Absolute power in officialdom

Chapter 413 Less-than-honorable methods

Liang Dongming took a tough stance, but Wu Zhiyuan had no intention of backing down.

Liang Dongming's reach went too far!

Moreover, he seems to be contradicting others on many things.

Of course, Wu Zhiyuan didn't want to clash with Liang Dongming, so he explained his reasoning in a logical and well-founded way:

"Secretary Liang, I understand your emphasis on the city's image and management. But I would like to share a few of my own thoughts."

First, I visited many street-front businesses, and what they were worried about was that mobile vendors would occupy the road in a disorderly manner, block the flow of customers, and create a dirty and messy environment, which would in turn affect their business.

My proposals—designating specific areas, limiting operating hours, clarifying standards, and strengthening management—are precisely aimed at solving these problems.

Bringing street vendors under standardized management is precisely a way to protect the interests of law-abiding businesses.

If left unchecked, or if they are simply driven away roughly, they will continue to play cat and mouse with the urban management officers, just like they are now, and the problem will always remain.

"Secondly, regarding urban taste and long-term interests. I believe that the true taste of a city lies in its vitality and warmth."

Our initial intention in building the pedestrian street was to provide ordinary people with a comfortable place for leisure and shopping.

But now, after 8 or 9 pm, there are fewer people on the streets. Why is that?

Because it lacks the lively, inviting atmosphere that draws people to stay.

Introducing well-regulated and distinctive snack and handicraft stalls can extend the activity time of the neighborhood and boost overall consumption.

This is not just about solving the livelihood problems of street vendors, but also about revitalizing the neighborhood economy and enhancing its commercial value.

In the long run, a pedestrian street with popularity and a good reputation is the best image and calling card for Qingyan.

"Third, regarding management responsibility and risks. The food safety and environmental hygiene issues you are concerned about are precisely the areas where we need to strengthen management."

We cannot remain inactive simply because we are afraid of something going wrong.

My suggestion is that the market supervision, urban management, street, and sanitation departments should work together to quickly introduce a set of management measures for temporary stalls on pedestrian streets, clearly defining the entry conditions, operating standards, and exit mechanisms.

We can first designate a small area for a pilot program, equip it with the necessary cleaning and security personnel, and explore the experience.

If the pilot program is not effective, there is room for adjustment or even cancellation.

This is more responsible than simply banning it and letting the problem persist in a more hidden way.

Liang Dongming's tone turned unusually stern: "Didn't you understand what I just said?"

I'm not discussing this with you; I'm telling you clearly that this door cannot be opened!

All your pilot programs and management methods are just empty talk and idealism!

At the grassroots level, once a policy is introduced, it's like a raging flood; once it's over, you can't take it back!

Wu Zhiyuan's tone also became firm: "Secretary Liang, this is not idealism, it is seeking truth from facts!"

As the county head, I have my thoughts and responsibilities regarding urban management, people's livelihood, and employment within the scope of the government's duties.

I believe this matter requires careful consideration to find a balance between maintaining the city's appearance and protecting people's livelihoods, rather than simply banning it outright.

I have already made my stance clear to the public on the spot. If policies are changed frequently, where is the government's credibility?

Liang Dongming was furious: "Did you consult the county party committee before making your statement on the spot? Did you consult me, the secretary?"

The pedestrian street is the face of Qingyan. If that face is tainted or messed up, that would be the biggest breach of trust with the people! That would be irresponsible towards the overall development of Qingyan!

Let me make this clear: I have only one requirement—no stalls or vendors allowed on the pedestrian street, and absolutely no room for negotiation!

"Secretary Liang, the management of pedestrian streets falls under the scope of the government's routine administrative management."

My statement at the scene was based on on-site research and the voices of the people, proposing an exploratory direction that combines guidance and control with standardized management, which aligns with the requirements of the county government's duties.

Wu Zhiyuan's words were very straightforward, meaning that as the county head, he had the right to inquire about and handle how the pedestrian street should be managed.

