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'Triple E' lawyer takes shot at Richmond mayor seat

City council needs more leadership, according to the only challenger thus far to Malcolm Brodies mayoral reign.

City council needs more leadership, according to the only challenger thus far to Malcolm Brodies mayoral reign.

Richmond lawyer Richard Lee who ran for city council in the 2008 election entered the race for mayor last week, pinning to his jacket the moniker Triple E, standing for experience, empathy and excellence.

Lee said this time he wants a shot at mayor, as opposed to councillor, because he feels the city lacks distinct leadership.

Thats the area where I think I can contribute most, the leadership position, Lee said.

There are lots of things that Id like to tackle, but leading council is where I want to make my contribution.

Among the issues atop Lees agenda will be the use of the Garden City lands, which has been forgotten, according to the mayoral candidate.

Why are we not doing something useful with the lands? said Lee, adding the legal dispute over the citys purchase price of the the land from the Musqeaum First Nation should not be used as an excuse for not developing the lands.

In my legal opinion, if the city went ahead and developed the lands in-keeping with the Agricultural Land Reserve, then it would show that they have always had good intentions.

Lee believes he has a real shot at toppling Brodie, despite the current mayor winning the last two elections with consummate ease.

And he thinks his past experience as a councillor and school trustee in Merritt and as a trustee in Burnaby would serve him well when it comes to leading city hall in Richmond.

What hes not taking for granted, however, is the so-called Asian vote, from an ethnic background that makes up the majority of the citys population.

I am proud of my Chinese background, but I wouldnt be an ethnic politician, Lee said.

I will serve everyone. The best person should get the job, no matter what their background is.