Absolute power in officialdom

Chapter 407 The New Secretary's Agreement

Wu Zhiyuan paused for two seconds, then calmly said, "Secretary Liang's thinking is very clear. Precise efforts and key breakthroughs—I completely agree with this direction."

However, I have a preliminary idea: focusing efforts precisely does not mean abandoning outward communication.

Some people who may not seem to have much potential now may very well achieve great things in the future.

Some people who are temporarily unavailable may not be unavailable forever.

Hometown sentiment can't put food on the table, but it can be a stepping stone.

Let's knock on the door first, and then talk with real projects and sincerity.

I think this order is correct.

Liang Dongming glanced at him, his lips twitched slightly as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he just hummed in agreement and continued eating.

Che Jinluo and Yao Jingui exchanged a glance but neither spoke.

Wu Zhiyuan was perfectly aware that on Liang Dongming's first day in office, he asked some very critical questions, showing no respect for him as the county magistrate and intentionally trying to establish his authority.

At the same time, it also shows a lack of respect for Che Jinluo, Yao Jingui, and others.

Of course, you can talk about work during a meal, but you can't be arrogant, especially when city leaders are present.

It's clear that Liang Dongming is used to being domineering and, relying on his position as Wu Bao's former secretary and confidant, has become somewhat arrogant and ignorant.

Just when Wu Zhiyuan thought Liang Dongming would back down, he spoke up again: "County Chief Wu, I have looked into the county's investment promotion data for this year. There are quite a few signed projects, but how many have actually been implemented? What is the rate of funds actually being received?"

Qingyan has a good location and abundant resources, so why has its investment attraction effect been consistently low? This is a question worth pondering.

Wu Zhiyuan did not defend himself, but first admitted the shortcomings: "The problem raised by Secretary Liang is indeed a shortcoming in our current work."

In the first half of this year, the county's indicators such as the number of signed projects, the number of projects actually started, and the rate of funds到位 (到位率 refers to the percentage of funds actually received) were not bad compared with other counties and districts, but compared with its own past performance and the expectations of the people, there is still a significant gap.

He paused for a moment and glanced at the people at the table.

"The reasons for this gap are both objective and subjective."

Objectively speaking, the transportation bottleneck in Qingyan has not been completely broken. Although the road from Wuhe Town to Jiangzhou has been put on the agenda, it is not yet open to traffic.

Some customers came to see the site, but felt the logistics costs were too high and hesitated.

Subjectively speaking, there is indeed room for improvement in our service awareness and efficiency.

Next, I plan to focus on three things.

First, we will review each signed but not yet implemented project, identify the bottlenecks, clarify the responsible persons and timelines for resolution, and coordinate where necessary and seek support from higher authorities where appropriate.

Second, we will strengthen the scheduling of projects under construction, holding weekly meetings, bi-weekly scheduling, and monthly reporting to ensure that they are put into production on schedule.

Third, we should raise the entry threshold for projects under discussion, preferring quality over quantity, and use limited land and resources wisely.

If Secretary Liang provides any more specific instructions, I will certainly implement them diligently.

Liang Dongming persisted: "Traffic bottlenecks and service awareness are all problems."

But I want to ask—are these problems new to us today?

Traffic bottlenecks and a lack of service awareness have been problems for a long time.

Now that we know where the problem is, why didn't we solve it sooner?

Do we really have to wait until the contract is signed, the project is launched, and the funding is low before we start looking for solutions?

This is no longer a discussion about work; it's an expression of accountability.

Che Jinluo, feeling embarrassed, coughed lightly.

"Comrade Dongming and Comrade Zhiyuan, it's good to discuss work matters in more detail and depth, but we should pay attention to the methods and approaches."

Attracting investment is a tough battle that requires everyone's concerted efforts.

Comrade Dongming has just arrived and is not yet fully familiar with the situation, so it's understandable that he asks some questions directly.

As the county head, Comrade Zhiyuan has a clear understanding of the county's investment promotion efforts and a well-defined strategy; I know that much.

He glanced at Liang Dongming and continued, "Dongming, you still need to take the time to thoroughly investigate Qingyan's resources."

