Reborn as a Noble's Son

602  Chapter 558: Strong Wrist (Seeking Monthly Ticket)_1

Zhao Fei's words brought a silence over the entire meeting room. It's not that different opinions weren't allowed at meetings. But ever since Li Taishi assumed the position of secretary of the Wanghai Municipal Party Committee and the new standing committee was established, they'd been getting along harmoniously, making it a model of harmony among national party and government cadres.

Now, suddenly there was a different voice. It was naturally startling. Although Zhao Fei's words didn't clearly express his thoughts, the implied depth conveyed some meaning. In regard to the issue of public spending, Zhao Fei felt that the measures were overly strict, indicating his disagreement with the plan.

Nie Zhenbang did not get angry, as disagreements within the standing committee were common. Even siblings raised by the same parents had conflicts and arguments, let alone members of the standing committee.

Besides, Zhao Fei's relationship with Nie had been lukewarm since the era of Shi Yiwu. His current attitude was in line with their past.

He didn't resent it. Nie Zhenbang responded with a mild smile, "Comrade Zhao Fei, do you have any suggestions? Feel free to share."

Hearing Nie Zhenbang's words, Zhao Fei didn't hesitate. Since he had already expressed a different opinion, even without a reason, he needed to speak. Otherwise, wouldn't he be seen as a person without credibility? In the officialdom, reputation is crucial; it's the basis for others to trust and collaborate with you. Then he nodded and said, "Mayor Nie, I have carefully studied the implementation details of public spending. In terms of the standard for official receptions, isn't it overly stringent? As all leaders are aware, it's difficult to control official receptions. When the proceeding gets merry, a superior might request an additional dish or a bottle of wine, causing the budget to exceed its limit. If individuals have to cover the excess from their own pockets, it will seriously hinder the enthusiasm of most cadres for their work."

After saying this, Zhao Fei paused deliberately to give the standing committee members some time to think. Then he added, "Leaders, you can imagine, if a cadre has to not only work hard but also subsidize money from his own pocket for work-related matters, I think, very few people are willing to do that."

As soon as Zhao Fei finished speaking, Jiang Li, the only female member of the Standing Committee and the Minister of the United Front Work Department, raised her hand. Normally, she would not express any opinions.

However, this matter affected her own interests—particularly concerning the private use of official cars. Which leader is not using an official car for personal use? It's only a matter of degree.

Jiang Li's hometown is in the countryside of Quanhai City. A visit there can be quite challenging. If she were to use a public bus, it would take at least an entire afternoon with all the bus changes.

Forbidding private use of official cars was something Jiang Li simply could not accept. After pondering for a while, Jiang Li spoke, "I also feel that this regulation lacks compassion. The lines drawn around using a public vehicle for private purposes are blurry. For example, in my United Front Work Department, our Wanghai City is a hometown to overseas Chinese. Sometimes work is very uncertain. Considering the living conditions of returnee old overseas Chinese, I have to visit them outside of working hours. If the private use of official cars is prohibited, and all official cars are sealed off after work hours, my work cannot be carried out."

Jiang Li didn't express support or opposition. She simply took herself as an example, wearing the look of a victim. As she spoke, the meeting room fell silent again.

At this moment, Li Taishi looked calm, neither warm nor cold. He glanced at Nie Zhenbang beside him. He had anticipated the opposition to this plan long ago because it affected the interests of each leader. The opposition was only to be expected.

The executive vice mayor, Li Xiangtian, interjected, "I think there's no harm in trial implementation. As far as I know, Lizhou City in the Xibei Autonomous Region, formerly Bazhou City and New Li City, as well as Liangxi City in Jiangbei Province, are all experimenting with regulations on official receptions. The standard for official receptions in Liangxi City is even linked with the Organization Department for specific data evaluation, incorporated into the annual cadre evaluation system of the Organization Department, directly affecting cadre promotions and training."

Based on the implementation in the two cities, the results seemed positive. According to statistics, the two cities saved at least five million each year in public expenditure after implementing the standard. For a nationally renowned economic powerhouse like Liangxi City, just last year's fiscal expenditure was reduced by more than 19 million compared to the same period the year before. I think, since other metropolises can implement it, our Wanghai City can do the same. After all, Mayor Nie is the initiator of the regulation."

Li Taishi was not at all surprised by Li Xiangtian's support. Li Xiangtian had been promoted to his current position of executive vice mayor primarily due to Nie Zhenbang's support. This relationship determined Li Xiangtian's factional identity. It was impossible that he wouldn't support Nie Zhenbang.

At this very moment, Nie Zhenbang raises his hand, calmly saying, "Secretary Li Taishi, allow me to speak my piece."

