Accused of “writing a bad check”! Wen Shizheng counterattacks: Reviews huge construction projects such as art museums and prioritizes social welfare

Wen Shizheng advocated that the necessity of large-scale construction should be reviewed and that funding should be prioritized to promote social welfare policies. (Photo by reporter Zhang Xiesheng)

Wen Shizheng, candidate for Nantou County Mayor of the Democratic Progressive Party, and Chen Hanli, candidate for Mingjian Township Mayor who is seeking re-election, held a policy explanation symposium in Zhongzheng Village, Mingjian Township on the evening of the 11th. Faced with doubts from the outside that his social welfare policy is "writing a blank check," Wen Shizheng emphasized that the relevant programs have rigorous financial planning. As long as the county government reviews some of the current large-scale construction and transfers the saved funds to people's welfare, it can be smoothly promoted without borrowing money.

Wen Shizheng singled out the art museum and sightseeing cable car projects planned by the county government, and cited the example of some bridges in scenic spots in Nantou that were idle one or two years after they were opened, questioning the sustainable operation capabilities of such huge investment constructions. He pointed out that it would be a waste of public money if a large budget is quickly idle after being invested, and the county government should prioritize resources into improving people's daily transportation and enriching basic needs such as medical care.

Chen Hanli, a candidate for the mayor of Mingjian Township, said that the Mingjian Multifunctional Living Center and Villagers Plaza have been delayed for nearly 40 years due to land issues. After the public office actively fought for it, construction is expected to start next year. However, while the local government is making great efforts to improve the living environment, the county government still plans to build an incinerator in Mingma.

Chen Hanli pointed out that villagers expressed concerns about agriculture and the living environment at environmental impact assessment meetings many times, but the county government not only failed to respond directly, but even filed a complaint against the protesters, calling on voters to show their firm will by voting on November 28.

Deputy Secretary-General of the Presidential Office, Ho Chi Wai, also attended the event to give the lecture. He Zhiwei, who was born in Beitou, said that his hometown also has an incinerator, so he is very concerned about the long-term impact of emissions on residents' health. He emphasized that Wen Shizheng's multi-dimensional waste treatment plan has been carefully calculated and can effectively solve the waste problem through source reduction, resource recycling and food waste recycling measures, eliminating the need to build incinerators in Taiwan's famous tea country.

Chen Hanli called on voters to use their votes to show the firm will of celebrities to oppose the construction of incinerators. (Photo by reporter Zhang Xiesheng)

He Zhixian expressed his agreement with Wen Shizheng's multiple waste treatment plan. (Photo by reporter Zhang Xiesheng)

Wen Shizheng and Chen Hanli held a policy explanation symposium in Zhongzheng Village, Mingjian Township on the evening of the 11th, and a large number of supportive people came in. (Photo by reporter Zhang Xiesheng)