Wuhan city selects grassroots advisory body

Wuhan (CNS)-- Wuhan city started selecting its counselors from the rank and file citizenry in mid April, from among 178 citizens who entered their names into the competition. Six grassroots candidates stood out from the first-round interviews on May 6, and after a review period, three of them will become common sources of wisdom for the local government.

Think tanks were used to select the well-reputed scholars, industry experts, social celebrities and senior politicians. It is the first time in China that the selection process eliminates limits previously placed on education background and occupation.

At a mere 27 years of age, Huo Chenglong is the youngest one among the finalists. He chose to develop his career in Wuhan after four years of college life here. Huo said the city needs to collect voices of both established residents and newcomers.

Hu Quanzhi, a teacher who also passed the interview stage, has submitted letters of advice to the government over the last 13 years.