Basic society, energy transition and local circular economy among key priorities
Yeongam-gun chief Woo Seung-hee launched the ninth elected-term county administration on July 1 at the Samho General Culture and Sports Center, with about 500 residents, heads of institutions and civic organizations, and local community members in attendance, unveiling "Shining Yeongam in an Era of Great Transformation" as his governing vision.
Woo began his first official duties that day with a visit to the memorial tower at Yeongam Park to pay his respects.
His first signed document was a plan to attract corporate investment linked to the expansion of the Daebul National Industrial Complex, in preparation for the development of a southwestern semiconductor cluster. The move signaled the administration's intent to proactively secure future growth engines for Yeongam through the cultivation of advanced industries and the strengthening of the Daebul complex's competitiveness.
The inauguration ceremony featured an oath of office, an inaugural address, congratulatory video messages and a vision performance. The county presented four core values for the ninth term: realizing a basic-welfare society, leading an energy transition, fostering future industries and expanding the local circular economy — a vision it said would be pursued together with residents to build a sustainable future for Yeongam.
A highlight of the ceremony came when a child presented Woo with a symbolic letter of appointment, expressing a wish for him to make Yeongam a happier and more vibrant place — a moment that drew a warm response from those in attendance.
The county plans to focus on several key priorities during the ninth term: laying the groundwork for Yeongam-style rural and energy basic income programs, upgrading its integrated care system — which previously received a presidential commendation — and expanding support for youth tuition, housing and employment. It also aims to develop an RE100 industrial complex and an energy new town, transform agricultural policy and revitalize the local circular economy. Alongside this, the county said it would broaden resident self-governance and public participation to deliver policy outcomes that residents can feel in their daily lives.
After the ceremony, Woo visited households enrolled in a specialized integrated care project, joining volunteers in delivering nutritious meals and providing tailored exercise guidance — wrapping up his first official day of the ninth term with a grassroots outing among residents.
"If the eighth term was a time to confirm the potential for change and innovation, the ninth term will be a time to complete that innovation as outcomes that ordinary residents feel in their daily lives," Woo said. "I will work together with residents to build Yeongam into a basic-welfare city where ordinary citizens are respected, young people return and the elderly live happily."
sij@heraldcorp.com
