We are very honored tonight to welcome Mayor
Andres Jaadla. Mr. Jaadla
is the Mayor of the Estonian city of Rakvere and is here to meet
with U.S. mayors, city managers, county officials, and others
working on municipal issues. Located in northern Estonia, about 62
miles from the capital, Rakvere is the seventh largest city in
Estonia (population: 18,000) and is also the administrative,
economic, and cultural center of the county. It is an area with
numerous nature preserves. In fact, Rakvere has a number of parks
and forests within its city limits.
In recent years, Rakvere, like other Estonian towns, has gone
through a transition to a market economy. As production was
streamlined there were job cuts. Its industries still include the
largest meat factory in the country, other food industries such as
bread, malt and dairy, forestry, woodworking/furniture, and a
clothing factory.
The local government, which includes the mayor, two vice-mayors,
town secretary, and 33 employees, works with the town Council to
organize social services such as care of the elderly, housing,
water supply, sanitation, public transportation and the maintenance
of city streets. They also work to support the primary and
secondary schools, trade schools, libraries, cultural centers,
sports centers and health care facilities.
Promoting the local economy is as important to Mayor Jaadla as
it is to other municipal leaders. As the ancient heart of the
region and home to numerous nature preserves, Rakvere has been
expanding its tourism industry. In fact, since becoming Mayor, Mr.
Jaadla has expanded the local tourist industry tenfold. In 2006 the
town will even host the world championship of sumo wrestling.
Mayor Jaadla's visit has been arranged by the Department of
State and The Institute of International Education. Aurora, Denver,
Wheat Ridge and Estes Park are hosting Mayor Jaadla.
I welcome Mayor Jaadla to the United States, the State of
Colorado and the City of Wheat Ridge.