Taichung mayor accused of arranging jobs for political allies before leaving office

As Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen prepares to leave office in December, a significant number of her political appointees are reportedly shifting to administrative positions. This move has drawn sharp criticism from opposition lawmakers in the Democratic Progressive Party, who allege that Mayor Lu is using her remaining time to secure future roles and benefits for her close associates.

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The mayor's personnel power is not the power to arrange private careers.

According to city councilors, the recent personnel adjustments have resulted in eight acting bureau chiefs. They contend that these appointments, which place individuals in positions like counselors or advisors with higher job grades, are a deliberate strategy to "stake claims" and guarantee job security and retirement benefits for the mayor's core team. Councilors argue this practice exploits loopholes in the civil service system and creates a poor public image, suggesting voters should consider a change in leadership in the upcoming mayoral election.

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The city's personnel adjustments are handled in accordance with relevant regulations, and personnel changes do not affect the promotion of city affairs.

Critics also point to pressing city issues, such as a high traffic accident rate, insufficient social housing, and problems with food waste management, claiming the administration has failed to provide concrete solutions. They assert that city resources should be directed toward solving citizens' problems rather than securing comfortable positions for departing officials. The opposition urges Mayor Lu to focus on governance rather than "personal favors," warning against a "culture of cronyism" tarnishing her final term.

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Mayor Lu should focus on governing the city, not on personal connections, and not let the 'culture of cronyism' become the final achievement of her term.

While acknowledging the mayor's authority over personnel appointments, some officials have called for clearer explanations. They suggest that if the administration claims these changes are for administrative necessity, the reasons should be transparently communicated to the public. Otherwise, citizens may perceive the final months of the mayor's term as being more focused on personnel arrangements than on addressing the city's immediate needs.

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If the city government claims these are for administrative needs, the reasons should be made clear, so citizens don't feel that personnel arrangements, not city affairs, are the priority in the final countdown.