Absolute power in officialdom

Chapter 201 A Farce of Investment Promotion

Hu Lijin handed Wu Zhiyuan a stack of documents: "Secretary Wu, this is a detailed list and statistical table of entertainment expenses, charter bus expenses, and gift purchase expenses for the past three years. Yu Yue worked overtime last night to sort and categorize the data."

When Wu Zhiyuan took a look, the numbers were shocking.

Entertainment expenses: 1.35 million yuan the year before last, 1.12 million yuan last year, and nearly 400,000 yuan by the end of last month this year.

Many meal expense invoices only contain details of the dishes, the amount, and the signature of the person in charge, but the reason column is mostly vague, such as "working meal," "reception meal," or "meeting meal," lacking specific guests and reasons for the meal.

The total cost of chartering the bus over three years amounted to 680,000 yuan, with last year alone reaching 300,000 yuan.

Gift purchase expenses totaled 530,000 yuan over three years, mostly under the names of "maintaining relationships," "business visits," and "holiday greetings."

The gifts are mainly local specialties, such as crabs, fish, nuts, and local pork.

Tobacco and alcohol are listed separately, totaling over one million over three years.

There are also suspicious expenditures under categories such as "office supplies," "repair and maintenance," and "meeting expenses," which amount to a considerable sum.

For example, there is an invoice for office supplies, costing more than 50,000 yuan.

There was also an invoice with a summary of "books", costing over nine thousand yuan.

All cadres at the deputy section chief level and above in the town signed the contract, as did ordinary cadres.

The town mayor Zhang Ping and deputy secretary of the town party committee Chen Junqiang signed the most contracts.

Zhang Ping's restaurants are almost all located in the county town, while Chen Junqiang's restaurants are located in both the county town and towns.

Hu Lijin explained, "Secretary Wu, under normal circumstances, Mayor Zhang will not personally sign off on official receptions at restaurants in the town."

These forms must have been signed by Mayor Zhang in the county town when no other town officials were present.

It's actually quite normal for the main person in charge of the town's Party committee and government to host a dinner for leaders of county-level units in the county seat; it's just a way to build relationships.

Of course, whether it was all for work or whether there were private banquets is hard to say, impossible to verify, and will not be verified.

"Isn't the point of being a leader to get these benefits? If you have to pay for meals with your friends and classmates out of your own pocket, would you still want to be a leader?"

Hu Lijin was talking about something that was taken for granted.

"Secretary Wu, as far as I know, some units in the county have adopted a total amount control method. For example, in the County Agriculture Bureau, the director has the authority to sign contracts for a maximum of 50,000 yuan per year, and the deputy director has the authority to sign contracts for a maximum of 20,000 yuan per year."

These receipts, regardless of whether they are for official or private matters, are actually mostly for private banquets. This is because if it were for official business, they wouldn't need to sign the bill themselves; the office would handle it.

Wu Zhiyuan said meaningfully, "It seems the leaders of the county agricultural bureau are well-paid."

Hu Lijing said, "The Agriculture Bureau has adopted total amount control, but other units, especially powerful units, even deputy directors, can sign contracts and arrange private receptions at will."

No wonder so many people are desperate to become leaders; being a leader must be great.

Wu Zhiyuan asked, "Why is the cost of the gifts so high?"

Hu Lijin said, "Secretary Wu, it's essential to maintain good relations with the county during holidays, and other townships do the same."

During the Spring Festival, some powerful units in the county, such as the transportation, finance, and development and reform commissions, would send us local specialties, such as fish. Each person would receive two large grass carp, which would be transported in a small truck. Members of the leadership team would also receive a shopping card.

The cadres and staff of these powerful units in the county basically don't need to buy any New Year's goods, and they can't even finish them all.

Also, when inspection teams come down, we can't let them leave empty-handed. Sometimes we give each of them a pack of cigarettes, and when crabs are in season, we give each of them a gift box of crabs.

There's no other way; other towns are doing it this way. Some towns even have much higher costs than us.

Hu Lijin had just left when Sun Dewang came in.

"Secretary Wu, I checked with a friend who works as a traffic policeman in Jiangzhou. Boss Lin's Audi last time and BMW today were both rented from a car rental company."

In addition, a check of the business registration information revealed that the company owned by Mr. Lin was only registered at the end of last year.

Moreover, this is a fake state-owned enterprise. The real state-owned enterprise published a notice in the newspaper this year stating that many companies are using similar names to impersonate or mislead consumers into believing they are state-owned enterprises, and this company was among them.

"Director Sun, I understand. These details will be kept confidential for now."

"Secretary Wu, I understand."

After Sun Dewang left, Wu Zhiyuan dialed Sun Runcai's number.

Sun Runcai has now been transferred to the Criminal Investigation Detachment of the Municipal Public Security Bureau, serving as the deputy detachment leader, at the level of a section chief.

It's good to take shelter under a big tree. After all, he has a father-in-law who is the secretary of the municipal political and legal affairs committee.

After hearing Wu Zhiyuan's explanation, Sun Runcai said he would investigate Lin's background.

