Lee Chan-yeol: "Local Governments Must Purchase KT&G Site"

―Regarding demands for simultaneous commencement of the Shinbundang Line extension.
▲Simultaneous commencement is naturally necessary and must happen for Suwon citizens. Gyeonggi Province, Suwon City, and local National Assembly members should work together with the central government to find breakthrough solutions. In particular, National Assembly members from Suwon should exercise political influence to secure cooperation from representatives of other regions in order to secure budgets. The key to achieving simultaneous commencement lies in budget allocation.

―Your position on Suwon's push to become a metropolitan city.
▲As Suwon City has surpassed a population of one million and expanded into a major metropolitan area, issues have been raised regarding environmental and traffic problems as well as quality administrative services. When comparing the number of civil servants in Ulsan Metropolitan City, which has a similar population to Suwon, on the basis of 2006 figures, Suwon City has approximately two-thirds of the level. This means Suwon citizens receive correspondingly fewer public services than those in Ulsan. Therefore, I believe there is a need to pursue metropolitan city status. However, in pursuing metropolitan status for Suwon, it should be a priority to carefully examine fiscal self-reliance and the relationships with Gyeonggi Province and surrounding cities (Anyang, Bucheon, Seongnam, and Yongin).

―What about the relocation of Suwon Air Base?
▲While the discussion on air base relocation is important, the priority should first be to compensate residents of Suwon and Hwaseong, areas affected by aircraft noise damage. The air base relocation issue should be addressed through consultation with the central government through the combined efforts of Suwon City, Hwaseong City, residents' action committees, and the political community. While various sectors need to discuss relocation measures, the government's position and policies must also be taken into account. Above all, it would be desirable to prioritize compensation for damage caused by air base noise and other nuisances.

―What are ways to revitalize small and medium-sized self-employed businesses and traditional markets?
▲Although the overall economic situation is not bad, consumer sentiment regarding the economy is unspeakably poor. Just as the economy improves when companies make facility investments, a positive cycle with job creation can be brought about when citizens and other economic actors increase consumption. In revitalizing the local economy, the mindset of citizens is also important. There is a need to change to a positive perspective that the economy is improving. Political leaders must present a vision for the future and give people confidence that their future income will increase. To revitalize traditional markets, urgent infrastructure improvements such as parking facilities are needed.

―What are plans for utilizing the KT&G manufacturing plant site in Jeongja-dong?
▲In conclusion, if Suwon City cannot purchase the KT&G site, the Province must purchase it and develop it as a 100% park. Of course, the financial burden will be considerable and there will be strong desires for commercial district development. However, it must be returned to Jangan-gu residents, who are surrounded by apartment complexes, as a place of rest and refuge. As residential development projects in areas such as Jeongja and Cheoncheon continue, greenery in this area is insufficient. Efforts are needed to expand greenery in spaces filled with concrete.

―Regarding the designation of Gwanggyo Mountain as a provincial park and its preservation.
▲It would be desirable to pursue provincial park designation through consultation with Gyeonggi Province; however, the majority of Gwanggyo Mountain users are Suwon citizens. Taking this into account, I believe it would be more efficient to pursue the designation and preservation of greenery in a direction where Suwon City and its citizens take interest and initiative. If we gather the wisdom and insight of the city and its citizens, we can pass down a clean place of refuge to future generations.

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