Entrepreneur, security expert, AI evangelist and classroom teacher.

Personal municipal election programme 2025-2029

My starting point – A human-sized Kuopio

I am a 41-year-old from Kuopio, with roots in Siilinjärvi and summers spent in the countryside of Pöljä. I work as an information security and AI expert and as a white hat hacker. As a centrist, I want to act as a unifying force between different views – looking for solutions that benefit both the countryside and the urban centre.

My Kuopio is a “human-sized” city – a city where everyone has the opportunity to live their own life, surrounded by close services, a well-functioning daily life and a safe environment. Our starting point is that Kuopio’s vitality is based on economic, ecological and social sustainability. At the same time, we will ensure that everyone in Kuopio stays involved and that the voice of the quiet ones is heard in decision-making.

 

1. Safe and smooth Kuopio

Making everyday life work and local services secure

 

• Quality early childhood education and care: I want to make sure that day-care places are organised according to families’ needs, and that children from the same family have access to the same unit. Different models of day care provide flexibility for different family situations.

• Peace of mind and support for primary schools: schools have a zero tolerance policy on bullying, violence and racism. Support teachers and school staff in developing emotional and interpersonal skills so that children and young people have a safe learning environment.

• Keeping schools close to home: schools for the youngest children will be kept as close to home as possible. Healthy and modern school facilities and flexible use of distance learning (e.g. optional subjects) support equal education.

Inclusion and security

 

• A resident’s voice: I support participatory budgeting and co-creation models. I support participatory budgeting and community-based approaches.

• Cooperation between authorities and youth outreach: young people’s substance abuse and mental health challenges must be tackled early. Safe streets, preventive measures and community support are key.

• Cooperation with the welfare area and neighbouring municipalities: the flow of services must be improved regardless of municipal boundaries. Cooperation between different actors is essential, especially in the field of social and health services.

 

2. Naturally sustainable Kuopio

Nature at everyone’s fingertips

 

• Preserving local nature and biodiversity: everyone in Kuopio should have the opportunity to recreate in forests, water bodies and green spaces. All nature lovers should have access to all natural areas and recreation areas. Everybody should have access to green spaces, forests, woodlands and wooded areas.

• Developing city and countryside together: rural resources – such as agriculture, tourism and forests – are Kuopio’s strength. Keeping villages, towns and the city centre vibrant.

• A pioneer in wood construction: sustainable building supports the environment and provides healthy living solutions. Bringing together local businesses, research institutes and city planning to develop wood construction.

Sustainable mobility and housing

 

• Developing public transport and light transport: investing in suburban trunk lines, Pali transport, walking and cycling routes. Accessibility and accessibility for all ages is important.

• Multi-location and digital solutions: bringing effective telecoms connections and shared workspaces not only to city centres but also to villages and suburbs. Promote teleworking and distance learning opportunities.

• Housing for different life situations: Kuopio has a wide range of different types of housing – from student flats to family housing and service housing for the elderly. Affordable housing is the basis for everything.

 

3. A vibrant Kuopio

Financial balance and responsibility

 

• Balancing the economy: basic services first. Looking for smarter ways of working, process refinement and the benefits of digitalisation. Raising the tax rate is a last resort, once all other options have been explored.

• Kuopio for growth: growth comes from jobs and entrepreneurship. The whole region is strengthened by effective cooperation between universities, research institutes and businesses.

• City staff s management: family-friendly employer policies and cutting red tape support the well-being of both employees and residents.

Entrepreneurs – the pillars of municipal growth and innovation

 

• Innovation and networking: regular events will be organised to bring together businesses, educational institutions and students to meet and tackle challenges together. This generates new ideas, jobs and growth.

• Growth platforms and premises: city properties or vacant premises can be used for start-ups and SMEs. The aim is to create low-threshold co-op spaces and diverse communities where entrepreneurs can get off the ground.

• Digiloikka together: bringing digital skills training to businesses and citizens alike. In particular, seniors can get peer support from each other to learn how to use digital services. This will also contribute to reducing loneliness and promoting a sense of community.

Culture, sport and events

 

• Diverse opportunities for leisure and physical activity: every child and adult should have the opportunity to exercise close to home. All children and young people should have the opportunity to have access to all kinds of activities and activities.

• The new football stadium as a multi-purpose arena: tourism, sport and culture will be intertwined when the arena is used for a wide range of large-scale events.

• Creative industries and culture: art, music and literature enliven the city. Improving access to culture, especially for children and young people, at a low threshold.

 

4. Local and bridge builders guarantee

Local services and democracy

 

• Local parks, nature and exercise areas: every neighbourhood should provide its residents with a pleasant environment for outdoor recreation and leisure.

• Local first: local food, local energy and local schools for young children are cornerstones of everyday life. A centrist proximity policy means taking decisions as close to the citizen as possible.

• Building bridges: I want to make Kuopio a city where bridges are built between different groups and ways of thinking, not walls. A spirit of cooperation and dialogue will ensure a responsible and long-term municipal policy.

Summary: My Kuopio – a human-sized Kuopio

 

• Financially balanced: responsible solutions, digitalisation and smart procurement.

• Ecologically and socially sustainable: local nature, low-emission mobility solutions, support for mental health and education.

• Vibrant and innovative: collaboration between entrepreneurship, research and education generates new ideas and growth.

• Safe and community: safe schools and streets, community spaces and listening to the voice of residents are essential.

• Bridge builders: I try to connect, not to divide. I want Kuopio to be a place where everyone’s opinion is valued and where common solutions are sought.

By voting for me, you will get a committed, forward-looking trustee who understands technology and security, who emphasises everyday solutions and who looks to the future. Let’s build together a human-sized – safe, sustainable and vibrant city of Kuopio!

“We build bridges, not walls – that’s why I’m standing as a candidate for the good of the people of Kuopio.”