Choo Kyung-ho, Daegu Mayor, Expresses Regret Over TK Being Passed Over and Emphasizes Communication and Cooperation with Government and Ruling Party

【Financial News, Daegu—Reporter Kim Jang-wook】"The controversy over Daegu-Gyeongbuk (TK) being passed over is regrettable, but I will devote every effort to communication and cooperation with the government and ruling party."
Choo Kyung-ho, mayor of Daegu Metropolitan City, made the remarks at an Asia Forum 21 invitation debate held at Daegu Art Park on the 22nd.
Choo said, "There are some disappointing aspects to the government's budget proposal, but I believe a considerable portion has been included," adding, "There is still a great deal of funding we need to secure together with local lawmakers during the National Assembly's review, and we will continue working until the final stage."
Regarding the government's large-scale projects, he voiced regret, saying, "I believe political considerations took precedence to a considerable extent."
Regarding the controversy over TK being passed over, he emphasized, "At a time when the concentration of resources in the Seoul metropolitan area and regional depopulation have become problems, and balanced national development and locally led growth are being emphasized, I find it extremely regrettable as the head of a TK local government that mega-projects are being concentrated in a particular region."
He explained, "It is not that I am taking issue with the announcement and pursuit of large-scale projects in Honam itself," adding, "Since we have repeatedly raised concerns that the economy of Daegu-Gyeongbuk is not doing well, there should also be balanced consideration for Daegu-Gyeongbuk commensurate with that."
Regarding the somewhat delayed personnel appointments at Daegu Metropolitan City, Choo said, "It took time because various procedures were required, including open recruitment and the formation of an executive recommendation committee for appointing heads of affiliated institutions," adding, "In fact, the process is almost complete internally."
Regarding the deputy mayor for economic affairs, which has been vacant for an extended period, he said, "I have several people in mind and will make the appointment at an appropriate time." He added, "For the time being, you can consider me to be directly serving as the economic control tower."
Choo also stated, "Cooperation from the central government is essential for local issues and future projects because local governments have weak finances and economic power," adding, "I will also speak with the Democratic Party of Korea and work to secure the necessary cooperation."
Regarding whether the statue of former President Park Chung Hee installed at the plaza at Dongdaegu Station should remain, he said, "We are currently awaiting the court's ruling. We will make a decision after reviewing the issues and the outcome."

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