Nationalist Party and Democratic Progressive Party mayoral candidates for Greater Taichung, Hu Zhiqiang and Su Jia-chyuan, were out all day holding “Meet the Residents” events. Hu Zhiqiang said that bicycle paths in both Taichung County and City will be fully connected by the end of the year, and plans are underway to create the world’s first nighttime cycling path. Su Jia-chyuan bonded with hikers, stating that Dakeng is the city’s most beautiful backyard garden, and promised to build facilities such as observation decks or pavilions.
At a “Meet the Residents” forum in Daya Township yesterday, Hu Zhiqiang said there would absolutely be no marginalization issues following the merger of Taichung County and City—claims to the contrary were being spread by ill-intentioned individuals. The bicycle path from Tan-Ya-Shen in Taichung County to Xitun District in Taichung City will be connected by year’s end, with future extensions planned to Nantun District, enabling resource sharing between the two areas.
Hu Zhiqiang pointed out that the bridge connecting Taichung City and Dali City has flooded every time it rained heavily for the past 30 years. The day before yesterday, the city government awarded a contract worth NT$20 million to begin construction of a new bridge; the original contractor’s schedule projected completion by April next year, but he has demanded that the project be finished by the end of this year. In the future, the Taichung MRT will definitely extend to Qingquan Airbase, and traffic congestion at the Daya Interchange on the freeway will also be addressed.
Su Jia-chyuan hiked up Dakeng Mountain Trail yesterday to connect with hikers. He said the trail boasts beautiful scenery and is the most picturesque backyard garden in Taichung City. If elected mayor, he pledged to enhance the surrounding environment of the trail and install facilities such as observation decks or pavilions along appropriate sections to allow hikers to better enjoy the views.
Speaking at the “Five Major Municipalities Women’s Cadres Election Camp,” Su Jia-chyuan noted that Taichung City has the lowest birth rate among all counties and cities in the country. If elected mayor, he will push for government subsidies for the second child to foster a women-friendly environment, encouraging women to marry and have children. Even if they temporarily leave the workforce, they will have job security upon returning.