Heidi
Seppälä

In the current economic situation, completely free early childhood education is not a sustainable solution. Finland’s public economy is already under pressure, and free early childhood education would significantly increase public spending, which could lead to tax increases or cuts in other important sectors. Instead of making early childhood education free for everyone, support should be targeted especially at families with financial difficulties. This would ensure that all children have the opportunity to participate in early childhood education while keeping public spending under control. Is it reasonable to jeopardize the sustainability of the public economy when we can direct support to those who need it the most?

Schools should prioritize traditional textbooks over digital learning materials because they offer a stable and distraction-free learning environment. Traditional textbooks reduce screen time and promote deeper reading and comprehension. However, digitalization and artificial intelligence are part of the present and future, so it is important to find a balance. Digital learning materials can provide interactive and adaptive learning experiences that prepare students for future skills. Education must meet future competency needs by combining traditional and digital learning materials, ensuring students receive a diverse and comprehensive education. This way, we can ensure that students are ready to face future challenges and opportunities.

One of the most important tasks of a municipality is to invest in sports facilities and exercise opportunities, as physical activity is crucial for health and well-being. In Finland, only 39% of men and 34% of women meet the current exercise recommendations. This means that a large part of the population does not move enough, which increases the risk of health problems. The municipality should act as an enabler by providing diverse and easily accessible exercise opportunities for all residents. By investing in sports facilities and exercise areas, the municipality can promote the health and well-being of its residents, reduce healthcare costs, and increase community spirit. It is important to find a balance between traditional and new forms of exercise so that all age groups and fitness levels can find a way to move that suits them. In this way, the municipality can ensure that its residents are healthy and active now and in the future.

It is important to provide all residents with equal opportunities for cultural activities, as culture significantly promotes well-being and the economy. Cultural activities improve mental and physical health, increase community spirit, and reduce social exclusion. According to statistics, participation in cultural activities is linked to better quality of life and satisfaction. Additionally, the cultural sector creates jobs and supports the local economy, strengthening the municipality’s vitality. Equal opportunities for cultural activities ensure that all residents can enjoy these benefits regardless of their background or financial situation. The municipality should act as an enabler by offering diverse and accessible cultural services so that everyone can participate and benefit from the well-being and economic growth that culture brings. In this way, we can create a vibrant and thriving community where everyone has the opportunity to flourish.

Participatory budgeting means that residents can directly participate in deciding how public funds are used. This increases inclusion and gives residents the opportunity to influence their own living environment. Participatory budgeting promotes democracy by making decision-making more transparent and inclusive. It also increases residents’ trust in local government and encourages active citizenship. Additionally, participatory budgeting can lead to better and more realistic budgets, as residents are most familiar with their own needs and wishes.

The municipality should invest in public transportation as it significantly promotes the well-being of residents and the vitality of the municipality. Public transportation reduces traffic emissions and congestion, improving air quality and reducing environmental impact. Additionally, it provides an affordable and accessible mode of transportation for all residents, especially those without a car. This increases social equality and enables better access to jobs, education, and services. Developing public transportation can also create new jobs and support the local economy. By investing in public transportation, the municipality can improve the quality of life for its residents and promote sustainable development. In this way, the municipality can ensure that its residents are healthy and active now and in the future.

The idea of digital citizenship has several challenges. Firstly, being a resident of multiple municipalities could cause administrative complexity, such as in taxation and service management, which could increase bureaucracy and costs. Secondly, digital citizenship might weaken local identity and community, as residents no longer feel a strong connection to a specific municipality, which could negatively impact local participation and community building. Thirdly, although digital citizenship could promote resource sharing, it could also create ambiguities about how resources and services are distributed between different municipalities, leading to inequality and unfairness in service availability.

Expanding renewable energy creates new jobs and supports the local economy, strengthening the municipality’s vitality. Solar and wind power are clean energy sources that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, promoting residents’ health and well-being. It is important to find a balance between expanding renewable energy and preserving biodiversity. For example, the placement of wind turbines should be carefully planned to avoid disturbing local wildlife or landscapes. Solar panels can be installed on rooftops and other already built areas, minimizing their impact on nature. By investing in renewable energy, the municipality can promote sustainable development and ensure that its residents can enjoy a clean and healthy environment now and in the future. In this way, the municipality can serve as an example to others and demonstrate its commitment to environmental protection and economic growth.

The municipality should diversify housing types in planning, as it promotes community resilience and vitality. A diverse housing supply, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartment buildings, can improve the area’s economic stability and reduce the impact of housing market fluctuations. Additionally, diverse housing types support social diversity and allow people in different life situations to live in the same community. It is also important to consider natural values in planning. For example, denser construction can save natural areas and reduce environmental impact. At the same time, it is important to preserve green spaces and biodiversity so that residents can enjoy a healthy and pleasant living environment. Finding a balance between different housing types and natural values is key to creating a sustainable and vibrant community. Diverse planning can also attract new residents and businesses, strengthening the municipality’s economy and vitality in the long term.

The municipality should implement anonymous recruitment as it promotes equality and diversity in the workplace. Anonymous recruitment reduces the impact of conscious and unconscious biases in the recruitment process, ensuring that selections are based on the applicant’s skills and experience, not personal information such as name, age, or gender. This can increase the chances for applicants from diverse backgrounds to get an interview and improve their employment opportunities. Additionally, anonymous recruitment can enhance the municipality’s reputation as an equal and fair employer, attracting a more diverse and skilled workforce. This can also increase residents’ trust in local government and foster community spirit. Anonymous recruitment is a step towards a fairer and more equal job market where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. In this way, the municipality can serve as an example to others and demonstrate its commitment to promoting equality and diversity.