Mayor Chu cuts down fund for next year
New Taipei City Mayor Eric Chu talked about the announcement made by President Ma Yingjeou and Premier Sean Chen in regard to cutting both president’s fund and the Cabinet’s administrative contact funds by one fourth during the city council meeting. Chu said that the city government will follow the policy next year and save as much as possible regardless of how much budget they can get. In addition, he announced that the service life for official vehicles will be extended to 10 years.
Chu addressed several issues including retrenching expenses, rights of indigenous people, Bitan renewal plan, and nuclear safety.
Councilor Yang Chunmei was concerned about rights of indigenous people in New Taipei City. She mentioned that many aboriginal citizens encountered difficulties while booking a venue for hosting events. Chu promised that he would request all departments and units to maintain the same attitude when providing services to different ethnic groups.
Chu also expressed his opinion on the blueprint and vision of aboriginal development in New Taipei City. He promised to enhance assistance for employment counseling, job training, and everyday life for aboriginal people within the city. Chu also pledged Yang that indigenous language and welfare for elderly would be taken care of continuously. Yang acknowledged Chu’s understanding of aboriginal people’s needs.
Yang raised a question about potential execution issues regarding “Indigenous Culture Development and Self-rule Ordinance.” Chu answered that new proposals would be managed by different department respectively. The ordinance kept all indigenous affairs in order. In addition, Mayor instructed the Cultural Affairs Department to assist Indigenous Peoples Department on music, dance, and culture inheritance.
Councilor Jin Zhongyu showed his concern about Bitan Urban Renewal Plan and LED lighting system on Bitan suspension bridge. Mayor Chu immediately instructed Tourism and Travel Department to take care of the lightning system issues. Jin worried that prolong closure of the bridge due to the renewal plan would cause local traffic inconvenience. Chu said that the safety of the bridge was the primary concern; the bridge would not be reopened unless the safety was assured. He emphasized that replacing new cables on the bridge not only strengthen the bridge, but also offers safer access for local community.
Councilor You Huiting also showed his concern about nuclear safety issue. Mayor Chu restated he would never allow the Lungmen Nuclear Power Plant to operate as long as he is the Mayor. In addition, the nuclear power plant fire drill would be continued at the existing Shimen and Wanli Nuclear Power Plant.
Several topics were also covered during the meeting today, i.e., city land expropriation, political satisfaction survey, breakfast coupons for children, garbage mountain removal, street performers license, and Tamsui bridge construction.