Absolute power in officialdom

Chapter 234 Using Another's Strength to Fight Back

Lin Xue shook hands with the town officials who came to greet her.

When shaking hands with Wu Zhiyuan, she didn't just touch him and let go, but gripped him firmly for two or three seconds longer.

She didn't hide her past superior-subordinate relationship with Wu Zhiyuan, and greeted him with, "Zhiyuan, it's been a while."

I heard you're in Qingshan County, and I've been wanting to visit you. How are you doing, settling in well at the grassroots level?

Wu Zhiyuan knew that the reason Lin Xue did not hide the fact that he was an old acquaintance was because it was impossible to hide the fact that he had once been Lin Xue's subordinate, which was known to many people;

Secondly, it was also to support him. In officialdom, it's extremely difficult to succeed without any backing and rely entirely on one's own efforts.

Wu Zhiyuan smiled and said, "Thank you for your concern, Secretary Lin. Grassroots work is indeed different from that in government offices. There are countless things to do, and you are directly facing the masses. It requires more patience and meticulousness, and it is also more challenging to train people."

I am still working hard to learn and adapt to my role as soon as possible, so as not to let down the organization's trust and training.

Lin Xue rarely smiled, and nodded, saying, "You'll adapt. The grassroots level is a great classroom for practice, and also a touchstone for testing the work style and ability of cadres."

The purpose of this visit is to hear more about the real voices from the grassroots and to see the actual situation on the front lines, especially regarding the building of a clean and honest Party, risk prevention and control in key areas, and the implementation of policies that benefit the people.

How did you manage to do it? What problems did you encounter? What good experiences and practices did you have? Of course, we also welcome any difficulties you face and any suggestions you may have.

"Yes, Secretary Lin. We will certainly report our work truthfully and comprehensively, and we also earnestly request Secretary Lin and other leaders to offer valuable suggestions to help us improve our work."

In the town government conference room, Wu Zhiyuan and Zhang Ping, as the responsible comrades of the town party committee and government, both gave reports.

Zhang Ping gave a report, which consisted of a lot of empty talk, either seeking credit or rewards.

Lin Xue frowned and looked at Wu Zhiyuan: "Zhiyuan, Comrade Zhang Ping just reported on the achievements, but I would like to hear more about the specific difficulties encountered in the process of promoting these tasks."

In particular, in terms of preventing and controlling corruption risks and working with the public, are there any outstanding problems or lessons learned?

Results won't disappear if you don't talk about them, but problems will become serious if you don't address them.

We came down here to investigate and understand the real situation. You are the head of the town's Party committee, responsible for overall coordination. Tell us about it.

Wu Zhiyuan knew that the crucial moment had arrived.

Lin Xue is giving him a chance, but also testing him.

He had to seize this opportunity to reflect the problems truthfully and win Lin Xue's trust and support, while also maintaining a proper balance. He couldn't exaggerate the town's problems to the point of appearing incompetent, nor could he prematurely point the finger at Zhang Ping personally.

Wu Zhiyuan closed his notebook, sat up straight, and looked at Lin Xue and the others opposite him: "Thank you, Secretary Lin, for giving me this opportunity, and thank you for understanding the complexity of grassroots work."

Mayor Zhang just reported on some of the achievements our town has made, which are the result of the joint efforts of all the cadres and people in the town.

But as Secretary Lin pointed out, achievements can be ignored if they are not discussed, but problems can become serious if they are not addressed.

Out of a sense of responsibility to the organization, the cause, and the people, I would like to report to Secretary Lin and other leaders on some prominent issues that do exist in our work, particularly those concerning the prevention and control of corruption risks and the interests of the people. I hope to receive guidance and assistance from higher authorities.

"First, let's talk about the Xindian Avenue construction project."

The project was well-intentioned, aiming to improve transportation, revitalize land, and promote development.

However, in the specific implementation process, especially in the land acquisition and demolition stage, serious errors occurred in the work with the masses, leading to conflicts between cadres and the masses, and even vicious incidents in which the masses expressed their demands in extreme ways.

