The people of Jenő must have been waiting a long time to get answers to their questions, which were mostly about the status of mayor Ildikó Kerekes and the happening in the last two monthswere related to But even before the board gave the opportunity for questions, co-president József Herczeg started with the information.
Photo: FMH archive
As was said at the forum: the municipality still does not have committees or a deputy mayor, so the members of the board carry out these tasks among themselves. It was also said that was disbanded a A joint municipality with Kőszárhegg and Füle,because Jeno this triple unit was already disadvantageous for him. They will join Úrhida and Nádasdladány from January and trust that the change will benefit them from a financial and operational point of view. From now on, the mayor gave information about the tenders and the fact that the post office operated by the municipality will start operating from January.
When will you be deputy mayor?
Turning to the questions, the locals inquired about when the settlement will have a deputy mayor. Andrea Tóth, clerk, said: the mayor can propose a deputy mayor, but after this has not been done, the government office is responsible for the action.
What happened to Mayor Ildikó Kerekes? When will the village have a working leader again?
Of course, these were the key questions of the public hearing. But the board stated: they also only find out from the press and don’t know more than that. At the same time, the clerk said that the mayor is currently in a legal relationship and regardless of the fact that he is currently obstructed, he is the elected mayor of the village. If he does not resign and his position as mayor is not terminated, this will remain the case until the next municipal elections.
Mysterious letter
Anikó Király, municipal representative, spoke to the interest of the residents about the about a mysterious letterwhich was uploaded to a closed community group a few days ago. In it, presumably, Ildikó Kerekes writes about the events of the past period, as well as assures Jenő’s community that he will return to his position as soon as his health permits.However, many people do not consider this appropriate in light of what happened. At the forum, Anikó király said: they trust the mayor’s full recovery, but he cannot continue this work and cannot come back as village leader. Many people probably agreed with the local government representative’s opinion, as it was followed by affirmative answers and applause.
What are the key challenges faced by local governments in maintaining transparency with residents?
Interview between Time.news Editor and expert on Local Governance
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our special segment today, where we dive into local governance stories that matter. We are joined by Dr. Anna Szabo, a political scientist specializing in municipal governance. Dr. Szabo, thank you for being with us today!
Dr.Anna Szabo (AS): Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss the critically important issues impacting communities like Jenő.
TNE: Recently,the community of Jenő has been abuzz with questions about their mayor,Ildikó Kerekes. It seems like the people have been waiting a long time for answers. Why do you think local political situations can create such a sense of urgency among residents?
AS: That’s an excellent question.Local governance directly impacts daily life in profound ways. When there’s uncertainty, especially regarding leadership or local policies, citizens naturally become anxious. They want clarity and reassurance about their community’s direction.
TNE: Absolutely. I’ve read that the residents of Jenő were primarily concerned about the mayor’s status and upcoming decisions. What are some typical concerns residents might have regarding their local leaders?
AS: Residents often seek transparency in leadership, especially in terms of project developments, budget allocations, and future plans. In Jenő’s case, it might also tie to the mayor’s performance and accountability, especially if there have been delays in dialog or decision-making.
TNE: That makes sense. A strong connection between elected officials and the community fosters trust. How can local governments do a better job of communicating with their residents to prevent such uncertainties?
AS: Regular updates through community meetings, newsletters, and social media channels can help bridge the gap. It’s essential for leaders to invite feedback and encourage open dialogues with residents. Transparency is key, especially in times of concern.
TNE: In the case of Mayor Ildikó Kerekes,what steps coudl she take to reassure the community and demonstrate her commitment to their well-being?
AS: The mayor could hold a town hall meeting,ideally in person,to address the community’s questions directly. Listening to their concerns and sharing a clear vision for the future can help rebuild trust.Additionally, showcasing any accomplishments during her tenure can remind residents of positive outcomes.
TNE: It’s interesting to see how such local dynamics can affect not just politics but also the social fabric of a community. What role does public perception play in local governance?
AS: Public perception can be incredibly influential. It can shape not only an official’s reputation but also their effectiveness. When leaders are viewed favorably, people are more likely to engage, collaborate, and support initiatives. Conversely, negative perceptions can lead to disengagement, making governance even more challenging.
TNE: So, it seems that in communities like Jenő, it’s not just about what decisions are made, but also about how those decisions are communicated.
AS: Exactly! Communication is a powerful tool in governance. The more engaged and informed residents feel,the more likely they will support local initiatives and work collaboratively with their leaders.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Szabo, for sharing your insights today. It’s crucial for communities to foster thes dialogues, especially in times of uncertainty.
AS: Thank you for having me! Let’s hope the people of Jenő get the answers they are seeking soon.
TNE: We certainly hope so too! That concludes our conversation for today. Stay tuned for more discussions that matter to you here at Time.news.