I’m Salla Heikkinen, cultural worker with a Master’s degree in Arts. I am an independent municipal councillor candidate with the Tampere Green Party. I came to Tampere in 1999 to study and stayed here because I like it here so much. I think Tampere is the right size, a small big city and a great cultural city. I want to be involved in the development of our city; that is why I am standing as a candidate. Tampere is an awesome city and together we can make it even better! For me, culture, local nature, public transport and cycling are important themes in these elections.

What would Tampere be without culture and events? Certainly not as popular a city as it is now. Culture has been scientifically proven to create mental well-being, communality and jobs, both directly and indirectly. Local nature is important for comfort and health. Efficient public transport and clear cycle paths provide convenient transport and exercise, and produce less pollution.

I am originally from Turku. Our family moved to Raisio when I went to school. After high school, I moved to Helsinki for a gap year. I worked as a sales person and shop manager in a second-hand clothing shop, the profits from which went to development aid. In 1997 I completed my military service in the Helsinki Air Defence Regiment and my rank is corporal (lowest NCO rank in the Finnish defence forces).

I studied acting at the Tampereen Komdiateatterin oppilaskoulu (now Suomen Teatteriopisto) from 1999 to 2001. I studied at the University of Tampere, majoring in research of theatre and drama from 2002 to 2019, so I didn’t really do a five-year degree in a tube, but studied a wide range of subjects that interested me, spent an exchange year at the University of Oregon in the US studying theatre arts, participated actively in the student union and subject association, and worked. I have worked in the cultural sector as a producer, coordinator, prompter, organiser and property master etc. I am currently working as a sales and marketing secretary at the Tampereen Komediateatteri.

Why am I standing?

For me, politics is about taking care of the common good, and municipal politics is about deciding on issues and services that are important to all of us. I am not a professional politician, but we ordinary people are also needed in municipal decision-making. I have a long and wide experience of positions of responsibility and have been involved in various associations and communities since I was a teenager. My positions of trust are detailed in my CV. I would like to use my time and skills for the benefit of Tampere and the people of Tampere. I am not a member of any political party and have voted for several parties. Then why the Greens? Green values are close to my heart and I follow them in my own life as best I can. The Greens also have no group discipline: everyone is free to form their own opinion. I am standing for the fourth time in the municipal elections. During this election period I have served on the main committee of the Pispala Sottiisi and as a lay judge in the Pirkanmaa District Court.

My main election themes

Culture is proven to create well-being, community and jobs.
Local nature is important for comfort and health.
Efficient public transport and clear cycle paths provide convenient transport and exercise, and produce less pollution.

My election promises

1. I promise to do my best to take care of our common interests.
2. I promise to familiarise myself as much as possible with the issues to be decided.
3. I promise to work together across party lines.