Chungju Mayor-elect registers residency outside official home, residence to be sold

Chungju Mayor-elect Chu Kyo-ho has officially registered his residency in Buk District, marking a departure from the traditional use of the official mayoral residence. The move, completed on June 22 at the Chimsan 2-dong administrative welfare center, signifies his commitment to practical governance and fiscal prudence. Chu has entered into a lease agreement for an apartment in Chimsan-dong, a location close to the Chungju City Hall's Sanggyeok building.

The transition team emphasized that this decision symbolizes Chu's firm resolve to implement a pragmatic administration focused on reducing unnecessary budget expenditures. "This is a symbolic measure that shows a firm commitment to implementing a pragmatic administration that reduces unnecessary budget expenditures," the transition committee stated. The decision also considers various public opinions and demands for improving the management of local government residences, reflecting Chu's emphasis on on-site communication.

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This is a symbolic measure that shows a firm commitment to implementing a pragmatic administration that reduces unnecessary budget expenditures.

Chu Kyo-ho stated, "The change and innovation in Chungju begin with small actions." He added, "By reducing the burden of managing the official residence and redirecting those funds for citizens, I will practice a practical and responsible administration." The official mayoral residence, which has been maintained since the appointed mayoral period in 1949, is now scheduled for sale in accordance with relevant regulations.

This move aligns with a broader national trend. The Ministry of Interior and Safety recommended in 2022 that all local governments abolish official residences for heads of local governments and implement a principle of self-funding for operational costs. While former Mayor Hong Joon-pyo had previously renamed the residence a 'dormitory' and amended ordinances to have users cover management fees, Chu's decision to forgo the residence entirely and sell it marks a more definitive break from past practices. The last mayor to not utilize the official residence was Kim Beom-il during his terms in the 4th and 5th local elections.

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The change and innovation in Chungju begin with small actions. By reducing the burden of managing the official residence and redirecting those funds for citizens, I will practice a practical and responsible administration.