At this time, Nie Zhenbang's expression is very serious, his gaze sharp. He looks around at everyone, and only after his gaze has swept over Jiang Li and Zhao Fei, does he begin to speak: "Regarding the standard for official receptions. This is a situation where everyone has their own justified opinion. Comrades do indeed have some special working time slots and indeed, some actual difficulties. However, we cannot retreat just because of difficulties."

"Years ago, Taizu once wrote an article called "The Foolish Old Man Moves the Mountain". In that article, Taizu once said that we must not fear sacrifice, overcome all difficulties, and strive for victory. Now, we are neither asking comrades to sacrifice themselves nor asking comrades to do any dangerous work, and yet everyone speaks of difficulties as though they are incredibly serious. Is this the standard of a party member?"

The words of Nie Zhenbang make all the full members of the Standing Committee somewhat taken aback. In the committee, Nie Zhenbang has always been an easy-going person. But at this moment, when Nie Zhenbang shows this strong attitude, everyone remembers that Mayor Nie is not Wang Yaguang. He is a strong character.

Nie Zhenbang disregards everyone's astonished expressions, continuing to speak: "As for the issue Minister Jiang Li cares about, with current scientific and technological methods, it is easy to solve. Currently, isn't a GPS positioning system popular abroad? Now, in our country, this technology has already begun to be tried in several big cities. I think we can completely learn from this. The Municipal Party Committee Office and the Municipal Government Office can accurately locate vehicles through GPS. This can ensure the convenience of work for leading cadres and also eradicate the unauthorized use of vehicles." n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

10:45

Of these three aspects, the main disputes are centered on public spending on food and drinks and the private use of official vehicles. As for state-funded trips abroad, for every leader, this is a far-off matter. After all, how many times can a leader go abroad in a year? Perhaps, in a lifetime, there may only be one or two opportunities. On the other hand, public spending on food and drinks and the unauthorized use of official vehicles are different. These are matters closely related to one's life and involve personal interests. This is the root of the wrangling.

The strong attitude of Nie Zhenbang has made Jiang Li and Zhao Fei wisely shut their mouths. As old Standing Committee members of Wanghai City, they have seen the prestige of Mayor Nie. Even when he was just the executive deputy mayor, he dared to challenge the secretary of the municipal party committee at the standing committee meeting. Now, offending Mayor Nie would just lead to unpleasantness, wouldn't it?

Besides, on the two issues that everyone cares about, public spending on receptions and unauthorized use of official vehicles, both Li Xiangtian and Nie Zhenbang have given detailed explanations and suitable solutions.

In particular, the words of Li Xiangtian, taking the fruitful achievements obtained in Lizhou and Liangxi as examples, as references, and extensions, if someone disagrees, what are their intentions? The facts prove that it is effective, and pilot work has also been carried out in other places, proving that it is feasible. If Wanghai City alone disagrees, doesn't that mean there are ulterior motives?

Qi Siyuan pondered for a moment, then slowly began to speak: "I think this plan is very good. The high level of 'three public' expenditure is indeed a big problem, and this kind of measure serves as a restraint, which is very good. I approve."

"As for this plan, I also think it is a mature one. After the settling down in Xinli City and Liangxi City, I believe that Mayor Nie has fully considered the issues and solutions encountered during the execution of the plan. I suggest that we first implement this in the municipal committee, the municipal government, and directly administered organs and bureaus. If the effects turn out to be very good, then we might consider implementing it city-wide, what do you think?" Jiang Huguang, the secretary of the municipal discipline commission, who usually didn't care much about the affairs of the standing committee and didn't express his opinion much, suddenly spoke up in support.

Li Taishi was watching this scene, with the mayor proposing, the deputy secretary of the municipal party committee, the secretary of the municipal discipline commission, and the executive deputy mayor all expressing their support one after another. The main leaders of the municipal party committee have agreed, this kind of clout is incomparable with that of Zhao Fei and Jiang Li.

After a moment of silence, Li Taishi also decided to choose to support it. The harmonious relationship with Nie Zhenbang has not come easily, he worked hard to achieve it. Once this relationship is destroyed, the one who will suffer in the end is likely to be himself.

Having thought of all of this, Li Taishi nods his head and says: "I think this plan is very good. It is well-founded and clear. I also believe that the pros outweigh the cons and it's worth considering. We should try it out for some time first in the directly administered organs and bureaus and see how it goes."

PS: Brothers and sisters, you are really awesome, too cool; 1318 votes, you... are you trying to make me explode with seven updates a day? Old Cai, I can only try my hardest! !!! (To be continued. If you like this work, I welcome you to come to qidian.com to cast recommended votes and monthly votes. Your support is my biggest motivation.)