Policy Debate In-Depth Analysis Private Investment "Consensus," Golf Course "Disagreement"

Following the June 2 local elections, the direction of Suwon's city administration over the next four years is expected to shift significantly. Based on a comparative analysis of policies presented by the Hannara Party and Democratic Party candidates during the "Suwon Mayor Candidates Policy Debate Forum" co-hosted by this newspaper and the Suwon Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice on the 14th, the proposed directions for city administration showed stark differences.

First, in the area of redevelopment and housing policy, both candidates showed consensus on the necessity of downtown redevelopment and expanding the public sector, but they differed in methodology. Candidate Shim proposed establishing a 'Suwon Urban Development Public Corporation' in the form of a public enterprise to promote residential stability and downtown redevelopment, while Candidate Yeom proposed introducing an Urban Regeneration Division and a dedicated civil servant system, suggesting a business model jointly led by the government and residents.

Additionally, Candidate Shim argued for prioritizing infrastructure supply in declining downtown areas, while Candidate Yeom unveiled a plan to revitalize commercial districts along the four major axes of the old downtown, including the areas from Paldal Gate to Jangan Gate, to enhance the expected effects of redevelopment.

In transportation policy, there was little significant difference in system improvements for public transportation such as bus routes and promotion of bicycle use through green transportation policies, but opinions diverged on light rail and metropolitan railway projects. While Candidate Shim acknowledged the necessity of light rail, he avoided giving a definitive answer on whether to proceed with the project. He further explained that he would review transportation conditions, landscape planning, and funding methods, and would make a judgment on future implementation if necessary. In contrast, Candidate Yeom opposed the elevated light rail project pursued by the city, arguing it damages the city's landscape and lacks historical, cultural, and feasibility merit. Instead, he proposed introducing a new concept of transportation using surface trams.

Municipal budget formulation and execution are expected to become more transparent. Both candidates pledged to prohibit favorable and wasteful budget allocations and to operate either a Budget Formulation and Execution Committee (Shim Jae-in) or a Citizen Budget Monitoring Committee (Yeom Tae-young) with private sector and expert participation to ensure greater transparency and disclosure.

However, they differed in their views on ways to expand insufficient urban infrastructure facilities amid increasingly strained local finances. Regarding private investment projects such as the Jijidae Park development, Candidate Shim said that solving insufficient funding through private investment is a good method, and if necessary, it would be acceptable to proceed with golf course or similar projects as well. In contrast, Candidate Yeom stated that while private investment is necessary, constructing a golf course on Jijidae Pass, where green space preservation is well-maintained, is inappropriate.

In the debate held on topics such as the relocation of public institutions and changes in use of industrial zones, the pledges presented by both candidates were largely similar. They expressed a common opinion that they would coordinate with the government to ensure that public institution relocation sites are utilized in accordance with Suwon's long-term urban planning, and would establish necessary institutional measures to prevent arbitrary changes in land use due to development pressure. In addition, Candidate Shim mentioned a citywide movement to revitalize the four major rivers, while Candidate Yeom mentioned launching a citywide campaign to plant 2 million trees.

Along with this, both candidates shared the goal of fostering new growth industries centered on Samsung Electronics and creating jobs by establishing an advanced business valley in the West Suwon area. Regarding personnel appointments, both stated they would make merit-based appointments regardless of academic ties, regional ties, blood relations, or reward for service. Candidate Shim proposed establishing a task force for improving the personnel system and introducing performance-based pay, while Candidate Yeom stated he would strengthen the existing personnel notice system and personnel quota system.

Furthermore, regarding the use of Gwangyeong development gains, Candidate Yeom replied he would use them for old downtown regeneration projects such as Hwaseong restoration and affordable housing policies for low-income residents, while Candidate Shim said he would ensure the gains return to residents, but noted he could not give a definitive answer due to existing agreements with the province and the city corporation.

Regarding the expansion of Aegyeong Station, Candidate Yeom expressed negative views on the expansion, citing potential issues such as transfer parking lots, traffic congestion, and commercial district collapse. Candidate Shim, while acknowledging the need for transfer parking, called for a cautious approach, stating that whether such facilities should be installed at Aegyeong Station requires further review.

Meanwhile, the two candidates employed different strategies in approaching the debate. In their opening statements, Candidate Shim devoted considerable time to his track record and appealed for support as a 'strong ruling party candidate,' while Candidate Yeom led with a 'regime criticism theory' and expressed views focused on local government change and policy promises.

Where Candidate Yeom leveled criticism at the development-centered city administration of the fourth popularly elected administration period, engaging in 'criticism of Mayor Kim Yong-suh,' Candidate Shim displayed an 'embrace of Mayor Kim Yong-suh' approach by citing external accomplishments such as roads, libraries, various welfare facilities, and recreational sports including soccer.

In particular, Candidate Shim consistently pursued a 'cautious approach,' stating that issues would need to be reviewed administratively in response to panelists' questions about specific projects, while Candidate Yeom highlighted a 'principled stance,' openly expressing his intentions without hesitation.