Stop living the high life

Zhan Yunchao, vice-mayor of Wuhu city, Anhui province takes his daughter to and from school by bike. His down-to-earth lifestyle is praiseworthy and more officials should follow his example, says an article in Beijing News. Excerpts:

Although there used to be occasional cases in which government officials went to work by bike or bus, there were suggestions that these officials were just doing it for show.

However, there has been unanimous praise for Zhan as people believe it must be his normal lifestyle.

Zhan's wife acknowledged that they share the task of sending and picking up their daughter from school.

Some local residents said they have also seen Zhan purchase food in the markets and eat fast food in roadside restaurants.

Zhan's example is a lesson for some other officials who have become used to a luxury lifestyle paid for with public money.

Through praising Zhan, people were actually expressing their hope for more government officials to follow his example and live down-to-earth and frugal lives, so they can better experience and understand ordinary people's lives.

(China Daily 06/08/2012 page9)