Tainan councilors use official sessions to promote children running for office

Tainan City Council's question-and-answer session on Tuesday took on a campaign-like atmosphere as several councilors used their allotted time to promote their children who are also seeking elected office. This unexpected turn added a lighter, albeit politically charged, element to the proceedings.

Annan District Councilor Guo Qing-hua focused his questions on local development issues, including the extension of Provincial Highway 61 to the Annan district and the Gongqingliao urban redevelopment project. He emphasized the importance of these projects for regional growth. Guo explicitly stated that he would instruct his daughter, Guo Pin-chen, to continue tracking and supervising these initiatives if she is successfully elected as a councilor, effectively using the council floor for her campaign.

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Mayor, I will hand over the baton to my daughter Guo Pin-chen, who will continue to follow up and supervise the progress of these projects if she is successfully elected as a councilor.

Similarly, East District Councilor Zeng Pei-ya began her session by displaying a photograph of herself with her son. While advocating for local construction projects like a community activity center, she spoke emotionally about her and Mayor Huang Wei-che's remaining six months in office. Zeng expressed a desire to maximize their final term for the benefit of the district, praising the mayor's diligent governance and pledging to work hard until the end. Mayor Huang Wei-che responded humorously, wishing Zeng's son success and expressing hope that he would surpass his mother's achievements, showcasing a playful interaction between the officials.

The use of the city council's live broadcast for political self-marketing and succession planning has drawn attention, turning a formal legislative session into a platform for familial political promotion. While councilors addressed local issues, the underlying message for their children's candidacies was clear, highlighting a unique aspect of local politics in Tainan.

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Success does not have to be mine; I am part of the effort. I wish your son can perform better than his mother in the future and show the strength of 'the student surpasses the master.'