“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 specific initiatives do you believe are crucial for revitalizing stalled projects in Klaipėda?
**Interview with Audrius Petrošius, Seimas Member**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Petrošius. You made headlines recently with your comment, ”The handbrake is closed,” regarding the direction of the ruling election committee “Ištikimi Klaipėda.” Can you elaborate on what this means for the committee and the city?
**Audrius Petrošius:** Thank you for having me. My statement reflects a growing concern regarding the stagnation of important projects that were expected to advance our city. The phrase “the handbrake is closed” symbolizes the halt in progress that we’re witnessing under the current administration.
**Interviewer:** You lost the recent mayoral elections to Arvydas Vaitkus. In light of this, what are your thoughts on the proposed plans to stop the construction of the new Jūrininkai polyclinic?
**Audrius Petrošius:** I believe that halting the construction of a new polyclinic is a significant setback for our community. Instead of investing in a state-of-the-art facility, the focus has shifted to reconstructing an older building. This move raises questions about our priorities in public health and infrastructure development.
**Interviewer:** Opposition politicians have voiced their concerns regarding several stalled projects. Could you specify which projects are affected and their significance?
**Audrius Petrošius:** Certainly. The projects that are currently facing delays include the design of a bike path at Giruliai, the concession plan for a new sports complex, and the reconstruction of access to Giruliai beach. Each of these projects plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for residents, promoting tourism, and improving our city’s infrastructure.
**Interviewer:** Council member Andrius Dobranskis highlighted that only about 80% of allocated funds have been utilized in six months, expressing concerns about the city’s pace in executing its strategic plan. How do you view this situation?
**Audrius Petrošius:** The underutilization of funds is indicative of broader dysfunction within the council. It’s essential that approved funds are effectively and efficiently allocated to ensure that we are meeting our community’s needs. When funds remain unused, it signals a lack of action and commitment to our strategic objectives.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what will be your approach in addressing these issues, particularly in your role as a member of the opposition?
**Audrius Petrošius:** Our goal will be to hold the current administration accountable. We plan to push for transparency regarding the allocation and use of funds. We will also advocate for the immediate reinstatement of critical projects that were halted. Our focus is on ensuring that Klaipėda moves forward and that the needs of our constituents are prioritized.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Mr. Petrošius. It seems there are significant challenges ahead for Klaipėda, and we look forward to seeing how these issues develop.
**Audrius Petrošius:** Thank you. It’s crucial for us to remain engaged and proactive in our efforts to support our community.