“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
#Province #rationality #direction #Klaipėda
What are the main implications of halted projects like the Jūrininkai polyclinic for Klaipėda’s community wellbeing?
### Interview with Audrius Petrošius: Challenges and Criticisms in Klaipėda’s Governance
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Petrošius. Following the recent municipal elections, you’ve made headlines with your metaphor about the “handbrake being closed.” Can you elaborate on what you meant by that regarding the ruling election committee, “Ištikimi Klaipėda”?
**Audrius Petrošius:** Thank you for having me. When I referred to the “handbrake,” I was highlighting the stagnation and lack of progress in key projects that were supposed to benefit our city. It indicates that instead of moving forward, the current administration is reversing decisions, leading to a halt in critical developments.
**Interviewer:** You specifically mentioned the plan to stop the construction of the new Jūrininkai polyclinic. Why was this decision made, and what do you believe this signals about the priorities of the current administration?
**Audrius Petrošius:** The shift away from constructing the new polyclinic to opting for the renovation of the old facility raises serious questions. It not only reflects a lack of vision but also undermines the urgent healthcare needs of our citizens. This is part of a broader trend where previously approved projects, such as the bike path at Giruliai and improvements to the sports complex, are now under review or halted entirely.
**Interviewer:** You’ve faced criticism regarding the low utilization of municipal funds. Can you explain the implications of only around 80% of the allocated budget being used in just half a year?
**Audrius Petrošius:** Yes, this is a significant concern. It suggests that we are not keeping pace with our strategic objectives. Efficient use of financial resources is crucial for any administration. When funds remain unutilized, it indicates poor planning or execution, which can have detrimental effects on the city’s development and progress.
**Interviewer:** What steps do you foresee the Finance and Economy Committee taking to address these concerns about fund allocation?
**Audrius Petrošius:** The committee plans to invite administration officials to explain why such a large sum remains unused. However, I anticipate that the conversation will shift blame to predecessors, which is a typical political ploy. My hope is that instead, we focus on accountability and finding solutions for effective governance moving forward.
**Interviewer:** How do you see the future of Klaipėda under the current leadership of Mayor Arvydas Vaitkus, especially considering the public’s response to recent policy changes?
**Audrius Petrošius:** The future largely depends on whether the current leadership can adapt and commit to the needs of our community. If they continue with this obstructive approach, ignoring the projects that the public and council previously approved, the dissatisfaction among citizens will grow. It is crucial that we place our constituents’ needs at the forefront of any decision-making process.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Petrošius, for sharing your insights. It seems that ongoing vigilance and advocacy will be key in navigating these challenges.
**Audrius Petrošius:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential we continue to engage with our community and ensure their voices are heard in our local governance.