Pyeongtaek Mayor Jung Jang-seon: "Ending 30-Year Political Career with End of This Term"

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Park Chan-hyuk] Pyeongtaek Mayor Jung Jang-seon announced that "after this term ends, I will not run in any public elections and will conclude my 30-year political career."

Mayor Jung held a press conference on the 26th and said, "Without political influence or a prestigious background, I have run forward with only love for Pyeongtaek," adding "I was able to come this far thanks to the support and encouragement of citizens."

At the press conference, Mayor Jung reported on his achievements during his terms as a National Assembly member and Pyeongtaek mayor.

First, he cited as major accomplishments: securing 150 billion won for Pyeongtaek Port development and constructing berths 6-8, enacting the Pyeongtaek Special Support Act and securing 18 trillion won in government support, establishing a 4.3 million-pyeong industrial complex and attracting Samsung Electronics.

Mayor Jung said, "The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport initially offered only 200,000 pyeong, but through persistent persuasion, we ultimately secured 4.3 million pyeong," adding "this industrial complex became the foundation for Pyeongtaek's growth into South Korea's representative industrial city."

He also mentioned social infrastructure (SOC) achievements including plans for Godeok International New City, the International Bridge and Pyeongtaekjije Station, Anjung Railroad, and East Coastal Expressway initiatives, along with resulting rapid economic growth and urban development, stating "the fruits of that work are now appearing one by one, filling me with deep emotion."

After taking office as mayor, he explained that he focused on future specialized city strategies.

Mayor Jung said, "Centered on Samsung Electronics, we have attracted KAIST and are advancing as a semiconductor and AI specialized city, while pursuing hydrogen specialization, a 30-year Green Way plan, and garden city initiatives to make Pyeongtaek a green city," and added "through the Pyeongtaekjije Station transfer center, railroad networks, and Western New Frontier plans, we are advancing toward a transportation hub city and a balanced development city."

He also stated, "Most major projects including the relocation of City Hall and Western Branch Office, Ajou University Hospital, Central Library, and crematorium construction are progressing normally."

Mayor Jung said, "While there are some unfinished projects, it is more meaningful for Pyeongtaek's development to be continued by new leadership," and firmly stated "I will not run in any elections hereafter, whether for mayor, National Assembly member, or provincial governor."

Regarding concerns that he announced his non-candidacy somewhat early, he explained, "Questions about my future have become routine, and I thought now was the right time to increase predictability for both the political community and civil society."

Mayor Jung then said, "While I am stepping back from politics, I will support and stand with Pyeongtaek for life."

Finally, he said, "I express special gratitude to Pyeongtaek City civil servants who have accompanied me day and night," and concluded "please join us in pooling our strength until the end of my term, and I hope you will continue to uphold the attitude of public servants who prioritize citizens in the future."