ST PETERSBURG, August 23 (Itar-Tass) — Acting Petersburg governor Sergei Poltavchenko said his priorities were preparing the city for the winter and meeting social commitments.
“There are quite a few problems in St.Petersburg, as elsewhere. The immediate problem we encounter is preparing for the cold season. We have to do everything to make the impact of the winter minimal for the Petersburgers,” Poltavchenko said at the first news briefing in his new capacity at Smolny on Tuesday.
Meeting the social commitments before city residents is another key issue to be paid special attention to, the acting governor said. “There are no apprehensions on this account; we’ll enter the year 2012 calmly,” he said.
Speaking about his appointment, Poltavchenko underlined that he regarded it as “a very responsible and pleasant chance to do something positive for his native city.”
“It’s very responsible and honorable today to aspire to the post of St Petersburg governor,” he said, “Petersburg is not just a good city; it’s my native city.”