Priority for transport projects
He believes that to develop Taitung County, improving its transport links with the outside world is the number one priority. Firstly, he wishes to expand the existing South Link Highway from its present two lanes to four within four years, and he expects the installation of night navigation equipment at Taitung's Fengnian airport to be completed by May of next year, so that in future aircraft will be able to take off and land there at night.
Apart from this, Chen Chien-nien's other objectives for his four-year term of office include winning approval for a university complex at Chihpen, a national museum of prehistoric culture and a Taitung branch of the Marine Science Museum, and finding ways to attract outside investment to Taitung without destroying its reputation as "the last unspoilt place in Taiwan," of which Taitung people are so proud.
Rules to replace personalities
As the people of Taitung County eagerly look forward to industry "moving east," I Chiang, executive director of the DPP's Indigenous Affairs Committee and himself of Ami descent, has also expressed his fears and his expectations of the new county chief Chen Chien-nien.
I Chiang points out that in the past, protection of aboriginal rights has largely depended on guaranteed seats in representative bodies, but under the democratic principle of majority rule, when issues are put to the vote the minority aboriginal communities are always at a disadvantage. Thus he hopes that in his four-year term as county executive, Chen Chien-nien will use reforms and planning measures to ensure that the profits generated by development projects are fed back into the local communities, and that he will not deliberately try to ingratiate himself with the majority Han Chinese voters simply to gain reelection.
Chen Chien-nien is also deeply aware of the historical significance of his having passed the test of public opinion. He describes the pressure he feels as being "as if everyone has four eyes turned on the first aboriginal county chief," especially at this time of conflict between the interests of the aboriginal peoples and Han Chinese.
The greatest challenges are yet to come
As the first aboriginal county chief, Chen Chien-nien hopes to "act fairly, rationally and in accordance with the law," and to deal equitably with conflicts of interest between ethnic groups. But he is also deeply aware of the psychological boost which his election as the first "native" county chief can give to the people of the nine aboriginal tribes, and "while sticking to the principle of selection on merit, if there are two equally qualified candidates, one aboriginal and one Han Chinese, I will give precedence to the aboriginal," Chen Chien-nien promises the minority communities.
Although the "International Year of Native Peoples" is already over, as we welcome the first "native" county chief, perhaps a new challenge for all members of human society in the age of pluralism is for us to consider how we should treat ethnic minorities within our existing political systems, to avoid their rights and interests being sacrificed in the name of the democratic principle of majority decision.
[Picture Caption]
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Some people have asked Chen Chien-nien: "What is the best way to promote understanding between the 'native peoples' and the Han Chinese?" Chen, himself half Puyuma, answers with a smile: "Our family has been a symbol of interethnic understanding for the last two generations."
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Taiwan's first "native" county chief Chen Chien-nien hopes to be a locomotive of development in Taitung County.
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Although earnestly canvassing for votes on the eve of the elections is important, one still has to rely on the basis of support built up by day-to-day service to the community.
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(Right) This "Aboriginal Peoples' Multi-Purpose Hall" in the Nanwang district of Taitung City was built after intensive lobbying by Chen Chien-nien. It is now mainly used for the Puyuma tribe's Monkey Festival and other cultural activities.
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Members of ethnic minorities entering politics are always faced with the problem of gaining the acceptance of the majority. Pictured here is Chinese American Mike Woo (third from right) campaigning in a black neighborhood during Los Angeles City mayoral elections.
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(Right) Although the way in which power is allocated under the present electoral system is very different from under the traditional tribal system, members of the aboriginal communities participate in elections with enthusiasm. (photo by Vincent Chang)
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Residents throughout Taitung County are agog to see how the first "native" county chief will lead the county's affairs.
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(Right) Nearly half a century ago, the aboriginal-Han mixed marriage of Chen Chien-nien's parents caused a furore in the Taitung and Chiayi areas. (photo courtesy of Chen Chien-nien)