Kao Chih-en Announces First 35-Member Municipal Advisory Council, Signaling Potential Blue-White Cooperation

Kao Chih-en, the Kuomintang's candidate for Kaohsiung mayor, has unveiled the first wave of her municipal advisory council, comprising 35 professionals. This move signals an effort to integrate diverse expertise and experiences to tackle the city's multifaceted challenges.

The newly announced council includes notable figures such as former Kaohsiung City Government officials from the previous administration, including former Finance Bureau Director Lee Liang-chien and former Legal Affairs Bureau Director Wu Li-chiu. Significantly, the list also features Zhang Qilu, a former legislator from the Taiwan People's Party (TPP), raising questions about potential collaboration between the KMT and TPP, often referred to as "blue-white cooperation."

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In recent years, I have visited various parts of Kaohsiung and deeply realized that municipal challenges cannot be tackled with a single perspective.

Ko Chih-en stated that her extensive visits across Kaohsiung have highlighted the complexity of municipal governance, which cannot be addressed from a single perspective. She cited the "Meinong Grand Canyon" issue as an example, involving inter-governmental responsibilities and spanning engineering, management, environmental ecology, and regulatory capacity. To this end, the advisory council aims to provide professional guidance for her policy proposals, making them more pragmatic.

The candidate also introduced three "flagship policy" research plans: a "Greater Airport Plan," future planning for the 205 Arsenal site, and an assessment of Qijin's development to boost transportation, marine, and tourism industries. Zhang Qilu, a distinguished professor, will serve as the convenor, offering expert direction on the details of Kaohsiung's municipal blueprint. Ko welcomed collaboration from individuals of any political affiliation, emphasizing practical experience over party lines.

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Whether it is the former Finance Bureau Director Lee Liang-jian or the former Legal Affairs Bureau Director Wu Li-qiu, they both have professional backgrounds and practical experience. Regardless of party affiliation or color, even green scholars are very welcome to join the municipal advisory council. There is no question of whether the Han team is too much, only whether the municipal experience is solid.