Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is no secret that I will run in the April 7 election for Mayor of Nowogrodziec. I am running as an independent candidate, without the support of any political groups or associations.

I am running under the slogan: “Residents first,” because you, the residents, create our community; our program is based on you, and you need support for the initiatives, events and associations that you create.

“Grassroots initiatives” are wonderful people who need help and dialogue in presenting and putting their ideas into practice.

Together with a group of fifteen candidates for the municipal council, we have prepared a realistic action plan and have some excellent ideas, already presented to some residents. The surprise of these citizens at how easily everyday problems can be solved only reinforces my belief that, as of today, we have the best program. To implement it, we only need to obtain a mandate from society in the April 7 election.

We will not promise impossible things; there is no question of building Disneyland, a Formula 1 track or a cinema with a dozen screening rooms. Let us be serious.

Realistic investments that residents need—yes!

We must carry out some investments together with other entities: the county, the voivodeship and neighboring municipalities. Dialogue and joint action are needed in all of this. As fresh, new people, we have that opportunity. To sit down at the table and talk as equals—and let us remember that there will also be new people there, with the same desire for change.

My entire program, as well as that of my council candidates, has been prepared over several years. It is based on social dialogue, civil society and debate. Among the candidates for the Municipal Council, we do not have officials in our ranks, because officials should work in offices. The candidates include:

  • entrepreneurs
  • association leaders
  • people connected with health care
  • sports clubs
  • initiators of cultural life
  • ordinary residents

In other words, all those who know the needs and expectations of their families, friends and neighbors—those who say every day: “Listen, I would do it this way and that ...”

As president of the VE-TO Association for Local Initiatives, together with residents, we have shown more than once that we can unite.

I will not list our achievements and the problems we have solved; there are many. Every such initiative ended with hate directed at us—VE-TO is to blame for everything. Why is it to blame? Because it took the side of the little people.

But something ends, and something begins.

In order to focus during the election campaign on working with candidates for the council and meeting every resident in our small homeland, I have suspended my duties as President of the VE-TO Association until election day.

I also appeal to my opponent to do the same. Let everyone have an equal chance during the election campaign to present their ideas.

Mr. Robert Marek Relich, Mayor of Nowogrodziec, I appeal to you to take advantage of the opportunity to take leave and conduct your election campaign during that leave. Let everyone have the opportunity to present their plans for the future honestly.

In my opinion, that is not the case now; municipal institutions, village councils and municipal media are being used to present the public with information about completed investments. There would be nothing wrong with this if such information were provided before the election campaign began, but while it is underway, such actions are immoral.

There are so many good employees in the office, as well as an excellent deputy who will certainly manage the office efficiently during this two-month period.

“A good boss can be recognized by how their company performs while they are on leave.”

I would also be happy to take part with you in a debate on the state of the municipality and the plans for the future of our residents. Without campaign staffs or questions prepared in advance. I am sure that local news portals would be happy to organize such a debate.

I am waiting for your contact
Joanna Świder

Funded by the resources of the Joanna Świder Voters’ Election Committee