Search Results

Journal: Political Preferences

Financial analysis of the city of Zamość for the years 2013 - 2017

Lech Jańczuk

Language: EN | Published: 28-09-2018 | Abstract

In short-term, the activities of local government units are significantly different from those of enterprises. The short-term goal of the activity of a local government unit is to meet collective needs of its residents, and the short-term goal of commercial enterprises is to maximize profits. However, in long-term, in the case of local government units and commercial enterprises, both goals are similar – an increase in the value of the territorial self-government / commercial enterprise assets). In both cases, the financial analysis tools can be considered as helpful in the decision-making process as well as the assessment of the broadly understood effectiveness. Therefore, based on the models developed for enterprises in the field of financial analysis, it is worth making an attempt to assess the financial effectiveness of local government units. The aim of the article was to show, on the example with specific indicators and their interpretation, that the financial analysis of local government units provides a lot of useful information both to the manager of the unit and entities cooperating with a given local government unit. The article stresses the legitimacy of financial analysis in local government units and presents the basic tools for such.

 

Key words:

local government units, cities with poviat rights, Zamość, public finance, financial analysis, evaluation of the unit's activity, efficiency of operations

2018-09-28



Journal: Political Preferences

Election to Regional Assemblies Competition in the Light Party Election. Comparative Analysis

Kinga Sulejman

Language: PL | Published: 01-06-2015 | Abstract

The article is an analysis of the local elections, from the perspective of the actors taking part in it. The study involved the election committees taking part in elections in 2006, 2010, and 2014. Exploration statistical data and results of the election was preceded by theoretical observations concerning the discussed issues. It outlines the legal basis for election to local government and made a typology of electoral committees, in accordance with the electoral laws in force during the specified election. It shows the level of participation of each type of election committees. In the analysis, the number of registered electoral committees, the number of candidates each gained votes and seats obtained. The model analyzes afflicting a number of key statistical data allowed to create a picture that revealed the definite advantage of election committees of political parties in electoral competition at the local government level. In addition, the cross-section analysis gave the word Stagnation scenery election, in respect of the entities competing election. The survey covered a national and provincial level. Data were analyzed in the whole country, as well as the division into 16 voivodeships. Information and data on issues taken taken from literature, existing normative acts and the data of the State Electoral Commission. We conducted a descriptive considerations of a comparative analysis using descriptive statistics methods.

 

Key words:
Local government, elections, electoral committees, electoral law

2015-06-01



Journal: Political Preferences

The Specifity of the Local Government Elections in the Opolskie Province in 2018

Marcin Ociepa

Language: EN | Published: 02-07-2020 | Abstract | pp. 5-26

The objective of this paper is to analyse the political activity of the local community of the Opolskie Province in the local government elections in 2018 and to identify the characteristic features determining its specificity. The attempt to identify the electoral specificity of the region will consist in presenting a characterization of the region in terms of its size and population as well as its administrative and social aspects. An analysis of the elements inseparably connected with the election process, such as geography, voting turnout, the number of electoral registers and candidates, the types of electoral committees, is equally important. And finally, comments on the election results are significant as well. The local government elections of 2018 were held in a specific atmosphere, largely related to the amendment of the election law. Undoubtedly, the most characteristic aspect for the Opolskie Region is its last position among other provinces with regard to size and population, but it should not be forgotten that it is a borderland region inhabited by a high percentage of the German national minority, which actively shapes the image of not only the local communities at every level, but also the entire Opolskie Region as such.

2020-07-02



Journal: Political Preferences

Satisfaction from the Actions of the Local Governments

Research Report

Robert Paweł Alberski

Language: EN | Published: 28-01-2020 | Abstract | pp. 37-52

In the article two main issues are depicted: the evaluation of activities of voyts, mayors and also the evaluation of local government activities. In a research conducted from the end of 2018 until the beginning of 2019 we decided to verify 3 hypotheses. First one was: confidence towards the local government results from positive evaluations of voyts and mayors activities. The results were compared with the data from previous research. The second hypothesis assumes, that positive evaluation of local government activities is not connected to the activities of single executive body, but is connected to how the whole system of local government works. Third one, however, assumes that local government on the level of voivodeship is rated lower than city (commune) government. Relatively high level of satisfaction about the activities of voyts and mayors, that were recorded in 2012 research not only remained but even increased. This is the factor that strengthens confidence in local government and favors their positive evaluation. Also voivodeship governments are positively evaluated by the surveyed, however, the level of satisfaction is lower than those of other local authorities.

