Cheng Chao-fang to Run for Hsinchu County Magistrate, Vowing to Continue Italian Nun's Legacy

(Central News Agency, Reporter Yeh Su-ping, Taipei, 10th) The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) today nominated Zhubei City Mayor Cheng Chao-fang to run for Hsinchu County Magistrate. At the nomination press conference, Cheng held a string of rosary beads in his hand. He explained that the rosary was given to him last year by Italian nun Sister Zhao Xiurong, affectionately known as "Sister Zhao." He stated that Sister Zhao is the reason he entered politics and that she hoped he would continue her unfinished path of caring for remote and rural areas.

The DPP held a press conference in the afternoon to announce the nomination for Hsinchu County Magistrate. President Lai Ching-te, who also serves as the DPP chairman, personally put the campaign sash on Cheng. This marks Cheng's second challenge for the Hsinchu County Magistrate position since 2018.

Cheng expressed gratitude to the citizens of Zhubei for their encouragement over the past three years. He noted that in recent years, Zhubei has gained recognition across Taiwan, attracting many young people, tech professionals, and top talent from all over the country. "The challenges they have given me are no less than those in Taipei City, because the citizens of Zhubei are very discerning," he said.

Cheng pointed out that he has implemented innovation and aesthetics in every construction project and activity. He mentioned that other county and city governments or neighboring towns often replicate Zhubei's construction and activities. He believes it would be a very positive development if the entire Hsinchu County and Hsinchu City could see the differences in Zhubei and progress and prosper together.

Cheng said that if he receives the mandate from the county's residents, he can bring more changes to Hsinchu County, allowing Zhubei to surpass itself and become "Super Zhubei," while also bringing significant changes to the other 12 townships.

He cited examples, stating that Guanxi and Xinpu have beautiful landscapes, and he is confident in transforming them into the "Kyoto of Taiwan." He also aims to turn Beipu, Emei, and Baoshan, which are the backyards of the science park, into a "golden tourism corridor."

When asked by the media about the DPP's future plans for the Zhubei City mayoral candidate, Cheng responded that after the county magistrate election campaign is organized, they will continue to consult with candidates for various township and city mayoral positions.

The media inquired about his strategy for facing Kuomintang (KMT) Hsinchu County Magistrate candidate Hsu Hsin-ying for the second time. Cheng stated that his confidence comes from "doing things right."

When asked how President Lai persuaded him to run, given that the nomination process took some time, Cheng argued that compared to eight years ago or his previous legislative election campaigns, the timing is similar. "Standing here today is the best explanation," he said.

Curious about the rosary in his hand, Cheng revealed that Sister Zhao gave it to him on April 25 last year. He didn't understand its significance then, but he does now. He said Sister Zhao wanted him to continue serving remote areas, and this was the love she passed on to him. He stated that Sister Zhao is the reason he entered politics, which is why he brought the prayer beads today. "It feels like she is with me," he said.

Cheng recounted that Sister Zhao (Sister Zhao Xiurong) came to Taiwan alone at the age of 29, venturing into remote areas without water or electricity. When they met over 20 years ago, Sister Zhao taught him how to care for children in these remote areas. She founded a kindergarten in a dark, remote tribal area in Jianshi Township, a place without water or electricity. He described how she "warmed an entire mountain with a bowl of soup."

Sister Zhao Xiurong, an Italian nun who dedicated over half a century to serving Jianshi Township in Hsinchu, passed away on May 30 last year at the age of 93. (Edited by Lin Ke-lun, Wan Shu-chang) 1150610