An independent candidate has formally entered the race for mayor of Puzi in Chiayi County, backed by a majority of the town's neighborhood chiefs — a show of grassroots strength.

• County councilor Huang Ying-chun registered as an independent candidate for Puzi mayor, calling herself a "daughter of Puzi."
• 15 of the town's 27 sitting neighborhood chiefs turned up to support her, along with sitting town representatives and the current Puzi mayor.
• She is running under the opposition alliance banner, alongside its independent candidate for Chiayi County magistrate.
• Her platform: free weekly medical shuttles for the elderly and poor, a combined sports center and flood basin, extending the Chiayi light rail into town, and a trade exhibition hall.

Outlook: With over half the neighborhood chiefs already on board, she starts as a strong local contender, and the race now hinges on whether the major parties field rivals with comparable grassroots backing.