On the 28th, Gunpo Mayor Ha Eun-ho opened the Mobile Mayor’s Office, a communication event with residents, at the Songjeong Complex Sports Center, which was officially opened on September 1.
At this event, which started at 4 p.m., about 40 people, including Songjeong Sports Center users, local residents, Gunpo Mayor, and Gunpo City Corporation employees, attended and talked for about an hour to understand local issues and communicate to resolve inconveniences at the Sports Center. .
In addition to suggestions received in advance, such as ▲expanding the sports center program, ▲creating a red clay road and installing artificial turf in Songjeong Sports Park, ▲expanding the number of seniors to and from school, ▲improving the road to and from Songan Elementary School, ▲creating a new bus route and reducing the interval between buses, ▲in front of the elementary school. Various topics related to regional development, such as transportation, welfare, and environment, including installation of crosswalk barriers and utilization of vacant land in Gunpo City, were discussed.
One resident said, “I am grateful that the meeting with the mayor through the visiting mayor’s office was an opportunity for residents to talk comfortably,” and another resident said, “It was inconvenient to have to go far because there are no sports facilities in Songjeong District, Gunpo, but sports facilities are close by.” “The happiness index has gone up because of the new facilities,” he said, continuing the warm atmosphere.
Mayor Ha Eun-ho said, “The reason I run the Mobile Mayor’s Office is because I want to meet and talk more closely with citizens. Listening to good opinions and conducting good administration is beneficial to the development of the city.” He added, “I exist for the sake of the citizens. “Look for it anytime,” he said.
The ‘Visiting Mobile Mayor’s Office’, which is operated to communicate directly with citizens, is scheduled to hold its 5th conversation at the Songbu Social Welfare Center on November 13th at 14:00. If you wish to attend or have any opinions, please contact the Gunpo City Autonomy and Decentralization Department (031-390-0935) for guidance.
Meanwhile, on October 28, the Gunpo City Saemaeul Association delivered 5 million won as a scholarship to the Gunpo Love Scholarship Foundation from the Gunpo Mayor’s Office. The appearance ceremony held at the mayor’s office at Gunpo City Hall was attended by the Gunpo City Saemaul Association Chairman (Chairman Seo Tae-yeon), Saemaul Leaders Association Chairman (Chairman Jeong Soo-young), and Saemaul Women’s Association Chairman (Women’s Association Chairman Kim Myeong-ja).
Gunpo City Saemaeul Association Chairman Seo Tae-yeon was selected as the winner of the 30th Gunpo Citizen Awards in the service and sharing category on October 4th. The award was given to Gunpo City Saemaeul President Seo Tae-yeon in recognition of her various volunteer activities and spirit of sharing that she has contributed to the local community. Saemaeul Association has been contributing to the creation of scholarships in Gunpo City by donating 500,000 won in May of this year as a donation to participate in the Gunpo Azalea Festival.
“Because there is the Gunpo Love Scholarship in our area, students are realizing their precious dreams,” he said. “I donated the scholarship in the hope that the students will grow into great talents in our society.”
Kim Seong-cheol, chairman of the Gunpo Love Scholarship Association, said, “We thank you for sponsoring the scholarship to develop talented people in Gunpo City and ask for your continued support.” He added, “We will ensure that the scholarship is paid transparently and fairly so that no student stops studying due to economic difficulties.” “The Gunpo Love Scholarship Association will do its best to select scholarship students and manage the scholarship fund,” he said.
Gunpo Mayor Ha Eun-ho, honorary chairman of the Gunpo Love Scholarship Association, said, “We are deeply grateful for the precious sincerity and interest in donating a scholarship fund to foster local talent and develop education. We will use the donated money to nurture outstanding local talent.” said.
The Gunpo Love Scholarship Foundation, a Gunpo City-funded organization, has provided scholarships worth approximately 5 billion won to 3,338 students in the district since its foundation establishment, and scholarships for the second half of this year were paid out on September 27. For more information, please contact the Gunpo Love Scholarship Association (031-390-0995~6).
