Taipei City Government

Mayor Ko Wen-je met with the middle school and elementary school participants of the City Affairs Summer Camp during their final event on July 12.
 
In his address, the mayor encouraged the students that “facing and solving problems are the first steps. It takes little to bring about a little change each day. However, the accumulation of small changes will allow the nations to advance. Think of yourselves as small sharks, and ask any question you have in mind!”
 
When asked by a student whether each ping of an old home can be exchanged for the same ping after renovations, the mayor replied by citing an anecdote: “A person was promised to be reincarnated as human for his good deeds. The person then asked the Lord of the Underworld if he can also have a son who can score first place in the civil service exam and group of wives without quarrel. The Lord of the Underworld complained that if such a perfect deal exists, he would take it himself.”
 
Another student asked him whether making the choice of not cancelling classes and work when Typhoon Maria arrived was difficult, Ko answered that as someone who used to be a doctor, he chooses to believe in professional advices. While there’s no correct answer about treating the head or the stomach first if you injured both in a car accident, trusting professional opinions is a kind of culture. However, the catch is that the professional team must be dependable.
 
As for his views on people who abandon pets, the mayor replied tersely: “If you choose to keep a pet, then don’t throw it away. The culture of taking up responsibility requires nurturing.”
 
The City Affairs Summer Camp for middle and elementary school students attracted a total of 59 students. The participants had a chance to visit 10 city agencies, including the departments of education, water, police, fire, public works, tourism and information, economic development, urban development, and social affairs, as well as Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation.