Nantou County should reject former county commissioner Lin Ming-chen (林明溱) of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) in the county’s legislative by-election on March 4 because of allegations that he misused government subsidies to help purchase property, the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) candidate and others said yesterday.
Former legislator Tsai Pei-hui (蔡培慧) and other DPP officials made the accusations at campaign stops in Nantou’s Chushan Township (竹山).
“This by-election is crucial for the future of Nantou County. The people need a legislator who has the academic qualifications and experience in the agriculture sector,” Tsai said. “We need a competent lawmaker who will strive to bring economic prosperity and development to the county.”
Photo: CNA
DPP spokeswoman Melody Huang (黃彩玲) said documents show that Lin deceived the public and tax agencies regarding the purchase of a mansion in Nantou City (南投).
Lin made illegal transfers using state subsidies given to elected officials based on the number of votes they garnered, with some of the money used as payments for the mansion and salary for his son, Huang said.
Lin was Nantou county commissioner for two terms from 2014 to last year.
During campaigning, Lin has said that the mansion is worth NT$23 million (US$753,999), despite last year saying it cost less than NT$15 million, Huang said.
“Which is the correct price, or is Lin trying to hide something?” she asked.
Moreover, Lin hired his son as “special assistant” to the commissioner in contravention of laws against nepotism, she said, adding that his son was allegedly paid NT$80,000 per month.
DPP Nantou County Councilor Shen Shu-chen (沈夙崢) said that Lin gave different values for the mansion to evade taxes.
Moreover, documents show that Lin’s wife and son “made political donations” to Lin, with the money coming from Lin’s election subsidy, Shen said.
It was a devious manipulation of money, likely done to evade taxes, she said.
DPP members have evidence showing that Lin used local government funds to organize rallies, Shen said.
During last year’s nine-in-one elections, he gave people gifts while urging them to vote for the KMT’s candidates, which constitutes vote-buying, she said, adding that he should be prosecuted.
“Lin’s words are worthless and he has cheated the public for a long time,” Shen said. “He was caught vote-buying last year, but did not admit it and is yet to offer an apology.”
“Last year, he vowed to complete his commissioner term before contesting a legislative race, so his deception is on full display by running in this by-election,” she added.
Lin did not address the allegations at a news conference later yesterday, instead criticizing Council of Agriculture Minister Chen Chi-chung’s (陳吉仲) presence in Nantou County.
“There is an egg shortage, but Chen has time to travel to Nantou County to campaign for Tsai,” Lin said. “He should be at his office to work on re-establishing exports to China.”
Lin said that Tsai was a favorite student of Chen’s when he was a researcher.
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