Greetings. My name is Kazutoshi Komura and I am the new mayor of Kure as of November 19^th, 2005. I appreciate the enthusiastic support of so many of Kure’s citizens.

During the course of my administration, all decisions and judgments I make will be with the future of Kure and its citizens in mind. With a view toward transparent administration as my goal, I will strive to keep the decision making process open and accessible to the citizens of Kure.

I would like to put forward to policies that can respond to the many challenges that we now face, including a declining birthrate and an aging society. It is my goal for all citizens of Kure to live at ease in an energetic city so that we can foster hope for future generations. I hope to form a partnership with you, the citizens of Kure, so that we may meet the challenging issues of modern society.

1) Children and Educational Issues
 The downward trend in the birthrate has not been stemmed recently. Schools have been merged as the number of students has fallen. Unless the decline in the birthrate is halted, it will be difficult to restore vitality to the society. I will promote policies that help working mothers raise their children without anxiety.

2) Partnership with Citizens
 As mayor, I will disclose information to the citizens as much as possible and try to achieve a fair and transparent administration. I will value dialogue with each citizen and I would like my administration to be respondent to their needs. I wish to build a new administration based on the partnering of the city with citizens.

3) Administration and Financial Reform
 Since our fiscal situation is now in critical condition, we need to strongly promote administrative and budgetary reform. In public administration, a fine line must be drawn between public and private resource in order to create the best combination. It is important that we strive for improvement in services to citizens while not relying to greatly on already strained public resources. I wish to push ahead with reform that will maximize the involvement of the private sector in providing necessary services.

4) Urban Welfare
 I will make every effort to ensure that our elderly citizens have the support and care that they require. We must maintain the high life expectancy our citizens enjoy, and make full use of our advantaged position on the Seto Inland Sea.

5) Realization of Kure
 I will deal decisively with the declining birthrate and our rapidly aging population. Also, I will improve Kure’s vitality by using its many resources.

6) Health and Safely
 In order to ensure the continuing health and safety of all citizens, I will strive to improve the lifelines of community health and enhance fire prevention and emergency response services.

7) Environmental Concerns
 To create a recycling society and reducing the amount of waste, the participation of the citizens is indispensable. I therefore will push to improve our infrastructure’s ability to dispose of domestic waste.

8) New Merging of Municipalities
As our city grows and envelops other municipalities, I will built on existing programs and steadily carry them out. I plan to form a consistent policy with regard to merging with other municipalities.

I appreciate any comments, suggestions, or requests you may have. Please feel free to leave them at our office or on our website.