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Ted Urho
My core values are liberal, and I stand for human rights, individual freedom, and ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to fulfill their potential.
My name is Ted Urho, and I work as the Executive Manager of the think tank Agenda. I live in Alppila with my partner, Mathias. I am also the editor-in-chief of the magazine Fanbäraren.
I was born in Helsinki in 1980, grew up in Espoo, and have been permanently based in Helsinki since 2010. In between, I had the opportunity to live both in Ostrobothnia (for my studies) and in West Africa (as an exchange student).
In Helsinki, I want to continue working for three different environments: the linguistic environment, the urban environment, and the living environment.
Since the municipal elections in 2021, I have been a deputy member of the Swedish section of the Education Committee. I also serve as a lay judge at the Helsinki District Court.
Before joining the think tank Agenda, I spent ten years working at Svenska Yle, including as a radio host for Yle Vega breakfast show in the Greater Helsinki region. Through that job, I was in daily contact with the people of Helsinki, hearing about their challenges, joys, and concerns.
// Language
A minority cannot survive without the benevolence and support of the majority. Just like our our country, I am bilingual. Trilingual in fact, as I did my senior secondary education in English via the International Baccalaureate.
There are over a 100 000 people in Helsinki who speak another language than Finnish or Swedish as their first language. It is important that the city accommodates and can provide service in as many of these languages as possible, within reason. When it comes to dealing with the city, non-Finnish and non-Swedish speakers should be provided the possibility to use English as their language of business.
Having said this, I must admit that I’m concerned about English pushing out Finnish and Swedish in the public space. I believe that all three languages can cohabit in our city.
The key to this is of course education. We must continue to maintain and develop our great Finnish educational system and the schools in Helsinki.
// A city for everyone
Helsinki has always been a cosmopolitan city and should continue to be so in the future. To achieve this, we must have zero tolerance for racist attacks, sexual harassment, and abusive language in the public space. Our everyday life is both physical and digital, and all residents should feel safe in both.
It is important that all residents in the city can feel well, both physically and mentally. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, as many people struggle to find their place in life.
Therefore, it is important that we create an economic climate that promotes entrepreneurship, creates more jobs, and gives the individual the opportunity to succeed in life.
// Everyday life
Helsinki is a vibrant city that is growing, which is a good thing. Our capital should accommodate anyone who wants to come here. With an ever-growing city, there will also be growth pains. These should be minimised by not unnecessarily tearing up sidewalks and streets for construction work, projects should be coordinated so that they run smoothly and cost-effectively, and we should also continue to simplify bureaucracy for restaurant owners, entrepreneurs, and service providers so that Helsinki becomes an even more attractive city for people to start a business.
The city centre should be an attractive and welcoming place for all the city’s residents and visitors. Movability is an important part of city life, and the city should strive to make it as easy as possible for citizens to move smoothly between the different parts of the city, regardless of whether you choose to go by car, bicycle, or bus. Public transport is an important part of the city, and I believe that HRT (the regional transit authority) should reintroduce the so-called tram ticket, which was abolished a couple of years ago in connection with the zoning reform.
I am a motorist, cyclist, and a pedestrian. In an increasingly individualized society, it is important that we pay attention to each other, and treat each other well in traffic. I am in favour of moving traffic underground, creating clearer bike paths and increasing the number of car-free zones in the city centre.
Especially in areas close to schools and areas popular among families, it is important that traffic runs smoothly, but above all safely.
That’s why I’m running for election
I have always been interested in politics and social issues.
Som åttaåring satt jag i skolbibban och läste med förfäran om apartheidregimen i Sydafrika. At the age of eight, I sat in the school library, reading with horror about the apartheid regime in South Africa. During high school, I was involved in the student council, Svensk Ungdom, and the Finnish Swedish School Student Association.
During my university years, I was active in the student union, subject associations, and other socially beneficial activities. Over the past four years, I have been involved in the city’s decision-making, particularly in education matters through the Swedish section. Another insightful role has been serving as a lay judge in the Helsinki District Court. Cooperation, determination, and my core values guide me in these responsibilities.
I want to continue making Helsinki a better city for everyone and hope you will support me in this work by giving me your vote.
How to reach Ted
C O N T A C T
Ted Urho
050-5447730
ted@tedurho.fi
C A M P A I G N M A N A G E R
Runa Ismark
kampanj@tedurho.fi