Candidates for Kaohsiung mayor air their policies

Creating a "free-trade harbor zone" in Kaohsiung was the major issue for opposition candidates running for the city's mayor in a televised debate yesterday, while incumbent Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) asked voters to judge him on his past performance.

In the first debate between Hsieh and three challengers, the KMT's Huang Jun-ying (黃俊英) and independent candidates Shih Ming-teh (施明德) and Chang Po-ya (張博雅), each speaker was given six minutes to state their policies, followed by questions from each other, the media and the audience.

Hsieh won the right to speak first in a draw and used his allotted time to highlight his efforts as the city's mayor.

"It's not difficult for my fellow citizens to understand what I am capable of by reviewing my work of the past four years," Hsieh said.

"Before I took the office four years ago, this city's development was way behind that of Taipei City, even though they are both special municipalities. However, the progress my team has made during the four years is quite obvious and cannot be denied," he said.

"For example, I have more than once emphasized the importance of a mass rapid transit (MRT) system. Now, as well as Taipei City, Kaohsiung will have its own MRT soon," he said.

The mayor said that the best candidate would tell voters what he or she could do, rather than criticizing opponents.

Building a modern city requires a great leader, great government officials who can play as a team, passionate citizens who believe in the government and a great plan for the city, he said.

Shih, who has been promoting the establishment of a "free-trade harbor zone," said he knew what Kaohsiung really needed as he was a native of the city.

"The shortage of job opportunities and the economic slowdown in the city are causing great pain," he said. "If we turn the harbor into a free-trade and tax-free zone, it will create a lot of job opportunities and solve the economic problems."

According to Shih, a "free-trade harbor zone" would entitle international business travelers to avoid having to apply for a visa if they stay for less than a certain period of time. Such travelers would also enjoy simplified customs procedures.

Huang, a former vice mayor of the city, and Chang also supported creating a free-trade harbor.

Huang said effective management was the only way Kaohsiung could realize its abundant business potential.

"How to make the city an interesting place to attract more investors and business travelers is the main problem," he said.

Chang said that as well as establishing a free-trade harbor zone, it was also important to make the city more international.

"We need to build this city into an attraction for all kinds of business and outstanding talent," she said.

While the opposition candidates have asked for further debates, Hsieh has said he only wants to participate in one.