Miaoli County Government Press Release: 112/08/12
News Media Division, General Affairs Department: Mr. Chen Qingju
TEL: 037-559828
To ignite the enthusiasm of the youth and use their energy to engage in public affairs, the Labor and Youth Development Apartment, Miaoli County Government held the first “Encourage Mindfulness. Ignite Enthusiasm” Youth Dialogue Conference. Luo Zhi-qiang, the former Deputy Secretary-General to the President, was invited to give a speech on “The Importance of the Youth Engaging in Public Affairs”.
Magistrate Chung Tung-chin stated that the main purpose for holding the Youth Dialogue Conference is to encourage more young people to engage in public affairs. On several occasions, he could tell that the participants engaging in events were older and that the young people’s participation in public affairs was far less than their elders. In fact, the opinions of young people are very important.
At the beginning of the Dialogue Conference, Luo Zhi-qiang started with the topic, “The Importance of the Youth Engaging in Public Affairs”, sharing his experience of running for, as well as losing, the election in Kaohsiung, in addition to his feelings about the recent promotional giveaway campaign in the early morning. He also shared the story of meeting a benefactor and thereafter entering the political circle. Moreover, he recalled how he was touched when assisting in the promotion of the law amendment to terminate the harmful law of making children inherit the debts of their parents and used this case to encourage young people to do something that they believe in as they could make a contribution to society with their enthusiasm and courage.
Magistrate Chung Tung-chin responded to the young attendants’ questions one by one. He stated that the Miaoli County Government continues to attract investment to create job opportunities and attract young people to return and work in their hometowns. After the TSMC entered Tongluo Science Park, the Miaoli County Government asked for the Phase 3 Development Plan to release more land. It also asked the Miaobei Art Center to review and adjust the rent to increase its utilization rate while making art activity more popular in the county. It also promoted public bike 2.0, expanding the service to tourist attractions including Sanyi, Dahu, and Nanzhuang. After the electric bicycle service starts operating, it’ll be easier and more convenient to visit Miaoli County.
Chung Tung-chin stated that in the face of population aging, the Miaoli County Government not only continues to increase community care centers but also actively plans to establish a third public long-term nursing organization. In the future, it will be operated under public juristic persons to further benefit the underprivileged or elderly who don’t have any relatives. In addition, the in-home service of social workers will be enhanced so that the elderly can spend their senior lives in a familiar environment. Regarding the issue of medical resources that always receive low satisfaction in Miaoli County Government’s approval rating survey, the pattern of medical care institutions cooperating with medical centers has currently been adopted to significantly improve the quality of medical care. At the same time, the Miaoli County Government endeavors to upgrade Miaoli Hospital, MOHW to benefit local areas. At present, over 900 doctors are serving in Miaoli County, which is still far behind the 1,250 doctors needed to meet the population ratio. Hence, the magistrate will deliver the permit to the newly-opened clinics for congratulation as well as to express the recognition of the Miaoli County government, with the hope that more doctors will be willing to open a private practice in Miaoli County to serve the residents.
Speaking of the smear and attack campaign from the media and the Internet during the magistrate election, Chung Tung-chin’s answer was that you should face and admit the old mistakes you’ve made with honesty; however, you don’t need to fear false allegations of bullying, rather don’t focus on the issue nor respond to it. What the competitors want is to increase their social volume. Now, he has gone through the attacks bravely and is fully devoted to county affairs. This is the best example of how to handle it.
Luo Zhi-qiang also stated that he had experienced false allegations of bullying as well. There’s no question that he would feel upset. We’re only flesh and blood after all. However, the best way is to improve our emotional strength and stop taking unscrupulous media or particular persons seriously. Then, we’ll no longer have to be fearful or feel upset. Keep the focus on your supporters to have a clear conscience.
Chung Tung-chin instructed Wang Hao-zhong, the Director of the Labor and Youth Development Apartment, Miaoli County Government, and the administrative team of which, to plan a youth dialogue conference every four months. Moreover, people from all walks of life are welcome to recommend the candidates for the dialogue conference.