Statement by the Bolesławiec County Starost

Referring to the recent press reports and the current situation in the authorities of Bolesławiec County and the county office itself, I hereby inform you:

1. It is true that since the beginning of this year I have been struggling with a serious neurological illness which, as it has progressed, has caused quadriplegia and breathing difficulties. At the same time, I stress that my ailments in no way affect my intellectual abilities; therefore, my knowledge, skills and experience enable me to coordinate the work of county institutions.

2. I strongly emphasize that the county administration is operating without any problems. Despite my temporary absences, the Bolesławiec County Office and the other organizational units are working normally, while the county board is carrying out its statutory tasks. We have completed most of the investment projects, while the remaining ones are nearing completion. Importantly, the early and efficient conduct of tenders enabled us to make savings, thanks to which we expanded the scope of the investment work. Most of next year's investments have been planned, together with funds secured for their implementation. The county office operates as an efficient organization. As of October 10, more than 25,000 applications, letters and documents submitted by county residents and others had been received by the office. By that date, more than 820 decisions concerning construction permits had been issued in response to residents' applications, and more than 520 construction notifications had additionally been accepted. More than 8,100 decisions concerning driving licences (decisions on driving entitlement, licence suspension and referral for examinations, etc.) and 20,150 decisions concerning vehicle registration had been issued (including more than 9,500 registration certificates). These are only some of the figures describing the work of the county office. It is also worth recalling, for example, that this year's secondary-school graduates from county schools once again achieved the best matura results in Lower Silesia. I therefore note with satisfaction that most department heads, heads of the county office's organizational units and employees form a proven professional team.
Consequently, nothing is happening that could indicate any “loosening of discipline” in the county office or other organizational units of the County.

For this reason, I received with indignation the opinions of the current deputy starost, Marian Haniszewski, who claims that the county office is functioning improperly in terms of atmosphere and work discipline. Mr. Haniszewski's words—quote—“I have to work, I was left alone, I work alone. I am not complaining, but I have a great many duties.”—are further proof of his arrogance and unjustified self-satisfaction. To see the fundamental gaps in his basic knowledge and skills in the field of local government, it is enough to attend a session of the county council at which the current deputy starost has to represent the county board. Despite nearly two years of work as deputy starost, his statements still demonstrate a lack of substantive preparation, are often bizarre and cause embarrassment among councillors. I state that the current deputy starost is a person who unscrupulously exploits my illness to pursue his political ambitions—ambitions that far exceed his competence.
Many people recognize his improper conduct, as evidenced by the division of the PSL councillors' caucus and the refusal of three of its members to continue supporting Marian Haniszewski as deputy starost.

3. In my work, I have always demanded COMPETENCE, CULTURE AND LOYALTY from myself and my associates. Marian Haniszewski proved to be a person unable to meet these criteria. My illness and temporary absences have made it clear that the current deputy starost cannot meet these criteria. I will try to resolve this problem. It is telling that Marian Haniszewski—running in the most recent elections to the county council from the first place on the list—only achieved the fourth result and once again was not elected as a councillor. Voters assessed his potential back then. Unfortunately, it took me longer.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have worked for the county for 17 years so that it can be an autonomous and strong local government, supporting the development of our municipalities and acting for the good of all residents. I consider maintaining this course of action to be our most important task. For this purpose, together with the councillors remaining in the coalition, we have taken steps to build a new majority on the county council. I am convinced that these actions are justified. At the same time, I declare that once this majority has been built, enabling the appointment of a new starost and county board, I will resign from my position.

Dariusz Kwaśniewski
Bolesławiec County Starost

Bolesławiec, October 10, 2016