Although Zhiyuan's time in Qingyan was short, he accomplished a great deal.

The logistics industrial park project, the wildlife park project, and the highway project from Wuhe Town to Jiangzhou City have all been successfully implemented thanks to the efforts of the Provincial Vocational College and the connections made with fellow townsmen living elsewhere.

You are the class monitor, and he is the county magistrate; you must support and cooperate with each other.

Liang Dongming's expression changed slightly, but he quickly returned to normal.

He picked up his water glass and raised it towards Wu Zhiyuan: "County Chief Wu, I may have spoken a little too hastily just now."

I understand the matter of attracting investment.

The three things you just mentioned—identifying bottlenecks, strengthening coordination, and raising the bar—are a very clear approach.

Let's proceed along this line of thinking. Next week, I'll take some time to visit a few key project sites.

Wu Zhiyuan also picked up his water glass and gently clinked it against his: "Secretary Liang, you're too kind. You're new here and not familiar with the situation, so it's only right that I ask you more detailed questions. I'll accompany you to the site next week."

Yao Jingui didn't say a word from beginning to end, but he secretly observed Liang Dongming's assertiveness and Wu Zhiyuan's composure.

He is the head of the organization department and has a lot of experience in identifying and appointing people.

Liang Dongming is very assertive; he showed his true colors on the very first day, making it easy for others to see his true strength.

Wu Zhiyuan is calm, measured, and subtly shrewd.

Remain calm when confronted, remain composed when labeled, and gracefully accept a way out when offered a way out.

This young man is no ordinary person.

Che Jinlu put down his chopsticks and looked at his watch: "It's getting late, we still need to get back to the city."

Comrade Dongming, Comrade Zhiyuan, I'm entrusting the work in Qingyan to you.

Everyone stood up and saw Che Jinluo and Yao Jingui into the car.

Two black sedans slowly drove out of the county government compound and disappeared around the street corner.

……

in the afternoon.

Wu Zhiyuan's office.

Lü Xinghua came in.

He did not attend the lunch at the small restaurant, but Deng Haidong, a member of the Standing Committee of the County Party Committee and Director of the County Party Committee Office, did.

Deng Haidong was promoted to a member of the county party committee standing committee last month, which was the result of Yuan Jin's vigorous efforts.

After all, Deng Haidong had served Yuan Jin faithfully for so many years.

When Yuan Jin was the director of the Municipal Finance Bureau, Deng Haidong was the director of the office of the Municipal Finance Bureau.

After Yuan Jin came to Qingyan, she brought Deng Haidong with her.

"County Chief Wu, I heard about what happened at the small restaurant at noon. Secretary Liang, what about this..."

"What did you hear?"

"They say that at the dinner table, Secretary Liang asked about everything from the wildlife park to the list of local notables, and then to investment promotion, leaving you no face at all."

Wu Zhiyuan laughed: "Xinghua, you're the director of the county government office, how come you're also spreading rumors?"

Lu Xinghua smiled awkwardly: "County Chief Wu, I'm not spreading rumors, I'm just worried."

Judging from Secretary Liang's demeanor, he seems to be up to no good.

"Xinghua, were the questions he raised reasonable?"

Lu Xinghua thought for a moment: "The matching funds for the wildlife park were reserved in the budget at the beginning of the year. Even if the wildlife park project can't use them, other projects can."

Regarding the list of local notables, some of them may not have much influence, but it wouldn't hurt to make contact with them.

As for the investment attraction data, the rate of funds到位率 (funds actually received) is not bad compared to other cities. His using that as a point is a bit...

"What's up?"

"That's a bit of nitpicking."

Wu Zhiyuan didn't respond, but took a sip of water before speaking: "He's a new secretary, and he wants to get familiar with the situation and get into his role as soon as possible. It's normal for him to ask more detailed questions and have higher expectations."

Even if what you said was a bit nitpicky, it was about work, not about me personally. At least not yet.

Lu Xinghua opened his mouth as if to say something, but then swallowed it back.

"Say whatever you want to say."

