Zhubei Citizens Demand Accountability from Cheng Chao-fang, Highlighting Public Safety, Transparency, Food Safety, and Financial Flows

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Hsinchu County magistrate candidate and Zhubei City Mayor Cheng Chao-fang has recently emphasized his 'Zhubei experience' as a core campaign platform, advocating for its expansion across the entire county. However, a Zhubei resident has written to the media, arguing that if Cheng intends to promote the 'Zhubei experience' to gain public support, it must undergo full scrutiny—not just on parks, events, and urban aesthetics, but also on public safety, administrative transparency, crisis response, and his handling of recent controversies involving his family's land and financial flows.

The letter writer stated they once held Cheng in high regard. Indeed, parks, public spaces, the redevelopment of Xin Yue Sha Wan, and cultural events like the Ocean Music Festival have reshaped Zhubei’s visual identity and drawn crowds and media attention. 'This is Cheng’s strength—I don’t deny it,' they said. But governance cannot be judged solely on 'UI' (user interface); the 'backend' must also be examined. What truly determines governance quality is whether systems function effectively when the city faces risks and crises.

First, public safety concerns were raised. During heavy rains in Zhubei, a woman died in Bao’ai Street Lane 816. The writer questioned whether the city’s full risk management mechanism was reviewed afterward: when warnings were issued, when road risks were identified, when road closures were decided, and how coordination occurred between the city office, county government, police, and fire departments. They also asked whether standard operating procedures (SOPs) were revised after the incident. Without full disclosure on these points, the 'Zhubei experience' remains questionable.

Second, the boundary between public infrastructure and political branding was addressed. After the opening of Fude Library, Cheng’s inscriptions and signatures on public facilities sparked debate. While political figures’ calligraphy may not be a major issue, the writer emphasized that public infrastructure should belong to all citizens, not serve as a tool for mayors to build personal brands—especially when running for higher office. The line between administrative resources and personal image must be clearly defined.

Third, food safety crises were highlighted. The recent 'toxic oil' incident has heightened public anxiety. While the writer acknowledged that responsibility should not be solely placed on Cheng, voters have the right to know whether he possesses clear crisis management protocols and cross-departmental coordination skills to handle major food safety incidents that span central and local agencies.

Regarding recent controversies involving Cheng and his family’s land and financial transactions, the writer, as a Zhubei citizen, stressed the need for concrete explanations. Since August, media commentators have released receipts and documents alleging a 40 million NTD loan and other financial transactions. The writer argued that when public allegations reach such specific levels—citing dates, amounts, and documents—political figures must respond at the same evidentiary level: clarifying document authenticity, whether the 40 million NTD loan exists, its legal nature if it does, and providing objective evidence to refute false claims.

The writer expressed past admiration for Cheng, saying, 'He made Zhubei look different.' But now, as Cheng seeks to govern all of Hsinchu County, voter expectations must rise. Evaluation should extend beyond parks, events, and urban aesthetics to include risk management, fiscal discipline, administrative transparency, and accountability during crises.

The writer concluded that if Cheng wants to convince Hsinchu County residents with his 'Zhubei experience,' he must fully open it up for review: 'Give credit where it’s due; answer where there’s controversy; respond with evidence where there are accusations.' This is not about presuming guilt, but about the basic scrutiny every political candidate should undergo before seeking four years of governance authority.