On Taipei Grand Trail and Skyline: Ko Wen-je Says Municipal Proposals Need Creativity and Highlights

(Central News Agency, reporter Yang Shu-min, Taipei 8th) Democratic Progressive Party Taipei mayoral candidate Shen Po-yang stated that the Taipei Grand Trail has made no progress under Mayor Chiang Wan-an's tenure. The city government countered that Shen's proposed 'Greater Taipei Skyline' could harm the ecology. Taiwan People's Party (TPP) former chairman Ko Wen-je said today that suggestions for municipal affairs are possible, but the conclusion is that they need creativity and highlights.

TPP founding chairman Ko Wen-je and party chairman Huang Kuo-chang led party members today at the Taipei City Council to hold a 'Taipei People's Team' formation and oath-taking rally, announcing the formation of six Taipei City councilor candidates. This includes four incumbent councilors: Huang Ching-ying, Chen Yu-cheng, Lin Jen-yu, and Chang Chih-hao, as well as Hsu Fu and Wu Yi-hsuan.

The media recently focused on Shen Po-yang's comments that the 'Taipei Grand Trail', promoted during Ko's tenure, has not changed under Chiang Wan-an. The city government also countered that Shen's proposed 'Greater Taipei Skyline' could damage the ecology. Ko said the Taipei Grand Trail began planning during his tenure, and he has walked it himself. It was already quite comprehensively designed at that time, and facilities should be added step by step on this foundation. Shen can make suggestions if he has opinions; municipal affairs are inherently accumulated gradually.

Ko also said that most of the Taipei Grand Trail is designed on ridgelines. If not blocked by trees, one can easily see the Taipei Basin. The most important thing in political propaganda is the title. He doesn't know Shen's definition of skyline. The first thing he thought of was rooftops, because Taipei's tin-roofed houses are unsightly. If that's what is being discussed, it's understandable. 'That ridgeline and skyline have nothing to do with each other.' It's not good to talk for a long time and still require a long time to think. Suggestions can be made, but the conclusion is that they need creativity and highlights.

The media also asked Huang Kuo-chang about his recently published book 'Walking Towards the Light'. It has been questioned that Huang was not the one who decided to storm the Legislative Yuan during the Sunflower Movement, and that he was not a front-line stormer, which contradicts the book's account. Huang said a writer recently published a book detailing the entire process, which people can read to understand. The key point is that the movement's original demand was 'legislation first, review later', to establish a 'Cross-Strait Agreement Supervision Mechanism'. He expressed respect but deep regret that the DPP, after eight years of full power, has completely forgotten this political promise and is cooperating with the DPP in political attacks. Ko also asked, 'Cross-strait exchanges should be legalized. Where is that thing 12 years later?'

Returning to the election, the media asked if he was worried about votes being split among parties. Ko said the TPP's election strategy is very simple: nominate only one candidate per district, giving supporters of the TPP, Ko, Huang, and third forces a 'single choice to vote for'. So there is no problem. He expects a 'grand slam' in this year's election.

Huang added that whether there will be further cooperation or coordination between him and Chiang Wan-an in the future will likely be discussed with Chiang in the next stage. (Editor: Li Shu-hua) 1150608