Dear Reader,

We are proud to present to you the 2000 English annual digest of FLGR s newsletter, a compilation of some of the most interesting articles published over the past year.

In 2000, the Foundation for Local Government Reform celebrated its fifth anniversary. The newsletter, too, began the fifth year of its existence. The beginning was difficult. We had no experience in publishing a newsletter on local government s problems and the successes. However, step by step, the newsletter became a natural and wanted companion of everyone interested or partial to local government.

More and more supporters of the idea for a strong and democratic local government in Bulgaria consider a necessity the exchange of information, of successful experience and working practices, of pressing problems and disappointments. Small and large municipalities accumulate successful practices in the creation of a favorable environment for local economic development. The dynamics of the legislative changes requires a timely commentary, development of municipal ordinances and strict enforcement.

The real steps to democracy and decentralization require a new political culture and public willingness to seek consensus and partnership between all government levels. This holds especially trues for the politically diversified municipal councils whose job is to identify municipal development policies. The variety of ideas and the constructive dialog are the key elements of success.

The year 2000, which marked the end of the second millennium, was very significant for local government in Bulgaria. It coincided with the beginning of the third term of democratically elected mayors in the country, when we asked ourselves: Will we be able to overcome our political differences and work together? Will we be able to provide the needed continuity, to use the accumulated information and experience, to continue what we have started and improve what we have done? Will we be able to appreciate professionalism and innovative ideas?

Society expects that from us, or at least those who believe that the existence of democratic and effective local government is one of the pre-requisites for success in the EU accession negotiations. Please, feel free to share with us your opinions, commentaries, experience and the topics you are interested in. We will make sure to make them known to the 2,000 recipients of our newsletter.

May you be innovative and successful in your efforts!

Ginka Kapitanova

Executive Director

FLGR