The town's Party Committee convened.

One of the topics was Zhang Ping's proposal to provide five million yuan in start-up funding for the Qingshanxia Scenic Area development project.

Zhang Ping said, "Comrades, I will not go into the importance of the Qingshanxia project again. It is related to the overall development of our Xindian Town in the next few years, and even to its turnaround."

The investors are very sincere and efficient; they have already sent us a preliminary cooperation framework agreement.

They promised that the initial investment would be no less than 200 million yuan, and that they would also resolve some of the existing debts and give priority to hiring local workers—all tangible benefits.

Of course, they also have their requirements. They hope that our town can provide some matching funds in the early stages of the project to demonstrate our sincerity in cooperating.

After some haggling, we finally agreed on a matching fund of five million.

Five million!

In fact, many people know the financial situation of Xindian Town.

This is no small amount.

Zhang Ping anticipated everyone's reaction and then said, "I know that five million is a lot of pressure for our town."

However, comrades, we must consider the bigger picture. This investment of five million will leverage two hundred million, or even more, of social capital!

This has led to the revitalization of scenic areas, an influx of tourists, increased employment, and increased tax revenue!

It's turning green mountains and clear waters into gold and silver mountains! It's a tangible sense of gain for all the people in the town!

Zhang Ping raised his voice: "As for where the funds will come from? I've considered it, and we can raise them from several sources:"

First, by using a portion of the project development special funds budgeted at the beginning of the year, we can squeeze out about two million.

Second, we submitted a report to the county government to apply for some tourism development support funds or transfer payments, aiming for one million yuan, which County Chief Geng has already agreed in principle.

Third, the remaining two million will be temporarily advanced from the town's reserve fund, and will be gradually reimbursed by the tax revenue and profits generated after the project starts.

This is called concentrating resources to accomplish great things! You can't catch a wolf without risking your cub!

Comrades, opportunity waits for no one!

Neighboring towns and surrounding counties are also actively attracting investment. If we hesitate, our projects may be snatched away by other places.

I propose that the Party Committee approve this supporting funding plan, authorize the town government and investors to finalize the agreement as soon as possible, and strive to formally sign it next week!

After Zhang Ping finished speaking, a brief silence fell over the conference room.

Wen Qiang, the deputy mayor in charge of investment promotion, broke the silence first: "Mayor Zhang spoke very well, his thinking was clear, and his measures were very specific."

The Qingshanxia project is indeed the biggest development opportunity for our town at present.

Five million in supporting funds may seem like a lot, but compared to the investment of two hundred million and the long-term returns, it's worthwhile.

I agree with Mayor Zhang's opinion; we should seize the opportunity and push things forward as soon as possible.

Chen Junqiang, deputy secretary of the town's Party committee, then chimed in: "I agree. Development is the fundamental principle, and sometimes you have to be bold."

Misappropriating project funds and seeking support from higher authorities are routine practices.

If the project succeeds, this investment will be recouped quickly. I support it.

Most people expressed their support, while a minority held reservations.

Wu Zhiyuan finally spoke up: "I have heard the opinions of Mayor Zhang and the comrades."

I understand and agree with everyone's desire for and hope for development.

Xindian Town definitely needs a groundbreaking project to drive its development.

Then, he changed the subject: "However, the more tempting the opportunities seem, the more we must remain clear-headed, adhere to scientific, democratic, and law-based decision-making, and prioritize risk prevention and control."

Development must not become blind recklessness, much less a gamble for a few individuals seeking political achievements!

Zhang Ping's face instantly darkened.

Wu Zhiyuan noticed this and continued, "I have learned some information about Mr. Lin Guofu and his so-called company, and I would like to bring it up for discussion with everyone. I also ask you comrades to consider it carefully."

First, according to a preliminary search of business registration information, Lin Guofu's company was registered last year, but the actual paid-in capital is unclear.

Can a company that has been registered for a short time and whose creditworthiness is unclear operate an investment project worth hundreds of millions of yuan?

Second, the company claims to be a subsidiary of a large state-owned enterprise, but according to verification, the state-owned enterprise has issued an announcement clearly stating that many companies are impersonating or using its name, and this company is among them.

This means that its state-owned enterprise background is false.

A murmur of discussion arose in the conference room.

Zhang Ping retorted, "Secretary Wu, where did you get this information from? Is it accurate?"

Nowadays, it's common for many large companies to register new companies for business convenience.

As for the announcement from state-owned enterprises, there may be some small companies with similar names. What does that mean?

We cannot dismiss a capable investor based on a few unfounded suspicions!

Wu Zhiyuan glanced at Zhang Ping and continued, "Third, the vehicles used by the investors on their two visits—an Audi and a BMW—were verified to have been rented from a car rental company in Jiangzhou."

Of course, Mayor Zhang might say that it's convenient for out-of-town businesspeople to rent cars temporarily, which is understandable.

Zhang Ping immediately chimed in, "Exactly! They've come all the way from the south; it's perfectly normal for them to rent a car instead of driving their own! How can that be considered suspicious?"

