Minister Zuo Zhichao of the Municipal Party Committee Organization Department, amidst such a public setting, and especially right before the meeting to announce appointments, would not talk to Lin Hao alone without reason.
In fact, previous promotions were always controlled by the Organization Department, and even if they were to promote Lin Hao, they would first have a talk with him.
However, this time it was Secretary Cao's direct order, and it was to immediately take charge and clean up the mess in Wucheng County, so the Municipal Party Committee Organization Department could only simplify the process.
Moreover, all the responsibilities for Wucheng County's economic development are now resting on Lin Hao's shoulders. There's no time for him to make another trip to the Municipal Party Committee Organization Department.
Therefore, Minister Zuo Zhichao found this critical time to have a brief conversation with Lin Hao, which could also be considered as following a procedure.
"Lin Hao, under normal circumstances, you would undergo organizational evaluation. However, given the special situation in Wucheng County now, and since Secretary Cao strongly recommends you for the position of Executive Deputy County Magistrate, our Organization Department also recognizes your outstanding ability..."
"It's just that you are still very young. Being appointed as Executive Deputy County Magistrate will certainly lead to many differing opinions and voices. You must focus on your main responsibilities and boost the county's economic development; do not be swayed by external influences..."
Zuo Zhichao from the Organization Department continued with a slew of bureaucratic platitudes, yet it was clear that the Organization Department firmly supported Secretary Cao's decision, and any dissenting opinions were withheld.
However, as Minister Zuo said, reaching the position of Executive Deputy County Magistrate at such a young age would certainly lead to jealousy and underhanded tactics from many.
Minister Zuo's point was not to be distracted by external interference, with everything prioritizing economic development, all in the context of Wuning City's five-year economic development plan.
"County Magistrate Wei Dong is also getting on in age and will soon retire. His tenure is merely transitional, and you will have to shoulder significant responsibilities, taking bold steps to carry things out..."
"Secretary Cao has high hopes for you to vigorously advance the economy of Wucheng County, and our Municipal Party Committee Organization Department will be your strong backing..."
Zuo Zhichao gave some encouragement, to which Lin Hao nodded repeatedly in response.
After their conversation, the group proceeded to the county committee auditorium for the meeting.
Today, nearly all members of the county's four main organizations were present, and the auditorium was filled to capacity.
Li Jingyi, as the County Party Secretary, first delivered a speech to welcome the leaders of the Municipal Party Committee Organization Department before handing the microphone to Minister Zuo.
Originally, everyone expected Minister Zuo to drone on endlessly, but unexpectedly, he directly announced the appointments decided by the Municipal Party Committee and City Government for Wei Dong, Peng Yiru, and Lin Hao, and then promptly left.
Li Jingyi and Wei Dong personally escorted them downstairs to see them off before returning to the auditorium to proceed with today's meeting.
Wei Dong and Peng Yiru, new in their roles—one as the newly appointed County Magistrate and the other as the newly arrived full-time Secretary—both gave brief speeches.
As the newly appointed Executive Deputy County Magistrate, Lin Hao first introduced the general situation of Wucheng County to the two leaders and mainly reported on economic work.
After the meeting ended, Li Jingyi immediately kept several standing committee members behind for a small meeting, mainly to arrange the division of labor.
However, with the recent downfall of Jiang Yunchao and Luo Zhijun, the two deputy county magistrates, the county committee decided to promote two deputy county magistrates to fill their vacancies.
This task fell to Minister He Wulin of the County Organization Department, but as a standing committee member, he had a say in personnel decisions, at least being able to nominate or offer opinions.
Lin Hao, attending his first standing committee meeting, behaved very modestly, choosing not to express his opinions.
"County Magistrate Lin, you are now the Executive Deputy County Magistrate and have previously overseen the County Committee Office and the National Development and Reform Commission's work. Do you have any suitable candidates in mind?" Li Jingyi looked at Lin Hao, inviting him to speak.
Knowing he couldn't evade the question, Lin Hao replied, "Secretary Li, among our county's directors and township leaders, there are many suitable candidates for deputy county magistrates. However, I think it is crucial first to determine which departments the deputy county magistrates will oversee. This way, we can select qualified candidates accordingly, to avoid appointing someone unprofessional to lead professionals, which might backfire."
"I agree with County Magistrate Lin's reasoning. We should indeed define the jurisdiction of the two deputy county magistrates, and then appoint professionals from the departments they will manage," echoed Organization Department Minister He Wulin.
Li Jingyi looked at Lin Hao again, smiling as she said, "County Magistrate Lin, these deputy county magistrates will work under your guidance. How to divide responsibilities? How to assemble the team? Consider these aspects and submit the candidate list to the Organization Department..."
Secretary Li's intent was clear—the two deputy county magistrates were essentially Lin Hao's people, so choosing them carefully would make work more seamless, and the decision power was handed over to him.
However, she couldn't neglect other standing committee members' feelings, so she added with a smile, "Of course, if other standing committee members have candidates in mind, please submit the lists to the Organization Department. We will discuss them in a meeting before making the final decision."
Since she had made the decision, other standing committee members couldn't say much, hence the selection of the two deputy county magistrates fell upon Lin Hao.
In theory, the county's work should be presided over by the newly appointed Wei Dong. However, everyone could see that Wei Dong was only temporarily filling the position and would soon retire.
Thus, the county's work was effectively managed by Lin Hao, the Executive Deputy County Magistrate.
"Next, let's discuss the county's economic development work. A few days ago, I attended a meeting with County Magistrate Lin in the city, where the Municipal Party Committee and City Government assigned us the tasks for economic development over the next five years—aiming to double the economic output..."
"Since our new energy projects have started to launch, hope is visible throughout the county. However, our county's finances are strained. Even last year's year-end bonuses for many units have yet to be distributed..."
Li Jingyi spoke at length, expressing a lot of frustration.
After all, the arrears in year-end bonuses or other rewards were lingering issues left from the previous leadership, now falling on her shoulders.
"County Magistrate Lin has boldly pledged at yesterday's economic development promotion meeting to distribute the bonuses within three months..."
Turning her gaze to Lin Hao, Li Jingyi said solemnly, "Since County Magistrate Lin is so confident, let's hear his work report."
"Fellow members, our Wucheng County's financial difficulties are a longstanding issue. If even civil servants' salaries and bonuses cannot be paid on time, it will inevitably affect everyone's work enthusiasm, and many might slack off, which is not conducive to carrying out grassroots work..." Lin Hao began to elaborate.