Gokseong County Governor Cho Sang-rae conducted his first business report after taking office. This briefing session, presided over by the county governor, was held for five days from the 25th to the 31st, with all employees from each department attending, and was designed to help the new county governor understand the overall military government and discuss the direction of the pledge project.
In this work report, the progress of 68 pending projects and 199 ongoing projects that are currently being actively pursued were reported, and projects that required inspection of the execution status were discussed in depth.
The main projects discussed are ⯅ Operation of the local extinction response fund ⯅ Residential environment improvement project ⯅ Gokseong Station 1928 operation & return village construction project ⯅ Livestock odor improvement project ⯅ Gokseong taro rural convergence industrial district construction project ⯅ Ungok specialized agricultural and industrial complex construction project ⯅ These include the Samin-dong Forest Recreational Forest Creation Project, nurturing of new income fruit trees and creation of a production complex, ⯅ Rural Medical Service Improvement Project, and ⯅ Old Water Purification Plant Maintenance Project.
In addition, 43 pledge projects and 98 new policies discovered by each department were also reviewed to fulfill promises to residents, such as ▴ operating free buses for all residents, ▴ gardening projects in all areas of Gokseong, and ▴ promoting smart farm base creation projects.
The county plans to establish an action plan for the pledges after detailed review of 43 pledge projects in the future, and plans to focus administrative power on pending projects and ongoing projects to ensure prompt and smooth implementation.
County Governor Jo Sang-rae said at the briefing, “Despite the poor financial conditions, I hope you will do your best to carry out your work efficiently, and I hope you will always serve the residents with a kind and proactive attitude.”
Meanwhile, the Gokseong-gun Future Education Foundation is promoting Gokseong-gun’s fall forest by holding weekend lectures specializing in forest ecology for families inside and outside the district.
This weekend’s program consists of the ‘Inseongwon Family Exploration Team’, which observes insects and ecology at Inseongwon in Jukgok-myeon, and the ‘Family Sympathy Forest Tree Climbing’, which involves climbing trees with the family, and was prepared with the Population Extinction Response Fund.
From October 1st to 18th, we recruited about 180 families with elementary school children from within or outside the district, and it will run eight times a weekend from Saturday, October 19th to Saturday, November 16th.
In particular, through this process, we are expecting an influx of external population and continuous expansion of the living population based on Gokseong-type forest and ecological education.
An official from the Gokseong-gun Future Education Foundation said, “In the future, we plan to continue to operate various courses to spread the new value of forest ecology education at Inseongwon, Gokseong’s forest education center.”
Information about programs operated by the foundation can be received through KakaoTalk ‘Gokseong Future Education Foundation’ and the Gokseong Education Portal site.
Economy Queen Reporter Hana Choi Photo: Gokseong-gun
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Expert in Local Governance
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to this special segment where we dive deep into the recent developments in local governance. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Lee Jung-soo, a renowned expert in local government management. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Lee.
Dr. Lee Jung-soo (DLJ): Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here.
TNE: Dr. Lee, recently, Gokseong County Governor Cho Sang-rae held his first business report briefing after taking office. Can you share with us the significance of such reports in local government?
DLJ: Certainly! Business report briefings are essential in local governance as they serve multiple purposes. They not only provide a platform for the governor to assess the current state of affairs across various departments but also ensure transparency and accountability to the public. In the case of Gokseong, this briefing allowed for a comprehensive discussion of 68 pending projects and 199 ongoing initiatives, which is vital for strategic planning and prioritization.
TNE: That’s a great point. During this briefing, several key projects were highlighted. What do you think are the implications of these projects for the community?
DLJ: The projects discussed cover a broad spectrum, from environmental improvements to agricultural initiatives. For instance, the Livestock Odor Improvement Project and the Gokseong Taro Rural Convergence Industrial District are not just beneficial for economic development; they also address quality of life issues for residents. Furthermore, initiatives like the free bus service and the smart farm base creation project aim to enhance accessibility and innovation in farming, which directly impacts the community’s livelihood and sustainability.
TNE: Absolutely. Governor Cho also emphasized the need to fulfill pledges made to the residents. How important is it for local leaders to keep these promises?
DLJ: It’s crucial. Trust is the cornerstone of effective governance. When local leaders commit to certain pledges, delivering on those promises is essential for maintaining public confidence. In Gokseong’s case, projects like community gardening and enhancing local medical services not only fulfill potential promises but also foster a sense of ownership among residents, which can lead to increased civic engagement.
TNE: Given the existing financial constraints that Governor Cho mentioned, what strategies can local governments employ to effectively manage and implement these projects?
DLJ: Managing financial constraints requires a multifaceted approach. Prioritization of projects based on immediate community needs and potential economic impact is vital. Additionally, leveraging partnerships with private sectors or non-profit organizations can provide alternative funding avenues. The action plan for the 43 pledge projects, as mentioned by Governor Cho, should also include realistic timelines and milestones to track progress, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently.
TNE: Some of the discussed projects seem ambitious but achievable within the current context. What should be the focus of the county moving forward?
DLJ: Moving forward, it’s important for Gokseong County to maintain a clear communication channel with residents regarding the progress of these projects. Engaging the community in discussions about the planning and execution phases can help address concerns and gather valuable feedback. Additionally, the county must implement robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess each project’s effectiveness and adapt as needed. This proactive approach can make a significant difference in outcomes.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Lee, for your insights. As local governments navigate challenges, your expertise sheds light on the effective strategies they can undertake.
DLJ: It was a pleasure to share my thoughts. Thank you for having me!
TNE: Thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay informed for more discussions on local governance and its impact on communities.