Park Soo-yeon, Michuhol District Councillor: "The Neutrality of Local Administration Must Be Strictly Maintained Ahead of Local Elections"

The need for political neutrality in local administration and management of civil servants' actions was raised at the Planning and Administration Committee of the Michuhol District Council ahead of the local elections.

Councillor Park Soo-yeon (People's Power·Yonghyeon 5, Hakik 1, Gwangkyo, Munhak) emphasised on January 28 during the first meeting of the 293rd extraordinary session that while "the welfare and donation culture is being well managed in each district, which is positively evaluated," it is "most important to maintain the neutrality of civil servants at this time ahead of the local elections."

Councillor Park stated, "I understand that various methods, including monitoring systems, are being operated in several districts, including Gwangkyo-dong, to honour donors and spread the culture of donations," adding, "Although the methods differ from district to district, they are generally well managed."

However, she pointed out, "The issue is not the welfare or donation projects themselves, but the possibility of actions that could lead to misunderstandings ahead of the elections," stating, "Even if civil servants do not intend to, if certain actions or scenes spread through SNS, anyone could have political misunderstandings."

She continued, "The district heads should be fully aware of what situations are being referred to," and urged, "Please ensure thorough management and caution ahead of the elections through sufficient communication with the district heads at the department level."

In response, the executive branch stated, "We will take note of the points raised and re-examine and manage the overall local administration once again."

Councillor Park also praised the establishment of donor recognition policies to activate donations in each district, stating, "I highly appreciate that these policies are being developed, and I ask the executive branch to continue to ensure that such policies receive ongoing feedback and are institutionally established."