Liang Dongming said angrily, "I'm not going to argue with you! How about this, the county party committee standing committee will decide how to manage the pedestrian street at the next meeting!"

Liang Dongming hung up the phone.

Wu Zhiyuan is now facing a very real problem: if Liang Dongming's opinion dominates at the county party committee standing committee meeting, namely that street vendors are strictly prohibited from setting up stalls on the pedestrian street, it will not only disappoint the vendors but also deal a heavy blow to his prestige.

The Standing Committee of the Qingyan County Party Committee consists of eleven members.

County Party Secretary Liang Dongming, County Head Wu Zhiyuan, Deputy County Party Secretary Wang Chengtang, Executive Deputy County Head Chen Jimin, Publicity Minister Liu Qin, Organization Minister Bao Chunyan, Discipline Inspection Commission Secretary Qian Long, Deputy County Head Liu Feng, County Party Committee Office Director Deng Haidong, Chengguan Town Party Secretary Ma Jun, and County People's Armed Forces Department Colonel Political Commissar Liu Jian.

Liu Feng was promoted to the Standing Committee of the County Party Committee last month. He still retains the position of Deputy County Head, but is not the Executive Deputy County Head.

Among these Standing Committee members, Wu Zhiyuan is capable of winning, and Liu Feng and Qian Long support him.

Wu Zhiyuan also played a role in Liu Feng's rise to the position of deputy county head.

At the time, when it came to recommending candidates, Wu Zhiyuan and Yuan Jin reached a compromise: one recommended Liu Feng, and the other recommended Deng Haidong.

In the city, Wu Zhiyuan also highly recommended Liu Feng to Mayor Lin Xue.

Rumors have been circulating for a long time that Chen Jimin, the executive deputy county head, is expected to be promoted to the rank of director.

Organization Minister Bao Chunyan is a neutral party, generally trying not to offend either side.

Liu Jian, the political commissar of the People's Armed Forces Department, is generally neutral.

Wu Zhiyuan calculated that if he could win over both of them, he could gain an advantage at the county party committee standing committee meeting.

The rules of procedure for the Standing Committee of the County Party Committee are that the minority must obey the majority.

Wu Zhiyuan thought of the USB drive that Liao Shanshan had obtained from Liao Jinshen.

The USB drive contains videos of Chen Jimin and Deng Haidong having sex with women at the resort.

With his promotion imminent, Chen Jimin was terrified of any mishap.

Lifestyle issues are no small matter.

If Chen Jimin's scandal at the resort is exposed, not only will his promotion be ruined, but he will also have a hard time keeping his current position.

Wu Zhiyuan decided to talk to Chen Jimin and Deng Haidong indirectly.

Although he disdains finding fault with others, if he already has something to hold against him, why not use it?

Of course, in the future, we should avoid using such dishonorable methods if possible.

……

Wu Zhiyuan called and asked Chen Jimin to come to his office.

Chen Jimin was in his forties, a time when he was in the prime of his life.

Wu Zhiyuan got up and poured him a cup of tea.

Chen Jimin thanked him, saying, "County Magistrate Wu, you're too kind."

"County Magistrate Jimin, you're the elder brother here, it's only right that I pour you a cup of tea."

Wu Zhiyuan returned to his seat, picked up his teacup, took a slow sip, and said, "County Magistrate Jimin, I invited you here today to talk about the pedestrian street."

You've spent a long time in Qingyan and are familiar with the situation; I'd like to hear your opinion.

Chen Jimin's heart skipped a beat.

The story of the pedestrian street has been making headlines in the county these past two days.

Wu Zhiyuan stated on the spot that he would conditionally allow vendors to set up stalls, while Liang Dongming demanded a "one-size-fits-all" ban.

Although the conflict between the two was not made public, it was no secret within their small circle.

