Choi Hyun-deok inaugurated as Namyangju mayor... 'Opening the era of citizen sovereignty'

[Suwon Ilbo=Eom In-yong, Reporter] Mayor Choi Hyun-deok of Namyangju held his inauguration ceremony at City Hall Plaza on the 1st, announcing the formal start of 'Namyangju's grand transformation into the era of citizen sovereignty.'

Today's inauguration ceremony was held to announce the launch of the 9th popular election term and to share the civic-centered governance vision and operational direction.

In particular, the event was conducted as a forum to share Mayor Choi's governing philosophy of 'opening the era of citizen sovereignty' with citizens, with approximately 1,000 citizens in attendance, adding greater significance.

The inauguration ceremony proceeded in order with △national oath of allegiance △screening of 9th popular election term inauguration video △oath of office △inaugural address △congratulatory remarks △celebratory performances △citizens joining in unison with hands pressed together.

During the oath of office, Mayor Choi Hyun-deok and citizens from various sectors—seniors, youth, teenagers, children, multicultural families, and people with disabilities from eight administrative welfare centers—recited messages they personally wrote, marking the beginning of the 9th popular election term carried out with citizens.

Mayor Choi's inauguration was further enhanced by congratulatory remarks from President Lee Jae-myung.

In his congratulatory message, President Lee emphasized the principle of national sovereignty in the Constitution of the Republic of Korea and stressed the role of basic local governments in creating change at the front lines closest to the lives of citizens.

He further stated, "Let us all move forward boldly toward a more livable Namyangju, a more growing Korea, and a more hopeful tomorrow" and expressed his hope that "Namyangju will make a leap forward as a city of warm change and hope."

Mayor Choi Hyun-deok, based on his regional understanding and affection for citizens built since his tenure as Vice Mayor of Namyangju in 2017, presented key tasks for the 1-million mega-city Namyangju, including transportation and job creation.

Through his inaugural address, Mayor Choi stated, "I will respond to citizens' aspirations through swift change" and "I will directly communicate with citizens at the field level and ensure that citizens' sovereign will is reflected in city governance," expressing his ambitions for the 9th popular election term's administration.

He continued, "Through the creation of the Wangsuk Advanced Cluster centered on data-driven advanced manufacturing, AI, biotechnology, and energy convergence industries, I will establish new growth engines" and "I will block the external outflow of development profits and introduce a Namyangju-style profit recovery model that reinvests recovered profits in the region to create a self-sufficient Namyangju."

Additionally, he emphasized, "I will densely connect public transportation networks to link all of Namyangju, and by refurbishing riverside and circular paths, I will enhance citizen mobility convenience and create a city where people naturally gather. I will also advance city governance in the fields of safety, welfare, and culture so that citizens can enjoy happy daily lives."

In conclusion, Mayor Choi stated, "There is no budget more important than safety, and I will rush to dangerous sites first and respond proactively to take responsibility for citizens' lives and safety."

Meanwhile, the inauguration ceremony concluded with citizens waving fans bearing their wishes and messages of encouragement for the 9th popular election term of Namyangju city governance, celebrating the new start together through collective singing.