Chapter 1399: Chapter 202: Entrusted with a Hefty Responsibility!
At 2 p.m., on the fourth floor of the Changzhou Municipal Committee meeting room.
Secretary Chu of the Committee had gone to the Capital for studies, leaving Mayor Hou to handle both party and government affairs. He was attending a meeting for newly appointed cadres, welcoming cadre Han Xiangning from the Binjiang Maritime Bureau to assume a concurrent post in Changzhou as a City Committee member and Vice Mayor.
Deputy Director Tang of the Jiangnan Maritime Bureau, Director Wang of the Jiangnan Maritime Bureau’s Personnel Department, Vice Director Zhu of the Binjiang Maritime Bureau, and the main leaders of Changzhou City attended the meeting.
Deputy Minister Liu of the Binjiang Municipal Committee Organization Department, who accompanied Han Xiangning to the new position, read out the assignment letter, sincerely hoping that Comrade Han Xiangning would serve as a "bridge" between the maritime department and the local party government, working together on maritime traffic safety, Yangtze River coastline development, Yangtze River Bridge construction, and other tasks, jointly promoting the economic and social development of Changzhou and even Binjiang.
He also hoped that the main leaders of the Changzhou Municipal Committee and Government would provide more work support and life care for the visiting cadre Comrade Han Xiangning, creating a favorable work and living environment for the appointed cadres.
After a round of enthusiastic applause, Mayor Hou turned on the microphone in front of him and passionately said: "Respected Director Tang, Director Wang, Director Zhu, Respected Minister Liu, comrades: Our Secretary Chu is studying in the Capital and indeed can’t return. He called yesterday, entrusting me to, on behalf of the Municipal Committee and Government and all the people of Changzhou, express the heartfelt gratitude for the long-standing concern and support from the Maritime Bureau for us in Changzhou, and to extend the warmest welcome to Comrade Han Xiangning for coming to our Changzhou for the concurrent post!"
Applause rang out again.
Han Xiangning nodded in gratitude while clapping.
Even at this very moment, she still felt like she was dreaming, unable to believe that she’d actually become a Committee Member and Vice Mayor.
"This time, the maritime system’s arrangement for Comrade Han Xiangning to take up a concurrent post in our Changzhou truly shows concern and support for our economic construction in Changzhou. As the saying goes, ’rely on the mountains to eat the mountains, rely on the water to eat the water,’ but our Changzhou is ’close to the river but not close to the river.’
These past years, we’ve been seriously lagging in developing the Yangtze River coastline, port economy, shipbuilding, and marine machinery parts industries. We must humbly learn from Linghai, Suzhou across the river, and Zhangjia Port. The arrival of Comrade Han Xiangning is a valuable opportunity for us in Changzhou, and we must seize this chance to catch up."
Mayor Hou turned to look at Minister Liu and Director Tang among the leaders, then looked back at Han Xiangning, seriously and sincerely saying, "On behalf of Secretary Chu, I’ve been entrusted to express our position: we will sincerely, genuinely, and wholeheartedly unite with every cadre that comes to assist in the economic development of Changzhou.
We will set strict demands and burdens in work, provide close care in life, and in future work arrangements, fully consider the advantages and strengths of the concurrent cadres, combining it with our Changzhou’s actual work, to learn together, support each other, and cooperate with each other, with the spirit of daring to fight, dare to act, and dare to take responsibility, striving to make new contributions to the economic development of Changzhou..."
The name of a person, the shadow of a tree.
The person speaking can be said to be the "star cadre" of Binjiang, indeed very capable.
He could speak several languages and didn’t need a translator when going abroad for investment and recruitment. Several foreign-invested enterprises with outputs of over hundreds of millions built and put into production in Changzhou in recent years were almost all introduced by him.
Not only did he introduce foreign enterprises, but he also organized local Changzhou enterprises to go out by leading teams to participate in the Canton Fair and various overseas exhibitions.
To better participate in international competition, he led the introduction of advanced international technology and equipment to upgrade and transform Changzhou enterprises.
The train runs fast, all thanks to the locomotive.
Thanks to his tireless efforts, various economic indicators in Changzhou have consecutively ranked at the forefront among all districts and counties in Binjiang for three years. Linghai has been striving hard, but it still can’t surpass Changzhou, remaining as the "eternal second place."
Secretary Qian and Mayor Shen were ambitious when they took office, eager to compete with Changzhou.
