Kaohsiung Mayor Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) said he plans to stand for re-election next December, but hinted yesterday he may not seek a second term as chairman of the DPP.
"I intend to run for re-election, though the decision is not solely up to me," Hsieh said.
In addition, the KMT's Ma Ying-jeou (
PHOTO: CHEN CHENG-CHANG, TAIPEI TIMES
Hsieh said that his party has yet to select him as the DPP's nominee for the Kaohsiung post and noted that there are other viable contenders for the seat.
He also said that at an "appropriate time," he would make a decision between keeping one of the two posts he holds. His comments suggested he would not simultaneously seek re-election for mayor and DPP chairman.
The election for DPP chairman is expected to be held in early May.
Ma said he needed another four years to carry out his plans for Taipei. "I hope to carry on current city construction plans for not just another year, but for another four years," he said.
On the top of his agenda "is making sure [the city government] is equipped to better solve problems when it comes to natural disasters and emergencies," Ma said.
Ma was heavily criticized in September when Typhoon Nari ravaged the city, causing floods that left parts of the MRT system down for more than a month.
Another of Ma's goals is to build Taipei's global reputation. "To further transform Taipei into an international city is also on my agenda for this coming year," he said.
Ma said he would continue working to strengthen interaction between Taipei and foreign cities. He also said Taipei plans to sponsor large-scale international events such as trade shows, sporting events and cultural activities.
Promoting the city's economy, fighting crime, protecting the environment and strengthening discipline in the city police are also high on the mayor's to-do list.
But one unhappy constituency is the former owners of bus-ticket kiosks. Roughly 110 of the retailers protested at City Hall yesterday, demanding new jobs and compensation for their stalls, which the city tore down earlier this year.
The kiosk owners asked that Ma meet with them and address their concerns.
Hsieh said one of his goals for the coming year was "to win the bid for the sponsorship of the 2010 Asian Games."
Hsieh said that despite the competitive nature of the bidding process, "[Kaohsiung citizens] should all work together to reach our common goal."
He also said he would continue fighting for equal treatment for Kaohsiung, so "that there is a balance between northern and southern Taiwan."
Other issues on Hsieh's list include the construction of an MRT system and science-technology park, garbage disposal management, modernizing the city, promoting cultural events and winning a greater portion of the central government funds.
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