2020-01-28



Journal: Political Preferences

(REVIEW) Danuta Plecka and Zuzanna Osmólska (eds.), Public Administration. Local elections in 2014, Adam Marszałek Publishing House, Toruń 2015, pp. 300

Aleksandra Hoppe

Language: EN | Published: 01-12-2016 | Abstract

The joint publication edited by Danuta Plecka and Zuzanna Osmólska entitled “Public Administration. Local elections in 2014” is still a current experience in 2016. The reviewed book, that was released last year, is the latest entry in the “Local government in the 21^st century” series, which was published by Adam Marszałek Publishing House under the direction of professor Joanna Marszałek-Kawa from Toruń.

The thesis edited by Danuta Plecka and Zuzanna Osmólska consists of 21 articles and as editors in the appropriate to the entire book introduction indicate it is the result of successive thoughts and analysis on public administration.

2016-12-01



Journal: Political Preferences

The Level of Political Party Activity: Study of the Elections of Presidents in Cities with Poviat Rights of the Silesian Voivodeship in 2002-2018

Karolina Kaczmarczyk

Language: EN | Published: 19-09-2022 | Abstract | pp. 35-48

Since 2002 in Poland voters in the local government elections can directly elect the head of the rural municipality, mayor and city president. Local elections, in Polish conditions, are treated as an arena favourable for local committees, often non-party. However, it should be noted that many analyses show that the higher the level of self-government, the more important the committees of political parties are. The increase in the participation of political parties in the election competition is also noticeable in medium and large cities. The author decided to check whether the cities with poviat status of the Silesian Voivodeship favour party committees or rather a committee unrelated to any political parties. For this purpose, the participation and effectiveness of these committees in local elections of cities presidents with poviat rights of the Silesian Voivodeship in 2002-2018 was analysed. The study confirmed that the level of politicization in elections is increasing, however, the effectiveness of party committees in the election of city presidents is lower than the effectiveness of local committees. In addition, political parties are more active and influential in larger cities.

2022-09-19



Journal: Political Preferences

Demokracja lokalna a idea ograniczenia liczby kadencji wójtów(burmistrzów, prezydentów miast)

Janina Kowalik

Language: PL | Published: 01-01-2015 | Abstract

Local democracy and the idea of term limits voits (mayors)

For some time there is a debate on the term of office mayor sand presidents of cities. Subject of the article is to analyze views on democracy and indicators of democracy, including the local dimension in the context of the controversy over the long cadence reeves impact on the functioning of local government. The author also extends to public opinion polls on the issue of limiting the cadence of mayors. We are analyzing the arguments of supporters and opponents of limiting the cadence of executive power in municipalities, as well as the dilemmas associated with the consequences of such restrictions for the quality of democracy. Limiting cadence has as many supporters as opponents - both sides have serious arguments for their positions.

Key words:
democracy, local democracy, local elections, cadences mayors and presidents of cities

2015-01-01



Journal: Political Preferences

Political (Electoral) Activity of Poles in Romanian Bukovina (In the Light of Field Research)

Andrzej Rudowski , Radosław Zenderowski

Language: EN | Published: 08-04-2019 | Abstract | pp. 59-81

The article presents the results of field research conducted among Poles inhabiting Bukovina in autumn 2016. The main goal and subject of the research conducted by means of an In-Depth Interview (IDI) was the political activity (especially electoral activity) and political views of local Poles. The article analyzes closely such issues as: (a) the degree of interest in politics; (b) support for particular political parties; (c) motivation behind support for particular parties; (d) activities of Poles in local government elections; (e) ways of choosing local leaders; (f) comparison of political activities shown by Poles and Romanians; (g) the role of a Polish member of parliament in Bucharest; (h) political activities of Poles outside the Association of Poles. The article presents synthetic conclusions from the conducted research and quotes selected fragments of respondents’ statements.

