With Full Disclosure

In Panorama we systematically present the output, experiences and expectations of local governments in cities across Poland. We must admit that although their history is not long, they are increasingly successful.
Rawa Mazowiecka is a town with a population of 20 thousand located in the center of Poland at the expressway leading from Warsaw to Prague, 75 km. away from Warsaw and 60 km. from Łódź. The neighborhood of these demanding partners obliges local authorities and the residents of Rawa to care for the quality of services rendered and accentuate the strong points of the city.
The ISO 9001 Quality Management System that is being implemented in the City Hall in Rawa is one its major advantages.  The City Hall with the cooperation of consultants from the Umbrella organization are implementing the program as partners, which in the

 

short term aims at systematic and purposeful improvement of municipal management methods. It should also help to create a favorable image of the municipality and avoid unsuccessful decisions and enterprises. The primary goal of the program, however, is the best possible adjustment of services rendered by the city to suit the needs of its residents, increase public trust in local authorities and optimize management of its financial means.
This process will consequently lead to the award of the ISO 9001 quality certificate. The conditions to be fulfilled by the City Hall are strict. Local authorities must clearly define their goals and deadlines for their implementation, precisely allocate responsibilities and agree to impartial supervision. In addition, they will be subjected to independent audits and City Hall personnel are expected to constantly improve their qualifications. What is more, all this must be done with full disclosure. Rawa Mazowiecka is one of the first municipalities in Poland that has decided to undergo the procedure. This is why the award of the certificate is regarded as being very prestigious.
However, this is not the only factor that distinguishes Rawa Mazowiecka from other cities in Poland. The town has worked out a strategy for its social and economic development that reaches to the year 2010. The implementation of the program will help to transform Rawa Mazowiecka into a modern city that is friendly to its residents and effectively uses its resources and strong points, such as its close proximity to two large urban centers. This is a bonus that must be appreciated.

The strategy has assumed three equal goals. First comes the economic activation of the town and municipality, which is related to its attractive location. This means the creation of conditions for the development of entrepreneurship and the city's active support by means of creating a Ťclimate for investmentť (investment sites, infrastructure and financial leaves).
The second goal is its growth as a strong provincial administrative center with supraregional character. The third goal is related to enhancing the living standards of local residents, developing construction and services, improving the road system and caring for the natural environment and safety. At present, modernization of the town heating system is being carried out by Zakład Energetyki Cieplnej in cooperation with the World Bank. In the framework of promoting pro-ecological activities, the World Bank is covering half of the investment costs.
Another strong point of Rawa Mazowiecka is its human potential in its well-qualified young work force, especially in the field of mechanics, electromechanics, commerce and textiles. This is of importance when locating new investments, for which the city is well prepared. What is more, Rawa Mazowiceka avails of two large industrial zones equipped with a proper infrastructure and covering an area of 40 ha. In addition, city authorities look favorably at new economic initiatives and create favorable development conditions for investors. Apart from business, Rawa Mazowiecka provides vast opportunities for relaxation. As it is a city with a 750 years-long history, it has many historic sights, the most precious being the keep of an old castle of the Mazovia princes and a fortification from 1355-1370. In the neighborhood of the fortification, a blues music festival is held every last weekend of May. Also, a catholic church built in late baroque style, a protestant church from the 16th c. and a settlement from the turn of 14th c are among local attractions.
Lovers of nature will be attracted by the
 

nature reserve that spreads along the Rawka River where beavers can be found. Spending time in Rawa Mazowiecka at the Tatar water reservoir for example is also an attractive form of relaxation. The recently opened sports hall with modern facilities is another option.
Rawa Mazowiecka may not be easily found on the map, but once you become acquainted with it, you are not likely to forget it.