Sat, Jun 03, 2000 page8

• Reforming our local governments

  • By Wang To
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  President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) has said that, "we should reconsider the idea of instituting directly-administered counties (直轄縣) [counties under the direct jurisdiction of the central government] and upgrading Taichung City to a special municipality [under the direct jurisdiction of the central government as Taipei and Kaohsiung are]."

  His comment sparked off criticism and praise from ministers and local governments and loud opposition by the mayor of Taichung City and the commissioner of Taichung County. It is true, as Chen said, that it is not important whether local governments are upgraded or not, as long as the central government can come up with a way of dealing with the fiscal and manpower concerns of localities.

  The new administration, therefore, must plan for a comprehensive long-term solution. Uncoordinated short-term fixes just to get votes won't work.

  The downsizing of the provincial government did away with the subsidies it used to distribute to local governments, heightening the disparity of resources between municipalities and other local governments. Many mountainous localities -- populated mostly by Aborigines (including Orchid Island) -- have long suffered under a system that does not take into account differences in culture, way of life, or the natural environment. These localities should strive for political autonomy.

  Chen's promises should be realized by revising the laws governing local governmental structures and passing a new "National Land Law" (國土規劃法) and "Administrative District Division Law" (行政區域劃分法). This would be an integrated solution to the problems. The central government should also relax its administrative and fiscal controls over localities.

  Rapid development in Taiwan has created the problem of a megalopolis -- linked urban areas that cross administrative borders. Traffic, the economy, urban development and consumption are all now linked in these areas and must be tackled together.

  If the Taichung City government becomes a special municipality or if a number of Taichung County townships are merged into Taichung City before its government is upgraded, then how will the central government deal with problems between the city and county governments in Taipei, Hsinchu, Chiayi, Tainan and Kaohsiung? And what about Keelung?

  If Taichung City is upgraded the new administration should expect a backlash from local political factions and squabbling over resources.

  Chen should base his policy on the overall national interest and do away with old political burdens that clog Taiwan's political system.

  He should forsake political maneuvering aimed at winning votes and concentrate on establishing a safe and secure domestic environment. Chen should place no less importance on reforming local politics than cross-strait issues.

  Wang To is a DPP Legislator.
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