Local officials need oversight

Public supervision is needed in the government's decision-making procedures, says a signed article in Beijing Youth Daily. An excerpt follows:

The Western-style office building of Yingquan District government of Fuyang, Anhui Province, is called the "White House" by the locals. This building has aroused much controversy as the annual fiscal income of Yingquan District barely reaches 100 million yuan ($12.8 million), while the construction cost of the "White House" has exceeded 30 million yuan ($3.85 million).

A school was torn down to make room for the grand office building and now students have to study in a shabby compound. Many farmers lost their land to make way for supporting facilities. The farmers got only one-time compensation. The district government has not turned them into urban residents, let alone provided the minimum living subsidy guarantee.