Forum Highlights Local Residents Show Strong Interest

○…On the 14th, when the mayoral candidate forum for Suwon was held at Suwon Hwaseong Sarangchae next to Hwaseong Haenggung, residents from nearby Namsu-dong also visited the forum to observe the proceedings.

During the forum regarding the Hwaseong sacred space restoration project, candidate Shim Jae-in stated, "I will explore all possible methods and mobilize administrative knowledge to make efforts," while candidate Yeom Tae-young emphasized, "We must approach this from a strategic perspective focused on activating the regional economy and improving residential environments."

Suwon Democratic Public Employees Union Delivers Policy Proposal

○…Kim Hae-young, head of the Suwon branch of the National Democratic Public Employees Union, delivered policy proposals to Han Nara Party candidate Shim Jae-in and Democratic Party candidate Yeom Tae-young, both participants in the mayoral candidate policy forum hosted by Suwon Ilbo and the Suwon Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice on the 14th.

Branch head Kim Hae-young presented the proposals to both candidates and posed questions regarding various policy areas including personnel system improvements, administrative district integration, budget oversight, and willingness to disclose operational promotion funds. The Suwon branch of the Democratic Public Employees Union plans to receive answers from both candidates, analyze and organize them, and announce the results soon.

Shim Jae-in Emphasizes 'Administrator-Type Candidate'

○…Han Nara Party Suwon mayoral candidate Shim Jae-in introduced himself as a ‘native of Suwon’ during the policy forum on the 14th and presented his public service career, stating, "I will apply the administrative experience I have gained to Suwon's municipal affairs," emphasizing that he is a prepared ‘administrator-type’ mayoral candidate. During his opening statement at the forum, candidate Shim devoted his speaking time to introducing his personal life and public service career.

He explained that from his middle school years when he studied despite financial hardship, he worked as a Samsung Electronics employee just after settling in Suwon following high school graduation, and later took the civil service examination.

Candidate Shim stated, "Suwon has met many external conditions and has a large population, but the substantive aspects (software) are lacking," and added, "With my 35 years of administrative experience, I am running for mayor with the aim and enthusiasm to seize the opportunity to revitalize my region."

Yeom Tae-young: "Transition to Democratic Forces"

○…Democratic Party candidate Yeom Tae-young strongly advocated for ‘generational change’ and ‘transition to democratic forces’ regarding the Suwon mayoral election. He emphasized, "I believe this Suwon mayoral election in this local election is a transition from the old generation of the past era to a future generation of democratic creation and innovation, and a transition to future democratic forces."

Candidate Yeom further stated, "Suwon must not stagnate and lose economic vitality any longer," insisting, "We must not allow Suwon to become a second-rate or third-rate city, and we must restore Suwon's honor."

Shim and Yeom: "I am a Verified Candidate"

○…During today's forum, candidates Shim Jae-in and Yeom Tae-young each emphasized that they are prepared and verified candidates.

They emphasized that they received their nominations through three rounds of examination processes including the central party and citizens' jury, and expressed their commitment to work for the Suwon region by breaking through the rigorous and difficult nomination competition.

Candidate Yeom Tae-young, running again for Suwon mayor in this local election following his bid in 2006, stated, "Unlike a parachute nomination, since I received my nomination through primary elections, I will not take a free ride," adding with pride, "I have made arduous efforts and taken meaningful challenges over a long period of time."