2019-04-08



Journal: Political Preferences

Partycypacja obywatelska na poziomie lokalnym

Karolina Tybuchowska-Hartińska

Language: PL | Published: 01-01-2012 | Abstract

The main way of citizen's participation are elections. Elections at local level, espe- cially to local government, are very important for contemporary democracy. The key issue for developing democracy is activity of citizens which is very often called as civil society. Hence, the aim of the article is to find what is the citizen's participation at local level. The most popular form of activity at local level are: inhabitant consultation; country meeting; district meeting; local referendum. Supporters of SLD (39% of them) declared par- ticipation in country meetings. In other parties this indicator was at lower level, for example in PSL (33,3%) and PiS (28%). It looks different when the question is related to participation in an inhabitant consultation. In this case, the majority of supporters of PO (29,6%) take part in this kind of activity. Similar percents are in Ruch Palikota (29,6%) and PSL (29,3%). Sup- porters of PiS (28,8%) and PO (27,8%) attend actively in local referendum. To sum up, we can conclude that the participation at local level is not very optimistic or pessimistic. Unfortunately, we are not able to indicate clear conclusions, but only find some helpful notes for a further research. Presented study allows us to find many positive aspects and encourage us to continue this subject.

2012-01-01



Journal: Political Preferences

Satisfaction with the activities of reeves, mayors and presidents of cities and evaluation of the level of representation of the interests by local goverments

Robert Alberski

Language: PL | Published: 01-07-2013 | Abstract

This part of the report describes two problems: evaluation of the activi- ties of reeves, mayors and presidents of cities and the problem of representing the interests of the residents by local governments. In a survey conducted in late 2012, we decided to verify two hypotheses. By the first, trust in local government results from the positive evaluation of reeves, mayors and presidents of cities activities. Second hypothesis assumes that trust is founded by the belief of the local community members, that the local governments represent their interests. The results indicate that the majority of the respondents are restra- inedly satisfied with the activities of their reeves, mayors and presidents of cities. However, the majority of respondents said that local governments do not represent their interests.

2013-07-01



Journal: Political Preferences

Samorządność a przynależność polityczna

Mariusz Kolczyński , Magdalena Faracik-Nowak

Language: PL | Published: 01-10-2013 | Abstract

The main aim of this article is to identify current issues in the field of local government in Poland, especially the local political elites in the context of their political affiliation. The decentralization process and the gradual transfer of the responsibilities of the national regional and local dimension has led to the development of self-government. This in turn enabled the participation in the process of governance every citizen of the inhabited area. Recent local elections show that localism is a relative term and greatly simplified. Each of the local politician has own connections with a specific option. Those behavior leads to a kind of self-governance crisis that manifests itself among other things: a decrease of public trust, low voter turnout and increase the sense of social alienation.

2013-10-01



Journal: Political Preferences

Kadencyjność funkcji prezydenta miasta/burmistrza/wójta gminy w poglądach elektoratu partii politycznych

Zbigniew Widera

Language: PL | Published: 01-10-2013 | Abstract

Local and regional government are complex organizations, operating under varying environmental conditions. Their functioning and development depend on factors both internal and external. Environment creates conditions in the form of development opportunities and threats. More and more business in the management and administration of less exclusively defined area. More and more thinking about demanding customer service that is citizen (voter) and less to treat him as an object of local government influence. Important in the process of building a decision (both for the policy and for the electorate) is appropriate communication. Building belief in the power and usefulness of the current regulations that constitute its presence is convinced of its usefulness and as such goes fitness for a particular time basis. Political communication is an appropriate platform for exchange between politicians and the public, the potential buyers of the product. It serves communication and competition between political parties which issues its product to the market policy. Political communication is not only one of the mechanisms of political marketing, but it is an important plane relationship between the government and the public, allowing both parties to the transaction on the political market to obtain the relevant information of interest and sellers. This is done in analogy to the economic market where clarity is precise acceptance of the offer by the fact of its acquisition or rejection. Marketing communication in professional services is an issue extremely important and unique (specific), as the basis for her client builds their expectations of intangible product that no communication could then be created. In other words, communication is carried out in a company providing services in order to realize the benefits as well as to attract new customers.

