwhile, following Mayor Yeom's retirement, Vice Mayor Cho Cheong-sik will assume mayoral duties starting at 0:00 on the 15th.