Japan Press Weekly

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2013 December 4 - 10 [OKINAWA]

Incumbent candidate makes a ‘No base’ promise in Nago mayoral race

Nago City Mayor Inamine Susumu, in seeking reelection in the mayoral race slated for January 19, announced that he will make voters a promise to reject the plan for a new U.S. base to be constructed in Nago City.

Inamine on December 5 said, “I will work to make Nago City known for its creative community planning, not for the hosting of a U.S. base.”

After anti-base candidate Inamine became mayor four years ago, the central government reduced the amount of its subsidy to Nago City as a retaliatory measure, a subsidy which is normally allocated to base hosting municipalities. As a countermeasure, he increased the amount of the city budget used to promote more jobs in local businesses.

Inamine will run on a campaign platform calling for improvements in education and childcare support including a goal of zero children waiting for childcare services and establishment of facilities for children; activation of local economies including locally-oriented public works projects and financial support for young people’s skill training; improvement of local industries; and promotion of tourism.

Two others announced their candidacies. They, however, accept or even promote the Futenma base relocation to the Henoko district in Nago City.

The Okinawa Prefectural Committee of the Japanese Communist Party has officially decided to support Inamine Susumu as he takes a strong stand against the construction of a new U.S. base.