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 retired as of the end of his term on September 30 of this year.
Mr. Ito joined Inagi Town Hall on April 1, 1966, and was promoted to a managerial 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 a department head in October 1999, serving as the Director of the Department of Education, the Director of the City Hospital, and the General Affairs Department Head, before retiring on March 31, 2008.
Mr. Ito approached his work sincerely and was sometimes strict in his guidance towards his subordinates, demonstrating a strong sense of responsibility. During his tenure, he earned the deep trust of many citizens, including council members.
As the General Affairs Department Head at the time of his retirement, he was concerned that he could not re-employ all the staff who were also retiring at that time, and feeling that he could not remain at City Hall alone, he declined the position that had been planned for his re-employment.
However, his love for Inagi City is exceptionally strong, and even after his retirement, he has continued to visit Inagi and engage with the citizens just as he did during his tenure.
Considering his character and history, a proposal for the appointment of a new Deputy Mayor was submitted at the 3rd Regular Session of the City Council in 2011, and he was appointed with the council's consent.

Regarding the expiration of my term this time, I expressed my desire to stay, but I firmly wish 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 that time, and supported the city administration through many difficult situations. I would like to express my gratitude once again for his contributions as Deputy Mayor towards the further advancement of the city.
As for 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 and Welfare 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 refinement of the Long-Term Care Insurance system shortly after its establishment. His name is still well-known among those involved in the Long-Term Care Insurance system nationwide, and he has made significant contributions to the enhancement of Inagi City's Long-Term Care Insurance system.
Moving forward, we will work together to promote the city's policies. Citizens, thank you for your continued support.