20: Chapter 20 Party Committee Decision-Making

Secretary Sun Wei frowned almost imperceptibly: "This... Township Head Li, the township has also been owing the Power Supply Station for electricity for a long time, shouldn't we..."

"Secretary." Li Dakang closed his notebook.

"I plan to use this money to solve livelihood issues first; other debts can wait until we revitalize the economy."

The atmosphere in the office instantly became subtle.

Secretary Sun Wei twirled his teacup, the bottom of the cup tracing small circles on the desktop.

"Right."

He suddenly changed the subject and smiled bitterly: "There was a meeting at the county today, and County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun criticized us by name again. Our indicators for the last quarter were all at the bottom. Brother, we need to produce some results as soon as possible."

At the investment promotion meeting in the county this morning, County Magistrate Zeng Xuejun suddenly singled out Guantian Township for criticism, and Secretary Sun Wei felt like he was sitting on pins and needles.

If this continues, the dream of becoming a bureau chief in the city will be out of the question; he'll likely be transferred to some idle department in the county to retire.

Although it is a fact that Guantian is poor, the county only looks at results. If the economy doesn't improve, the Township Party Committee Secretary and the Township Head get the blame first.

Li Dakang had just arrived yesterday, so the blame wouldn't fall on him for now; it could only be borne by Secretary Sun Wei, who had been the township secretary for nearly two years.

Outside the window, the cicadas in the paulownia tree suddenly began to clamor.

Li Dakang's gaze passed over Secretary Sun Wei and landed on the map of Guantian Township on the wall; the rolling hills looked like wrinkles carved into this barren land.

"Secretary, I have an idea," Li Dakang said suddenly.

"Starting tomorrow, I plan to spend half a month visiting all 11 villages in the township."

Secretary Sun Wei was visibly relieved: "Great! Only field research can grasp first-hand information!"

"Also."

Li Dakang stood up: "I suggest we hold a Township Party Committee meeting this afternoon to unify our thinking. I have some development ideas I'd like to discuss with the comrades."

"No problem!"

Secretary Sun Wei also stood up and shook hands enthusiastically: "I will have Comrade Zhiguo notify everyone right away. Brother, I'm counting on you to develop the economy!"

Just as Li Dakang returned to his office and sat down, Finance Director Yu Changping called to say that the 300,000 from the Township Credit Union had arrived.

Li Dakang instructed Finance Director Yu Changping not to touch it for now and to wait for further notice.

...

At three o'clock in the afternoon, the Township Party Committee conference room in Guantian Township was already full of people around the oval conference table.

When Li Dakang pushed the door open, eight pairs of eyes turned to look at him with inquiry. The cigarette smoke spiraled up in the sunlight, casting a hazy veil over the entire room.

"Township Head Li is here!"

Chairman Shen Dawei was the first to stand up; this veteran cadre in his early fifties had graying temples and a smile on his face.

"We were just waiting for you and Secretary Sun Wei."

Li Dakang took out a pack of Zhonghua cigarettes and distributed them one by one.

When he handed one to the Discipline Inspection Commission secretary, the dark-complexioned middle-aged man was noticeably stunned, rubbing his fingers over the cigarette pack before taking one out.

"Township Head's cigarettes really are better."

Chairman Shen Dawei brought the cigarette to his nose and took a deep sniff, squinting his eyes: "It seems I'll have to visit your office more often in the future."

Li Dakang sat down in the seat marked with his nameplate and responded with a smile: "Chairman Shen, you are welcome anytime; there will be enough cigarettes."

The door of the conference room was pushed open again, and Secretary Sun Wei walked in, carrying that iconic enamel teacup.

The red characters "Advanced Worker" on the cup had faded, but he kept it polished until it shone.

Secretary Sun Wei looked around and cleared his throat: "Comrades, today is the first Township Party Committee meeting since Township Head Li Dakang took office."

Applause broke out. Li Dakang noticed that the Executive Deputy Township Head clapped the hardest, while the Organization Committee member only tapped his palms perfunctorily.

"Thanks to Township Head Li Dakang's timely handling of the matter this morning."

Secretary Sun Wei's gaze swept over everyone's face: "In the end, it's still a money problem."

When money was mentioned, the atmosphere in the conference room instantly became heavy.

"Fortunately, Township Head Li Dakang has a way."

Secretary Sun Wei suddenly raised his voice: "He borrowed 300,000 from the Township Credit Union!"

"300,000?"

The fountain pen in the Executive Deputy Township Head's hand fell onto his meeting notebook with a "clatter."

"Director Du Cheng, that stingy miser, was actually willing to bleed?"

Li Dakang picked up his teacup and took a sip, the bitterness of the tea spreading on the tip of his tongue.

"As for how exactly this money will be used, let's ask Township Head Li Dakang to share his thoughts."

Secretary Sun Wei handed the floor to Li Dakang.

The conference room fell silent; even the rustling sound of turning pages disappeared.

"Comrades."

Li Dakang's voice was unhurried: "This 300,000 is life-saving money, but it is also credit money; by the end of the year, we must repay the principal and interest to the Credit Cooperative."

He paused and scanned everyone present: "So we must be meticulous in our calculations."

The Propaganda Committee member was writing quickly, the tip of the fountain pen leaving deep marks on the paper.

"I've looked into it, and currently the township's expenditures are mainly concentrated in three areas."

Li Dakang held up three fingers: "Salaries for non-government teachers, subsidies for township cadres visiting villages, and cafeteria and reception expenses."

When "reception expenses" were mentioned, the air in the conference room seemed to freeze.

The Organization Committee member twisted his neck uncomfortably; the collar of his white shirt was already frayed.

"Let's start with the teachers' salaries."

Li Dakang opened a file: "There are 87 non-government teachers in the township, and their unpaid salaries for the past half year total over 48,000 yuan. This money must be resolved as a priority."