Hsinchu City's budget surge yields stalled projects, opposition claims

Hsinchu City's budget has seen a significant increase of NT$20 billion following a revision to the fiscal revenue sharing law. However, opposition candidate Chuang Ching-tung criticizes Mayor Kao Hung-an, accusing her of prioritizing debt repayment over essential city development and framing "non-construction" as a policy achievement.

Chuang argues that citizens need a mayor capable of driving construction projects, not just one focused on paying off debt. He questions Kao's administration for allegedly packaging "non-construction" as a policy success, resulting in the stagnation of numerous major projects. This inaction, he claims, has negatively impacted residents' quality of life and will lead to substantially higher financial burdens when these projects eventually need to be restarted.

"True fiscal discipline is never just about paying off debt, but about spending budgets effectively," Chuang stated. He likened the situation to a company that stops investing in equipment and research solely to repay loans, suggesting it indicates a lack of future operational plans. He contrasted this with TSMC, which maintains its global leadership through continuous investment in research and development.

With Hsinchu City receiving an additional NT$20 billion annually from the revised fiscal revenue sharing law, Chuang expressed bewilderment at the city government's inaction. He pointed to neglected parks, dilapidated urban landscapes, and delays in basic services like street cleaning and road repairs as evidence of administrative inertia. Chuang pledged that if elected mayor, he would balance practical construction with fiscal discipline to elevate Hsinchu into a world-class city.

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True fiscal discipline is never just about paying off debt, but about spending budgets effectively.