Three-Child Dad's Take: Parents Want Small Improvements, Not Grand Policies, to Build City Happiness

Taipei City Councilor candidate Chang Ming-yu believes that the focus for parents and citizens should be on tangible, everyday improvements rather than large-scale, abstract policies. Speaking at the "Monga Generation Children's Fun Fair," Chang, a father of three, emphasized that local officials should address the immediate needs of residents. He advocates for enhancing child-friendly public spaces, such as adding more parent-child play areas and improving nighttime lighting in parks.

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What residents reflect are often not distant grand policies, but whether local officials see citizens' needs.

Chang's policy proposals include improving safety around school routes, installing pedestrian protection signals, and strengthening campus surveillance and lighting. He also calls for increased safety checks at public and private childcare centers and the creation of welcoming public spaces. Chang envisions parks becoming community hubs again, hosting weekend markets and events, and providing amenities for children, seniors, and families.

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Children are not objects to be managed, but people who should be protected and respected.

Fellow candidate Shen Po-yang echoed the sentiment, planning to identify underutilized public spaces in each district to establish three to five small, specialized sports facilities like skate parks and pickleball courts. He also aims to upgrade existing park exercise equipment to cater to all age groups, encouraging grandparents and grandchildren to exercise together. Shen's broader vision includes a "parent-child travel card" and an enhanced "elderly card" to improve transportation safety and convenience for families.

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By planning and inventorying parks and idle public spaces in each administrative district, we will add three to five small characteristic sports venues.