Six months of serving as Deputy Mayor of the City of Kaštela
Antonio Budimir took up the position of Deputy Mayor of Kaštela in May of this year. As a long-time entrepreneur, but also a man with experience in local government, he is now taking on responsibilities that include the development of the city, cooperation with citizens, business people and institutions, and the creation of new opportunities for the local community. Budimir talks about the challenges, opportunities and personal motivations in the presentation we received from the City of Kaštela.
Mr. Budimir, you took over the position of Deputy Mayor six months ago. How would you describe your first months in office?
The first months of official work are very intense. Although I come from the private sector, where dynamics are also important, in public administration there is an additional responsibility towards the community. I get to know the projects that are in progress, but also those that are just coming, on whose successful preparation I have an influence. The most important thing for me is that my first steps are effective and directed towards the most important needs of citizens.
How does your cooperation with Mayor Denis Ivanović work?
The cooperation is exceptionally good and based on trust. Mayor Ivanović, who is in his third term, knows the city, projects and system down to the smallest detail, which greatly facilitates our joint work. His experience and clear vision for the development of Kaštela provide a strong framework for our daily activities. We are in constant communication, coordinating activities and jointly solving challenges, from strategic investments to operational issues. As a deputy, I strive to be a concrete support, but also to bring fresh energy and added value. Our goal is the same — the continuous development of Kaštela that citizens will clearly feel in their daily lives.
You come from an international business environment. How does that experience help in public administration?
I am the founder and director of a private family-owned company that deals with engineering and management, mainly in the international market. This experience brings a number of important characteristics such as effective recognition and planning of opportunities, organization and management of results or values with strategic thinking. I believe that these and other principles specific to a project-structured organization can be very successfully transferred to the work of city administration, especially when it comes to investments, infrastructure projects and rational use of resources.
What are your key priorities in the coming period?
The economy is the foundation of every strong community. In conditions of high employment, I want to work on creating conditions for better quality jobs, support for business people, as well as further development of zones that can attract purposeful investments. But this is not the only area. I want to carry out all the activities entrusted to me — from the utility segment to social programs — conscientiously and transparently.
You led the Rudina Local Committee for three years. How important is that experience in your current role?
This is perhaps the most concrete school of local politics. When you encounter people and their challenges every day, you realize how simple and small gestures of kindness towards each other can actually be big. This helped me understand how important it is to remain accessible to citizens and sensitive to the needs of the community. I carry that experience with me today, at a higher level.
How difficult is it to balance private life with political office?
I am married and a father of two with a third child on the way, and like any family, we balance work commitments and spending time together. My family is my greatest support. It is because of them, but also because of all the families in Kaštela, that I want our city to be an exceptionally beautiful, safe and stimulating place to live.
Final message?
I would like to tell citizens and business people that I am here for them. I am always open to discussion and solutions in every segment of human activity that contribute to the development and progress of society. Together we can achieve great things, because Kaštela has enormous potential — and my goal is for every resident to feel the realization of that potential.
Photo: Ivana Topic
