Dear Editor,
To those who ran in this election, I want to say that I appreciate your dedication to our community.
But in reality, I can’t say this to everyone who ran in our municipal election.
We have people who show up the few months before an election, throw a letter in the paper, get some photo ops and throw their name in the ring.
Meanwhile, we have dedicated residents who show up at council meetings, write letters to mayor and councillors, participate in civic matters and attempt to hold those in power accountable to the public and to our environment.
We need more of us to show up.
We need more than photo ops and sound bites, we need to see “community activists/advocates” at council meetings, pressing the decision makers for more affordable housing, active transportation, tree protection and climate mitigation in the years leading up to an election.
If you are currently a youth who will be a voting adult, or candidate, the next election cycle, please take note of the example of David Yang and work to have your voice heard and for your seat at the table.
To those elected, I hope you will have your ears and hearts open to our youth and their future.
These are not easy times to navigate as we experience rapid climate change, rising inequality and global instability.
We need to work together for a better Richmond.
I hope we will see more of us speaking out and showing our continuing commitment to our community, not just at election time.
Michelle Li
RICHMOND