2013-10-01



Journal: Political Preferences

Budżet partycypacyjny – nowe narzędzie w rękach obywateli

Karolina Tybuchowska-Hartlińska

Language: PL | Published: 01-10-2016 | Abstract

Participatory Budgeting – a New Tool in the Hands of Citizens

The main objective of the study is to show the willingness of citizens to act, through the prism of opportunities offered by participation at the local level. Mainly, they concern the potential allocation of financial resources at the municipal level, in various aspects of local life such as improving safety, investments, culture, sport and recreation. The study shows that issues related to investments, infrastructure and local security are more important for the respondents than those relating to culture, art and sport and recreation. It is also noted that the supporters of Bronisław Komorowski in the first and second round of the elections for the office of the President of the Republic of Poland (in 2015) form the most active electorate. However, in the case of declared political views the leftish electorate slightly prevails. Taking into consideration particular age groups, middle-aged persons (aged 35-44 and 45-54) appeared to show bigger engagement, while the least active were persons above 65 years of age.

 

Key words:

participation, Poland, participatory budgeting, local government

2016-10-01



Journal: Political Preferences

Poseł burmistrzem, radny posłem: opinia publiczna wobec zjawiska przerywania kadencji

Janina Kowalik

Language: PL | Published: 01-08-2017 | Abstract

Deputy as a mayor, councilor as a deputy. The public opinion on the phenomenon of termination of mandate in elective bodies

The main issue dealt with in this article pertains to a certain aspect of democratic rules, understood at large, occurring presently in Poland, which are: not serving full terms by various levels local government elected officials and members of parliaments (UE parliament included) due to running for other offices. Statistics of these practices are not reported by the State Board of Election, consequently estimating the level of this phenomenon is hard, for it requires following particular cases, which may lead to errors. While considering this author undertook an attempt to estimate this phenomenon. I will examine the issue of cutting short term due to candidacy for another position, from the legal point of view and then from the ethical and philosophical evaluation of such action with focus on the statistics of not fulfilling electoral term due to taking another preferred position. Finally I will examine how this affects public opinion according to Poland wide surveys conducted on representative samples at the turn of 2015 and 2016.

 

Key words:

local government, cadences, elections, party electoral politics

2017-08-01



Journal: Political Preferences

Demokracja bezpośrednia na poziomie lokalnym. Czy obywatele chcą partycypacji?

Karolina Tybuchowska-Hartińska

Language: PL | Published: 01-01-2014 | Abstract

Contemporary theory of democracy places great emphasison direct forms of citizens' participation in political life. Direct democracy is the core of the functioning of democratic systems. It is a general rule in making deci- sions, even those controversial or connected to public affairs, taking place in the common vote. What kinds of institutions of direct democracy are practiced, it mainly depends on historical, cultural and economical conditions. The aim of the research is an attempt to specify the level of support forcitizens' participation in new forms of direct democracy such as participatory budgets, as well as the purpose of the research is the diagnosis for citizens' abilities to participate in the possible institutions of direct democracy that function in the local government. To summarize conducted research, it can be concluded that citizens declare the irsupport for the possibility of co-deciding on municipality budgets and possibility ofstrengthening the irparticipation through the available institutions of direct democracy in local governments, such as the referendum or locals' consults. This support is generally independent from sympathizing with the different political parties or ideological view points.

2014-01-01



Journal: Political Preferences

The Result of Elections to the Śląskie Voivodeship Assembly in 2018 in Reality of the Territorial Heteronomy

Małgorzata Myśliwiec

Language: EN | Published: 15-08-2019 | Abstract | pp. 23-36

The main aim of the paper is the theoretical analysis of the concept of the territorial heteronomy. Conclusions concerning the idea of territorial autonomy, regionalism or federalism easily can be found in the scientific literature. But they are useless to investigate and explain many political processes and political preferences in states of the Central and Eastern Europe. It is because states of this part of the continent did not have a chance to create and develop their own models of classic administration institutions in the nineteenth century, inter alia the local and regional government. Their only experience in this area is limited to the interwar period between 1918 and 1939.  They have gained a new chance for a democratic division of public tasks after the collapse of the communist system in the very end of the twentieth  century. But in that period they have focused more on the horizontal division of powers than on the vertical one. For that reason up till today political phenomena in the political centre have more importance than the regional policy impact attempts. The inspiration for such a research were electoral results obtained by two regional parties at elections to the Śląskie Voivodeship Assembly in 2018.

2019-08-15