
My election themes
1) I promise to protect the nature and history of Helsinki
We need more affordable homes in Helsinki, but the growth of the city shall not gnaw the greenery and historical landscapes of Helsinki. For example, the zoning of Länsi-Herttoniemi must be renewed in a way that respects its historical values and greenery. Different neighbourhoods are the lifeblood of Helsinki, and this is something we should hold on.
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Green neighborhoods protect against the heat in summer, increase comfort and support the well-being of citizens. For many people, urban nature is an important safe place from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Helsinki should prefer to build on wasteland and industrial sites rather than in nearby forests that are important for citizens. At the same time, we must ensure high quality of construction: let's say no to soulless bulk building!
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Mikko's to do -list to Helsinki City Council:
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Metro station renovations must not be dependent on money from grynders. Necessary renovations and refurbishments must be carried out without delay.
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Let's protect the greenery and natural values of East Helsinki! New residential buildings must not endanger the green spaces and recreational areas that make East Helsinki special.
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Stop gnawing our valuable green areas! Protect the nationally valuable Central Park, Stansvik Forest and the forest and cliff of Matokallio.
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Protect Helsinki's valuable architectural history! Renovation and repair of a building should always be the preferred alternative to demolition. Increase the use of circular economy in building.
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Let's grow sustainably! Build more housing in the Roihuvuori industrial area and convert empty offices into housing.
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Ensure a diversified housing supply. Build more family and senior housing in Helsinki.
2) I promise to develop the sustainable daily life and the flexible transport in Helsinki
A sustainable and smooth urban daily life is made of affordable public transport, coherent cycling paths and safe pedestrian streets. It's about everyone having the possibility to move around the city smoothly. Sustainable and smooth urban daily life is also about having everyday services close to home. This increases the well-being of citizens and makes the city a more pleasant place to live and work.
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Sustainable urban daily life is also fascinating. Differents events, flea markets, cafés, restaurants, small boutiques, second hand shops and cultural experiences belong to the city - and we need more of them! They are also the medicine for Finland's economic recovery, when people have the opportunity to gather together and consume sustainably. My dream is to make Helsinki the cradle of sustainable consumption.
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Mikko's to do -list to Helsinki City Council:
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Lower public transport ticket prices and increase the variety of short-distance ticket options. Helsinki must promote a change in public transport's (HSL) funding system. At the present, around 24% of public transport's (HSL) costs go to infrastructure costs for municipalities. This is why HSL does not have proper change to lower the prices of tickets in public transport - this needs to change!
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More culture and street art! Helsinki should hire young people to work on cultural summer jobs, making art and music for the enjoyment of all citizens.
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Let's make Helsinki's city centre the cradle of sustainable consumption, where you can buy vintage fashion, quality Finnish products, spend time and eat out.
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Turn Kaivokatu into a green public transport street that will make the area more pleasant and attract people to stay and spend time.
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Expanding pedestrian areas in the city and providing summer terraces to replace parking spaces.
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Building more non-commercial public spaces that allow everyone to stay and stop in the city centre.
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More art in health centres and other public buildings. Research shows that this promotes people's well-being and speeds up recovery.
3) I want more opportunities and care for all residents of Helsinki
Growing inequality is one of Helsinki's biggest challenges: the gap between the unemployed and the employed is widening. In Helsinki, we can fight inequality and ensure that Helsinki is a safe place to grow up and grow old in all its neighbourhoods.
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Everyday services and communities must be close to home. The elderly must be able to get help to their doorstep, and children must be able to walk safely to their local school. The emphasis should be on accessibility and a welcoming urban environment that encourages people to enjoy the city. Allowing every child and young person to pursue at least one hobby, which is an essential element to prevent inequality among children and young people.
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Mikko's to do list to Helsinki City Council:
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There should be a playing field near every neighbourhood where young people and adults can play different sports.
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Allow every child and young person to participate in at least one hobby. This will reduce inequalities and provide meaningful activities for children and young people.
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Benches and litter bins are an essential part of a clean and safe street environment.
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More separate care units for people with memory problems. These so called memory villages should be built in Helsinki to enable people with memory problems to live independently and safely.
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We have to ensure that every caregiver has a real opportunity to days off and every caregiver has an opportunity to get health care services fast.
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Protect the free health care opportunities in Helsinki.
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High quality playgrounds, which are important for families with children, should be located close to every neighbourhood.
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All urban space must be accessible. Ensure that there are at least two accessible exit routes at metro and transport hubs. When one breaks down or is blocked, the other remains in use.
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Implement Helsinki's own basic income experiment to help people find employment and cope with everyday life.