The deadline to submit nomination papers for Richmond’s election was on Friday, and a total of 11 independent candidates stepped forward to run for council.
Entering the race, Andy Chiang, who grew up in Richmond, said he decided it was time to take action.
“I’m the type of person who likes to complain about a lot of things and instead of complaining…I figured it’s time to try to do something about it,” Chiang told the Richmond News.
Chiang said one area he’ll focus on is traffic safety and proposes awareness campaigns through signage or on the radio to remind drivers to stay safe on the roads.
Theresa Head, who moved to Richmond from Newfoundland in 1995, says she plans to focus on affordable housing, empty condos, outreach, improved transit and shelters.
“Richmond has 120 to 150 people that are homeless…because we don’t see them, or the public doesn’t see them, they don’t think it’s an issue,” she said. “The problem is they are there.”
Zhe Zhang told the News by email that he is running for council because “Richmond city council need a representative who not only understands what's happening in Chinese community, but also dares to take responsibility.”
Emigrating from Uganda, candidate Adil Awan has lived in Richmond since 1974 and wants “to bring ‘the voice of the people to city hall and exclusively answer to the residents of Richmond’ without being tied to specific party interests.”
Manjit Singh, who has lived in Richmond for 18 years, says he wants to “strengthen the unity in diversity, by building new senior centers and community halls” in Richmond.
Dennis Page, whose candidate profile says he has lived in Richmond since childhood and that his “common sense and a bit more focus on what’s best for home – and less reliance on international needs and money sources” will be his “guiding principles.”
Patrick Saunders, who ran in Richmond’s last election for council, says he’s running again because he feels the city still “needs balance, social justice and common sense to practical problems found in (Richmond).”
Richmond lawyer Jason Tarnow says he’ll advocate for “respecting taxpayers’ dollars and smarter spending” as well as “ensuring proper funding for all public safety initiatives, mental health and addiction services.”
Alexa Loo is the only incumbent seeking re-election independently. She was elected to council in 2014 and says she’s “passionate about people and (her) community and creating spaces that bring (Richmondites) together to have fun, compete, learn, relax and share.”
The News has previously covered John Roston’s campaign, which began as citizen-led petition. Roston has been vocal on farmland home sizes and Onni’s rezoning in Steveston.
Kerry Starchuk’s campaign, also previously covered by the News, has long advocated for language bylaws and clampdowns on birth tourism.
Twelve other non-incumbents are also running for council and are part of four slates: Richmond First, RITE, Richmond Citizens' Association and Richmond Community Coalition.
