Japan Press Weekly

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2008 July 23 - 29 [JCP]

Three communist mayors give speeches at JCP 86th anniversary event

At the Japanese Communist Party speech assembly held in Tokyo on July 22 to mark its 86th founding anniversary, three out of nine communist mayors spoke: Kikuchi Yukihiko of Minamimaki Village, Nagano Prefecture; Shimada Masayoshi of Fukusaki Town, Hyogo Prefecture; and Yano Yutaka of Komae City, Tokyo.

Minamimaki Village Head Kikuchi Yukihiko
“Around this time last year, I was engaged in lettuce and cabbage growing and never dreamed of speaking from this podium at this assembly marking the JCP’s anniversary.

Since I took office in November, I have tried to reach out to many residents and organizations in order to know their problems and requests. I think I compiled a village budget that would satisfy most of the requests I received, particularly in childcare. The village office has reduced fees for the childcare center by 20 percent. It now pays all expenses for regular maternity checkups. This program has been welcomed by many young couples who now say they can afford to have another baby. To secure resources for funding for social services, we reduced wasteful public works projects by 12 percent and I took a 30 percent pay cut. The village office holds regular meeting with farmers, the agricultural cooperative, and other agricultural organizations to discuss ways to protect and develop our agriculture. As a communist mayor, I am being tested over how to use tax money.

The main industries of the Minamimaki Village are agriculture and tourism. Please come and visit our village, a brilliant arch of stars will welcome you all.”

Fukusaki Town Head Shimada Masayoshi
“I hold on to my principles in dealing with the town’s personnel affairs, budget, and bidding for contracts because these are important elements in my effort to promote a clean and fair town administration. Also important is information disclosure and an improvement in the quality of town officials. Their major work is to provide the public better services, make various programs, and draft the budget. If they act in the interests of the townspeople, we will see town administration improve. I call on every resident to participate in building a self-sustaining town. To let them join in this work, it is essential to disclose information and share it with the townspeople.

I explain to the residents that my administration is guided by the Japanese Constitution.”

Komae City Mayor Yano Yutaka
“I make it a rule to get the cooperation of residents in carrying out the tasks of the city administration. Four years ago, when the central government drastically cut its funding for local governments, I decided to push ahead with administrative reform with residents cooperating in various areas. Residents now voluntarily patrol neighborhoods and areas near schools to keep the streets safe. As a result, the crime rate has dropped 35 percent in the last four years, making Komae the safest among Tokyo’s 49 cities, including 23 wards. The residents also take initiatives in reducing or recycling garbage and actively participate in the promotion of art featuring Komae City.

I want to assure you that I will put all my energy into these efforts so that what we are doing can inspire all those who are seeking to achieve change in politics throughout the country.” - Akahata, July 23, 2008