Vice President Hsiao Meiqin made a special trip back to Hualien this morning (27th) to help her two accompanying assistants Lin Zewei and Chen Sitian, who had served in the legislative committee in the past, run for county councilors. She attended the founding meeting of their joint headquarters. The atmosphere was warm. The most eye-catching thing is that Zhang Jun, the independent candidate for Hualien County Mayor and Speaker of the County Council, also came to cheer for the event. Although he did not go on stage to deliver a speech, he shook hands with Xiao Meiqin for the first time in the audience. In her speech, Xiao Meiqin specially thanked Zhang Jun and said warmly: "I hope we can transcend political party positions and work together across parties to work together for Hualien!"
Xiao Meiqin arrived at the scene and was warmly welcomed by the villagers. She personally put ribbons on Lin Zewei and Chen Sitian, presenting the "V" symbolizing victory and strength. Xiao Meiqin affectionately called the two candidates the "Twin Sisters of Wei Si" and joked that they accompanied her on "thousands of trips along the Taiwan-Nineteen Highway", from the Suhua reform, the expansion of the Taiwan-Nineteen Line, the renovation of old school toilets, to agricultural issues and flood control in Ji'an. Their silent service was found in every corner of the local area. Even if she changed positions, Hualien was always in her heart in different positions.
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Xiao Meiqin also mentioned that when she served as a legislative appointee in Hualien in the past, her services were cross-party and regardless of ethnic groups. She said that in the past, Ji'an Township faced flooding problems. At that time, she also worked with the mayor of Lanying, regardless of party affiliation, to work on water management and construction. Hualien has many difficult and complicated problems. It requires integrating many central and local governments, and even various problems between different units. She hopes that the central and local governments can work together to overcome the obstacles in the past. I believe we can do better for Hualien.
Xiao Meiqin described that she was once a tree that was irrigated and grown by everyone in Hualien. Even though the tree was blown down by strong winds and "transplanted" to Twin Oaks and Taipei, the two seedlings left behind have sprouted and grown strong in Hualien and have never left Hualien. She praised Lin Zewei as the only doctoral student in the parliament for his professionalism and seriousness; Chen Sitian had a strong sense of mission and filial piety. The two were willing to fight hand in hand in the same constituency without competing for votes, showing selflessness and love that are rare in the political field. She hoped that the villagers would use their votes to protect these two seedlings of democracy and also support all candidates nominated by the DPP this time.
In her speech, Xiao Meiqin also expressed special gratitude for Speaker Zhang Jun's presence at the scene. She said that Speaker Zhang Jun has taken care of members of different parties in recent years and united to promote Hualien's progress. She also expressed her hope for the future: "I hope the speaker will continue to uphold the heart of caring for all Hualien residents regardless of party affiliation. We can work together to transcend each other's past party positions and work together for Hualien!" After the meeting, the two also took a group photo with the candidates of the Democratic Progressive Party.
