Wei Ping-cheng Aims to Be 'Changhua's Designer,' Vows to Top Happiness Index

(CNA, Changhua, May 19, by reporter Cheng Wei-chen) Kuomintang (KMT) candidate for Changhua County Magistrate, Wei Ping-cheng, said today that with his extensive trade experience, international perspective, and legal expertise, he hopes to become "Changhua County's designer" and inject new thinking to make Changhua rank first in happiness. At a press conference with Hsiao Ching-tien, the director of the KMT's Changhua County chapter, Wei stated that his confidence to run stems from his long service to a hosiery company in Changhua's Shetou Township, where he promoted local socks globally, along with his 30 years of international trade experience and over 10 years as a lawyer. Speaking about his decision to run, Wei said that Hsiao had asked him about his interest in running for magistrate four years ago, but he declined, feeling he wasn't ready. After consideration, he wanted to give back to society at the peak of his life at 58 and proactively asked Hsiao about the opportunity for nomination. He said if KMT legislator Hsieh Yi-feng's family had fully supported her candidacy, he would have backed her, but he decided to run after a series of twists and turns. He acknowledged that his late start means he needs to build name recognition but stressed his strong sense of mission for Changhua. He noted that Changhua faces severe population outflow, which must be addressed by attracting investment and reviewing urban planning and land use. He believes Changhua needs industries that genuinely drive local development, such as drones, and he plans to form a team with various associations to provide one-stop services for industries, ensuring barrier-free investment. Wei also outlined his vision for transportation infrastructure, tourism development, environmental protection, and care for women, children, and the elderly. He said that a county magistrate needs not only good planning skills but also personal will and execution ability, hoping to instill new thinking into the existing team to make Changhua a top-choice city. Regarding the nomination by special recruitment, Hsiao explained that Hsieh Yi-feng is a legislator and her brother is the speaker of the Changhua County Council. If Hsieh were to become the magistrate candidate, it would inevitably impact her brother. The Hsieh family wanted to avoid the public perception of them "taking it all" (both magistrate and speaker). Moreover, "winning now doesn't mean winning on election day," as everything is uncertain, so they decided to maintain the status quo. He added that the party's central committee consulted with the Hsieh family multiple times before abandoning the primary process in favor of a special recruitment. After a comprehensive evaluation of personal qualifications, education, experience, and future potential, they decided to recruit Wei Ping-cheng. (Editor: Li Ming-tsung)