Yeongdeok-gun chief-elect Jo Ju-hong vows 'upright governance' to revitalize county

Jo Ju-hong was elected Yeongdeok-gun chief in the 9th nationwide simultaneous local elections.

In a victory statement Thursday, Jo said the win belonged to all residents of Yeongdeok who had hoped for change and progress. "I will take the will of the people to heart and do my utmost for the development of Yeongdeok and the happiness of its residents," he said.

He pledged to repay voters with results without losing sight of his original intentions. He added that he would become a "sales county chief" — working closely with the central government, North Gyeongsang Province and the National Assembly — to lay the groundwork for Yeongdeok's growth.

Jo also extended thanks to the other candidates he had competed against. "The election is over, and now is the time to move forward as a united Yeongdeok," he said. "I will keep an open mind and reflect good policies and proposals in county governance."

On the push to attract a new nuclear power plant to the county, Jo said he would make residents' wishes the top priority and pursue the project responsibly. "I will develop the energy industry into a new growth engine for Yeongdeok and channel it into creating quality jobs and revitalizing the local economy," he said.

Jo said every resident of Yeongdeok was precious to him, whether they had supported him or another candidate. "I will not draw lines between sides, but pursue governance built on unity and harmony — and I will make 'upright governance and a Yeongdeok on the move again' a reality," he said.