The Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU) yesterday said that Secretary-General Chen Chien-ming (陳建銘) will be the acting Yunlin County commissioner under an agreement made between the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) chairman and the TSU chairman but the Cabinet denied there was such a deal.
TSU legislative whip Lo Chih-ming (
"According to my conversation with Hsieh, Chen will take the job under an agreement between TSU Chairman Shu Chin-chiang (蘇進強) and DPP Chairman Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌)," Lo said.
Cabinet officials, however, denied any such a deal.
Speaking on behalf of the premier, Cabinet Spokesman Chou Jung-tai (
"TSU lawmakers approached the premier during a break in this morning's legislative meeting and suggested that Chen be named acting commissioner. However, the premier did not promise anything," Chou said.
"In fact, the premier has not made a decision to assign anybody to be the acting commissioner," Chou said.
Not only does the TSU want Chen to fill the Yunlin post now, it plans to have him run for the post in December's election.
"Chen was a well-known lawmaker and he enjoys a great reputation. If he campaigns on behalf of TSU, there will be a good chance for him to win. In addition, since our chairman is from Yunlin, our priority is to win there anyway," Lo said.
Chen said that he is confident he could do a good job as commissioner. He plans to re-register his household in Yunlin County on Tuesday in order to meet election requirement that candidates must have been registered in the country for more than six months prior the commissioner election.
He also brushed aside criticism that he has no connections with Yunlin County, saying that lack of ties wasn't a problem.
"Great connections would be a plus," he said. "But a great resume as a charming political character is the most important factor for voters when it comes to choosing their favorites in an election."
Cabinet Secretary-General Lee Ying-yuan (李應元), a Yunlin native, is also considered a potential candidate for the interim slot as well as for a contender for the December election.
Lee, however, said that he is happy with what he is doing now and plans to work hard to accomplish his current assignment.
Lee said that his current job is quite important and he has much to accomplish.
"I always appreciate all the `newspaper-assigned' positions because it is a sign that my reputation has been affirmed by the public," Lee said.
"I promised the premier that I will help him and I will keep my promise," he said.
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