Chiang Wan-an Rebuts Claim of 'Abnormal' Political Attacks by Civil Servants

(CNA, Reporter Yang Shu-min, Taipei, 7th) Taipei's Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) today issued a press release countering the "Great Taipei Skyline" idea proposed by DPP Taipei mayoral candidate Shen Pao-yang. Shen claimed it was abnormal for civil servants to work overtime for political attacks. Mayor Chiang Wan-an said that any accusation that dismisses the efforts of grassroots staff would be clarified and refuted.

The Taipei GEO issued a press release today countering Shen Pao-yang's "Great Taipei Skyline" idea, stating that many of the proposed locations are primitive and treacherous terrains, and building hiking trails could damage the ecosystem.

Chiang Wan-an, attending the Taipei City Public and Private Junior High School 114th Academic Year Graduates' Mayor's Award Ceremony today, was asked by the media about Shen's comments. Shen said today that there might be a misunderstanding about their skyline proposal, explaining that he was referring to establishing a transportation network. He also expressed concern about seeing a city department issue a press release on a weekend, which implies using overtime to engage in political battles, stating, "this is not a very normal thing."

Chiang Wan-an said that the city government will certainly come forward to clarify and refute any accusation that dismisses the efforts of its grassroots staff, and that he will definitely stand with them.

When the media asked for Chiang's view on creating the skyline, he said he had already stated that the marketing and renovation projects planned for the Grand Trail over the past three years have received over 95% approval from citizens. He also noted that the cumulative number of participants in the Grand Trail in these three years has grown by 79%, nearly 80%, compared to the previous seven years, showing that the GEO's efforts are recognized.

He cited examples such as the "Caoshan Waterfall Suspension Bridge" and the "Zhinan Temple Bamboo Path Night Lighting Optimization," which have indeed attracted domestic and international tourists. Therefore, the Grand Trail badge was planned for 2024, and this year the "Monthly Gem King" challenge was launched to attract more people, hoping they would appreciate the GEO's work while enjoying the mountains.

Taipei City Deputy Spokesperson Tsai Wan-ying added that the city government should respond to false accusations from the outside. Following Shen's logic, she pointed out that the Executive Yuan issued press releases on May 23rd and June 6th, and the Ministry of Labor, which is in charge of labor rights, issued press releases on May 1st and May 2nd, including Labor Day. She noted that legislators have a supervisory duty and asked if Shen had ever spoken out about those instances.

Additionally, the media asked if Chiang Wan-an felt proud of his dual roles today. Chiang shared that today he was not only an award presenter but also a parent. In his speech, Chiang encouraged the students, saying that being smart is a gift, but being kind is a choice. Continuous effort will help realize dreams step by step, but maintaining a kind heart can exert a powerful influence, allowing society to form a continuous positive cycle. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150607