“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 projects that were previously given the green light, but now they are being stopped: this includes the design of the bicycle 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
How does Audrius Petrošius plan to address the concerns of unspent budget funds and stalled projects in Klaipėda’s governance?
**Interview with Audrius Petrošius: Challenges in Klaipėda’s Governance**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us, Mr. Petrošius. After the recent mayoral elections, you made a comment saying ”the handbrake is closed” regarding the direction of the ruling election committee “Ištikimi Klaipėda.” 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 highlighting a stagnation in key development projects in our city. Our current leadership seems to be halting initiatives that were previously in motion, such as the construction of the new Jūrininkai polyclinic. This pause is concerning as it impacts necessary services for our community.
**Interviewer**: You’ve faced criticism for stopping the polyclinic project in favor of reconstructing the older facility. What’s your rationale behind that decision?
**Audrius Petrošius**: The decision to reallocate resources to reconstruct the older polyclinic was made with budget constraints in mind. While I understand there’s a desire for new developments, we need to be pragmatic about financial viability. However, I recognise this shift has not been well received, especially when it affects other planned projects.
**Interviewer**: Speaking of planned projects, there have been reports of several initiatives being stalled, including the bicycle path design in Giruliai and the sports complex concession. What are your thoughts on this?
**Audrius Petrošius**: It’s disheartening to see formerly approved projects being sidelined. These are not just plans on paper; they represent our commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Klaipėda. As an opposition member, I am urging my colleagues to reconsider these decisions and prioritize our constituents’ needs.
**Interviewer**: Conservative Council member Andrius Dobranskis expressed concerns over the underutilization of funds, noting that only about 80% of the budget was spent in the first half of the year. What do you think about this?
**Audrius Petrošius**: It is indeed troubling that funding remains unspent, especially when the council had established a strategic plan intended to boost development. This inefficiency needs to be addressed swiftly. Next week, the Finance and Economy Committee will discuss this issue, and I trust that the administration will provide clarity on these budget allocations.
**Interviewer**: As you navigate these challenges, what do you foresee as the next steps for Klaipėda’s governance?
**Audrius Petrošius**: I believe we need a constructive dialogue among all council members, regardless of political affiliations. Addressing the concerns over stalled projects and unspent funds will require collaboration and a shared vision for the city’s future. It’s crucial that we keep the interests of our citizens in focus as we move forward.
**Interviewer**: Thank you for your insights, Mr. Petrošius. We look forward to seeing how these issues unfold.
**Audrius Petrošius**: Thank you for having me. It’s essential we keep these conversations going for the betterment of Klaipėda.
