Kirkko­nummi – munici­pality and politics

Posts about Kirkko­nummi municipal politics, decision-making, and everyday life. Lauri Lavanti as a councillor.

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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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  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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  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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  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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  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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  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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  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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  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.