Chapter 853

Zhao Nanxing is now suffering from deep internal bleeding. Previously, being pushed around by the compulsory insurance in various ways was fine; he could console himself, as the compulsory insurance still held the position of government office director, and worrying about such and such things was beyond his scope.

And now Su Yang saying this is completely putting him in a difficult position, wanting to push him opposite these angry Common People.

He cursed in his heart, but he still steeled himself and said: "Well, since it's like that, I'll chat with everyone then."

Regarding this road construction project, it is actually indeed a project that benefits the country and the people. Originally my consideration was to wait until our finances are truly affluent, then we wouldn't impose famine, and openly build roads with higher standards and longer service life.

By then, all the roads will have guardrails and streetlights.

This is also formulated according to the state's basic development plan, not because of my personal preference. But now everyone is so eager.

So I plan to immediately restart this project now, but considering that we indeed have financial problems.

So I also want to trouble everyone to help, because road construction itself is funded partly by the county finances, the rest should be contributed by each town, but the towns have no money. So, following the original plan, road construction can proceed, but we should streamline it, just paving and repairing some main roads will do.

What do you all think?

In Zhao Nanxing's view, it seems only this way can he avoid losing face so embarrassingly, at least retaining a shred of dignity.

As soon as his words fell, he was immediately angrily rejected: "Not good at all!"

Originally we agreed to repair all the main roads in our villages, but your move just hardened the town roads, so villagers' travel remains as bumpy as before!

Exactly, what problem does this solve?

If that's the case, it's still just fooling people as before!

Zhao Nanxing was left embarrassed by the remarks, but could not retaliate.

He almost blurted, "You won't accept this, you won't accept that—what exactly do you want?" But besides that, what other way does he have to solve this problem? Could it really be the same as what Su Yang previously promised? If so, wouldn't he be slapping himself in front of everyone?

After pondering for a few seconds, he looked at Su Yang: "County Magistrate Su, it seems the masses aren't buying my account; why don't you speak to them?"

He intended to toss this problem to Su Yang; if Su Yang readily agreed, he would then have something to criticize at the standing committee meeting—still the same old question: where will all this money come from?

However, Su Yang smiled and said: "Uncles and aunts, brothers, actually this matter does have a solution."

Yes, our finances have no money, but lacking money doesn't mean there's no way to build roads.

Our funds are limited; indeed we cannot come up with that much money, but I just calculated and our finances can afford enough sand, cement, and all the raw materials needed for road construction. However, road building requires not only these but also a large amount of labor.

In principle, besides county finances and allocations from the Transportation Bureau, each town should also raise 20% to 40% on its own. But the situation of our towns is evident—they simply cannot come up with that money. So I thought of a solution: using labor in lieu of relief.

Perhaps you don't fully understand what this means; let me explain.

That is, the money that each town should originally contribute would mostly be apportioned to the villages, and then to each of you. But I know your situation—we can't possibly squeeze you, right? What's the difference between that and what Geng Miao and them do?

So I think, if possible, everyone could solve the labor issue by building roads and contributing labor. I believe with the wisdom of our fellow villagers, undertaking high-tech work might be difficult, but road construction should be fine, right?

As soon as his words fell, those few representatives earlier shouted in unison: "Good, good!"

We who have long dealt with the soil, using iron shovels to build roads, this is our forte!

Although we have no money, we still have strong arms; besides, we are building roads for ourselves, so we will surely be willing!

Speaking, one relatively excited elderly person picked up a stick and shouted at the not-yet-dispersed crowd: "Just now County Magistrate Su said, all roads that should be repaired must be repaired, but the finances don't have that much money, can't afford so many workers, so we need you to contribute labor—are you willing?"

The dark, massive crowd roared: "Willing! Willing indeed!"

At this moment the elderly person asked again: "Is County Magistrate Su good to us?"

The crowd again shouted loudly: "Good! Good!"

This is the best leadership our county has ever seen!

This thunderous acclaim, heard by Su Yang, brought him some enjoyment and also some shame. The enjoyment came from the recognition of the common people; the shame came from the finances being unable to produce money, still requiring everyone to come out and work.

But to Zhao Nanxing's ears, it was no less than countless slaps hitting his face. As the county magistrate, saying Su Yang is the best cadre—what about him? Isn't that contrasting his lack of achievement, ability, and recognition?

Others likewise had faces burning with anger. In the standing committee, they pulled the stunt of halting the project, intending to disgust Su Yang while also declaring that Lieshan Xian's power should be reclaimed, that it should be these people calling the shots. But the result was they didn't catch the fox, instead they stirred up trouble, and in the end not only did they have to restart the road project, they also gave Su Yang a big benefit.

Although they have never worked at the grassroots, they all know the saying: gold and silver cups are inferior to the reputation of the common people. Achievements can sometimes be obtained through underhanded means, but the common people's recognition must be earned through solid effort. Just on this point, they have already lost.

Hou Junlai, Chen Bo, and a few others had faint smiles on their faces. Although the common people were endorsing Su Yang, they too were strong supporters of Su Yang, and all previous decisions had their contributions, so they also enjoyed it greatly.

But Su Yang clearly understood in his heart: excess is as bad as deficiency! Praising a vice county magistrate to such an extent in front of the county magistrate is unacceptable within the system; he cannot become a thorn in others' eyes and a sting in their flesh.

He hurriedly said: "Uncles and aunts, brothers and sisters, this is what cadres of the County Party Committee and County Government should do. Moreover, achieving this result is not solely my merit, but the collective effort of the leadership team of the County Party Committee and County Government."

If thanks are to be given, it is also I, as a representative of the County Party Committee and County Government, thanking you. Thank you for your long-standing understanding and support, not pointing at our noses to curse, not stabbing our spines, being able to tolerate our years of inaction.

I hope that in the days ahead we can make up for what we previously lacked, and give you a satisfactory answer.

As his words fell, applause like a mountain-shouting, sea-roaring surge suddenly erupted, sweeping across this expanse of heaven and earth.