Reborn as a Noble's Son-Chapter 821 - 777 Provincial Governing County System
Chapter 821: Chapter 777 Provincial Governing County System
Chapter 821 -777 Provincial Governing County System
Upon hearing these words, Long Genghua appeared quite startled, “provincial management of counties.” Nie Zhenbang was indeed making bold moves, grand plans. But could this scheme be implemented? Long Genghua had a certain understanding of “provincial management of counties.” Specifically, the “provincial management of counties” system means that the administrative relationship of province, city, and county is transformed from the current three-tier “province—city—county” system to a two-tier “province—city, county” system. The management of the counties would shift from the current “province-managed city—city-managed county” model to a “province-managed county” model, with the province replacing the city. The system would encompass all aspects originally managed by the city, including personnel, finance, planning, project approval, etc. The reform that allows the province to directly decentralize powers such as transfer payments, fiscal settlement, revenue reporting and resolution, funds dispatch, and debt management to the counties has been piloted nationwide. If counties are strong then the country is rich.
With this in mind, Long Genghua became very cautious, and said, “Governor Nie, provincial management of counties, that’s a big move. Doing so will face considerable resistance and pressure within the province, I guess.”
Nie Zhenbang simply smiled, nodded, and agreed with Long Genghua’s words. He then said, “Of course there will be resistance, the main issue is whether the provincial government has the determination. At present, there are many issues with the grassroots teams at the county level. Many act as if they are ‘local emperors.’ Ultimately, this also has a lot to do with the three-tier province-city-county administrative system. The relationship between cities and counties is too close. This is one of the roots of corruption.”
As he spoke, Nie Zhenbang paused for a moment before continuing, “Additionally, from the perspectives of development and administration, one could say that the county teams have two ‘mothers-in-law’: the provincial and city governments. If we now remove the city level of government, it would indeed free up the county economies from one constraint.”
Nie Zhenbang continued to explain to Long Genghua, “Secretary Long, in fact, the provincial management of counties system has already been piloted in our country more than a dozen years ago. I remember that back in 92′, Jiangnan Province proposed a plan to sync its economy with Hucheng City. At that time, thirteen counties in Jiangnan Province implemented this pilot. By the year 2002, the whole of Jiangnan Province was participating in the pilot program. Nowadays, Chunan, Ludong, and other provinces are all adopting the provincial management of counties model. These are existing experiences and examples. I think we could completely borrow the successful models from our brother provinces and cities.”
In saying so, Nie Zhenbang was essentially giving Long Genghua a reassurance. Moreover, if this plan could be passed, then the control Xu Aiguo had over the counties and cities below Changhong City would inevitably decrease. At that time, the provincial government could also directly intervene in the affairs of Changhong City through the province’s personnel appointment and removal powers.
Of course, that step might not be necessary, as the provincial management of counties system itself indicates the provincial government’s stance. As long as Xu Aiguo isn’t foolish, he will naturally know to restrain himself.
Admiring Nie Zhenbang’s tactics, Long Genghua felt genuine respect. He was truly a learned man. If it had been himself, at most he would have applied some pressure at the Standing Committee meetings, put some pressure on Zeng Taiping, and eventually forced Xu Aiguo to let go. However, Nie Zhenbang’s approach not only achieved an equivalent outcome but also enabled the province to better control the overall economic situation. This was the difference.
With this in mind, Long Genghua also knew he had to take a stand on this matter, and immediately nodded, “The system of provincial management of counties, I see it as very good. I support it. In the past, there were many issues between counties and cities, especially when they belonged to different cities—each pushing the responsibility onto the other. The reform of the provincial management of counties system could indeed completely resolve this kind of issue. Governor Nie, I am hugely impressed. I fully support this matter.”
After a pause, Long Genghua continued, “Moreover, I think it is necessary to provide some feedback to Secretary Zeng Taiping. Our comrades at the local level, eager to make a difference and carry out their work, I can understand their urgent desire to accomplish something significant. But overall, we still need to pay attention to the methods. Don’t they know that haste doesn’t bring success?”
After parting with Long Genghua, Nie Zhenbang went straight home. As for Long Genghua, Nie Zhenbang trusted that he would not miss this opportunity to talk to Zeng Taiping. Xu Aiguo’s actions had also indirectly touched his heart.
Now, after the case with Yangde City, Long Genghua’s prestige within the province had taken a hit, and he was even less able to bear failure than Nie Zhenbang. If even the people in Changhong City couldn’t be kept safe, Long Genghua would truly become isolated in Bashu Province. Thus, it was inevitable for him to make his stance known.
…
Changhong City
Xu Aiguo picked up the phone, his mood quite unpleasant. As someone who was parachuted into a position and had a background, this sense of constraint was something he had never experienced before.
But when under someone’s roof, one must bow their head. Listening to Secretary Zeng’s seemingly amicable words on the other end of the phone, Xu Aiguo could only nod and say, “Secretary Zeng, you’re right to criticize me. I was too eager for success in this matter.”