"County Magistrate Wu, I haven't dared to say much about other things during the time I've been following you, but I have learned a bit about judging people."

What Secretary Liang said at the dinner table today didn't seem like he was simply gathering information. He was establishing his authority.

Wu Zhiyuan paused for a moment and said, "When a new leader arrives, there always needs to be an adjustment period."

If he wants to establish his authority, then let him. Once his authority is established, the work will be easier to carry out.

Lu Xinghua grew anxious: "But..."

"But what?" Wu Zhiyuan looked at him. "Xinghua, I know you're worried about me."

But remember, a county head is a county head, and a party secretary is a party secretary.

This position isn't something I can hold forever just because I sit in it.

If the organization assigns me a task, I will do it well.

The organization stopped me from doing the job, but I had no complaints.

But every day I serve as county magistrate, I must do my job well.

Don't tell anyone what happened this afternoon.

Don't spread those conversations from the dinner table anymore. It won't do anyone any good if they get out.

"I see."

After Lü Xinghua left, Wu Zhiyuan leaned back in his chair and stared at the ceiling for a while, lost in thought.

Liang Dongming was even more powerful than he had imagined.

The series of questions asked at the dinner table, seemingly casual, were actually carefully designed. From projects to lists to investment promotion, every question was grounded in specific work, and every sentence carried the subtext of "I am the one in charge of Qingyan County".

This is not simply about understanding the situation; it's about drawing boundaries.

He was telling everyone: From today onwards, I'm in charge of things in Qingyan.

But Liang Dongming is the top leader, and Lin Xue had previously warned him to avoid conflict as much as possible, and even if he was dissatisfied, he should still show respect on the surface.

Wu Zhiyuan knocked on Liang Dongming's office door.

Liang Dongming didn't even look up, continuing to read the documents.

"Secretary Liang, did I disturb you?"

Liang Dongming then raised his head, his gaze lingering on Wu Zhiyuan's face for two seconds before he pointed to the chair opposite him: "Sit."

Wu Zhiyuan sat down.

Liang Dongming did not put down the documents in his hand and continued to flip through them, seemingly wanting to leave Wu Zhiyuan waiting for a while.

About a minute later, Liang Dongming raised his head and looked at Wu Zhiyuan with a scrutinizing gaze: "County Chief Wu, I happen to have something to discuss with you."

Wu Zhiyuan has now developed a habit of standing up whenever his subordinates come to his office to report on their work, as a sign of respect.

In fact, as a leader, it's not excessive to sit still.

Liang Dongming didn't move an inch from beginning to end.

They didn't even offer Wu Zhiyuan tea or water.

"County Chief Wu, before I came to Qingyan, I knew you to some extent. You are known for your courage and ability to get things done. I admire that."

But I must remind you that when doing things, you must follow the rules. Without rules, nothing can be accomplished.

The matter of Qingyan is not something you can handle alone.

No matter how much you do, if the team is not united and there is no consensus between superiors and subordinates, it's all for nothing.

Wu Zhiyuan listened quietly without interrupting.

"I don't like people beating around the bush with me."

If you have any ideas, feel free to share them with me. If you have any different opinions, you can also raise them.

But one thing is certain: once a decision is made, it must be carried out without fail.

Wu Zhiyuan said calmly, "Secretary Liang, I am the county head, and I am the executor of the county party committee's decisions. I will do my best to implement what the county party committee has decided."

Liang Dongming nodded, his tone becoming more serious: "I have a straightforward personality. I never hide my thoughts, and I don't like beating around the bush."

To ensure smoother coordination in our future work, I would like to make three requests:

First, from now on, all major issues involving the county government must be reported to the county party committee and a written plan must be submitted. Only after the plan has been reviewed and approved by the standing committee of the county party committee can it be implemented.

Second, key units such as the county's development and reform commission, finance department, housing and construction department, and investment promotion department should submit work reports to the county party committee office every week, and report the progress of key projects and key tasks daily.

Third, all personnel matters, including adjustments to cadres' positions, appointments and removals, and transfers, must first be reviewed by the county party committee and then submitted to the county party secretary's office meeting and the county party committee standing committee for further study at each level.