The  Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi had met with students of  KPI before the selections to Kyiv City Council. The theme of the meeting was "Science and Technology for a successful city." Lviv Mayor shared his thoughts on how to be truly successful city and how to build it. And also he told the youth what is required in order to get into politics and answered questions.

- Andriy Ivanovich,what city is a model of success for you?

- One of the ideal city, unfortunately, does not exist. There are many ones that have reached a high level of development in a particular domain and of which we should take an example. For example, referring to the well-established transportation system, just remember Vienna. There is almost no traffic jams! Freely moving trucks and populous cities of China. And all because of that power helps to residents use public transport rather than private cars. Yes, the license plate in the Middle Kingdom is about 10 000 dollars. A tax on the car so high that is almost equivalent to the cost of the car. With regard to the dynamics of development, there is no equal Singapore, and, again, Shanghai. By the way, I have recently read a very interesting book "The Singapore Story", sponsored by the first Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Kuan Yew, known for many people as the Father of Singapore "economic miracle." I would highly recommend this work not only connoisseurs of quality literature, but also for those who are about to go into power.

- What do you think is the secret of effective management of the city?

- From my own experience I would say that the main thing is a professional team. When I became  the city mayor of Lviv, I was totally new person in politics. But I have always been able to gather the circle itself the best, most talented people. Only successful people can create a successful city and a successful country. I sought out staff throughout Ukraine to surround yourself with true professionals and masters of their craft. As a result, I and my team was able to bring Lviv at the next level we have developed infrastructure, established water supply, built a modern airfield ...

- What advice would you give future managers in Kyiv?

- First, to form a clear strategy for development. Second, be firm and consistent in their actions. Third, be public, have contact with residents of the capital. And, of course, as I said, it is a carefully chosen team, to recruit top-notch professionals, regardless of their party affiliation. And finally, a piece of advice for capital managers, and for all people in general: always remember Newton's third law: force equal strength and opposite reaction.

- What young people can do for their city today?

- If you see that the city government is ineffective and corrupted, do not stand aside! Be active, go yourself to the power to change the situation. As the saying goes: if you want a place under the sun, create your own sun! Modern politics are "mold" for young people, on which it then can blossom and give fruit. So students must take power into their own hands because this is possible.

- And what should start doing students who see themselves in politics in the future?

- We must not sit still! For example, in the Lviv City Council each year probation, about 6000 students, some of whom still work there then. I have recently decided to calculate the average age of employees of one of our departments. The figure turned out to be amazing  it is 26 years! What's there to say, I have heads of departments who are all around 23-24 years. In addition to training, we offer the students attend free seminars conducted twice a month. So if there is a will, there will always be a possibility!

Interviewed by Olena Kirianova
Translator: Марина Степаненко ЛА-13