But as the Yangtze River Bridge construction project progressed, Secretary Qian and Mayor Shen of Linghai had to change their goal to maintaining their current second place. Because the Yangtze River Bridge would be built in Changzhou, and the highway would also be built there, plus the already existing Binjiang Airport in Changzhou, they have the geographical advantage, making it hard for Linghai to catch up.
Han Xiangning had heard of this legendary figure Mayor Hou several times.
Finally meeting him today, and thinking of working under Mayor Hou’s leadership for the next two years, Han Xiangning felt somewhat passionate, wishing to achieve something remarkable to show her "senior" Mayor Shen.
Just when she was feeling excited, the standing Deputy Secretary of the Committee chairing the meeting invited Director Tang to speak.
Director Tang recalled his unforgettable experiences working in Binjiang, especially interacting with the Changzhou Municipal Committee and Government, thanking them for their consistent support of the Binjiang Maritime Bureau’s work, and hoped Comrade Han Xiangning would cherish the opportunity of this visit, learn from the local cadres and colleagues, and quickly adapt to her new role and position to achieve good results.
When it was Han Xiangning’s turn to express her stance, she quickly calmed herself, stating that coming to Changzhou for concurrent duties and gaining local experience was a valuable asset. During her concurrent duties, she would treasure every opportunity, humbly learn from local comrades, and combine her learned business knowledge with practical needs, serving as a ’bridge’ between the city and the bureau, diligently completing tasks assigned by the Municipal Committee and Government.
...
After the large meeting, they held a smaller meeting.
Mayor Hou and the standing Deputy Secretary invited Director Tang, Minister Liu, Director Zhu, and Han Xiangning to the reception room, discussing Han Xiangning’s work arrangements and taking this opportunity to "report" to Director Tang on the planning of the Yangtze River Bridge Industrial Park and the Yangtze River coastline development and utilization plan in Changzhou.
"Director Tang, Minister Liu, the Yangtze River Bridge will be built in our Changzhou, and Comrade Xiangning is originally a member of the ’Bridge Office.’ Secretary Chu called yesterday to seek my opinion, planning to let Comrade Xiangning concurrently serve as the Party W Secretary of the Yangtze River Bridge Industrial Park, while also in charge of transportation."
"Mayor Hou, work division is the matter of your Municipal Committee and Government, there’s no need to discuss it with us."
"Yes, you make the decision."
"Two leaders, such a big matter must be reported to you."
Mayor Hou smiled slightly and spoke frankly: "Previously, our Changzhou had the river but no bridge, and the Yangtze River not only didn’t become an advantage for our economic development, but due to inconvenient transportation, it became a disadvantage. What I said at the meeting was from the heart, our Municipal Committee and Government must now develop the Yanjiang economy, focusing our efforts to build the Yanjiang Economic Development Zone.
Comrade Xiangning has worked on the riverbank for a long time and knows the situation best. Plus, she has to also oversee the Changzhou Maritime Office, so Secretary Chu and I unanimously agree that letting Comrade Xiangning concurrently serve as the Party W Secretary of the Bridge Industrial Park is most suitable."
Linghai built the development zone by the river, mainly relying on Linghai Port and Lingda Car Ferry.
Now there is a plan to build the Yangtze River Bridge in Changzhou, and they even want to create a Yangtze River Bridge Industrial Park.
Director Tang couldn’t help but laugh, understanding the implication behind Mayor Hou’s words: "Mayor Hou, are you planning to have Xiang Ning undermine the Linghai Development Zone?"
There were no outsiders present, so Deputy Minister Liu joined in the jest: "Xiang Ning is a cadre nurtured by Director Zhu, and Linghai’s Mayor Shen is a former subordinate of Mayor Qin. If the development of the Yangtze River coastline and attracting investment leads to a conflict between Xiang Ning and Mayor Shen, then Director Zhu would have to support Xiang Ning, and Mayor Qin must support Mayor Shen. Mayor Hou, your actions could cause discord between Director Zhu and Mayor Qin’s families!"
"Director Zhu, my apologies. Heaven knows I never intended to create discord between you and Mayor Qin’s family. The main goal is to develop the Yangtze River coastline, and attract investment along the riverbank. Xiang Ning has experience in these matters. If Comrade Xiang Ning could also serve as the Party Secretary for the Yangtze River Bridge Industrial Park’s working group, I believe the development of the park would advance with minimal effort."
Changzhou is adjacent to Linghai.
The so-called Yangtze River Bridge Industrial Park is adjacent to the Linghai Development Zone.
Having Han Xiangning also serve as the Party Secretary for the Yangtze River Bridge Industrial Park, isn’t it obvious that you’re pitting Han Xiangning against those two in Linghai?
