Absolute power in officialdom

Chapter 336 The Powerful County Party Secretary

Lin Xue took a sip of water and asked, "Zhiyuan, do you know how the former county magistrate of Qingyan County got into trouble?"

Wu Zhiyuan shook his head: "I'm not quite sure."

Lin Xue said, "The problems verified by the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection amounted to just over one million yuan. To be honest, that amount of money is less than what a village chief could earn."

His troubles were a setup, orchestrated because of a woman.

Lin Xue didn't go into too much detail, so Wu Zhiyuan didn't press her for more information.

Lin Xue said seriously, "Zhiyuan, the reason I'm telling you this is to remind you that things are very complicated in Qingyan County. There are people who specifically target the weaknesses of leading cadres."

You are capable, promising, and a key young cadre that the organization is focusing on developing.

But it is precisely at times like these that we must be more vigilant.

Being clean in one's finances is the bottom line; being discreet in one's lifestyle is the red line.

Remember, as long as you act uprightly and honestly, no one can find fault with you.

But if you loosen your grip even slightly, someone might take advantage of the situation.

You should learn from the lessons of the previous county magistrate.

Wu Zhiyuan nodded solemnly: "Secretary Lin, I've got it."

Lin Xue nodded and continued, "Besides managing yourself well, you also need to learn to unite with others."

Qingyan County is not just Yuan Jin and Wang Chengtang. There are four sets of leadership teams: the county party committee, the county government, the county people's congress, and the county political consultative conference. There are so many cadres, it's impossible that they are all their people.

You need to quickly figure out who truly wants to do things, is capable of doing things, and can get things done; who is just observing the situation and wavering; and who might oppose you.

We must unite all forces that can be united, especially those cadres who are frustrated but capable, and those who are dissatisfied with the status quo and hope for change.

Bringing these people together is a crucial foundation for carrying out your work.

You need to get to know the deputy county head and the heads of various bureaus and offices in the government as soon as possible and win their support.

We should humble ourselves, listen to their opinions, respect those who deserve respect, and delegate authority where appropriate.

Only by mobilizing the enthusiasm of the majority can you gain a firm foothold.

Wu Zhiyuan listened and took notes.

He knew that if it weren't for his special relationship with Lin Xue, she wouldn't have spoken so in such detail and so frankly.

These days, there are many people clinking glasses and exchanging toasts, but few who truly confide in each other.

At this point, Lin Xue was more like an older sister or friend than a leader.

"Also, Zhiyuan, you've just arrived, don't rush to make a big splash like a new broom sweeping clean."

Qingyan County has a complex situation and many long-standing problems. As a newcomer, you haven't fully grasped the situation yet. If you rashly start a fire, you could easily burn yourself and also ignite some unexpected conflicts.

What you need to do first is to sink down.

Visit townships more often, go to the grassroots level more often, hold more symposiums, and listen to the voices of ordinary cadres and people.

They thoroughly understood the county's situation, the people's sentiments, its industrial base, its strengths and weaknesses, and the root causes of its conflicts in Qingyan County.

Think during the research, and form ideas through thinking.

Your development strategy must be based on solid research, conform to the realities of Qingyan County, and be able to solve the problems of Qingyan County.

When the time is right, plan carefully before acting, and make your move only after you've made a firm decision. When you do act, be steady, accurate, and ruthless to establish your authority.

Remember, sometimes inaction is wiser than reckless action, and slow cooking brings out more flavor than fast cooking.

Lin Xue said earnestly, "One last thing, Zhiyuan, when you go to Qingyan, you must pay special attention to the proper way you conduct yourself."

You are young, energetic, and have ideas; these are your advantages.

However, being too sharp and outspoken can easily make one a target.

Your predecessor, the county head, was capable, but he was too eager to show off and change the situation. As a result, he offended too many people, suffered setbacks, and failed to make any progress in his work.

