No.49 Regarding the resignation of Deputy Mayor Ito and the appointment of new Deputy Mayor Ishida

(Inagi Newsletter December 15, 2015 issue)

Mr. Minoru Ito, who served as Deputy Mayor for four years from October 1, 2011, has resigned as of the end of his term on September 30 of this year.
Mr. Ito joined the Inagi Town Office on April 1, 1966, and was promoted to a management position at the young age of 41 in April 1989. After serving as the head of the Children's Division, the head of the Land Readjustment Planning Division, and the head of the Sports Division, he became the department head in October 1999. He served as the Director of the Department of Education, the Director of the City Hospital, and the General Affairs Department before retiring on March 31, 2008.
Mr. Ito approached his work sincerely, sometimes providing strict guidance to his subordinates, and he was a person with a strong sense of responsibility. During his tenure, he earned the deep trust of many citizens, including council members.
At the time of retirement, as the head of the General Affairs Department, he was concerned that he could not rehire all the employees who were also retiring at the same time, and feeling that he could not remain at City Hall alone, he declined the position that was scheduled for his reemployment.
However, the affection for Inagi City is exceptionally strong, and even after retirement, he has continued to visit Inagi and engage with the citizens just as he did during his tenure.
Based on this character and background, a proposal for the appointment of the vice mayor was submitted at the 3rd Regular Session of the City Council in 2011, and he was appointed after receiving consent.

Regarding the expiration of my term this time, I requested to stay on, but I am firmly determined to pass the baton to my successor, considering age-related challenges, and thus I will be stepping down.
Mr. Ito provided guidance and advice to me, a newly appointed mayor at the time, and supported me through many difficult situations in City Administration. I would like to express my gratitude once again for his contributions as Deputy Mayor towards the further advancement of the city.
And as the successor, Mr. Mitsuhiro Ishida was approved at the 3rd Regular Session of the City Council in September of this year.
Mr. Ishida joined Inagi City Hall on April 1, 1979, and has worked in the welfare sector for 19 years and 8 months since being assigned to the Health Division as a section chief in August 1995. From April 1998, he played an active role as the preparatory officer for Long-Term Care Insurance, and for two years starting in April 2001, he was dispatched to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, where he was involved at the national level in the enhancement of the Long-Term Care Insurance system shortly after its establishment. His name is still recognized nationwide among those involved in the Long-Term Care Insurance system, and he has made significant contributions to the enhancement of Inagi City's Long-Term Care Insurance system.
From now on, I will work together with all of you to promote the city's policies. Citizens, thank you for your support.