Modern Elizavetovka: Through Reforms (part 3)
Mon.Nov. 2018Modern Elizavetovka: Struggling for Reforms In the Ukrainian Village
Mon.Nov. 2018Despite the fact that the government constantly publicly emphasizes support for the village, it continues the Soviet tradition of enslaving the peasants. Only now hidden budget robbery and the artificial transformation of villages and towns in poor places, aimed at depriving the land of peasants. Conditions are created so that the only way out of the situation is the sale of land in favor of agricultural holdings and “foreign investors.” Of course, this is done under the specious pretext of “restoring the right to dispose of our property.” In fact, the village does not need investments, and the village needs changes in tax policy. The village will feed both itself and the surrounding cities. How it was done – see in the video of an unusual chairman from an unusual village – Maxim Golosnoy.
About the budget, taxation and how the modern government continues to rob the village, artificially turning it into a poor place.
As we take environment seriously we have passed through quite a few situations starting from friendship and finishing with countering with the biggest enterprise of Elizovetivka – Oril-Linder holding. Today our relations seem to be improving with open dialog we established.
Now we hear each other, the level of pollution is reducing. If a problematic situation arises, I can call the director or chief engineer and expect them to see video or photo-recording and take actions to sort out the problem.
In fact, all environmental pollutions has been stopped after we reconnected.
Sometimes small enterprises come to negotiate the strategy to minimize tax burden. If they have no arguments to convince the village office and deputy corps, so nothings is happening.
The most part of the enterprises are based outside the village. And virtually, they do pay taxes by actual location, so the village council still doesn’t has mechanism to impact on it.
We are facing such a problem inherited from the 2nd president Kuchma times. Such a silly interpretation for the notions “within the locality borders” and “outside it” was shaped during that period. This is just absurd and nonsense!
All enterprises, located on the territory and controlled by the Elizavetivka village council pay taxes to its budget, but the subject of their extension for development is weirdly beyond our responsibilities .The State land registry and regional administrations are responsible for this as well as of devising and running mechanisms to prevent inappropriate use of the land. However, its fairly easy to come to corrupt agreement with them as they are represented only by one or two people.
In principal, agreements can be reached on-sights, but let me say it again, I practice an open-dialogue format, when nothing is decided in the mayors office. Everything’s take place in the public at the deputies session. When a person turns up, I see him for the first time, so the deputies, and asking him a usual questions: who are you, what do you do?
Considering taxes policy, I am strongly convinced, that if an ultimate goal of a government would be a building an ideal village, we’d not even need an external investments. We have to launch a pilot system of a new taxation policy that entails 80% of the local budget not to go anywhere but remains as a part of the local budget. It means all taxes, intended for the district must retain on-sight, whereas the amount the village receives now should go to the district and state. That’s all. We’ll see what a massive jolt it’s going to be.
My principle: If you are not able to ensure funding – create opportunities. It’s unfair to expect better results using the old policy in work. The old taxation system, let me say it again, is a Soviet-era holdover. Money is independence. People in charge in the small villages and big cities have to learn themselves how to earn it.