Chiang Wan-an Says Taiwan Doesn't Lack Political Rhetoric; Shen Po-yang Says It Reflects Citizens' Voices

(CNA Taipei, July 2, 2024) Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an and Democratic Progressive Party Taipei mayoral candidate Shen Po-yang attended a ceremony at Zhinan Temple today. Chiang Wan-an stated that Taiwan does not lack political rhetoric and that central and local governments should work together to face natural disasters. Shen Po-yang responded that reflecting citizens' voices is not political rhetoric.

President Lai Ching-te, Shen Po-yang, Chiang Wan-an, and others attended the Zhinan Temple's three-offering ceremony this morning. During his speech, the President mentioned past floods in Neihu, which occurred in areas like Dahu Mountain Village, but noted that this year's floods affected areas rarely seen in 40 to 50 years. He expressed hope that all county and city governments would investigate the true causes of flooding and, if there are deficiencies, propose flood control plans, which the central government will strongly support.

Chiang Wan-an's speech began by detailing the temple's history and praising its charity foundation for assisting the underprivileged. He mentioned that Zhinan Temple donated NT$1.5 million, totaling NT$6 million over four years, to Wanfang Hospital to aid in the reconstruction of its second intensive care unit. Wanfang Hospital was upgraded to a medical center in 2004, and like Zhinan Temple, which has become a center of local faith, it serves as a medical center for the area.

Chiang Wan-an stated that the Taipei City Government has assisted Zhinan Temple in planting 650 cherry trees annually, with an additional 100 trees to be planted, aiming to make the area a cherry blossom secret spot in Taipei. The long-awaited pedestrian bridge has completed its design and an investment of NT$1.1 billion will be used to construct a 390-meter bridge connecting Tianen Temple and Maokong Station, allowing citizens to experience the local scenery.

Chiang Wan-an said that in the face of extreme weather, the central and local governments must work hand-in-hand and face it together. Taiwan does not lack mutual accusations and the creation of more political rhetoric; what is needed is unity to confront various natural disasters.

He stated that as the Mayor of Taipei, he will go all out. During his worship, he also prayed for favorable weather, national peace, and the safety of Taipei City. He also expressed hope that any leader in Taiwan should consider the welfare of the people, be people-oriented, reject the creation of hatred and confrontation, and instead join hands for the livelihoods and economy, promoting more construction and policies.

In response to Chiang Wan-an's speech, Shen Po-yang told reporters after the ceremony that reflecting the public's voices should not be considered political rhetoric. He added that on the day of the Neihu flooding, he visited the site three times, and each time residents had different feedback and raised issues such as clearing silt from ditches or large drainage channels, applying for subsidies, and early warnings. He suggested that labeling citizens' feedback as political rhetoric might not be appropriate.

Shen Po-yang said that Taipei City should always strive for improvement, and if there are areas where execution is lacking, it should accept public feedback. He hopes that when suggestions are made, there will be better responses to improve city governance, as continuous improvement is what citizens expect. (Edited by: Hsiao Po-wen) 1150702

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