When he chaired his first county mayor's office meeting, he reprimanded several deputy county mayors, saying they were ineffective and had unclear thinking.

And what happened? They didn't say anything to his face, but they tripped him up behind his back, and he couldn't budge them no matter what he tried.

Wu Zhiyuan solemnly reported: "Secretary Lin, I will pay attention to this, keeping a low profile in my personal life but making a high profile in my work."

I will never flaunt my abilities, nor will I rush to establish authority or make hasty judgments upon assuming office.

Lin Xue nodded: "You can keep your sharpness in your heart, instead of showing it on your face."

Your talent is recognized by the organization and by the cadres and the masses sooner or later; there's no need to rush to show it off.

The surface of Qingyan Pool is calm, but beneath it, currents surge. The more you restrain your sharpness, the clearer you can see the depths of the water, and the better you can avoid those unseen reefs.

Lin Xue stood up and said, "Zhiyuan, I've said everything I needed to say. I won't personally see you off as you take up your new post."

It is unprecedented and inappropriate for a municipal party secretary to appoint a county head.

I will visit Qingyan County at an appropriate time to conduct research, support you, and encourage you.

Wu Zhiyuan also stood up: "Secretary Lin, thank you for your teachings and reminders. I will keep them in mind."

Please rest assured, I will be cautious in my words and actions, unite with my colleagues, conduct in-depth research, find the right path, and never let you down or fail the trust placed in me by the organization. I will strive to achieve great things in Qingyan County!

"Okay, I believe you." Lin Xue reached out and squeezed Wu Zhiyuan's hand tightly. "Zhiyuan, a million people in Qingyan County are watching you, the organization is watching you, and I am watching you too."

……

A meeting of all county-level leaders was held.

All county-level leaders who were at home, township party secretaries, township heads, and principal leaders of county-level departments attended the meeting.

County Party Secretary Yuan Jin presided over the meeting.

Besides Yuan Jin and Wu Zhiyuan, those sitting on the dais included Wang Yuanyuan, the executive deputy director of the municipal party committee's organization department in charge of daily work, and Wang Chengtang, the newly appointed deputy secretary of the county party committee.

Wang Yuanyuan read out the municipal party committee's decision and introduced the resumes of comrades Wu Zhiyuan and Wang Chengtang, spouting the same old platitudes about comprehensive consideration, repeated deliberation, and careful research.

Then, Wu Zhiyuan made a statement: "Respected Minister Wang, Secretary Yuan, comrades:

I sincerely thank the Municipal Party Committee for their trust and responsibility, and I thank the cadres and people of Qingyan County for their acceptance and welcome.

I feel deeply honored and also deeply responsible to be able to work in Qingyan County and become one of the million people of Qingyan.

Qingyan County boasts a long history, rich culture, superior location, and abundant resources.

For a long time, under the strong leadership of the municipal party committee and the municipal government, and under the united leadership of successive county party committees and county governments, the people of Qingyan have worked hard and forged ahead, laying a solid foundation for future development.

In particular, in recent years, under the leadership of the county party committee headed by Comrade Yuan Jin, the county's economic and social development has made new progress.

"I feel extremely honored and cherish the opportunity to come to this land and fight alongside everyone..."

Wu Zhiyuan made five points of statement.

Next, Wang Yuanyuan spoke, expressing her hopes.

Finally, Yuan Jin made a statement, expressing her firm support for and complete obedience to the municipal party committee's decision, and her active support and full cooperation with Comrade Wu Zhiyuan's work. However, these were all just platitudes and official jargon.

In the afternoon, Wu Zhiyuan lowered his stance and went to Yuan Jin's office.

Before even entering, I could hear Yuan Jin's angry voice.

Wu Zhiyuan stood outside the door.

A short while later, a middle-aged man emerged, looking disheveled.

"Hello, County Chief Wu." The middle-aged man greeted Wu Zhiyuan respectfully.

Wu Zhiyuan did not recognize this man.

