Speeches, Remarks & Statements in 2008

Third Annual Conference of the Union of Local Self Governments (ZELS)

Ohrid, December 4, 2008

Remarks by Ambassador Philip T. Reeker

It is a pleasure to be with all of you today in beautiful Ohrid.

First and foremost, let me congratulate all of you as the first group of mayors to begin the decentralization process in Macedonia and for having achieved great success during your terms in office.

Today - three and one half years since the process of decentralization formally began - 67 of 85 municipalities are now in the second phase and are taking on significant new responsibilities to serve their citizens. I’m proud to say the United States has been with ZELS every step of the way in the decentralization process.  We have provided $1 million in direct support to ZELS and over $25 million since 1999 to the process overall.

You have accomplished a great deal.  For example, you have new financial management systems and a new construction permitting system.  You are investing in local economic development to create jobs and accessing capital markets for infrastructure improvements. This is commendable progress, but there are challenges and unresolved issues that will test your leadership, knowledge and experience – both before the next local elections and into the future. 

A lack of investment in the past means that the public facilities at the local level, especially schools, emphasized the need for substantial new investments and improvements today.  Though USAID has teamed with municipalities throughout the country to refurbish over 40 schools and will help 100 by 2011. But there are many more that need similar attention. 

Continued high unemployment also means municipalities must work even harder to find ways to lead economic growth, development and job creation at the local level.

An immediate step that can help is greater municipal control over land use.  Regional experience shows great progress can be achieved when municipal governments have a leading management role in development and investment.   Macedonia must compete with its regional neighbours through more proactive land management, led by local governments.  A number of municipalities must move ahead quickly on working though their significant debt arrears so they can move into Phase II of decentralization. In addition, work must continue to improve the intergovernmental finance system and update the Law on Local Government Finance. You need to base your policies on sound information and we are ready to assist you in compiling and analyzing this data.

ZELS has represented the interests of ALL local governments, demonstrating the importance of unity of effort in order to achieve effective results.   I congratulate ZELS for the critical role they have played in this process.  A strong, effective ZELS, representing all municipalities, must continue to play the lead role in helping its members meet these significant challenges.  Next spring, many of you in this room will still be mayors.  But some of you will no longer be in your positions, either because you didn’t run for re-election or because another candidate won.  As March approaches, I urge that you focus your efforts on making these elections the best in Republic of Macedonia’s short history; you know well the problems we witnessed in June.  The world is watching.

After our own elections one month ago, we are undergoing a significant political transition in the United States. President-elect Barack Obama already has transition offices in government departments, even though he doesn’t take office until Jan. 20, and even though he comes from a different political party than President Bush.

In that spirit, when the elections are over, I ask that you similar to what Senators Obama and McCain did.  If you are handing your office to a new mayor, reach out a hand of friendship.  Meet with your successor, as Presidents Bush and Obama.  If you win re-election, meet with your former opponent and discuss the needs of your citizens.  After all, a certain proportion of the people in your municipality voted for that person. 

As we look to the future and to the challenges ahead, I urge all of Macedonia’s mayors to continue to work together under the ZELS umbrella to make decentralization the success this country and its citizens so richly deserve.  The United States remains a firm and devoted friend to Macedonia.  We support Macedonia’s aspirations for effective democracy, economic progress, and a proper place in the Euro-Atlantic family.  We will stand beside you as you continue to work for that success.  

Thank you.