The history of the city council

Keelung has a long history in city autonomy. Han people had move to the island since the 15th century. When it came under the rule of Holland and Spain, the systems of village chieftain and local meeting were practiced. This is the early stage of the local autonomy. Then is the time of Japanese rule. The Victory of Taiwan carried out the system of consulting meeting during Japanese rule. In 1920, Keelung street had 10 city-street councilmen and 13 village councilmen. At the same time, Chi-Do was under the Keelung County, Taipei State, 2 more county councilmen were selected. In 1924, Keelung was reorganized to be a city, the Street Council was reformed to ne City Council, and 21 city councilmen were selected. Meanwhile, the number of the county councilmen was increased to 3, and Yen Kao-nine served as a member of the Taiwan Victory. In 1935, the rules of the election of States, Cities, Streets, and Villages were changed. Keelung had 3 State councilmen, 28 city councilmen. It was the formation of the local public opinion body.

At the beginning of Taiwan restoration, the first election was held according to the bylaw of the organization of the city assembly in the 35th year of the Republic of Chin (1946) March 31. 21 councilmen were elected in Keelung City. On the 15th of April of the same year, the first meeting of the local Legislative Council was inaugurated in the An-lo Primary School. The address of it was No. 2, Tsan-yi Lane (today’s clinic center of the City Hospital, 2nd Lane, Yi 2 Rd.). The Local legislative Council lasted for 4 years and 6 months. It had made a very significant contribution by holding 15 regular meetings and 22 irregular meetings. The session came to its end on October 23, 1950.

In 1950, the Taiwan Provincial Government published its “Outline of the self-governing of all the local government: municipal and district government”, formally started the autonomy of localities and held the public election on October 1st. The city of Keelung was divided into four election districts, and fifteen councilmen were elected. The first session of the council began on the 24th of the same month. From this time on, according to the increase of the population, the city had been divided into 7 districts. Also the number of the representatives increased to 32. It has been 60 years since the Council first set up. The first 2 sessions were 2 years in roll. It was changed to 3 years from the 3rd session. Then from the 6th session, it’s been changed again to 4 years, the council meets regularly each year in May and November. Irregular meetings can be called when the situation demands. The council deliberates on all kinds of important bills, serves as the spokesman of the people, and oversees all the works carried out by the city government.