There are changes in the Panevėžys government. One of the three vice-mayors is leaving the post. The mayor says that he is not in a hurry to find a candidate for the vacant post.
After nine years of working in Panevėžys municipality, Gintarė Maskoliūnienė retires from the position of vice mayor.
Tuesday is her last day of work in the Municipality.
“It’s time for vacation. I am really happy with the results that we have achieved together with the Municipality team over the past nine years. It is difficult to even compare Panevėžys, as it was then and as it is now – it is obvious that the city is going in the right direction, constantly renewing itself, becoming more beautiful. Thanks to the entire municipal team, the work is ongoing and, I have no doubt, will continue to be effective. It was interesting to be a part of these processes. Thank you to everyone I have worked with. Of course, I am most grateful to Mayor Ryčias Račkauskas and our political team for their trust and the opportunity to contribute to the renewal of Panevėžys. I wish you success in the implementation of all ideas”, the vice-mayor commented on the decision to put an end to political activities.
G. Maskoliūnienė, who has an education in international relations and political sciences and communication, was appointed to this position a year ago, after taking the oath of the Council for this term.
She was responsible for the field of strategic communication, strategic projects and initiatives, ensured the work of committees and commissions, worked with institutions.
Eight years before that, G. Maskoliūnienė worked as an advisor to the mayor Rytis Račkauskas, coordinated public relations policy, was responsible for processing information related to public relations, organizing meetings, conferences and other events.
Persuaded to work for a year
According to R. Račkauskas, the news about G. Maskoliūniene’s resignation was not unexpected. At the end of the previous term, the then adviser informed the mayor about her decision to no longer participate in politics.
According to R. Račkauskas, upon receiving such news, there is always hope that the comrade will change her mind. Then the mayor managed to persuade G. Maskoliūnienė to work for another year.
“Amber has put a tremendous amount of strength and energy into the changes we see in the city. It is understandable that nine years of such work does not pass without consequences – both physical and psychological fatigue comes. I can only thank G. Maskoliūniena for that time. It was an extremely busy and productive year”, said R. Račkauskas.
Raised the bar
After the departure of G. Maskoliūniena, the position of one of the three vice-mayors will remain vacant for the time being.
The mayor says he is in no rush to find a candidate for this position.
“Gintarė has set the bar very high and for the time being no quick decisions will be made regarding the vacant position”, commented R. Račkauskas.
Two vice-mayors remain in the Panevėžys government from May 1 – Žibutė Gaivenienė, who has an engineering education and experience working in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, who worked as a deputy director of administration in the municipality last term, and Loreta Masiliūnienė, a teacher.
She was elected to the City Council for the third term, but according to the new regulations, she had to give up her mandate as a Council member after becoming the vice-mayor.