This incident exposed problems in our formulation and implementation of demolition compensation policies, including insufficient consideration, low standards, and a lack of transparency in procedures.

This exposed that some of our cadres, including myself, have a weak sense of the masses, use simplistic and crude working methods, and fail to resolve conflicts in a timely and effective manner.

This also exposes our insufficient assessment of potential social risks and lack of contingency plans in the advancement of major projects.

Our town's Party committee and government bear an unshirkable responsibility for this matter, and as the Party secretary, I bear leadership responsibility.

Currently, we have established a special investigation team, led by the town's discipline inspection commission, to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the demolition compensation situation for the entire project. Any problems discovered will be resolutely corrected, and those responsible will be held accountable.

Lin Xue listened very attentively, occasionally taking notes in her notebook.

Gan Simiao nodded slightly. Zhang Ping's face was very ugly. Although Wu Zhiyuan did not name names, many people present clearly understood the implication in his words.

Next, Wu Zhiyuan discussed the problems existing in the construction of high-standard farmland.

Lin Xue looked at Wu Zhiyuan with an approving gaze.

Wu Zhiyuan's report did not evade contradictions or cover up problems. He took the initiative to assume responsibility, and his thinking was clear and the direction for rectification was well-defined, demonstrating the responsibility that a Party Secretary should have.

In comparison, Zhang Ping's empty rhetoric seemed pale and powerless.

Lin Xue spoke up: "Zhiyuan's questions are very specific, and his ideas for rectification are also very clear."

But what I really want to know is, where does the root of these problems lie?

Is it a matter of ability or attitude?

Is it an accidental oversight, a systemic loophole, or even a case of a few individuals losing their minds and abusing their power for personal gain?

When we focus on improving Party conduct and integrity and preventing risks, we cannot just treat the symptoms without addressing the root causes. We must delve deeper into the underlying reasons for problems, especially human factors and interests!

I hope that the Party Committee and government of Xindian Town can truly learn from this incident and these problems, reflect deeply, draw inferences from one instance to others, not only solve specific problems, but also identify and address shortcomings, improve systems, control power, and manage cadres effectively.

Lin Xue's gaze fell on the main responsible comrades of the municipal and county discipline inspection commissions who accompanied the investigation: "The municipal and county discipline inspection commissions should continue to follow up and pay attention to the rectification situation and the progress of the investigation."

Any clues involving potential violations of discipline or law must be thoroughly investigated, regardless of who is involved, and no leniency will be shown!

Wu Zhiyuan stated: "Secretary Lin's instructions were very timely and important, pointing out the direction for our next steps and also serving as a wake-up call."

We will certainly understand this deeply and implement it resolutely, with the courage to scrape the bone to remove poison and the determination of a warrior cutting off his own arm, to effectively address the problems and resolve their root causes.

After the symposium, Lin Xue suggested visiting the construction site of the high-standard farmland to see it for herself.

"Don't look at the sample, just look at the sections of the project that you just mentioned might have problems."

Wu Zhiyuan nodded and exchanged a glance with Zhang Ping.

A flicker of panic crossed Zhang Ping's eyes, but he forced a smile and said, "Secretary Lin, those sections are located in rather remote areas, the roads are difficult to travel, and it's currently a construction break, so the workers might..."

"It's precisely because of its remote location that we need to be even more vigilant. Whether the workers are there or not doesn't matter; what we're looking at is the quality of the project itself."

Lin Xue interrupted him, stood up, and said, "Let's go, please have Zhiyuan lead the way."

At a high-standard farmland construction site, the scene before one's eyes is far from the high-standard farmland with square fields, interconnected roads, linked irrigation canals, and the ability to irrigate in drought and drain in flood. Even a layman can see many problems.

The newly built farm road only has a layer of gravel, and many sections have been washed away by rainwater, exposing the underlying soil, resulting in an uneven road surface.

Several newly excavated irrigation canals have crooked walls, uneven cement plastering, and cracks and peeling in many places.

At one culvert joint, a few broken bricks were haphazardly used to block the opening, and the cement wasn't even properly applied.

