I write about technology, economics, and local politics in Kirkkonummi. I believe good politics is grounded in knowledge and open dialogue. Read my posts and feel free to share your thoughts.
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Lähteelä — a gem on Kirkkonummi coast
Kirkkonummi acquired Lähteelä, a coastal recreation area. It is one of the few places on Kirkkonummi's coast accessible without a private boat - now it's permanently available to all.
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Kirkkonummi tells everyone: you belong here
Bullying of rainbow youth is increasing. Kirkkonummi voted 30–14 for flag-flying — a small gesture with measurable effects on young people's wellbeing.
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Chat control: parliament was right
The European Parliament rejected the extension of the chat control law. The police statistics are real, but parliament was still right — here is why.
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Digital independence: one step at a time
Digital independence is built in every procurement decision. Helsinki chose Finnish UpCloud as the platform for its core public services system.
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Kirkkonummi is a more equal place today
The municipal council of Kirkkonummi on 9.3. accepted my initiative for hoisting the Pride flag in Kirkkonummi, twice a year!
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Digital independence is a necessity
Finland's digital services depend on US platforms. As the US becomes unreliable, digital sovereignty is no longer optional — it is a necessity.
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West Railway exposed flaws in Kirkkonummi
The West Railway decision revealed shortcomings in Kirkkonummi's strategic planning. The municipality risks bearing the costs without the benefits.
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Lyyra points the way for Kirkkonummi
Kirkkonummi's renovation creates a culture cluster of Fyyri, Lyyra and Rovastinpuisto park. It sets conditions for growth for decades to come.
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Passport biometrics must stay protected
When fingerprints were added to passports, Finland created a national biometric register. Now the government wants to open it to police use.
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2026 is the year of AI — not as you think
AI is changing society — but perhaps not as you imagine. The biggest changes will be in private life and in the everyday lives of children.
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I voted yes for the Western Rail Link
I voted for Kirkkonummi to join the Western Rail Link. The decision determines whether Northern Kirkkonummi gets a commuter rail station.
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Do not dismantle fundamental rights
The government plans to extend intelligence methods to fight crime without individual suspicion — a serious threat to fundamental rights.
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AI cannot do everything — know the limits
AI has been presented as a solution for improving public services. It may have a role, but cannot replace people or clear strategic planning.
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Who decides what we talk about? Algorithms
Are we prepared for our conversations to be steered by foreign large corporations? There are no guarantees that algorithms would not be used deliberately.
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Essays on immigration: the persistent myths
Myths about immigration distort public debate. Ten common misconceptions are examined against what the facts actually show about immigration to Finland.
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Public transport cannot keep getting pricier
HSL plans significant fare increases for buses and trains. This risks a downward spiral — fewer users means more pressure to raise prices further.
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Everyone has the right to pride and dignity
Pride is about everyone's right to be proud of their existence. Gender and sexual minorities still face more discrimination than others.
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Council initiative: annual Pride flag flying
Kirkkonummi's strategy promotes equality and equal treatment. Flying the Pride flag is an inexpensive and easy action to implement it.
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A cold harvest for Kirkkonummi – weak budget
The government's mid-term session cut state subsidies and corporate tax. This significantly narrows the room for manoeuvre for local councils.
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Education is the municipality's main task
Education is the municipality's most important task. Investment in education pays off far into the future — there are no quick wins.
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No to upper secondary tuition fees
The government wants to place upper secondary students in unequal positions based on citizenship. Tuition fees must be opposed absolutely.
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A growing municipality needs a vibrant heart
Kirkkonummi's centre renovation is a golden opportunity. A vibrant centre attracts residents and businesses — and improves the municipality's finances.
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Assumptions are not worth knowledge
Parties market themselves with images. It pays to challenge candidates on what their claims are actually based on.
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Municipal elections decide everyday matters
Municipal elections may seem complex, but they decide everyday matters: schools, daycare and transport connections. You have the power to influence them.
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Together we are stronger — polarisation
Growing polarisation and inequality-creating policies unnecessarily divide our small nation. History shows we fare best when we cooperate.
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Essays on immigration: on asylum seekers
There are many misconceptions about asylum seekers. It is important to distinguish facts from myths — seekers do not live at taxpayers' expense.