"County Chief Wu, here's my take on the pedestrian street issue: you and Secretary Liang are both doing this for the good of Qingyan, just from different perspectives."

Wu Zhiyuan smiled and said, "County Magistrate Jimin, I know that. Tell me your true thoughts."

"County Chief Wu, then I'll be frank. I think the pedestrian street, as the face of Qingyan, really shouldn't be left in a mess."

Those street vendors are highly mobile, making them indeed difficult to manage.

Once you loosen restrictions, it's difficult to take them back.

He paused, then added, "Secretary Liang has just arrived and is still getting to know the situation in Qingyan."

His idea, from the perspective of maintaining the city's image, makes sense.

Wu Zhiyuan sensed the inclination in Chen Jimin's words—he was on Liang Dongming's side.

This is not unexpected.

He didn't continue talking about the pedestrian street, but instead said, "County Chief Jimin, I heard that the city is currently considering candidates for several positions at the division chief level."

Chen Jimin has been looking for someone to help him, and he's already made progress.

"County Chief Wu, I've also heard about this news."

But with these things, no one can say for sure until the very end.

"Yes, it's hard to say. When the organization selects and appoints people, it looks at their moral character, ability, diligence, performance, and integrity."

County Magistrate Jimin, your abilities and achievements are evident to all.

Chen Jimin didn't know what Wu Zhiyuan wanted to talk to him about today, but he was an old hand at the world and could sense that there was something more to Wu's words.

"County Chief Wu, is there something specific you need from me today?"

Wu Zhiyuan did not answer directly, but instead took a USB flash drive from the drawer and placed it on the table.

Chen Jimin looked at the USB drive and a sense of foreboding welled up inside him.

"County Magistrate Jimin, this was sent to me anonymously."

I've read what's inside, and I think it's necessary for you to see it too.

Chen Jimin's hands trembled slightly. He picked up the USB drive, looked at it, and then put it down.

"County Magistrate Wu, what's in here?"

"You'll see when you see it. The office laptops will work."

Chen Jimin stood up and opened his laptop.

The video has started playing.

The image has high resolution. On the bed, a naked man is entangled with a girl who has a perfect figure and face.

Judging from the background, it's at Liao Chenggong's mountain villa.

Chen Jimin had a deep impression of that girl; she was a car model hired by Liao Chenggong, and it was said that she cost five figures for one night.

At this point, Chen Jimin could only offer a pretext: "County Magistrate Wu, this is a setup! Someone is trying to frame me!"

Wu Zhiyuan waved his hand, signaling him to calm down: "Comrade Jimin, don't get agitated. I trust your character."

This could be a malicious fabrication, or it could be a setup by someone with ulterior motives.

With today's advanced technology, anything is possible.

He paused, then said meaningfully, "However, once this thing is in my hands, I can suppress it."

But if it falls into the hands of others, such as the Discipline Inspection Commission, or Secretary Liang, or if it circulates online, then it's hard to say.

Public opinion can be devastating; accumulated slander can destroy even the strongest will. Especially at this critical juncture, the slightest misstep could undo all your previous efforts.

Chen Jimin understood.

Wu Zhiyuan was both giving him a warning and presenting him with a choice.

Suppress it, or expose it?

"County Magistrate Wu, I..." Chen Jimin was flustered and incoherent.

"Comrade Jimin, we are all working for Qingyan, and we share the same goal: to develop Qingyan well and bring tangible benefits to the people."

It's normal to have different opinions on specific tasks, but the general direction must not be wrong.

For example, regarding pedestrian streets, I insist on a combination of guidance and control, along with standardized management. This is not only for the sake of the city's appearance and people's livelihood, but also for exploring new approaches to urban management. What do you think?

Chen Jimin dared not have any other thoughts and quickly said, "County Chief Wu is right! I didn't think things through before. I only saw the difficulty of management and didn't see that it was a matter of people's livelihood and urban vitality."

The approach of combining guidance and control, along with standardized management, is excellent, and I strongly support it!