Economy Queen Reporter Hongmi Kim / Photo Gunpo City
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Gunpo City Local Governance Expert
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today. We have with us Dr. Jisoo Kim, a renowned expert on local governance and community engagement. Today, we’ll delve into a recent event that took place in Gunpo City, where Mayor Ha Eun-ho opened the Mobile Mayor’s Office at the Songjeong Complex Sports Center. Dr. Kim, what are your initial thoughts on this innovative initiative?
Dr. Jisoo Kim: Good afternoon! I’m thrilled to be here. The Mobile Mayor’s Office is an excellent example of how local governments can bridge the gap between citizens and policymakers. This initiative not only brings the mayor closer to the residents but also invites direct feedback on various communal issues, fostering a sense of community engagement.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely! At the event, approximately 40 residents participated, discussing a wide range of topics from expanding sports programs to improving transportation. How significant do you think it is for such local officials to engage with the community in this manner?
Dr. Jisoo Kim: It’s incredibly significant! Direct engagement allows residents to voice their concerns and feel heard. As we saw from the feedback during the event, one resident expressed gratitude for the chance to speak comfortably with the mayor. This kind of dialogue creates a more informed citizenry and improves the overall happiness index, as demonstrated by the comments regarding the new sports facilities. When people see their concerns being addressed, it enhances their sense of belonging.
Time.news Editor: That brings up an interesting point about involvement and satisfaction among residents. Mayor Ha Eun-ho emphasized that the purpose of the Mobile Mayor’s Office is to listen and administer effectively for the community’s benefit. Is this approach common in local governance, or is Gunpo setting a new standard?
Dr. Jisoo Kim: While many local governments strive for this level of engagement, it’s relatively rare for elected officials to take such proactive steps. Gunpo is certainly setting a commendable standard. The Mayor’s commitment to being accessible and responsive can serve as a model for other cities. It demonstrates an understanding that governance is not just about making decisions behind closed doors, but actively participating in the community’s life.
Time.news Editor: The event seems to have fostered a positive atmosphere among the attendees. There were discussions on various matters like environmental concerns and transportation issues, indicating a broad range of interests. How important is it for local governance to address such diverse topics?
Dr. Jisoo Kim: Extremely important! Local governments must take a holistic approach to community welfare. The issues of transportation, welfare, and environmental protection are interconnected. When residents see their local authorities addressing multiple aspects of community development, it engenders trust in public administration. Moreover, it helps in creating comprehensive policies that yield better outcomes for the city as a whole.
Time.news Editor: In addition to the Mobile Mayor’s Office, the Gunpo City Saemaeul Association has also been active, contributing significantly to the community by offering scholarships. How does community support like this complement governance efforts?
Dr. Jisoo Kim: Community organizations like the Saemaeul Association are pivotal in supporting local governance. Their contributions, such as the recent scholarship donations, fill vital gaps in social services and educational support. Such collaboration between government and community organizations amplifies the impact of governance by ensuring resources are directed to where they are most needed. It creates a culture of cooperation and collective responsibility toward community development.
Time.news Editor: As we wrap up, what advice would you give to other local governments looking to implement similar initiatives to engage their residents?
Dr. Jisoo Kim: My advice would be to prioritize open communication and foster an environment where citizens feel comfortable sharing their thoughts. Regular meetings, community events, and responsive channels for feedback are crucial. It’s also important to act on the feedback received—showing residents that their voices lead to tangible changes will strengthen community ties and trust in local government.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Kim, for providing these valuable insights today. It’s clear that initiatives like the Mobile Mayor’s Office in Gunpo can significantly enhance community relations and governance. We look forward to seeing how other cities might follow in Gunpo’s footsteps!
Dr. Jisoo Kim: Thank you! I hope to see more cities embrace this model of engagement. It’s an exciting time for local governance!