Manifesto
The candidates of Betri Bolungarvík want to work together to make a good town even better. We want to build on the strong foundations that already exist and pursue our goals with clear vision and purposeful action. Through responsible governance, better use of resources, and active dialogue with residents, we can create a community we can all be proud of.
The Bolungarvík of the future is a family-friendly, forward-thinking and sustainable community where ambition, responsibility, collaboration and solidarity create opportunities. With a strong economy and reliable core services, a vibrant community emerges where everyone can grow and thrive. Our goal is to strengthen Bolungarvík as an attractive choice for families and businesses, where quality of life and opportunity go hand in hand.
Community
A strong community is characterised by solidarity, active participation and mutual respect. When residents have the opportunity to contribute to decisions and make their mark, the collective strength of the community grows. It is important to create a platform where residents' voices are heard and their ideas can flourish.
We want a community where residents feel they belong and where it is easy to participate. Through increased participation and open communication, stronger ties can be built between residents and the municipality.
- Hold annual open residents' meetings focused on projects and priorities
- Create a platform where residents can directly participate in decisions about the development of the town
- Use incentives to increase the interest of landowners and developers in housing construction
- Welcome new residents with support and a residents' guide that facilitates their participation in the community
Family
We want Bolungarvík to be an attractive place for families where children receive good support and equal opportunities in play and education. We intend to improve conditions at the municipality's educational institutions and promote the wellbeing of our children.
- Renew the bouncy castle
- Raise the after-school activities subsidy to ISK 80,000 per child per year
- Improve the after-school activities bus service through increased frequency and better facilities
Youth
Young people play a key role in the development of the community and it is important to create conditions for their participation. By listening to their voices and giving them real opportunities for influence, a strong vision for the future can be built.
We want young people in Bolungarvík to have real opportunities to participate in the community and make their contribution.
- Strengthen youth participation in decision-making and community projects, and increase their diversity
- Ensure that motorsports have the necessary training area
- Provide all children up to 18 years of age with free access to the town's swimming pool
- Move the frisbee golf course out of the forestry area with the aim of making it more accessible
Environment
A good environment has a direct impact on the quality of life, wellbeing and experience of residents. Tidiness, planning and good conduct create a positive image and make the town attractive for both residents and visitors.
We want the municipality's properties to be well maintained and presentable, with particular emphasis on school and sports facilities. We intend to create a scheduled plan for structured development, regular maintenance and actions that improve the town's appearance.
- Fix decades-old potholes in the town's roads (and new ones)
- Increase access to environmentally friendly solutions with a recycling station
- Increase the number of rubbish bins in public areas and ensure they are regularly emptied
- Ensure that the drinking water meets quality standards
Local economy
Bolungarvík has a thriving economy that is the foundation of growth and wellbeing in the community. We want to foster more diverse employment opportunities, including through the development of smaller businesses in industrial areas and creating an environment where companies can flourish.
We place particular emphasis on continuing to support the development of salmon farming as one of the main pillars of Bolungarvík's economy. We intend to improve port facilities and press the authorities to place harbour development higher on the priority list.
- Prepare berthing bays (fingers) at one of the floating piers and designate land for small boat storage
- Enter into an agreement with a tourism operator for the management of the campsite and other tourist sites
- Ensure the availability of diverse housing for people working in the municipality
Welfare
The welfare system is the foundation of security and quality of life for residents. It is important that services are accessible, efficient and built on the needs of people of all ages.
We want to ensure equal access for all to good services and provide support that increases independence, wellbeing and security. We want our elderly residents of Bolungarvík to be well and be able to participate in vibrant social activities, whether in our town or the surrounding area.
- Restructure welfare services with emphasis on quality and efficiency
- Offer clear, accessible services that are easy to use
- Ensure better access to support services, including home-delivered meals and snow clearing at residences
Administration
Good administration is built on trust, professionalism and accountability. A clear strategy and transparency in decision-making are key to building trust between residents and the municipality. When information is accessible and decisions are well justified, the community is strengthened.
We want an administration that works purposefully for residents, uses resources responsibly and has clear oversight of operations and long-term project priorities. With improved communication and clearer processes, it will be easier for residents to follow along, participate and have influence.
- Reduce the burden on residents through improved operations
- Discontinue index-linked increases in fees
- Publish monthly financial reports in a clear and understandable manner
- Ensure transparency and professional tendering and decision-making processes in all major projects
- Make meeting minutes, documents and information accessible in a simple and user-friendly way
Culture
Culture and the arts are an important part of quality of life in the community. A vibrant cultural life creates a sense of community, increases the town's attractiveness and gives residents and visitors opportunities for participation and creativity.
We want to strengthen culture in Bolungarvík so that it becomes more visible. We intend to ensure access to culture regardless of age and raise the profile of the municipality's museums.
- Engage residents and businesses in organising events in Bolungarvík, such as Sailors' Day, the summer market and Epiphany celebrations
- Support the arts and creative industries through increased funding
- Develop an ambitious and forward-looking cultural strategy for Bolungarvík