“Members of the current public councils continue to have the opportunity to participate in the consideration of issues relevant to the city. Everyone’s work in public councils is welcome, and the opinion of existing council members is very important when listening and making decisions in newly formed groups. Direct communication with experts in all fields, be it culture, art or sports, was and will be. The door is always open to anyone who has relevant advice or observations when making important decisions for Klaipėda, regardless of whether they will be members of advisory groups or not,” explained Klaipėda Mayor Arvydas Vaitkus.
Advisory groups will replace public councils and commissions not provided for in the Law on Local Self-Government. Currently, the municipal council committees are already considering draft decisions regarding the recognition of the invalidity of previously adopted municipal council decisions regulating the activities of public councils. If such changes are approved, advisory groups could be formed. This is to ensure transparency in the distribution of budget funds and to make the process, where representatives of the public participate in considering issues relevant to the city, run smoother, faster and more efficiently.
“After the discussions, we are moving towards a decision that in order to clarify the use of budget funds, public councils should act as an advisory body to the city administration and the mayor. It is the duty of all of us to hear the wishes and needs of the community, therefore more specialists from various fields will participate in the advisory groups, whose opinion is very important when making decisions,” said Mayor A. Vaitkus.
When changing the activity model of public councils, active discussions are held with their current members. A representative from all areas of art is invited to the working group considering issues of culture and art. Meetings have already been held with the Council of National Minorities. It was agreed that each national minority will delegate 1 representative to the future working group. It is also planned to form advisory groups that will consider topics relevant to the academic, maritime community, seniors, sports, business, issues of commemoration of famous people, historical dates.
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#Klaipėda #advisory #groups #distribution #budget #funds #transparent
**Interview with Klaipėda Mayor Arvydas Vaitkus on the Transition to Advisory Groups**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Mayor Vaitkus. Can you explain why the decision was made to replace public councils with advisory groups in Klaipėda?
**Mayor Vaitkus:** Thank you for having me. The transition to advisory groups is aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in our decision-making processes. Our current public councils have served their purpose, but we believe that by establishing advisory groups, we can streamline operations and ensure that budget funds are distributed more transparently. This change is also in line with the necessary modifications to our local governance framework.
**Editor:** How will these advisory groups function differently from the previous councils?
**Mayor Vaitkus:** Advisory groups will provide a more focused and structured approach to public involvement. They will facilitate direct communication with experts across various fields—be it culture, art, or sports. We want to create a space where all voices are heard and where the input of community members can directly influence the decisions that affect Klaipėda. Their work will not only be welcome but essential in crafting effective solutions to local issues.
**Editor:** Can you share about the role of current public council members in this transition?
**Mayor Vaitkus:** Absolutely. Current members of the public councils will have an important role to play in this transition. Their insights and experiences will help inform the new advisory groups. We appreciate their ongoing commitment and encourage them to continue participating actively. Their opinions will be vital in ensuring that the newly formed groups are inclusive and representative of the community’s needs.
**Editor:** What steps are being taken in the municipal council to implement these changes?
**Mayor Vaitkus:** The municipal council committees are currently reviewing draft decisions regarding the invalidation of certain past resolutions related to public councils. If these changes are approved, we can promptly proceed with forming the new advisory groups. Transparency will be a core component of this process, and we will ensure that there’s a clear line of communication with the public throughout.
**Editor:** how can citizens participate in this new structure?
**Mayor Vaitkus:** We encourage all citizens to reach out and share their insights, advice, or observations on issues relevant to Klaipėda. Our doors are always open. Whether or not they choose to become members of the advisory groups, their voices are invaluable in shaping the future of our city. We genuinely believe that collaborative governance is the key to our success.
**Editor:** Thank you for your time, Mayor Vaitkus. It sounds like exciting changes are coming for Klaipėda!
**Mayor Vaitkus:** Thank you! We look forward to a more transparent and engaged process that truly reflects the voices of Klaipėda’s residents.