Zeng Taiping nodded, noting that several members of the provincial Standing Committee—including Nie Zhenbang, Long Genghua, Sun Jialuo among the leading officials—had expressed some opinions, Zeng Taiping could not ignore them. This was what Nie Zhenbang said.
Zeng Taiping had made a good deal, but once it no longer seemed worth it, he had to reconsider. Obviously, it was unwise to offend other Standing Committee members just for the sake of Changhong City and Xu Aiguo. Plus, Zeng Taiping also believed that Xu Aiguo had acted too hastily.
After pondering for a moment, Zeng Taiping’s voice came through, “Aiguo, it’s normal for comrades at the grassroots level to have some minor faults, small problems. ‘If the water is too clear, there will be no fish.’ Now, with many leaders in the province having objections to you, do not get too entangled in such trivial matters. Settle down and you will still have advantages. Don’t continue the investigation in Shantong County.”
With that said, the affair regarding Xu Aiguo’s actions was effectively concluded. In fact, the issues in Shantong County were not really problems. It’s possible that in terms of lifestyle, some lines were crossed, but they did not pertain to criminal or disciplinary matters. In short, the investigation would be fruitless, which was the confidence Nie Zhenbang and others had.
If a thorough investigation were conducted, at most, there would be a warning, or rather, not even a warning—it would be decent enough to settle for a admonitory talk. This would have no significant impact on the overall situation. With things having reached this point, Xu Aiguo had to make compromises.
Listening to Zeng Taiping’s words, Xu Aiguo nodded without offering any objection, nor did he dare to object. He did have a background, that was true. But now he was in Bashu Province, Xu Aiguo had no choice but to align himself with Zeng Taiping.
At the same time, Xu Aiguo was well aware of the implications in those words—no matter what, his advantage lied in being the Party Secretary of Changhong City, the top official. He believed he still had to maintain his own authority among team members. Xu Aiguo also believed that he would always find a breakthrough.
He subsequently nodded and said, “Secretary Zeng, I understand. Please rest assured. I know what to do.”
…
Provincial Committee small conference room
Inside the conference room, there were only three people: Zeng Taiping, Long Genghua, and Nie Zhenbang. This was a meeting of the secretaries prior to the routine Standing Committee meeting.
Glancing at Long Genghua and Nie Zhenbang sitting beside him, Zeng Taiping then said, “Regarding the several issues previously mentioned, I think, we can finalize them and bring them up for discussion at the Standing Committee. Additionally, do Comrades Zhenbang and Genghua have anything to add?”
The several issues previously discussed had all proceeded very smoothly. Nie Zhenbang and Long Genghua hadn’t raised any objections. Listening to Zeng Taiping’s words now, the two exchanged glances before Nie Zhenbang promptly said, “There is actually one matter I need to discuss.”
After pausing for a moment, Nie Zhenbang looked at Zeng Taiping and said, “Secretary Zeng, I believe that, considering the current economic and social development situation of Bashu Province and its promising development prospects, it is time for Bashu Province to consider reforming the county governance system.”
Continuing, Nie Zhenbang summarized the pros and cons of the county governance system and concluded, “Overall, I believe that the reform of the county governance system will further strengthen the control of the Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial Government and will also expedite the development of our province’s county economies.”
Upon hearing Nie Zhenbang’s words, Zeng Taiping’s expression immediately darkened—county governance under provincial authority was undeniably a good system. If it had been proposed at any other time, Zeng Taiping would not have been opposed, as it ultimately fortified the authority of the Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial Government. But now, after the incident in Changhong City, Zeng Taiping was not inclined to agree.
His face turning stern, and before Long Genghua could speak, Zeng Taiping interjected, “Comrade Zhenbang, regarding the county governance under provincial authority, I think, the implications are simply too broad. Bashu is a populous province, with over twenty cities at the prefecture level, plus one sub-provincial city. The scope is too wide. In my opinion, let’s not discuss this matter for now.”
Having said this, Zeng Taiping then spoke with a heavy tone, “Let’s just shelve this matter for the time being. I will absolutely not agree to it.”
Such a stance surprised both Nie Zhenbang and Long Genghua; Zeng Taiping had used the veto power of the Party Committee’s top leader over this issue.
Exchanging a glance, Nie Zhenbang responded with a smile, “Since Secretary Zeng has said so, let’s shelve it for a while.”
As the meeting ended and they opened their phones, both Nie Zhenbang and Zeng Taiping’s phones chimed with incoming messages. This made both Zeng Taiping and Nie Zhenbang pause.
Nie Zhenbang opened the message, which was very brief, saying only, “President Yuan is critically ill!”
Upon reading this, Nie Zhenbang immediately looked up at Zeng Taiping and said, “Secretary Zeng, I need to ask for leave. I have to make a trip to Jingcheng today.”
This content is taken from freёnovelkiss.com.
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