Capable communities are an objective need for reform

On June 16, in the press center of the Transcarpathian Regional State Administration, there was a round table "Association of communities: voluntary coercion or objective necessity?" organized by the Office for Reforms in Transcarpathian region.

The deliberate provocation in the title attracted the attention of not only media representatives but also civil society activists and representatives of political forces. The purpose of the meeting was the exchange of ideas with practitioners – people who are directly involved in innovations. Ivan Mykultsya, acting head of Svalyava District State Administration, a deputy of the Regional Council; Galina Tsar, the mayor of Chop; Mykhailo Laba, the head of the village of Nevytske; the chairman of the Transcarpathian regional branch of village and town councils; Volodymyr Prykhodko, a member of the Public Council at the Transcarpathian Regional State Administration, Doctor of Economics; Yuriy Svitlyk, the Public Convention participated in the round table.

For two weeks, experts of the Office for Reforms, together with the deputies of all levels, were talking with village heads, activists of all districts of the region. Of course, many questions would arise during these meetings. Realizing that it is impossible to find answers to all of them during one conversation, still they tried to articulate some of them with representatives of various levels of the government.

So, the general indisputable sentiment is that reforms are needed! Discussions occur during their implementation. The Law "On voluntary association of communities", which was adopted in February galvanized the society activity after the approval of the method of its implementation. Strict rules of the association were perceived as violating the principle of voluntariness. For example, Ivan Mykultsya is sure that it disguises the unwillingness of village heads to take responsibility for making decisions.       

Meanwhile Volodymyr Prykhodko says: "We have enough progressive village heads who are willing to think about the future. Let us get them involved in the discussion. They must show real prospects of such associations." Volodymyr Prykhodko also draws attention to the fact that the administrative-territorial reform affects or provokes a range of associated innovations. Thus, its implementation will lead to the need of change in the electoral law. Because villages will be represented by village chiefs – people who should be prepared, because they will be representing the interests of their communities in the executive committees of the united community.   

So, the reform process is irreversible and must be carried out systematically and in stages. At present, along with consultations, adoption of long-term plan of Transcarpathian regional associations. Next – discussions, sessions of village, district councils. We are moving on!