Although the fields were leveled, many areas were done perfunctorily, with very obvious differences in elevation.

Several villagers were squatting on the edge of the field smoking when they saw so many cars and people who looked like officials coming. They all stood up and looked around curiously.

An elderly farmer with gray hair walked over carrying a hoe and bluntly said, "The leaders are here again? Look at this mess they've made!"

Lin Xue turned to the old farmer and asked gently, "Grandpa, what do you think of the improvement of this field?"

"What do you think?" the old farmer sneered. "What can you think? It's a waste of manpower and money! A pointless mess!"

Although it used to be a bit of a struggle to water this land uphill, the soil was firm and the irrigation ditches were clear!

Now look at this canal, is it trying to fool anyone?

The cement crumbles easily and a heavy rain would wash it away!

Is laying a layer of gravel enough to cover this road and that's it?

Even tractors dare not drive up there, for fear of getting stuck!

This isn't a benefit for us, it's just causing us trouble!

They spent a lot of money, and it all filled those bastards' pockets!

"What nonsense are you spouting!" Zhang Ping snapped, stepping forward to reprimand him. "Mind your image in front of provincial leaders! If there are problems with the project, just rectify them!"

"Rectify? How many times have you rectified it? It's getting worse with each rectification!" the old man retorted defiantly. "You guys are just trying to fool us!"

They made all sorts of promises back then, like guaranteed harvests regardless of drought or flood, and increased production and income. But what do you see now? I think it's actually reduced production and income!

What are all these cement and gravel? They're substandard!

Don't think we ordinary people don't understand! We know exactly what's going on!

Several more villagers gathered around, complaining all at once:

"Exactly! The irrigation ditch in my field is shallower than others, so water can't flow in at all!"

"The farm road bypasses my land, supposedly because of the planning, but I think it's just bullying!"

"I heard the government subsidizes several thousand yuan per mu (unit of land area), and this is the result? Did they throw all the money away?"

"Officials and contractors are in cahoots, swindling the country's money and harming ordinary people like us!"

……

Lin Xue not only did not stop them, but encouraged the villagers to speak the truth and reflect the real situation.

After the villagers had finished speaking, she finally said, "Fellow villagers, I have heard and seen everything you have reported."

The construction of high-standard farmland is a good national policy, aimed at making farming more convenient for everyone, increasing grain production and income.

This problem occurred because we didn't do our job well and our supervision was inadequate. We apologize to everyone!

Please rest assured that we will thoroughly investigate and verify the issues you have raised.

Any project that fails to meet quality standards must be reworked and rebuilt!

Those who should be held accountable will not escape punishment!

The nation's money must be used effectively and where it is needed. No one is allowed to embezzle funds or harm the people!

I assure you all that the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection will follow up and supervise this matter, and will definitely give you a clear and transparent explanation!

If the problem is not resolved in the end, you can contact me directly through the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection!

When the villagers learned that Lin Xue was the deputy secretary of the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection, they were overjoyed and shouted, "Secretary Lin, you must stand up for us!"

"From the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection? A high-ranking official in charge of corrupt officials?"

"That's great! The upright and just official has arrived!"

"Arrest all these corrupt officials!"

"Exactly! All they care about is filling their own pockets, they don't care about the lives of ordinary people like us!"

The crowd was outraged and started talking all at once.

A middle-aged man squeezed to the front and said, "Secretary Lin, we have a little rhyme here that describes these guys!"

Lin Xue gestured for everyone to be quiet: "Fellow villager, tell me, what's the rhyme? Say it out loud so everyone can hear it!"

The middle-aged man cleared his throat and shouted at the top of his lungs:

"Xindian Town is full of corrupt officials."

Everyone had a bulging wallet.

Subsidies, just passing through,

Thirty percent of it went into the mouths of ordinary people.

Build a road, lay a layer of sand.

They're fooling the people and fooling their mothers.

Dig a ditch, crooked and twisted.

Officials only care about drinking a little wine.

The people suffer, the people are worried.

Who cares if we go hungry!