What's the fuss about the young mayor?

For Zhou Senfeng, every day of the past week must have felt like a year. The newly elected mayor of Yicheng city in Hubei province was grilled 24x7 by the media and netizens. Though not face-to-face, their questions have ranged from his family background and personal connections to his academic record and the brand of cigarettes he smokes. In short, they wonder how he could become a mayor at 29?

Zhou, on his part has said that "I don't want to be a newsmaker". He would rather remain silent and focus on his work. Some of his colleagues have reportedly come to his defense, though, saying he is very talented and hardworking.

But does this successful young man deserve the public and media scrutiny, especially since he has no strong family connections that could have helped him climb the ladder of power?