The battle for Hsinchu County magistrate in Taiwan is heating up, with Democratic Progressive Party candidate Cheng Chao-fang responding to online attacks from his opponent by pointing to his record — a development worth watching for voters following local races.

• Cheng argues that this election is "a choice about records of achievement, not a choice about political parties."
• He said bluntly that constantly attacking an opponent will not build up oneself, nor will it build up a city.
• He holds up more than three years of development in Zhubei City as a model, including libraries, markets, parking lots, parks and social welfare.
• Vendors initially opposed the market renovation, but after it was completed the environment improved and business picked up, and those who had objected came around to supporting it.
• He stresses that he is a rare candidate for magistrate who rose through the ranks as a township or city mayor, and can therefore avoid a gap in administrative continuity.

Outlook: As the campaign reaches fever pitch, online polls and personal attacks are expected to increase further, with both sides focusing more sharply on a contest over records and image.