Vision and Rent Debate in Tokat OIZ Elections

Businessman Ahmet Sami Ülkü made striking statements after the Tokat Organized Industrial Zone (OIZ) elections. Rather than focusing on the election results, Ülkü criticized the vision of Tokat's industry, production, and management, saying, "We are not men of positions, but men of the homeland." Having previously run for the presidency of the Tokat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TSO), Ülkü emphasized in a press conference that Tokat's development is not possible through coincidences but through planned, project-based, and export-oriented moves. He described the current administrative structure of the OIZ as "land management" and harshly criticized the chronic problems in the region.

Ülkü stated that in the elections, real industrialists who produce daily, provide employment, and struggle with power outages and infrastructure problems were put on the same footing as people who only rent out their buildings and do not even live in Tokat. He pointed out that those who have an Industrial Registry Certificate but do not produce or provide employment, only earning rental income, are the real gangrenous problem of the OIZ. He argued that this situation is unfair and deviates from the true purpose of the OIZ.

Ülkü noted that the Sena Tekstil building in the center of the OIZ has been left idle for years and left to decay. He stated that the main motivation for his candidacy was to bring such idle structures back into the economy and produce permanent solutions. He mentioned that the OIZ, with its dark streets, inadequate lighting, security vulnerabilities, and falling signs, does not befit a modern production center. He said they have developed concrete projects to solve these problems, but these were not sufficiently discussed during the election process.

Ülkü said that during his candidacy, circles that would normally not come together united against him, and this was not due to his person but to the transparent and accountable management approach he wanted to bring. He did not hide his discomfort with the election atmosphere where projects were not discussed but rather seat calculations were made. He stated that some people are not looking for people who will serve, but for profiles they can control, who will obey and remain silent.

Ülkü emphasized that they will continue the struggle, saying, "Despite those who try to intimidate us and force us to retreat, we will continue to be in our factories, produce, and provide employment." He stated that the real loser is the city, and putting obstacles in front of a person who sets out to serve is not hindering that person but the future of the city. Concluding his statement with the words, "We did not lose; when Tokat wins, we will have already won," Ülkü declared that they will continue to stand behind the vision projects they have produced for Tokat.