Statement by the Chairman of the Jelgava County Council, Madaras Lasmanis

It is popular in politics to talk about red lines. I am pleased that the formation of the new coalition is based on the agreement on the reorganization of the central government and administration of the municipality, which until now was sabotaged by the current executive director Līga Lonerte (LZS), ensuring the legality of the activities of capital companies, as well as evaluating L. Lonerte’s suitability for the position she holds. These are essential prerequisites for the county’s future viability and successful development.

I consider it my duty to inform the public that with the suspicion of a possible criminal offense by the regional executive director Lonerte, in addition to the already announced about intentional, significant and systematic violations in the work of the executive director of the municipality, arbitrarily, violating the powers, handling public property and financial resources of the municipality, I have also turned to the State in the Police Department for Combating Economic Crimes, In the Bureau of Prevention and Combating Corruption and State control. I have prayed all authorities to assess whether Lonerte’s actions in connection with the illegally concluded and intentionally unterminated concession contract of SIA “Zemgales sevysans centrs”, as well as the failure to take over capital shares belonging to the municipality in the possession of the Jelgava County Council, are related to the responsibility for the possible uncontrolled use and waste of municipal funds to a significant extent. According to the Law on the Management of Capital Shares and Capital Companies of a Public Person, the executive director of the municipality performs the duties of the representative of the holder of capital shares in capital companies, where the holder of capital shares is the municipality.

Looking at it with today’s eyes, it was a mistake to end the service inspection of Lonerte’s activities in 2022 with the mildest possible disciplinary punishment – a note. The action that followed from this person – intentional, conscious and purposeful obstruction of the work of the municipality, thus causing huge losses and balancing on the border of compliance with regulatory acts.

Although I have always tried to find compromises, I am aware that I have not been a convenient mayor, I am intolerant of wrongdoing, I do not turn a blind eye to violations, my deeds speak for me. Since January 2022, a lot has been done in the position of mayor of Jelgava region. Mentioning the most important, we must talk about road repairs. In 2022 and 2023, roads and streets have been repaired in practically all parishes, and in 2024 we will continue to carry out ambitious road repairs in accordance with the possibilities of the municipal budget. The priority of the members of this convocation is to improve the condition of the roads, and we have managed to realize this.

The alleys have been rebuilt Center for social care and rehabilitationa buildings, in accordance with the provision of an environment closer to a family environment for seniors. The complete reconstruction of the Zalenieki Culture House is already in the process, which should be completed at the end of 2024. A water management project has been successfully implemented in more than 20 streets in Ozolnieki, as part of it, water pipes and sewerage have been built, as well as the surface of all these streets has been renewed. This project could only be successful with the support of the residents, and I am pleased that it has been successful.

A huge amount of work has been done in the creation of residents’ councils in the region. It was difficult, but we did it, and now the residents have the opportunity to create them, to be more actively involved in the life of their county and municipality and in decision-making. In my opinion, residents’ councils are very necessary in our region in order to increase participation, understanding of the council’s work and reduce divisions.

Many important works that we do not see in everyday life have been started – the design of the Eleja gymnasium, the design of the Svete kindergarten and the development of the insulation project of Ozolnieki Middle School. Also in the process is the purchase of premises for the Ozolnieki Music School.

I only know honest work within legal limits. This is how I work and I demand it from all my fellow human beings as well. Good deeds are often not enough. Of course, everyone must follow ethical standards in their actions. A person who works in a public position should not find himself in a situation that can be interpreted in different ways. We all know it, but until something like this has happened to us, we don’t fully understand. I myself supplied the weapons to the opponents. I have already apologized to my direct colleagues in the municipality and party members, today I also want to apologize to the residents of my district and the wider society, who felt uncomfortable or offended in any way due to the situation. I will make every effort to restore my tarnished reputation and regain trust.

I would like to thank the residents of Jelgava region for their responsiveness, for the work done together, as well as the municipal employees for their cooperation so far. As the mayor of Jelgava region, I have worked in your interests with the best of my conscience and will continue to do so while fulfilling my duties as a member of parliament.