At that moment, Yuan Jin's voice came from inside: "Is this County Magistrate Zhiyuan?"

Wu Zhiyuan responded, "Secretary Yuan, it's me."

"Come in," Yuan Jin said in a neutral tone.

Wu Zhiyuan pushed open the door and went in, and saw that Yuan Jin's face was gloomy and her anger had not subsided.

Seeing him come in, Yuan Jin forced a smile and pointed to the chair opposite him: "Zhiyuan is here, have a seat."

Wu Zhiyuan sat in the chair opposite Yuan Jin's desk.

Yuan Jin picked up the teacup on the table and took a big gulp: "The one who just went out was the director of the county construction bureau, named Liu Mingda."

"They can't even handle such a small matter, and they still insist on giving me objective reasons. It's simply outrageous!"

Wu Zhiyuan's heart skipped a beat. The Construction Bureau was a department of the county government, and the fact that the bureau chief was summoned and reprimanded by the county party secretary itself sent a certain signal.

He remained calm and followed up, asking, "Secretary Yuan, is there some problem with the work at the Construction Bureau?"

Yuan Jin slammed her teacup down: "The Jinxiu Jiayuan resettlement housing project in the county town has been delayed for almost two years!"

The residents whose homes were demolished petitioned every day, and the city government intervened several times.

When I made the decision, I explicitly required them to complete the project within a specified timeframe!

And what happened? Liu Mingda came to me today and said there were problems with funding, disputes with the construction team, and supply shortages of materials—a whole host of difficulties!

I don't think it's because there are too many difficulties, but because he, the bureau chief, is incompetent, afraid to take responsibility, and afraid to confront tough issues!

Wu Zhiyuan listened without saying a word.

The resettlement housing project involves people's livelihood, and it is indeed inappropriate to delay it for two years. However, the reasons behind this are probably not something that Liu Mingda can decide on his own.

Yuan Jin became increasingly angry as she spoke, tapping her fingers on the table: "This kind of livelihood project, which is related to the vital interests of the people, the image of the county, and the prestige of the county party committee and government, must be accelerated without any conditions or discounts!"

I've already told Liu Mingda that he must provide me with a practical solution and a timeline for implementation within two weeks. If he continues to shirk responsibility and pass the buck, he can quit his job as bureau chief!

Yuan Jin paused, then softened her tone: "Zhiyuan, you've just arrived, so you might not know yet."

In Qingyan County, some departments and some officials are lazy and negligent in their duties, like a millstone that only moves when pushed and won't move if not pushed.

Such cadres should not be treated with leniency; they should be criticized where necessary and reassigned where appropriate!

When you take charge of government work in the future, you must also have this kind of courage.

Those cadres who are disobedient and inactive should be removed from their posts!

Wu Zhiyuan nodded: "Key livelihood projects really can't afford to be delayed."

I will pay close attention to the work of the Construction Bureau and urge them to resolve the issues as soon as possible and advance the project construction.

Yuan Jin picked up her teacup, took a sip, and said calmly, "Zhiyuan, government work can be complicated or simple."

The key is to grasp the essentials and stay on track.

What is the biggest reality facing Qingyan County right now? It's that its development is not fast enough and of low quality, but it also faces many historical problems and pressure to maintain stability.

He put down his teacup and tapped his fingers lightly on the table: "Therefore, the first priority in government work is stability. Stability is paramount, and progress should be sought within stability."

In particular, matters involving major decisions, major projects, large sums of money, important personnel arrangements, and issues that are prone to triggering social conflicts, such as land acquisition and demolition, enterprise restructuring, and environmental remediation, must be handled with caution, thorough argumentation, and collective study.

The county party committee is the core of leadership, and the government must carry out its work under the leadership of the county party committee.

Major matters must be submitted to the Standing Committee of the County Party Committee for research and decision-making; this is both a principle and a rule.

The government can't just decide and then implement it; that won't work.