Hsieh Tsan-hui Announces Independent Run for Dongshan Township Mayor, DPP Urges Focus on the 'Bigger Picture'

After losing the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) primary poll for Dongshan Township mayor, Yilan County Councilor Hsieh Tsan-hui has decided to run as an independent, signaling a split in the green camp for the township's mayoral election. Today, DPP Yilan County Chairman Chiu Chia-chin stated that he hopes Hsieh will consider the 'bigger picture.' In a recent open letter to township residents titled 'The Harbor Pilot' of township administration, Hsieh pointed out that during his eight-year tenure as Dongshan Township mayor, he secured approximately NT$9.2 billion in subsidies from the central and county governments, laying a solid foundation for his hometown. He expressed confidence that, like a 'harbor pilot,' he can swiftly and correctly guide Dongshan Township towards a prosperous and hopeful path, creating a grander vision for development for the residents. Hsieh mentioned that many residents have recently asked about his next step, and his answer has always been the same: 'The next step is never decided by oneself, but by the needs of the residents.' He said he will always remember the famous words of the late County Magistrate Chen Ting-nan: 'If I cannot be both liked and respected, I would rather be respected.' Hsieh stated that to continue elevating Dongshan Township, he has decided to run for mayor. Although the DPP had tried to persuade him to continue as a councilor, he has explicitly refused. 'Councilor' is not a future option, and he will run for Dongshan Township mayor as an 'independent' to be a mayor for all people. Chiu Chia-chin, DPP Yilan County Chairman, told the Central News Agency that he hopes Hsieh will consider the 'bigger picture.' The party will continue to communicate and coordinate, not giving up until the very end. The DPP needs a united team to win the maximum support of the county's citizens. The results of the DPP's primary poll for Dongshan Township mayor were announced on November 26 last year. Chen Keng-fang, vice chairman of the Dongshan Township Representative Council, came in first with 36% support, leading Hsieh Tsan-hui's 33% and township representative Yu Min-chi's 31%. The party's executive committee later confirmed Chen's nomination.