Key Facts:
Mitsuyuki Segawa, aged 63, was elected as the mayor of Saikai City following the recent election held on April 20. This marks his first term as mayor, succeeding the previous administration. In an interview, Segawa shared his insights on the challenges identified during the campaign and his vision for the city’s future.
Segawa highlighted the pressing issue of population decline and the increasing number of vacant houses in the city. He plans to implement policies that repurpose these vacant properties to attract new residents from outside the city. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of creating a community where elderly residents can live independently and securely.
Addressing the record-low voter turnout, Segawa expressed concern over the political disengagement of younger generations. To encourage participation, he proposed introducing mobile polling stations at schools, allowing students with voting rights to cast their ballots during school hours.
Segawa’s primary focus as mayor will be on industrial development. He aims to boost employment opportunities and increase municipal tax revenue by fostering growth across various industries. In the agricultural sector, he plans to promote the sixth industrialization model, which integrates production, processing, and distribution, to enhance product value and establish local brands.
One of Segawa’s campaign promises was to address the lack of medical services in Sakito Town. Acknowledging the difficulty of securing physicians, he intends to collaborate with the prefectural government and medical associations to expedite solutions. His goal is to ensure residents have access to reliable primary care.
Regarding public transportation, Segawa noted the ongoing reduction of bus routes in the city. He plans to assess the current state of private bus companies and conduct surveys to identify community needs, which will inform the development of a sustainable community transportation system.
Segawa also emphasized his strengths in negotiation and collaboration with both prefectural and national governments. He intends to leverage these skills to address challenges promptly and effectively, while utilizing his network to compensate for any gaps in expertise.
Looking ahead, Segawa envisions Saikai City as a vibrant and resilient community that appeals to all generations. He aims to foster a sense of pride among residents by highlighting the city’s unique charm, distinct from urban areas.
Source: Saikai City Mayoral Election Results
Mitsuyuki Segawa, 63, was elected as the mayor of Saikai City on April 20, marking the start of his first term. Segawa identified key challenges during his campaign, including population decline and the rise in vacant houses. He plans to repurpose these properties to attract new residents and create a community where elderly citizens can live independently and securely.
To address low voter turnout, particularly among younger generations, Segawa proposed mobile polling stations at schools to encourage student participation. His primary focus as mayor will be industrial development, aiming to boost employment and municipal tax revenue. In agriculture, he intends to promote the sixth industrialization model, enhancing product value and establishing local brands.
Segawa also pledged to resolve the lack of medical services in Sakito Town by collaborating with the prefectural government and medical associations to secure primary care physicians. Regarding public transportation, he plans to assess private bus companies and conduct community surveys to develop a sustainable system.
Highlighting his negotiation skills, Segawa aims to work closely with prefectural and national governments to address challenges effectively. He envisions Saikai City as a vibrant, resilient community that appeals to all generations, fostering pride among its residents.
Source: Saikai City Mayoral Election Results
