What would you do for the city if you were mayor?

Compiled by GIC Gwangju Team (Jo A-ra, Kim Yoo-joong, Kim So-hyun, Park Eun-young and Catherine Tokah

Erwan Mugit, Bruneian Student

If I were mayor, I would start from the bottom and consider what makes minorities into minorities. I would listen to what they have to say and build a foundation toward a more inclusive system of justice and work my way through towards creating peace and harmony. My goal would be to go against discrimination and aim towards unity.

Male, 34, Korean, activist for university students,

Parking problems make me crazy. Even though there are not enough parking lots, the city regulates illegal parking. I think it would be better if the regulation were removed at night and commenced once people have gone to work. I also hope the teenagers’ cultural facilities are expanded. It would be great if healthy facilities for teens were built.

Edwin Jelenggai, Malaysian Exchange Student

As mayor, I would make sure that the laws are being enforced. There would be no corruption in administrating the law or in terms of finances. I would also be a representative for the people to address any problems with the federal government. I would make sure that I am always aware of the people’s problems and regularly participate in various activities or charity events. As for city development, I would need to be smart when it comes to planning. For example, I would build parks and commercial shopping complexes and make sure people are given equal rights to do business.

Male, 27, Korean, Korean university student

If I was the Gwangju Mayor, I would make policies like this: firstly, I would stabilize housing prices or build rental houses to prevent some people from going to Seoul. Then I would create more jobs by inviting new enterprises. Important things are to increase labor supply and ease taxes. Next, I think Gwangju has to expand cultural facilities. The Asian Culture Complex will soon be completed, but we need our own high-quality cultural facilities that are worthy of the name “Cultural City of Gwangju.” Furthermore, there are transportation problems. Constructing the No.2 subway line has to be fast for everyone’s convenience. I would also try to decrease the transportation charge for taxis and buses. In the case of buses, expanding routes and increasing service hours are also urgently needed.

Cho Yong Sun, Korean, Student

If I were the mayor of Gwangju, I would build some connections. First of all, I would connect magazines with local people. I think major magazine publications do not care about local news. People thus always want to know what happens in Gwangju in more detail. Secondly, I would build relationships between magazines and university students.

Daniel Juseong Jeon, Korean Student

If I were mayor, I would change the education system in Gwangju. As Germany threw out their indoctrination system after World War II, I would change the education system so children could know the real happiness of learning. I would analyze foreign countries’ education systems… I would build up a foundation to encourage students to question and to challenge. I would make many kinds of contests to help students think in creative ways. I would organize forums or meetings with representatives of each social class. By listening to their opinions, I might realize what I need to do in the future.

Juan Mendoza, Filipino Exchange Student

If I were the mayor of my city, I would implement a better system for public vehicles. In the Philippines, there are lots of ways to use public transportation, but our government is not implementing a good transportation system. Vehicles can stop anywhere they want to. There is no signage anywhere. Not having an organized traffic system affects all citizens. According to on one study by Japanese researchers, Filipinos are losing millions of dollars in our GNP just because of heavy traffic, wasting time waiting instead of doing productive activities.

Female, 23, Korean, university student

Honestly, I voted for the other candidate and in my opinion, this new mayor has benefited from the party because many Gwangju citizens tend to vote with consideration for the party, not the individual candidate. Therefore, I am a little bit worried that he is not suited for the position, and I will see how the new mayor will meet the citizens’ expectations for the next 4 years.