Governor-elect vows to restore trust; predecessor sinks deeper

MIYAZAKI (Kyodo) Miyazaki Gov.-elect Sonomanma Higashi pledged Monday to do his utmost to restore public trust in the prefectural government in the wake of bid-rigging allegations over public works for which the former governor was arrested and charged.

A beaming Sonomanma Higashi, a comedian who is now Miyazaki's governor-elect, sits in his election office Monday morning holding a sports tabloid trumpeting his victory. KYODO PHOTO

After winning the post Sunday, the former TV entertainer emphasized to reporters the importance of creating an organization that will fulfill his election pledges.

"The true value of Miyazaki Prefecture will be tested through (our work to) restore confidence," Higashi, 49, said.

He also said he will use his legal name, Hideo Higashikokubaru, while performing his duties.

Higashi hinted he may handpick someone from the private sector as vice governor but did not elaborate.

He also tried to dispel public concern over his ability, as a political rookie, to pursue policies through negotiations with assembly members.

"(The assembly) is a place where we hold discussions with a mandate given by the people. It will be all right unless my willingness to revitalize Miyazaki, which is pivotal to my policy, is swayed," he said.

Higashi received 266,807 votes to easily out-distance former Forestry Agency Director General Hidesaburo Kawamura, 57, who got 195,124 votes, and three other contenders.

Meanwhile, police served a fresh arrest warrant Monday against former Gov. Tadahiro Ando for taking bribes. He was initially arrested last month over his involvement in bid-rigging.

Ando allegedly received about 30 million yen from a building design company that received an order through bid-rigging, police sources said.

Ando, 65, was arrested on the heels of his resignation in December and indicted for involvement in bid-rigging over public works projects.

Police will also arrest Shizuo Ishikawa, a 68-year-old former aide to a Diet member, as Ando's accomplice, and Yoshifumi Nihongi, 56, the former president of Yamato Engineering Inc., the Tokyo-based design company, for allegedly making the bribes, the sources said.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe dismissed concerns Monday that his ruling Liberal Democratic Party may have to reconsider its strategy ahead of nationwide elections after the LDP candidate lost in Sunday's election in Miyazaki.

"Local elections and the House of Councilors election are separate issues," Abe, who is also LDP president, told reporters at his office.

"Our plan to take up (the Upper House election) straightforwardly by showing the public our achievements remains unchanged.

"I hope the new governor will fulfill local voters' expectations for a brighter administration and take steps to rebuild the prefectural government," he added, referring to new Miyazaki Gov.-elect Sonomanma Higashi.