“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. A member of the Seimas and politicians working in the opposition in the council named the projects that were previously given the green light and are now being stopped: this includes the design of the bicycle path near Giruliai, the concession of the sports complex, the reconstruction of the accesses to 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
### Interview with Audrius Petrošius, Seimas Member and Representative of “Ištikimi Klaipėda”
### Interview with Audrius Petrošius, Seimas Member and Representative of “Ištikimi Klaipėda”
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Petrošius. Let’s start with your recent remarks about the direction of the ruling election committee, where you mentioned, “the handbrake is closed.” Can you elaborate on what you meant by that?
**Audrius Petrošius:** Thank you for having me. My statement was a metaphor for the halted progress under the current administration. I believe there is a significant pause in essential projects that were previously approved, which is concerning for our constituents. It feels as though the momentum we had is being stalled.
**Interviewer:** One of the main points of contention seems to be the plan to stop the construction of the new Jūrininkai polyclinic. What’s the rationale behind this decision?
**Audrius Petrošius:** The decision appears to be based on a preference for renovating the old polyclinic on Taikos Avenue instead. While renovation can be valuable, halting new construction seems shortsighted, especially since we need more modern facilities to serve our growing population effectively.
**Interviewer:** Critics, including members of the opposition, have pointed to several projects that are being stopped, like the bicycle path design near Giruliai. Can you outline why these initiatives are crucial?
**Audrius Petrošius:** Absolutely. Projects like the bicycle path are not just about infrastructure; they represent a commitment to sustainable transportation and improving public health. These initiatives enhance the quality of life in our community and attract eco-conscious visitors and residents. When such projects are paused, it sends a troubling message about our priorities.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned concerns regarding fund usage, with about 80% of planned funds reportedly not being utilized within six months. Why is that a pressing issue?
**Audrius Petrošius:** It reflects a broader problem with governance and planning. If funds are not being used, it indicates inefficiency and could suggest that we are falling behind on our strategic plans. Effective financial management is crucial for delivering progress, and if we do not use our resources wisely, we jeopardize our community’s potential.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what do you anticipate will happen in the Finance and Economy Committee regarding these concerns?
**Audrius Petrošius:** I expect the administration will shift blame onto their predecessors, which is a common political maneuver during transitions. However, we need to hold ourselves accountable and ensure that we are moving forward positively. It’s essential for the administration to provide clear explanations and solutions rather than deflecting responsibility.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Petrošius, for sharing your insights today. Clearly, there are significant issues at stake that affect the future development of Klaipėda.
**Audrius Petrošius:** Thank you for bringing attention to these important matters. It’s essential that we continue to engage in these conversations for the betterment of our community.
