Taichung Mayor Jason C. Hu, officially returned to work on the 11th, after Mayor’s wife, Shao, Hsioa-ling’s conditions became stable since her auto accident. He first visited the City Council. After presenting awards to Household Registration Office, Xitun District and Economic Affairs Bureau at 10am, he immediately held a department chiefs’ meeting. During the meeting, he expressed his gratitude towards residents of Taichung, and all the staff and colleagues. He also encouraged the staff and colleagues at the municipal office to place themselves in people’s shoes and always give 100% of their efforts, so they may achieve more for the people.

Aside from acknowledging the achievements of Household Registration Office, Xitun District and Economic Affairs Bureau, Mayor Hu said that the other side to receiving awards is that it’s a confirmation for which their efforts and hard work have been recognized. Recently, several departments of the city government have received awards for their work. Mayor Hu also encouraged the team at Taichung City Government to work towards to be a team that best serves the residents. He praised the city council for being fair and balanced, without compromising its integrity due to lobbying from various groups. Budgets for many large-scale city projects such as the new city hall and the Metropolitan Opera House were approved without a hitch.

Mayor Hu said he will always remember the outpour of concerns and prayers for his wife during this tough time and he doesn’t really know how to make up for all of it. Instead of becoming a deserter, he decided to return to his post as mayor to work even harder as a token of his gratitude. The accident could prove to be an opportunity in disguise.

Mayor Hu also discussed Mrs. Mayor Shao’s conditions. He said there is a lot more to being the spouse of a political figure besides maintaining household affairs and attending various engagements, that others may not totally understand. Although her condition now is stable, she suffers from extensive trauma. Sometimes she was not able to recognize faces or can’t answer questions, so she can’t receive any visitors just yet. He also asked that instead of sending flowers and bouquets, use the money for donations for charities. Regarding Mrs. Shao’s hospital transfer, there will be a meeting this afternoon at Chi-mei Hospital discussing the transfer. If circumstances permit, the earliest she would be on the 13th.