Huang Kuo-chang: Nominating Chiu Chen-yuan for Zhubei Mayor to Form 'Iron Triangle' with Ann Kao and Hsu Hsin-ying

(CNA, Taipei, 20th, by reporter Tseng Yi-ning) The Taiwan People's Party (TPP) has nominated Chiu Chen-yuan, who has resigned as Deputy Mayor of Hsinchu City, to run for Zhubei Mayor. TPP Chairman Huang Kuo-chang stated today that he believes Chiu can form the 'strongest iron triangle in the greater Hsinchu battleground' with the party's Hsinchu Mayor Ann Kao and Legislator Hsu Hsin-ying, who will represent the Kuomintang (KMT) in the Hsinchu County magistrate election. Former TPP Chairman Ko Wen-je said at the nomination press conference today that after careful consideration, the TPP believes Chiu Chen-yuan is the best candidate for Zhubei Mayor. Zhubei is a major tech hub in Taiwan, and having Chiu as mayor is believed to be the best choice not only for Zhubei's future development but also for Taiwan's. Huang Kuo-chang expressed absolute confidence in Chiu, stating that during his tenure as Hsinchu's deputy mayor and acting mayor, Chiu gained a deep understanding of public policy, local governance, and municipal administration. Huang believes Chiu can win the Zhubei mayorship for the opposition camp in 2026, work with Hsinchu Mayor Ann Kao in cooperative governance, and form the strongest iron triangle in the greater Hsinchu area with Legislator Hsu Hsin-ying. Chiu Chen-yuan said that while the Hsinchu Science Park is a key engine driving Taiwan's economy, this strong economic development has also brought challenges in local governance, such as traffic congestion, allocation of educational resources, healthcare capacity, and childcare. With the average age of Zhubei citizens being only 38 and a high number of young families and tech talents, the local government needs strong integration and execution capabilities. He thus proposed a three-pronged vision: 'Dual-City Prosperity, Tech Governance, and a Happy, Livable City.' Chiu stated that he will promote a Zhubei-Hsinchu AI intelligent traffic system, integrating data from both cities to improve transportation. He also aims to create a family-friendly, elder-friendly city where young people can bravely pursue their dreams by expanding school classes, and strengthening childcare and long-term care policies. The TPP held a Central Committee meeting today and issued a press release afterward, announcing that in addition to Chiu, they are also nominating Chou Hsiao-yun for Taoyuan City's Guishan District council, Lin Yen-liang for Taoyuan's Bade District council, Lin Shuo-yen for Hsinchu County's Zhubei East District council, Shang Wen-kai and Yang Pei-hsuan for Kinmen County's Jincheng-Jinning-Wuciou constituency council, and Chen Te-fu for Kaohsiung City's Taoyuan Indigenous District Mayor. The TPP also noted that it has approved a new wave of city and county council nominations for 2026, including Tsai Wen-sheng for Hsinchu City's North District council. Regarding former TPP legislator Tsai Pi-ru's intention to run for Changhua County Magistrate, Huang said he has asked Secretary-General Chou Yu-hsiu to have the Changhua County chapter evaluate the situation, and they have begun preliminary inquiries with Changhua councilors and township...