Province or rationality: which direction is Klaipėda?

“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 the projects that were previously given the green light, but now they are being stopped: this includes the design of the bike 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 act. 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

​ How​ does Audrius Petrošius⁣ plan to‌ advocate for⁤ community needs despite his recent​ electoral defeat?

**Interview ​with Audrius Petrošius on the Recent‌ Developments​ in Klaipeda’s Political Landscape**

**Interviewer**: Good afternoon, Audrius Petrošius. ​Thank you for joining us today to ‍discuss the recent political shifts in Klaipeda, particularly regarding the ruling committee “Ištikimi Klaipėda” and its implications for local governance. You ​mentioned that “the handbrake is closed” in reference to the committee’s direction. Can‍ you elaborate on what you meant by that?

**Audrius Petrošius**: Thank ‌you for having me. When I said “the⁤ handbrake ​is closed,” I was expressing ‌my concern over the stagnation in critical projects that were previously set in motion. It feels like progress has ⁣come to a halt under⁤ the‌ current administration,⁤ particularly with the decision to⁢ abandon the new Jūrininkai polyclinic in favor of renovating⁣ the old one. This not only delays necessary improvements in healthcare services but also reflects‍ a ​broader trend ⁢of halting other important community⁣ projects.

**Interviewer**: There have been criticisms​ directed at your opposition ⁣regarding the⁣ stopping of various infrastructure projects, including those‌ for bike⁣ paths‍ and the‍ sports complex. What’s ⁣your stance on these concerns?

**Audrius Petrošius**: It’s true that several projects were initially approved but have now been sidelined. Many in the opposition, myself⁤ included, see this ⁤as ⁤a failure⁤ to execute on the‌ strategic plans that were designed to benefit the community. The project for the bike path at ‍Giruliai, for example, is vital for promoting sustainable transportation but is at risk​ of being⁤ overlooked. The lack⁢ of ‌progress ⁤on investments signals inefficiencies in ‍the current leadership.

**Interviewer**: Conservative council ⁢member Andrius Dobranskis raised alarms ‍about underutilized funds, noting that only about 80% of the⁤ allocated budget was used in the first half of the year. How do⁤ you respond to these financial concerns?

**Audrius ​Petrošius**: I completely agree with Dobranskis. The fact that such a ⁣significant portion of the funding is unspent is ​quite concerning. It indicates a ⁢failure ​to implement the council’s strategic plan effectively. We ⁢need a thorough explanation from the administration ⁤about ​these issues, and​ that’s​ why‍ the Finance and Economy Committee is bringing ‌in administration officials next week to⁤ address this concern. This ⁤is⁣ an ⁢opportunity for⁣ transparency and accountability to the public.

**Interviewer**: As a ‌member of ‌the Seimas who ​recently faced a significant ​defeat to Mayor Arvydas Vaitkus, how ⁤do you view your role⁢ moving forward in this political landscape?

**Audrius Petrošius**: My role⁢ is to advocate ⁤for the community and ensure that the ⁤voices of the citizens are heard. While I may not ​hold⁤ the mayor’s office, I still hold the responsibility ‍to challenge‍ the ⁣status quo and push for effective governance.​ If the current administration continues to stall ⁤important ‌projects and funds, ‌I will actively seek to hold⁢ them accountable. It’s essential‌ that we prioritize⁣ the ⁣needs of Klaipeda’s residents over ⁢political ⁢maneuvering.

**Interviewer**: Thank ⁢you for ⁤your insights, ⁤Mr. Petrošius. It’s clear that you are committed to ensuring that Klaipeda’s projects and funds are​ effectively utilized ⁣for the benefit of the community.

**Audrius ‌Petrošius**: Thank⁤ you‍ for the conversation. I ‍appreciate the opportunity to discuss these essential issues affecting our city.