Former Acting Mayor of Yeongju, Yoo Jeong-geun, Emphasizes ‘Fulfilling Responsibilities’ for Key Issues Including Defense Industry and Clean Hydrogen Power Plants
On February 10, Yoo Jeong-geun, former Acting Mayor of Yeongju, held a press conference to officially announce his candidacy for the Yeongju mayoral election, scheduled for June 3 as part of the 9th nationwide local elections. / Photo by Kim Seong-gwon
[The Fact | Yeongju = Kim Seong-gwon, Reporter] Former Acting Mayor Yoo Jeong-geun officially declared his candidacy for the Yeongju mayoral election during a press conference at the Yeongju Future Strategy Research Institute on the morning of February 10.
In his declaration speech, Yoo stated, “I stand here today with a profound sense of responsibility and determination rather than excitement.” He explained that his decision to run was driven by a commitment to see through to completion the key initiatives he set in motion during his tenure as acting mayor.
Yoo highlighted his efforts to attract defense industry companies and establish a clean hydrogen power plant. He emphasized, “The critical projects that will shape Yeongju’s future must be completed by those who initiated them. I am committed to practicing responsible governance with this mindset.”
Positioning himself as a “proven administrative expert” with a lifetime of experience in local government, Yoo pointed out that his nearly six-month stint as acting mayor has given him unparalleled insight into municipal operations and budget prioritization.
Addressing the issue of public distrust in administration, Yoo explained, “The root cause of administrative distrust I encountered while meeting citizens is the lack of accountability for recurring problems.” He asserted that the most crucial qualities for a local government leader are moral integrity and the ability to efficiently handle practical matters.
During the press conference, Yoo also unveiled his “four core strategies” for Yeongju’s development: 1) Completing the industrial ecosystem by attracting defense companies to the Advanced Bearing National Industrial Complex, 2) Securing future energy through the establishment of a clean hydrogen power plant and revitalizing drone-free zones, 3) Rejuvenating urban commercial districts by integrating tourism and residential populations, and 4) Transforming rural areas through smart agriculture and the synergy of food, distribution, and tourism sectors.
Yoo remarked, “Yeongju’s potential hasn’t fully blossomed, not due to a lack of possibilities, but because of insufficient accountable governance.” He pledged to personally oversee the completion of projects he initiated during his time as acting mayor.
Emphasizing his approach, Yoo stated, “While politics is about words, administration is proven by results. If things go well, it’s thanks to the citizens, and if they don’t, I will take full responsibility.”
Yoo has been praised for his practical leadership, notably for rejecting the establishment of a hazardous waste treatment facility – a major local concern during his term – while successfully attracting investments from major defense companies and a clean hydrogen power plant.
tk@tf.co.kr
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