Mayor Choi Hyeon-deok: 'Citizens' voices are the starting point for Namyangju's transformation'
Namyangju has launched a direct text message service that allows residents to submit complaints and suggestions straight to Mayor Choi Hyeon-deok, as part of an effort to strengthen communication with citizens and bring local government closer to the community.
According to the city Tuesday, the service lets residents send text messages directly to the mayor about everyday inconveniences or opinions on city administration, with responses delivered once each case is processed.
Any resident can use the service without going through complicated procedures — a text to the dedicated number is all it takes to flag a lifestyle concern or share a view on city policy.
Once received, complaints are reviewed and promptly assigned to the relevant department, which examines the matter, takes necessary action and notifies the resident of the outcome by text. The city plans to manage the entire process — intake, assignment, handling and response — in a systematic manner.
The service was designed to bring the city closer to residents' everyday concerns and ensure that on-the-ground voices are reflected in administration more quickly.
The city expects the service to deepen public engagement by giving residents a direct channel to the mayor and a way to track how their concerns are resolved.
The city intends to run the service not merely as a complaint-handling channel but as a citizen-centered platform through which public feedback actively shapes improvements to city policy and administrative services.
"Citizens' voices are the most important starting point for Namyangju's transformation in an era of civic sovereignty," Mayor Choi said. "We will listen carefully to every text our residents send, resolve what can be resolved quickly, and provide thorough explanations where solutions are difficult — that is the responsible governance we are committed to."
The city plans to continue expanding field-based, communication-driven administration so that residents' diverse opinions translate into tangible improvements in policy and public services.
pjh@heraldcorp.com
