The costly lesson in democracy and self-government did not bypass our town either. The city is by no means an oasis of universal happiness, but the emotions surrounding the elections have slowly subsided, and the efforts of the new councillors are directed towards the future. As we remember, there was no shortage of sharp and polemical elements, promoted by numerous parties, groups and associations formed on the spur of the moment, which endorsed more or less successful programmes announcing revolutions and times of spectacular progress, while rejecting or glorifying the achievements and personal arrangements of the past. The electorate of the town on the Bóbr did not allow itself to be misled by a game of appearances and political demagogy: people voted not so much for parties as for individuals known in the local community, with established authority and achievements. Among the new municipal councillors, it is impossible to find the so-called extremists, cheerleading revolutionaries or silver-tongued demagogues. Most of the mandates went to sensible and experienced people, young and old but responsible and wise, avoiding quarrels and disputes, yet genuinely concerned about Bolesławiec.
Broken down by party affiliation, 11 councillors represent the Community of Catholic Families, 9 the Democratic Left Alliance, 7 the Freedom Union (running in the elections under the slogan “Now Bolesławiec”), and 4 the Electoral Forum for the City and Its Residents, in which merchants and craftsmen played the leading role, although voters placed their trust in 2 doctors and 2 teachers (today the Independent Councillors’ Circle). Only 1 councillor represents the traditional right. Surprisingly, despite such a mosaic of options and views, it was possible to reach an amicable and harmonious agreement on the allocation of all positions in the Council and the City Board. Common sense and the civic attitude of the new councillors, serving their second term in local government, prevailed—and this bodes well for the future.
The difficult art of compromise made it possible to satisfy all groups and schools of thought when choosing the city authorities. How did it happen that the council chairman became a representative of the left, retired engineer Władysław Landsberg, that engineer Józef Król continued to serve as President, and that representatives of the Freedom Union, the Democratic Left Alliance, the Electoral Forum and the Community of Catholic Families cooperated harmoniously on the City Board? Let enthusiasts and experts on backstage politics, seekers of sensations and trackers of behind-the-scenes manoeuvring investigate. Here too, a state of complete consensus was achieved: the colour of one’s party membership card did not matter, but rather knowledge, competence and authority. Contrary to initial fears and expectations, City Board meetings are characterised by prudence, responsibility, sound-minded moderation, tact and culture. There are differences of opinion and differing points of view, but they always lead to joint consideration, arrangements and agreement on rational solutions. Constructive thinking also prevailed in the elections of the council’s individual committees. All political options are represented in the authorities, although it seems that this issue will lose significance over time. The local community has dozens of important substantive problems to resolve, so there will be no time for ideology or splitting hairs. In any case, most people generally know and respect one another, so the rivalry will concern specific solutions and the search for optimal methods of collective action. “Unity builds”—most municipal councillors honour this maxim, which does not, however, rule out differences of opinion and rational polemics. People can differ beautifully and wisely; there is no need to reach for clubs or swords at once...
There will be no shortage of opportunities for disputes, if only when drafting and allocating the future budget, which will not meet all local needs. The flagship investment of recent years—the wastewater treatment plant—is nearing a successful conclusion. It is now time to locate the municipal landfill, something that has so far not been achieved at the excavation left by the exhausted clay mine in Suszki. The residents of this village effectively blocked the initiative, government investment funds were lost, and a new site must be found with a view to storage for several decades of operation. Strict environmental regulations constitute a difficult barrier. Certain hopes are connected with the military training grounds outside Trzebień, in the vicinity of Osiecznica, or with other locations. It is an exceptionally difficult task despite its priority status. Extensive correspondence, conferences, meetings, site inspections, enormous organisational effort—and still nothing. This is a small example of the scale of the problems that councillors and city authorities encounter every day.
It was unanimously decided that the city would accept a family of Polish re-emigrants from Kazakhstan. It may be assumed that this will not be the last response concerning the Polish diaspora abroad. The time has come to improve air connections to central Poland (the proximity of the German border and increased car traffic dictate the need to build a so-called ring road), while the motorway being built nearby creates an opportunity to activate some unemployed people. Telecommunications require modernisation, housing is still in short supply, and many homes urgently need renovation, as do the schools that the local government is to take over at its own expense. Every area of economic and social life requires scrutiny, improvements and economic analysis. Will the new councillors be able to meet the challenge? Time will tell.
A favourable climate has emerged for “Głos Bolesławca”, which will cease to be the voice of “one crying in the wilderness” and become the authentic voice of local public opinion and an informer about the life of the city. It is still too early to write about the publication’s final formula. The problems and themes raised here are fully justified, although they are not always addressed to the right people. Neither the City Council nor the President will comment on making wages realistic, nor will they answer “off the cuff” how housing problems can be solved or unemployment eliminated. They will, however, soon address the issue of rising municipal rents, with the situation of the poorest in mind and while seeking ways to help them. We act in accordance with the applicable law and strictly defined competencies. We do not lack goodwill or commitment, but we cannot immediately undo the effects of numerous neglects or arrears, nor do we promise mountains of gold or a state of universal nirvana. We simply avoid cheap demagogy. We are less interested in the level of the city president’s salary and more in the effectiveness of his actions and the efficiency of the executive authority’s work. In this respect, progress is visible even to the naked eye. I will not expand on the subject for lack of space.
A new (innovative?) model of municipal authority has emerged in Bolesławiec, presumably in line with the electorate’s expectations. The principle of proportionality and parity prevailed in the distribution of the most important positions, while—fortunately—the party key was lost, and from there it is only a short step to emotional “partyism”. Governing the city will presumably be more difficult, because keeping a watchful eye on the authorities requires responsibility for actions and words, and the councillors do not feel helpless; instead, they want to be fully responsible for the mandates they hold. This is a good thing, because self-admiration will be replaced by self-perfectionism and concern for the common good, by acting pro publico bono. Although the Chinese “hundred flowers” did not blossom in the town on the Bóbr, new people with authority and life experience want to leave their own lasting mark on the city’s history and future. The first significant step in the right direction has been taken.