Fukushima's Yamatsuri Town opposes government policy on municipal merger

A small town's resistance to the central government's plan to reduce the
number of local governments by 60-70 percent through mergers is now
attracting attention.

On October 31, the Yamatsuri Town Assembly in Fukushima Prefecture
unanimously declared that it won't merge with any other municipalities.

The declaration of the 18 town assembly members representing 7,200
residents said that the central government wants to reduce local governments
in order to cut tax grants and subsidies allocated to local governments. The
assembly says the subsidies should be maintained because they are important
resources for local government guaranteed under the Constitution.

The declaration stated that enlargement of municipal territory is not
conducive to the people's well-being and quality services for residents.

On November 13, the Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts
and Telecommunications Local Administration Bureau officer in charge of
municipal mergers visited the town and asked Town Mayor Nemoto Ryoichi to
change his mind.

Nemoto refused, saying that his town government workers are happy because
they can directly provide administrative services to the people.

Since the declaration was announced, local assembly people, researchers,
and citizens from throughout Japan have expressed support and respect for
the town. More than 10,000 people have accessed the town's web site. (end)