The election battle is heating up, and candidates are fighting for every vote — just as they should. Despite it all, the atmosphere between us candidates has remained warm, and we’ve been having real conversations about Pieksämäki’s future. Props to all of us!
Still, some campaign promises make you do a double take: a marina, more school transport, a bowling alley, a brand-new school and sports hall — it’s starting to sound like we’re searching for a new Santa Claus for Korvatunturi, Lapland! One candidate even claims that the city’s €18 million surplus is free money ready to be handed out. But let’s be real — just because the water tower on the hill looks like Scrooge McDuck’s money bin doesn’t mean it is one. The city coffers are empty. That impressive surplus? It’s only on paper — not actual cash we can use to fund campaign promises.
The truth is tough: we don’t have extra money to play with. The financial plans through 2028 show deficits in the millions — meaning expenses are higher than income. If we want to protect our essential services, we simply can’t afford to waste a single cent on populist daydreams.
That’s why every euro must be spent first and foremost on high-quality basic services — not on wishful extras.
Pieksämäki is a rural town, and we’re one of about 250 municipalities in Finland facing the same reality: shrinking populations mean fewer taxpayers. That’s why every euro must be spent first and foremost on high-quality basic services — not on wishful extras.
We don’t want to lay off teachers or youth workers just to fund a ski track with the first snowfall — let alone a bowling alley or marina! Our population is still declining, even if immigration gives a temporary boost. But by getting our finances under control, we can build a stronger Pieksämäki for tomorrow — together, and based on facts.
Facts First in the Council,
Ville Kiiveri, National Coalition Party
Heikki Skyttä, National Coalition Party