“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
What are the implications of Audrius Petrošius’s remarks about the “handbrake” being closed on Klaipėda’s political initiatives?
**Interview with Seimas Member Audrius Petrošius on Klaipėda’s Political Landscape**
**Interviewer:** Good evening, Mr. Petrošius. Thank you for joining us to discuss the current situation in Klaipėda. You recently mentioned that “the handbrake is closed” regarding the direction of the ruling election committee “Ištikimi Klaipėda.” Can you elaborate on what this means?
**Audrius Petrošius:** Good evening. What I meant is that the current administration seems to be stalling progress on several key initiatives that were previously approved. This is particularly concerning given the recent criticism surrounding the decision to halt the new Jūrininkai polyclinic’s construction. Instead, the focus has shifted to redeveloping the old polyclinic on Taikos avenue, which raises questions about their commitment to improving public health facilities.
**Interviewer:** That’s a significant change in direction. What are some specific projects that you believe are being adversely affected?
**Audrius Petrošius:** Yes, several projects are now on hold, including the design of a new bicycle path in Giruliai and plans for a sports complex. There’s also the reconstruction of access to Giruliai beach, which is crucial for both locals and tourism. These initiatives had public support and were anticipated to enhance the community’s infrastructure and wellbeing.
**Interviewer:** Council member Andrius Dobranskis also raised concerns about the underutilization of funds, stating that only about 80% of the planned budget has been used in half a year. What do you think is causing this lag?
**Audrius Petrošius:** It indicates a severe departure from the strategic plan originally approved by the council. If we are not able to utilize our funds effectively, it suggests a lack of foresight and planning. When funds go unused, it’s not just a financial issue; it reflects on our ability to meet the community’s needs and commitments.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the Finance and Economy Committee will be investigating this issue. What do you anticipate will come from that inquiry?
**Audrius Petrošius:** I expect that the administration will deflect blame onto their predecessors, as is often the case in politics. However, this narrative won’t solve the pressing issues we face today. We need accountability and a clear plan moving forward, not just excuses.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, how do you feel about the public’s response to these developments? Are you observing any shifts in community sentiment?
**Audrius Petrošius:** Absolutely. The public is increasingly concerned about the stagnation of local projects that were meant to enhance their lives. People want to see their leaders act decisively, rather than getting caught up in political maneuvering. There’s a clear demand for action, not more talking.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Petrošius, for your insights. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds as the elections approach.
**Audrius Petrošius:** Thank you for having me. It’s important we keep these issues in the public eye.