Sister Zhu felt that being entrusted with such significant responsibilities was not entirely favorable, and said with an amused yet helpless expression, "Xiang Ning has always worked in the maritime system and lacks experience in regional administration. Mayor Hou, perhaps you could reconsider and discuss this further?"
"Comrade Xiang Ning has witnessed the Linghai Development Zone rise and has been instrumental in safeguarding the construction of Linghai Port. One doesn’t have to eat pork to know what a live hog looks like; I believe Xiang Ning has the capability, and Secretary Chu thinks so too."
"Mayor Hou, this isn’t appropriate," Han Xiangning said with a pained expression, "I’m an appointed cadre here to gain experience and learn!"
"Comrade Xiang Ning, that’s not what you said at the meet-and-greet just now."
"What did I say?"
"You stated you would diligently complete all tasks assigned by the City Committee and City Government!"
Mayor Hou smiled, thought for a moment, and added, "I almost forgot. As far as I know, not only have you safeguarded the construction of Linghai Port, but you’ve also made significant contributions to the establishment of the Linghai Reserve Camp. It seems you’re still a reserve officer in the Linghai Reserve Camp."
"Yes," Han Xiangning replied, looking a bit embarrassed and nodding.
"In the construction of national defense reserve forces, your spouse has been quite prominent, his achievements so numerous and dazzling that even an old cadre from my hometown in Si Gang knows about him. This isn’t favorable, making you overshadowed and unknown."
"Mayor Hou, although I am a reserve officer at the Linghai Reserve Camp, I haven’t contributed much to its development."
"Comrade Xiang Ning, don’t be so modest; excessive modesty is akin to pride."
Mayor Hou glanced back at Director Tang and Deputy Minister Liu, changed the topic, and said, "Linghai has a Reserve Camp, and so does Changzhou. We also aim for Changzhou to become a model city for supporting the military nationwide. Comrade Xiang Ning, your arrival is timely. Our City Committee and Government have decided to appoint you as the First Secretary of the Changzhou Reserve Camp, which is customary, as the First Secretary is typically held by a government deputy position."
...
Meanwhile, a deputy mayor on temporary assignment who just attended the meet-and-greet asked while walking, "Minister Xu, a 30-year-old standing committee deputy mayor, even if on a temporary assignment, is unprecedented in Changzhou’s history since the founding of New China, right?"
Though he’s also a temp, the new person immediately joined the standing committee, while he could only "assist in managing" a few less significant tasks.
Minister Xu of Changzhou City Propaganda Department sensed his discontent and chuckled, "If it were another cadre, such an assignment by the superiors might seem a bit frivolous. But Mayor Han is not an ordinary cadre; Secretary Lu and Mayor Wang know her well, as do Secretary Chu and Mayor Hou."
"I know, she is the Director of Changzhou Maritime Office, right?"
"Before serving as the Changzhou Maritime Director, she was the Director of the Linghai Port Supervision Office for many years. Mayor Jiang, you’ve been to the Linghai Development Zone many times; whenever you cross the river, you must pass Lingda Car Ferry. Let’s put it this way, she has overseen the growth of the Linghai Development Zone, and the eastern Linghai Port of Lingda Car Ferry was constructed under her protection."
"Seeing it develop qualifies one to understand economic development?"
"The first Party Secretary of the working group when the Linghai Development Zone was established was the then Vice Mayor of Linghai, Shen Fan, who was Mayor Qin’s longtime subordinate. Mayor Qin’s spouse is Director Zhu, who sat to the left of Director Tang earlier, while Han Xiangning is Director Zhu’s longtime subordinate."
"I see, she has a background."
No wonder Secretary Chu and Mayor Hou only let you "assist in management," you only know about the connections she has, but not how these connections can benefit Changzhou.
She holds the first approval authority for the use of Yangtze River coastline. She has spent over a decade working by the river, not only recognizing many top executives in shipbuilding enterprises but also understanding how Linghai developed the shipbuilding, repair, and marine machinery and parts industries. She even has connections in this area!
The city is intent on leveraging the construction momentum of the Yangtze River Bridge to boost the riverbank economy.
Why prioritize you—a cadre on temporary assignment in Changzhou whose heart still lies with your original unit—over someone like Han Xiangning?
Of course, Han Xiangning is also on temporary assignment. But she is stationed nearby, her original unit is in Changzhou, one can say she is practically a cadre of Changzhou.
Minister Xu didn’t know what to say to him, so he simply patted his shoulder and left without turning back.