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Essays on immigration: those granted asylum
Receiving asylum is not automatic — it is a carefully defined process. Too often we forget the actual people behind the applications.
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Essays on immigration: those who studied
Students who come to Finland from abroad bring skilled workers. Yet we still have major challenges with their employment after graduation.
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Essays on immigration: labour-based
Labour-based immigration helps solve Finland's labour shortage. However, better conditions for integration and employment are still needed.
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Is education under special protection?
Education is being cut deeply, despite government claims to the contrary. Index increases and legal reforms do not cover hundreds of millions in cuts.
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Essays on immigration: family-based
Those who immigrate on the basis of family ties are a diverse group. They are often further along in integration than other immigrant groups.
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Congratulations, Finland! On patriotism
Finland turns 107. It is time to rehabilitate patriotism — Finland is one of the world's finest countries, where everyone is equally valued.
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Essays on immigration: scale and trends
In immigration discussions, volumes are often left unmentioned. Finland's immigration is a fraction of comparable countries' levels.
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On the immigration debate — facts and myths
The immigration debate has long been dominated by critical voices. It is time to examine the topic more evenhandedly, based on facts.
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One step forward, two steps back – education
The government is making necessary reforms to upper secondary education, but they do not compensate for €120 million cuts to vocational education.
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A better future: responsibility lies with us
Young people are living through crisis after crisis. The responsibility for a better future lies with us adults, not with the young.
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Running for municipal and regional elections
I am standing in both the municipal and regional elections in 2025. My priority is securing good opportunities for children and young people.
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Cutting early childhood education funding
The government plans to cut funding for early childhood education planning. In practice the costs will simply be transferred to municipalities.
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The Varuboden-Osla elections affect us all
The Varuboden-Osla co-op elections are now under way. By voting you influence people's jobs, consumer behaviour and local services.
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Our nature is our trump card – protect it
One of Kirkkonummi's greatest attractions is our nature. The participatory budgeting that has just begun has shown this once again.
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New year, familiar poor winter maintenance
Kirkkonummi's winter maintenance has again proved as poor as in previous years. It does not have to be this way — we can choose to demand quality.
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The municipality must plan for the long term
Municipalities must plan for the long term. Short-sighted decisions lead to extra costs and poorer services for residents over time.
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With our words we shape our shared reality
The racism statement is an important step. Word choices matter — with words we shape reality and our relationship to difference.
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Things were better before — for cyclists
That is, for light traffic — pedestrians and cyclists. What if we stopped building society on the terms of private car use?
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Local nature must be cherished – Kirkkonummi
Not every forest needs to be felled. Local nature that is in active use in particular must be preserved, and it is an important part of our municipality.
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Health belongs to everyone — no fees
Abolishing healthcare client fees saves bureaucracy, addresses problems before they grow, and ensures no one is left without care for financial reasons.
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Sote is the cornerstone of the welfare state
Social and healthcare is expensive, but essential. Without a functioning welfare system, can we still call Finland a welfare state?
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What if there were no health centre?
What if Jorvi A&E were the only emergency service for all of Western Uusimaa? What if you always had to queue for hours at Jorvi?
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The welfare committee — what is it?
The welfare committee handles residents' appeals on welfare matters. Although its meetings are confidential, the cases offer important lessons.
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Running in the 2022 regional elections
I am standing in the regional elections. My priorities are maintaining local services, keeping healthcare public, and supporting care workers.
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Kindergartens urgently need more teachers
Kindergartens suffer from a severe shortage of early childhood education teachers. Kirkkonummi has an opportunity to build a new kind of workplace.
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Well planned is half done, but is it enough?
The Gesterby school complex project plan has been returned for further preparation three times. Six years of planning, still no new building.
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Early childhood education standards to hold
There is already a shortage of early childhood places in Kirkkonummi's centre. New plans will increase demand — adequate provision must be secured.
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Early childhood education club activities
Early childhood education club activities are cost-effective support for children and families. Their future in Kirkkonummi is, however, uncertain.
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The Kirkkonummi supplement is your benefit
The Kirkkonummi supplement benefits not just recipient families — it strengthens the whole municipality's vitality and appeal to young families.
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Home care allowance supplement – small cost
Kirkkonummi council abolished the home care allowance supplement. A small cost, but a significant benefit for families and the municipality's vitality.
