21: Chapter 21 Strict Management of Food and Drink Accounts

"I agree!" Chairman Shen Dawei suddenly slapped the table.

Li Dakang nodded and continued, "The second item is the cadre allowance. Currently, the allowance for going to the villages is one yuan per day, and I propose increasing it to two yuan."

This proposal was like a stone thrown into a calm lake; the Organization Committee Member suddenly raised his head, surprise flashing in his eyes.

The Head of the Armed Forces Department unconsciously straightened his back.

Even the usually expressionless Deputy Secretary of the Township Party Committee Duan Yongping relaxed his brow slightly.

"Township Head Li, this..." The Executive Deputy Township Head stopped mid-sentence.

"I know the finances are difficult," Li Dakang interrupted him.

"But when comrades go down to the villages to work, motorcycles need gas money, and they need money to eat. A one-yuan allowance isn't even enough for a bowl of noodles; how can we expect the cadres to work with peace of mind?"

Secretary Sun Wei suddenly interjected, "I agree. If you want the horse to run, you have to let it graze."

After finishing, he looked at Li Dakang meaningfully.

When it came time to vote by show of hands, nine hands went up in unison, without a moment's hesitation.

When Director Su Zhiguo of the Party and Government Office wrote the words "Unanimously Passed" in the meeting minutes, his handwriting was slightly heavier than usual.

"The third item is the food situation," Li Dakang said, changing the subject.

"I went to the cafeteria to take a look at noon today; stir-fried cabbage, stir-fried pork with peppers, and you can count the slices of meat."

The ceiling fan in the conference room creaked, but it couldn't dispel the sweltering heat of midsummer.

Li Dakang unbuttoned the top button of his shirt, "To judge whether a unit is good or not, you first have to look at its food."

His voice was not loud, but it made every committee member stop what they were doing.

"As the old saying goes, people are iron, food is steel. If we can't even eat well, how can we have the energy to work?"

The Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission quietly swallowed; he had only gnawed on half a cold steamed bun at noon today, and his stomach was churning with acid.

"Therefore, the cafeteria must be reformed. We must not only eat our fill but also eat well."

Li Dakang looked around the room, "I will discuss this issue specifically with Deputy Township Head Xiao Yan after the meeting, and we will start implementing it tomorrow."

Applause suddenly erupted, shaking the windowpanes; the Head of the Armed Forces Department clapped the loudest.

"Since the cafeteria will be improved,"

Li Dakang continued after the applause died down, "we must strictly control dining out."

He looked at Secretary Sun Wei, "Secretary Sun Wei and I have already reached a consensus on this."

Secretary Sun Wei nodded slightly, slowly rotating his teacup in his hand.

"From now on, for official business dining out,"

Li Dakang opened his notebook, "Township leaders are limited to thirty yuan per person per meal, and no more than five times per month."

"Special circumstances must be approved by Secretary Sun Wei or me."

His gaze swept over everyone present, "In addition, all reimbursements must be signed according to procedure; otherwise, the Finance Office will not reimburse a single cent."

The temperature in the conference room seemed to drop a few degrees.

The nib of Deputy Secretary of the Township Party Committee Duan Yongping's pen poked a hole in the paper, and the ink bled out like a black flower.

"Director Su Zhiguo."

Li Dakang looked at Director Su Zhiguo of the Party and Government Office, who was taking notes, "Draft a formal document on this matter after the meeting and distribute it."

Director Su Zhiguo stole a glance at Secretary Sun Wei's reaction and, upon receiving tacit approval, replied, "Very well, Township Head, I will handle it as soon as the meeting adjourns."

Several committee members lowered their heads; they knew full well where they usually ate.

"I understand everyone," Li Dakang's tone suddenly softened.

"But the money spent on a meal outside is enough to improve the cafeteria's food for a week."

He opened an account book, "Over the past six months, the Township Government has run up a total of over 13,000 yuan in tabs at restaurants."

The Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission suddenly started coughing, his face turning bright red; this was the first time even he, the Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission, had heard this number.

Li Dakang's voice carried an unquestionable firmness, "I will personally oversee the cafeteria reform."

There was silence in the conference room.

Secretary Sun Wei's teacup paused in mid-air, a drop of tea sliding down the side of the cup and staining a small dark patch on his trousers.

"I support it."

Surprisingly, the first to express support was the Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission.

"The Discipline Inspection Commission should have rectified this issue long ago."

Secretary Sun Wei slowly put down his teacup, "Li Dakang's proposal... is very necessary."

He paused, "But the outstanding debts outside..."

"I will handle it," Li Dakang cut in.

"But from now on, we must put an end to spending on credit."

The wall clock in the conference room pointed to 4:30 PM, and the sun was already slanting westward.

Li Dakang closed his file and gave a final summary, "Starting tomorrow, I will spend half a month visiting all eleven villages in the township. I hope that when I finish visiting, I will be able to see these resolutions implemented."

Speaking of this, his voice suddenly raised, "Developing the economy is my primary task as Township Head! As long as everyone cooperates, I will solve the money issue."

"I guarantee that this year, I will make sure all the cadres in the township have a prosperous year!"

This sentence was like a shot of adrenaline; even the Publicity Committee Member, who had been keeping his head down to take notes, raised his head, his eyes shining with hope.

"I fully support Li Dakang."

Secretary Sun Wei suddenly spoke up, placing his teacup heavily on the table, "Whoever drags their feet..."

He didn't finish, but his narrowed eyes made everyone's back go cold.

Don't be fooled by how Secretary Sun Wei usually acts like a nice guy; when he really gets angry, he is quite intimidating. After all, he is the legitimate Secretary of the Township Party Committee and the top leader; no one in Guantian Township dares to challenge him head-on.

Of course, with the exception of Li Dakang.