Christina
Gestrin
Espoo
I have been a member of Espoo City Council since 2000 and was a Member of Parliament from 2000 to 2015. I live on a farm in Mankki, in the Kauklahti area together with my husband. We run a farm and have a large apple orchard. We have three adult children. I have a master's degree in agroforestry and an Aalto EMBA degree. I work as the Secretary General of the Swedish Assebly of Finland. Environmental issues and the status of the Swedish language in Finland are two issues that I have worked for most during my time in national and municipal politics.
Important political topics
The best schools
Espoo must offer the best learning environment for all children and young people. I want to work to make schools a safe and pleasant place for everyone who works there and to ensure that Espoo continues to invest in high-quality schools and education in the future. I also want to work to ensure that the Swedish-language schools are preserved and that a larger proportion of immigrant families choose Swedish schools for their children.
Sustainable and attractive planning
Nature, the sea and the local environment are important to Espoo residents and must be taken into account in all urban planning. I want to work to ensure that valuable landscapes and cultural values are taken into account in land use planning. The different neighbourhoods in Espoo must retain their distinctive character. Tower blocks should not be built in the middle of a small house neighbourhood. Historic buildings must be kept in good condition. The city must be built so that people and the environment feel good. Well-being and security must be important aspects of land use planning.
Thriving citizens
It is important that Espoo's finances are managed responsibly so that the city can provide high-quality services to its residents and counteract marginalisation, insecurity and polarisation. Particular attention must be paid to the wellbeing of children and young people and to services for the elderly population. Public spaces such as libraries, swimming pools, parks, walking and cycling routes, and cultural spaces are important for well-being, participation and well-being. Espoo must offer functional and good employment and integration services.