“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 projects do you believe have stalled under the current administration in Klaipėda, and how do you plan to address these delays as a member of “Ištikimi Klaipėda”?
**Interview with Audrius Petrošius, Seimas Member of “Ištikimi Klaipėda”**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Audrius Petrošius. Following the recent elections and your comments about the ruling direction of your party, can you elaborate on what you meant by saying, “The handbrake is closed”?
**Audrius Petrošius:** Thank you for having me. My remark about the “handbrake being closed” refers to the current halt on crucial projects that were previously approved. It reflects our party’s position toward governance in Klaipėda, where we are witnessing a significant setback in progressing initiatives that directly affect our residents.
**Interviewer:** Specifically, you mentioned the cancellation of the new Jūrininkai polyclinic construction. Can you explain why you believe this decision was detrimental?
**Audrius Petrošius:** The decision to stop the construction of the new polyclinic is troubling for numerous reasons. First, this facility was intended to enhance healthcare access for our populace. The alternative plan—to retrofit the old polyclinic building—does not adequately address the increase in our community’s healthcare demand. We need to prioritize new developments that meet contemporary healthcare needs rather than merely patching up outdated infrastructure.
**Interviewer:** There are concerns voiced by Council member Andrius Dobranskis about the underutilization of funds. What are your thoughts on this issue?
**Audrius Petrošius:** Concern over fund utilization is valid. To have only 80% of the planned budget used within half a year is alarming. The council had established a strategic financial plan, and if we aren’t meeting these benchmarks, we might be jeopardizing future projects. It’s essential that administration officials explain this discrepancy to ensure accountability and restore confidence in our governance.
**Interviewer:** You also mentioned that political blame games are predictable in such scenarios. Could you clarify what you anticipate will happen next?
**Audrius Petrošius:** Yes, I foresee that when accountability for fund mismanagement is discussed, those in power may deflect blame to previous administrations. This classic political maneuver is unproductive and hinders real progress. We need to focus on solutions rather than playing the blame game. Observing this pattern is discouraging when we are trying to move forward for the benefit of our citizens.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Audrius. It sounds like you feel strongly about the need for strategic and responsible governance in Klaipėda.
**Audrius Petrošius:** Absolutely. Our focus should be on transparent governance and effective project implementation that truly benefits our community. We must advocate for our citizens and ensure that promised improvements materialize. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these crucial issues.