“The handbrake is closed”, – this is how Seimas member Audrius Petrošius responded about the direction of the ruling election committee “Ištikimi Klaipėda“.
In the second round of the mayoral elections, the member of the Seimas, who lost quite strongly to Arvydas Vaitkas, was criticized after making public the plans to stop the construction of the new Jūrininkai polyclinic on Birutė street. Instead, the old Klaipėda city polyclinic building on Taikos avenue will be reconstructed. The member of the Seimas and the politicians working in the opposition in the council named projects that were previously given the green light, but now they are being stopped: this includes the design of the bicycle path at Giruliai, the concession of the sports complex, and the reconstruction of the access to the Giruliai beach.
Council member conservative Andrius Dobranskis, who was the deputy director of administration in the previous term, says that the fact that only about 80% of the funds were used in half a year is also a cause for concern. planned funds. “The council had approved such a strategic plan. If it is not used, then, generally speaking, we are behind the pace, something is wrong,” said the politician.
This issue is also raised in the Finance and Economy Committee. Administration employees will be invited next week and will have to explain why such a significant sum was not used. “Looking a little ahead, I can see that this music has already started and I know what those in power will say: “The previous ones are to blame.” I foresee this already. This is a classic political move. We watch, we wait, we observe. But for now we don’t see anything good,” said the politician.
Eriko Ovčarenko/BNS photo/Arvydas Vaitkus
At that time, the mayor of Klaipėda, Arvydas Vaitkus, was straightforward: “The principle of today’s government is to finally start counting and rationally use the money of Klaipėda citizens and make decisions based on competence and transparency principles.”
“It is understandable that some people do not like the revision of the projects of the former political government. However, ask the people of Klaipėda how they value the construction of a 4-year school for double the price on Senvagės Street, how the people of Klaipėda value the sale of the plot on Jankaus Street, where a kindergarten and school were supposed to be built”, asked A. Vaitkus rhetorically.
Main points
- Whose money are you saving?
- Conservative Andrius Petraitis missed logic
- Liberal Edmundas Kvederis: “This leads to provincialism”
- Former mayor, social democrat V. Grubliauskas: “The trend is becoming clearer”
- Arvydas Vaitkus: “There is no solution not to build”
- Those in power raise questions about transparency
#Province #rationality #direction #Klaipėda
**Interview with Seimas Member Audrius Petrošius on Recent Developments in Klaipėda**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Petrošius. There has been considerable discussion surrounding the direction of the ruling committee “Ištikimi Klaipėda,” particularly after your remarks about the “handbrake” being engaged. Can you explain what you meant by that?
**Audrius Petrošius:** Thank you for having me. My comment about the “handbrake” refers to what I see as a significant slowdown in progress within Klaipėda’s local governance. We have projects that were once prioritized, yet now they are either halted or seriously delayed. This stagnation is concerning, especially for the residents who depend on these services and developments.
**Interviewer:** One of the most controversial decisions has been the halt on the construction of the new Jūrininkai polyclinic. Instead, you are backing the renovation of the older polyclinic. Why the shift in focus?
**Audrius Petrošius:** The decision stems from a broader evaluation of our resources and needs. While the new polyclinic could be beneficial, we believe that restoring and updating existing infrastructure at the Taikos avenue site is a more immediate priority given the current budget constraints and pressing health needs. However, I understand that this decision has garnered criticism, especially from those who preferred the new construction.
**Interviewer:** Critics argue that projects like the bicycle path in Giruliai and the renovation of the access to Giruliai beach are being cancelled. What are your thoughts on these cancellations?
**Audrius Petrošius:** It is disheartening to see various initiatives that were approved now being reconsidered or stopped altogether. These projects are essential for promoting local development and tourism. I acknowledge the resistance from some factions within the council, but I believe that striking a decisive path forward is crucial. We cannot afford to allow political sentiments to delay important infrastructure.
**Interviewer:** Council member Andrius Dobranskis has raised concerns about underutilized budget funds. What measures can be taken to ensure that financial resources are effectively allocated and used?
**Audrius Petrošius:** This is indeed a pressing issue. We need greater accountability and transparency in how funds are managed. I support the idea of inviting administration officials to explain the current spending situation. Understanding the reasons behind this shortfall is vital; if there are procedural or planning flaws, we must correct them swiftly.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what is your outlook for the coming months regarding the governance of Klaipėda? Do you see any positive changes on the horizon?
**Audrius Petrošius:** I believe there is always a potential for positive change if we engage in productive discussions and prioritize the needs of our constituents. The upcoming Finance and Economy Committee meetings will be critical in reshaping our approach. If everyone, regardless of political alignment, remains focused on the welfare of Klaipėda’s residents, we can move forward more effectively.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Petrošius, for your insights. It will be interesting to see how these issues unfold in the coming months.
**Audrius Petrošius:** Thank you for the opportunity to share my perspective. I hope for a more collaborative approach moving forward.
