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In English

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Hi! I am Satu Taavitsainen, vice chair of the Mikkeli City Council. 

I am 45 years old and live in Mikkeli with my husband Aki and our three children. I warmly welcome you to visit my website and see my personal values. If you wish, you can also send me e-mail messages: satu.taavitsainen@hotmail.com, or call me, my cell phone number is 0440905546


Frequently asked questions:

 - How long have you been a city councillor and what are the main tasks of the city council?

I have been a city councillor since 2005 and I still find local issues important and interesting. The members of the city council are chosen by an election held every four years, the current term lasting 2017–2021. The Council is responsible for the operations and finances of the City of Mikkeli and it decides on the annual budget and manages the strategic policies of the city. The Council also decides on the grounds for organizing administration in addition to electing officials to the City Board and other organs.

In Finland, municipalities have many responsibilities such as budgeting, education, city planning and public transport. So, if you wish to influence on local matters, go for municipal elections!


-What advice would you give to those who think of becoming a politician?

If you want to effect change and are prepared to work hard, I would recommend making a political career. I started my political career at the local level. I feel very strongly that everyone should be able to follow his or her passion. However, we are not always good at figuring out what we want or what makes us happy. I became into politics because I had learned so many worrying stories about social injustices and I felt that the poor and the disabled as well as persons with mental illnesses did not have a voice in the sense that they were paid so little attention to. I was passionate about effecting change and I still believe that change is always possible. Because things often change slowly, it is good to keep in mind that every swing into the right direction brings you nearer the goal!

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FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/satutaavitsaine
TWITTER
 @SatuTaavitsaine
INSTAGRAM Satutaavitsaine

Earlier memberships in committees: 
Transport and Communications Committee (member) 09.06.2015-16.4.2019
Social Affairs and Health Committee (deputy member) 09.06.2015-16.4.2019
Parliamentary Trustees of the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (deputy member) 09.06.2015-16.4.2019
Member of the Supervisory Board of Posti 2015-2019

Defence Committee (member) 09.06.2015 - 14.06.2018

Agriculture and Forestry Committee (member) 05.05.2015 - 08.06.2015

Education and Culture Committee (member) 05.05.2015 - 08.06.2015

Commerce Committee (deputy member) 05.05.2015 - 08.06.2015

Political Priorities – Here you will find my political standpoints

I think that people must come first. This means that people are at the center of what I wish to achieve. I think that everybody should be able to live a better and happier life, not only the wealthy and rich. We social democrats support both gender equality - it´s fundamental that men and women have equal value - and equality between persons. Equality won´t grow automatically, but we need to work together for it. According to my values, no one shall be discriminated at any level. I believe that solidarity brings a better future for all of us and, most importantly, for our children.

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Being a city councillor in Mikkeli is a demanding, though at the same time a very meaningful task. It is local politics where we politicians are closest to citizens because decisions we make have direct and often far-reaching consequences on everyday life. This task also offers a good opportunity to develop my hometown where I was born. I grew up in the countryside, so I care about it and want to make both rural communities and Mikkeli city areas flourish.

I understand that a healthy economy is necessary for a municipality so that it is possible to offer good services for the inhabitants. However, I don´t think it´s fair to freeze services of those who need them the most.  I am especially worried of the impacts of unemployment and the scarcity of job opportunities for the young. I strongly oppose the cuts in education, which I see as a very short-sighted policy. In today´s uncertain world, the wellbeing of children and young is not vital only to themselves, but for the whole society.

I always try to do my best so that people who have voted for me could have confidence in me and trust my party, too. Being a long-standing representative of the municipality and promoter of the rights of the poor, children, elderly and disabled, I truly understand that mandate derives from voters who have to be listened to. Persons and families living in distress have to get help and support.  I am prepared to work hard to solve problems and achieve positive changes in their lives.

I think that administration is for the citizens and, therefore, I am devoted to act for people and bring politics near to them. We have to get rid of the distinction to ”them and us”. It is possible to make things happen and I am always willing to cooperate with others to achieve the best solutions for my hometown and its inhabitants. Let´s believe in ourselves and promote optimism for a better future – together!

Articles in English:


http://www.helsinkitimes.fi/finland/finland-news/domestic/14404-government-must-take-action-to-address-mail-delivery-problems-says-taavitsainen.html