Running for Taipei Mayor, First Stop for Advice is Chen Shih-chung; Shen Po-yang Reveals He Reminded Him of '2 Things'

Shen Po-yang, a candidate vying for the Taipei mayoral seat, has begun his campaign preparations by seeking counsel from former Minister of Health and Welfare, Chen Shih-chung. Shen visited Chen, who had previously faced criticism for his handling of BNT vaccine procurement during the COVID-19 pandemic, a situation now seen by some as vindication following the Tsz Chi Foundation's vaccine fraud case.

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He also reminded him to pay attention to the smear campaigns and rumors in the election.

Wu Ssu-yao, Shen's campaign manager, shared on Facebook that Chen was the first person Shen consulted regarding municipal affairs. Chen, drawing from his own experience as a mayoral candidate in 2022, offered Shen two key pieces of advice. Firstly, he urged Shen to persevere with his policy proposals, emphasizing their importance for the city's future vision, even if they don't generate the same immediate attention as political attacks.

Secondly, Chen cautioned Shen about the inevitable smear campaigns and misinformation that often accompany elections. He stressed the importance of diligently visiting grassroots communities, shaking hands with as many people as possible, and remaining steadfast against opponents' dirty tactics. Chen also advised Shen to maintain his original intentions and avoid becoming embittered by the election process, lest he become like his adversaries.

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The opponent's team will inevitably go to all lengths to smear and attack, so be fully vigilant, and don't forget the original intention of running for election, maintain positive thinking, and don't let the election make you look ugly, otherwise you will be the same as the opponent.

Speaking to reporters after a campaign event at the Chenggong Market in the Daan District, Shen echoed Chen's concerns. He recalled that Chen had expressed regret that many of his proposed policies for Taipei in 2022, which he believed would benefit citizens, were not implemented. Shen hopes to carry forward Chen's vision.

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Chen also told him earnestly to be wary of rumors, recalling how policies announced in the morning were often met with rumors in the afternoon, diverting attention from the policies' benefits.

Shen also highlighted Chen's warning about the prevalence of rumors and misinformation, referencing how policy announcements were often followed by counter-narratives that diverted public attention. Shen, who previously authored a report analyzing the attacks against Chen in 2022, expressed his determination to navigate the upcoming election without repeating the same negative experiences, particularly given the potential for similar tactics from the same political opponents.

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He also hopes that he will not encounter the same situation in the future, after all, the opponent is still the same person.