Wu Zhiyuan then raised an even more weighty question: "Fourth, a company that plans to invest hundreds of millions and claims to be financially strong, without any substantial progress in the project, or even providing credible creditworthiness and a detailed feasibility report,..."

They were eager to ask local governments to provide matching funds and repeatedly emphasized their desire to use the project land as collateral to obtain bank loans.

This operating model transfers most of the initial risks and financial pressures to local governments and financial institutions, while their actual willingness and ability to invest are questionable.

Does this align with the logic of a typical large investment firm?

Should we more carefully assess the true intentions and ability to fulfill our obligations as investors?

Wu Zhiyuan's gaze swept over everyone, finally landing on Zhang Ping: "Mayor Zhang, I understand your eagerness to attract investment."

But precisely because it may be a large project, we must proceed steadily and lay a solid foundation.

Before the background, strength, and feasibility of the investors and the project are rigorously, independently, and by a third party verified,

Before seeing genuine and reliable investment guarantees and detailed plans, I strongly oppose the town government rashly signing any binding agreement with them;

Furthermore, it opposes the misappropriation of funds from other projects or the use of fiscal reserves to provide large amounts of matching funds without sufficient justification and legal procedures.

This is not only being responsible to the town's finances, but also to the people of the town, and even more so to the political future of every one of us present!

Zhang Ping finally couldn't hold back any longer and slammed his hand on the table: "Comrade Wu Zhiyuan! What do you mean by this?"

Are you saying that I'm doing this for political achievements, disregarding the risks, and dragging the town down with me?

Do you have solid evidence for your investigation of General Manager Lin? Or is it just based on speculation and hearsay?

Do you know how difficult it is for us to attract investment?

We finally managed to attract a capable client, but you're full of doubts and cautions. How are we supposed to get started?

That's typical conservative thinking; it's inaction!

Are you afraid that if I bring in a big project, it will steal your thunder and affect your prestige in Xindian Town?

Li Changfu coughed heavily, trying to smooth things over: "Mayor Zhang, Secretary Wu, it's all for the sake of work. It's normal to have different opinions. Let's not ruin the harmony."

Wu Zhiyuan said in a serious tone, "Comrade Zhang Ping, your words show a narrow-mindedness and a disrespect for me!"

I came to Xindian Town by organizational arrangement, to work, and to do practical things for the people here, not to compete with you for any limelight or political achievements!

The development of Xindian Town is a shared endeavor for all its more than 50,000 cadres and residents. Any achievement that benefits Xindian's development is a shared responsibility.

It is all thanks to the collective efforts of the Party Committee and the government, and it is an honor for all cadres and the masses. I, Wu Zhiyuan, will only be happy about it and will never try to stop it!

The reason I raise these questions and demand careful decision-making is precisely because I genuinely hope for the well-being of Xindian Town and that this project will truly succeed, rather than bring about a disaster!

If we don't thoroughly understand the investors' background, relying solely on enthusiasm and the impulse of "you can't catch a wolf without risking your cub,"

To stake five million yuan of government funds, and the hopes of the entire town's development, on a so-called "investor" with suspicious backgrounds and unclear origins is the greatest irresponsibility towards Xindian Town!

This is the greatest disregard for the political future of everyone present!

Zhang Ping retorted, "You're exaggerating! You're making things up! President Lin and his team are powerful!"

County Chief Geng agreed and was very pleased, saying he would personally attend the signing ceremony. You're not only going against me, but also against the main leaders of the county government!

Zhang Ping invoked the name of County Head Geng Dongqing, using his influence as a pretext, but Wu Zhiyuan was not to be outdone: "I respect County Head Geng's emphasis on and support for economic development and investment attraction."

However, County Chief Geng's support must be based on the premise that the project is genuine, reliable, and the risks are controllable.

If the information we report itself contains significant doubts, or even involves deception, then County Magistrate Geng's "agreement" and "attendance" are questionable.

Not only can this not be a reason for us to make hasty decisions, but it may also lead us to make even bigger mistakes towards our leaders, our organization, and the people!

This isn't about going against anyone; it's about being responsible for the job, for the organization, and for County Chief Geng!

Zhang Ping's face flushed red and then turned pale as he choked on his words. He wanted to argue further, but Wu Zhiyuan didn't give him a chance. He turned directly to Yu Yue from the Party and Government Office, who was taking notes at the meeting, and spoke in a serious tone:

"Xiao Yu, please record my following opinions clearly and completely in the meeting minutes:"

I strongly oppose Comrade Zhang Ping's proposal to use five million yuan of government funds to provide supporting funds for the project, given that the background and strength of the investors are questionable and the project's feasibility has not been verified.

The objections were based on several major doubts surrounding the investor, including issues with company registration information, the authenticity of its background, and the rationality of its operating model.

I believe that making hasty decisions and providing large sums of money under these circumstances carries significant economic and administrative risks, and may even constitute dereliction of duty!

My opinion is as above; please record it for future reference.

Meeting minutes are official documents and important archival materials. Wu Zhiyuan's words were recorded, and if the project goes wrong in the future, all those who voted in favor today may face accountability.