The chairperson of the provincial council, (김태석) Kim Tae-seok, criticized governor Won Hee-ryong at a recent press conference for the conflicts over the island's second airport.

He says he will propose a revision bill to ban construction of the new airport in conservation zones before the announcement of the basic plan for the Jeju’s second airport construction in this October.

Mike Balfour reports.

[slug] Chair of provincial council requests public opinion poll on new airport

The chairperson of the provincial council, (김태석) Kim Tae-seok, has publicly requested that islanders opinions over the island’s second airport be collected by the province.

[slug] Governor refuses public survey

However, governor Won Heeryong refused the request as the airport construction is a national project that the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport will determine.

[slug] Kim: Won changes position on public opinion collection

At a press conference held to mark the first year of Kim’s term in office, the chairperson said that the governor mentioned the need for public opinion while campaigning. He asserted that Won changed his position after he was elected, which has intensified conflict.

Recording
Kim Tae-seok / Chairperson, Provincial council
Won promised to seek and reflect public opinion on the second airport creation. But he changed his position.
<씽크:김태석 /제주도의회 의장>
"공론화 과정을 거쳐서 추진해 나가겠다 그렇게 표현한게 원희룡 지사였습니다. 그것을 본인이 번복하고 있잖아요."

[slug] Kim: Voices of potentially affected residents should be considered first
The chairperson said that voices of residents who would be affected by the creation of the new airport should first be considered.

[slug] Kim: Islanders’ voice must reach land ministry

He stressed, therefore, that the province should seek islanders’ opinions and Seoul should make a decision based on what islanders want.

[slug] Kim: Planning meeting with Land Minister

He added that he is planning a meeting with the minister of transport with assistance from one of the Jeju representatives at the National Assembly. If the meeting happens, he will emphasize the need of islanders’ opinions.

Recording
Kim Tae-seok / Chairperson, Provincial council
It is the duty of responsible politicians and administrators to let Seoul hear islander’s voices, results of open discussion or opinion polls.
<씽크:김태석/제주도의회 의장>
"책임있는 정치, 책임있는 행정을 하는 사람이라면 공론화든 여론조사든 어떤 형태로든 도민 의견이 이렇다는 것을 중앙정부에 알릴 필요가 있다."

[slug] Kim criticizes Won’s remarks of few councilors requesting public survey

Kim strongly criticized Won’s remarks that only a few councilors requested islanders’ opinions.

Recording
Kim Tae-seok / Chairperson, Provincial council
Won ignores the request saying it is made only by the chair and a few councilors. His remarks can be translated as a lack of effort to work with the council.
<씽크:김태석/제주도의회 의장>
"의장과 일부 의원의 주장이라고 폄훼해버리면 그런 의회를 무시하는 발언은 의회와 같이 안가겠다는 그런 뜻으로 밖에 생각 안됩니다."

[Reporter] Mike Balfour
[Camera] Park Byeong-june

The chairperson added that he will bring in a revised bill to ban construction of an airport in conservation zones before the October presentation of the basic plan for Jeju’s second airport construction.

Mike Balfour, KCTV