Occupation: Tradesperson qualified as a Power Engineer and Millwright working at various bulk export sites on the Vancouver waterfront.
I’ve been residing in Burnaby for 28 and married for 22 years. I’ve worked in both the private and corporate sectors. As a public speaker, I have won awards for communication and leadership. Giving back to the community is that I believe in and practice through volunteering with several groups, such as assisting a local strata council with decision-making on projects and leading as the President of a local streamkeepers’ group. I have the ability to listen, build relationships, and be inclusive regarding community issues. And, I have a proven track record of getting issues resolved and tasks accomplished.
Top 3 issues in Burnaby
- Housing is a big concern for most of the residents, both for renters and retired people who see their taxes increasing every year. Many young people are leaving this beautiful town. We need to review this issue and seriously consider stalling renovictions of older buildings where most vulnerable people live.
- Our hospital was built long ago when the population was much less. We need to work with all the government agencies to have a 21st-century hospital building to serve the community better. The hospital expansion is so direly needed that we have to make this happen without excuses.
- Required support services for both the police and the fire department are essential for them to keep the community safe. As the city grows, we must have enough of these people to do the jobs. It’s a no-brainer that the increasing density should match increased services.
If you have run for office before, what have you learned? If you have not, why are you running now?
I have not run for office before and am running as a large number of community members have encouraged me to do so. I share many of their concerns regarding the rapidly changing face of our City: a huge increase in densification, congestion on our roads, reduction of green corridors, and affordability. With a reputation for getting people motivated to achieve targets and get results, I believe in action and effort rather than sitting back and complaining.
What is one achievement and one failure of Burnaby council in the last four years?
One achievement is not getting the Olympic speed skating oval, because if it was built it would cost enormously for maintenance. Not having this oval saves the taxpayers a substantial amount of money over the long term. I consider this an instance of good fiscal policy.
One of the biggest failures is all the money wasted fighting the proposed pipeline expansion and to protect protesters who broke every rule in the bylaw book by setting up camps. This situation had literally torn communities apart as neighbours who were of different opinions now don’t speak to each other.
What would make you a good councillor/mayor?
My proven leadership record includes various recognitions: the 2012 Environmental Star, 2015 SCEC Community Stewardship, a Burnaby’s Leading Citizen (Burnaby Now, 2016), and the 2017 Eco Hero (Burnaby Board of Trade). I’m known in the City Hall and to local MP and MLA as someone who serves the community.
What movie is most relevant to your life and why?
It’s “Top Gun” for having drama, hardship, heroism, tragedy, comedy, romance and love of country. It leaves one with the desire to never give up despite a lack of confidence and hardships. I gave my wife the soundtrack when dating and we still sing the songs together.