Ito City Employees Face Resignations Amid Backlash Against Former Mayor
City employees in Ito, Shizuoka Prefecture, are facing a wave of resignations due to the overwhelming burden of public complaints directed at former mayor Maki Takubo. Takubo, who was removed from office following a vote of no confidence linked to allegations of falsifying his academic background, dissolved the city council and successfully ran for re-election in December 2025. His actions, described by critics as selfish and a waste of campaign funds, triggered over 12,000 anonymous complaints from outside the city. The influx of calls and emails severely disrupted normal municipal operations, forcing staff from various departments to handle public relations duties. Employees reported significant stress, including shortened lunch breaks and limited personal time. Although Takubo's maneuvers were legally permissible under the Local Autonomy Law, the resulting administrative chaos has led to a crisis within the city hall workforce. This situation highlights the tangible impact of political controversy on civil servants, who bear the brunt of public anger despite not being directly involved in the mayor's alleged misconduct. The article underscores the tension between legal political strategies and the operational stability of local government institutions.
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Ito City Employees Face Resignations Amid Backlash Against Former Mayor
City employees in Ito, Shizuoka Prefecture, are facing a wave of resignations due to the overwhelming burden of public complaints directed at former mayor Maki Takubo. Takubo, who was removed from office following a vote of no confidence linked to allegations of falsifying his academic background, dissolved the city council and successfully ran for re-election in December 2025. His actions, described by critics as selfish and a waste of campaign funds, triggered over 12,000 anonymous complaints from outside the city. The influx of calls and emails severely disrupted normal municipal operations, forcing staff from various departments to handle public relations duties. Employees reported significant stress, including shortened lunch breaks and limited personal time. Although Takubo's maneuvers were legally permissible under the Local Autonomy Law, the resulting administrative chaos has led to a crisis within the city hall workforce. This situation highlights the tangible impact of political controversy on civil servants, who bear the brunt of public anger despite not being directly involved in the mayor's alleged misconduct. The article underscores the tension between legal political strategies and the operational stability of local government institutions.
asahi