New Opportunities
for Bogatynia

- In what respect will this term of office in Bogatynia differ from the previous one? Do you intend to verify directions for the development of the town and municipality or continue the existing policy?
- Bogatynia will see a complete change. First of all, I would like to run the town based on a close contact with local community. Such approach requires transparency and openness in day-to-day operations of the Town and Municipal Council. Local residents need to know that decisions bringing about change cannot be taken without their participation. As a result, if reforms are to be prepared, they need to be based on consultations with different circles, such as health care and education workers, as well as local businessmen.

- What aspects of economic and cultural life will be given the priority?
- First of all, a lot of investments are planned. The construction of a transborder Prague - Dresden road will be of significant importance, as it will greatly improve the municipality's infrastructure. Also the modernization of no. 354 Radomierzyce - Sieniawka road will play an important role there. In both cases, Dolnośląski Zarząd Dróg Wojewódzkich (The Dolnośląskie Province Road Authority) will be the investor. Moreover, it is necessary to complete the construction of the beltway in the town of Bogatynia. Plans are made to divert traffic from the downtown and create pedestrian area there. Because of the decrease in birth rate observed in Poland, it will be necessary to reorganize school network to the benefit of children and youth. A sports center, where young people can spend their free time and improve their health will be built. We will also reform the health care in order to improve the quality of medical services and ensure easy access to them. Last but not least, we will modernize the water supply and sewerage network in the municipality.

Another item on our reform agenda will be the modernization and adaptation to living quarters of the facilities of Provincial Hospital for the Mentally Ill and Neurotic Persons. Due to a small number of council houses, the municipality must complete this task. Another important issue is the reclamation of the downtown, and in particular the Lusatian development, which is a flagship of our town.
In order to improve the comfort of local residents, we will also introduce public transportation in the town and customer service center at the Town Council. Other major tasks in this term of office will include the preparation of investment sites and housing construction. Undoubtedly, this will result in the expansion of our town and the growth in employment as a result.
- What instruments do you intend to use and will you acquire EU funds, which will come to Poland in large numbers?
- First of all, we need to prepare the Council and its employees for the development of EU projects and teach them how to effectively apply for them. Close cooperation with the Provincial Council and government agencies is indispensable for this purpose. Because of our location, cooperation with partners in the Czech Republic and Germany and joint implementation of projects within the Association of Three Towns Small Triangle Bogatynia - Hradek nad Nisou - Zittau may prove one of the most important instruments.
- What opportunities and dangers can this term of office bring?
- The opportunities are numerous. First of all, these are investments that are the driving force for the development of our municipality. We also see our future in very young, ambitious and full of potential personnel who work with firm commitment on behalf of municipal development. Our major strength is the favorable location and open borders that facilitate tourist traffic. Due to the fact that for several years the municipality was in stagnation, the largest threat we face is public resistance and fear of the indispensable change.

Danuta Marcinkowska