Su speaks up for `invisible city'

Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Hung Chi-chang, left, and Taipei Medical University president Hsu Chung-yi, second left, visit Taipei County Commissioner Su Tseng-chang, second right, yesterday to explain a hospital construction project in Chungho. Su has complained about the lack of funding for Taipei County but vows to continue to develop the area. PHOTO: CNA

Taipei County Commissioner Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌), who has impressed people with his humor, efficiency and his trademark bald head, published an autobiography yesterday recounting his 56 years and his vision for the country's future.

Su a speech yesterday at the Far Eastern Plaza on the metamorphosis and development of Taipei County on the invitation of the book's publisher, Commonwealth Publishing Co.

Su's attracted over 100 people. But Su did not promote his book in the address, insisting on separating public affairs from private interests.

"For a long time, people have had a vague image of Taipei County," Su said. "People do not understand Taipei County. They don't know how large it is, they don't know how many people live there and don't know its history.

"In a sense, it is an invisible city to many people in Taiwan," Su said.

Su many people refer to themselves as Taipei residents or people of Chungho, Sanchung or Hsinchuang.

"But they seldom realize that they actually live in Taipei County," he said.

Su that many people settled in Taipei County in their youth -- getting married, having children and establishing their career -- yet do not identify themselves as county residents.

"What I've been working on is building up the collective identity and sense of honor for residents living in Taipei County, and to make them say proudly and loudly that `I am of Taipei County.'" Su said.

He said although Taipei County is the nation's most populous county, with nearly 3.67 million people -- more than the population of Singapore -- it does not get the funding or attention that it deserves.

"Taipei County, which is eight times larger than Taipei City, has only half the budget that Taipei City has. We seem to be put in a subordinate place, which is unfair," he said.

Su he tries hard to overcome the difficulties brought by a lack of funding.

Despite budgets, Su said the Taipei County Government has seen through the rebirth of many abandoned spaces and factories into commercial areas.

"We want our residents to live in their own community and to consume in Taipei County," he said.

Su he is proud of the renovation along the embankment of Tamsui River, which he said gave Taipei County a new atmosphere.

"About 59 basketball courts, 10 baseball diamonds and five fishing ponds were built along the river," Su said. "I know we save many kids from idling, gambling or doing drugs after class."

Su he disagreed with a proposal by Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Lien Chan (連戰) to integrate Taipei County and Taipei City.

"I agree to simplify the administrative divisions of government," Su said. "But I oppose any proposal lacking deliberation and study. What Taiwan needs now is long-term planning rather than irresponsible remarks."