Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) yesterday campaigned on developing Sinbei into a diversified, open and innovative city.
Speaking at her first election event in Tamsui (淡水), Tsai drew crowds to the popular tourist attraction, with dozens of party stalwarts, DPP county councilors, media and people filling the township's small cobblestone streets.
Tsai kicked off the event after visiting a bust of Canadian missionary George Mackay, saying she shared the ideals, convictions and values of the founder of Taiwan's first Western hospital.
Mackay, who lived from 1844 to 1901, was among the first Presbyterian missionaries to come to Taiwan and is widely recognized for his role in building churches and schools around the country. Today marks the 109th anniversary of his death.
“I choose to come here today and share my decision to run as Sinbei City mayor because I wanted to give my respects to [Mackay] — a Taiwanese in the truest sense,” Tsai said.
She said Mackay was originally on his way to serve as a missionary in China, but when he visited Tamsui and saw the rivers and the mountains, he said: “this is where it will be” and he stayed and made Taiwan his home.
“So I want to use Mackay's words when I say that: This is where Sinbei City will move forward, this is where we will walk toward victory,” she said to thunderous applause.
She said her campaign would focus on new methods for a “reasonable use” of resources, redrawing agencies —in reference to the upgrade of Taipei County to a special municipality — and the use of administrative abilities.
While the 53 year-old Tsai has served in a number of government posts, including as vice premier under former president Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁), this is her first time to run for public office.
She announced her intention to run in Sinbei City on May 23, where she is likely to face a close election battle against the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) candidate, former vice premier Eric Chu (朱立倫).
Tamsui residents responded differently to the two candidates.
A middle-aged puppet seller in Tamsui surnamed Lu said both parties had good candidates. The seller said that Chu has years of administrative experience, while Tsai is also a very talented candidate.
Lin Jong-wen (林榮文), who runs an senior community center in Tamsui, said that after five years of KMT administration, it was time for a change.
The elections for Taipei City, Sinbei City, Greater Taichung, Greater Tainan and Greater Kaohsiung will be held on Nov. 27.
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