Aki Putkinen, a local businessman from Kouvola, was prohibited by the city from creating volunteer ski tracks, prompting local politicians to support his efforts and call for resolution.
In Kouvola, a debate has emerged over whether ski tracks can be built voluntarily by citizens. Aki Putkinen, a businessman, has created approximately five kilometers of ski tracks in the Harjunmäki area of Valkeala for several years, aimed at enhancing community enjoyment. However, last Monday, his volunteer work was abruptly halted when he received a call from the city stating he did not have permission to continue his project. This prohibition spurred reactions from some local politicians who believe that community volunteers like Putkinen should be supported rather than discouraged.
Ville Kaunisto, the chairman of the Kouvola city council and a member of parliament, publicly defended Putkinen on Facebook. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and supporting active volunteers in the community, stating that it is difficult to understand why such a matter cannot be resolved amicably. Kaunisto praised Putkinen’s volunteer work and mentioned that he had also received positive feedback from other city officials. This situation has brought attention to the need for clearer guidelines regarding community-driven initiatives.
As discussions progress, there is hope that a resolution can be found that allows for community-driven projects while still adhering to municipal regulations. The community’s response to Putkinen’s efforts underlines the value of volunteerism and the need for cooperation between citizens and local government. It raises questions about how local governments can better support grassroots initiatives that aim to improve community well-being without unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles.
