MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS AND COUNTY ELECTIONS 2025

One of the key priorities for the upcoming council term will be the cooperation between the municipality and the wellbeing region. The residents and their wellbeing are the responsibility of both the municipality and the wellbeing region. Wellbeing is not built by itself; it follows a person throughout their life. Therefore, it is crucial to invest in it from early childhood to old age and to recognize the needs of different population groups.

Getting healthcare and service chains in order 

The earlier people can access care and receive help, the more cost-effective and humane it is. In healthcare, the focus needs to shift from being disease-centered to providing holistic care. It is essential to invest in rehabilitation in terms of work and functional capacity, as well as quality of life. All of this requires closer collaboration not only between primary healthcare and specialized medical care, but also with social services and organizations, which need to be involved more strongly.

The use of Espoo's funds for the benefit of Espoo residents 

Espoo's funds have performed well for a long time. However, the returns from these funds have been used very sparingly, justifying it by saying that borrowing has been more affordable. The situation, however, has now changed. Interest rates have risen, and the global situation is uncertain. The returns from these funds should now be used to provide services for Espoo residents and support wellbeing—especially to reduce health inequalities, such as promoting children and young people's access to extracurricular activities.

Making single-person households visible 

Although there are 1.3 million people living alone in Finland, their voices are seldom heard, and services are being developed without considering the specific needs of this group. According to studies, more than 50% of people living alone experience loneliness daily or almost daily. Community-based, open spaces, participation, and various cultural, sports, and exercise events support the positive mental health of those living alone. The city must be developed to meet the needs of everyone.

Nature and sports facilities nearby 

For many, nature is a place to find peace, and it has scientifically proven positive effects on mental health. In the growing urban structure, it is important to ensure that nature is close by, regardless of where people live, and that even in apartment buildings, there are green areas. Nature offers opportunities for physical activity, but it is also important to ensure that everyone has access to public sports facilities, such as outdoor gyms and fitness stairs, throughout Espoo—while also not forgetting accessible nature trails.

My main themes

• Timely access to care
• Well-functioning care pathways
• Making client fees more reasonable
• Making people living alone visible
• Nature and exercise facilities nearby

County elections

The Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County has been considered a so-called model student in financial adjustment. However, I believe that people—whether service users, family members, or employees—should be at the center of everything. Decisions should be made with a stronger focus on people first. It is especially important to ensure that everyone has access to help, support, and care when they need it. 

Service fees should not become a barrier to seeking treatment. Therefore, the lowest-income individuals should have the opportunity to apply for a discount or exemption from all healthcare service fees. Currently, this is not possible for dental care, health center visits, or hospital treatment, for example. By many measures, people living alone fare worse than the rest of the population. Their health is poorer, and mortality rates are higher. That is why services specifically targeted at those living alone must be developed.

Generally speaking, the primary goal is timely access to treatment and support as early as possible. A goal that I have already promoted during this term and will continue to advocate for if elected is the revision of the principles for reducing and exempting healthcare service fees. This is not a straightforward issue, but essentially, the situation is that currently, discounts or exemptions are only available for some service fees. To ensure that financial barriers do not prevent anyone from seeking care, I consider it crucial that low-income residents in particular have the opportunity to apply for reductions or exemptions. In relation to this, I also submitted a budget proposal in the last meeting and will continue working on this issue in the next term as well.

More about my thoughts in Yle's election compass. 

Municipal elections

While many things in Espoo are going well, there is still room for improvement. Planning and construction must better consider environmental values and ensure the preservation of local nature throughout Espoo. The well-performing funds of Espoo should be used to secure the well-being and services of Espoo's residents rather than making cuts, for example, in education resources. So far, these funds have been used very sparingly. 

People living alone need to be better considered in decision-making. Accessible and safe public spaces, opportunities for participation and inclusion, sufficiently spacious urban planning, as well as sports and cultural events, benefit not only those living alone but everyone. Regarding HSL, Espoo should actively aim to unify the entire city into a single fare zone. The metro and tram have improved public transport for some but worsened it for others. In particular, cross-city public transport connections should be enhanced.

More about my thoughts in Yle's election compass.