CHAK KWONG AU RITE
Chak Kwong Au, who has been a school trustee since 1999 and served as the vice-chairperson twice, immigrated to Canada in 1988. He is the program leader of the mental health promotion and counselling team for Vancouver Coastal Health in Richmond.
As a strong advocate of multiculturalism and racial harmony, Au has assisted and co-founded a number of local organizations, including the Chinese Mental Wellness Association of Canada, Richmond GreenSpace Society, Interfaith for World Peace Society and the Canada International Education Assistance Foundation.
Au has served on numerous boards and committees, including Richmond Intercultural Advisory Committee, Richmond Child Care Advisory Committee and Richmond Sister City Committee, Richmond Multicultural Concerns Society, and Richmond Poverty Response Task Force.
LINDA BARNES RCA
A Steveston resident since 1970, Linda Barnes has raised two children in the community and has two grandchildren. Barnes retired from the Richmond School Board, where she worked with youth-at-risk and students with disabilities.
A long-time activist in her union, she held various positions, including president.
Barnes advocates for affordable and accessible housing; recreation services and parks; Garden City Lands protection; and safe neighbourhoods. She is chair of Public Works and Transportation Committee; various community groups and advisory committees.
Barnes is appointed to Metro's Environment and Energy Committee; and Regional Arts and Cultural Committee, who successfully developed and launched www. maxguide.org, an online arts and culture guide.
MALCOLM BRODIE
As Richmond's mayor during the past decade, Malcolm Brodie has provided leadership, vision and experience.
A lawyer and civic volunteer by background, Brodie has served as a Metro Vancouver director as well as Translink director and board chair.
Brodie understands that Richmond faces the challenge of how to enhance our quality of life as the city grows.
Recently, Brodie stated: "We live in a wonderful community supported by so many active volunteers. If re-elected mayor, I will continue to focus on our future."
CYNTHIA A. CHEN
A former Richmond city councillor, Cynthia A. Chen touches everyone she meets with her energy, enthusiasm, and generosity. She is highly regarded as a person with integrity who has a deep passion for bringing people together.
Chen has been recognized for her work in the community with numerous awards including the Ethel Tibbits Business Woman of the Year, Paul Harris Fellow Rotary International and Richmond Chamber Member of the Year.
DEREK DANG RICHMOND FIRST
Derek Dang has been fortunate to have received the support of Richmond residents since 1996, and hopes to earn their support again.
A third generation Richmondite, Dang's family learned the value of a dollar by operating a family grocery store for almost 30 years.
He blew the whistle on Translink's plans to toll the Knight Street bridge and demanded a crackdown on fare cheats before hitting drivers or transit user pocketbooks.
While watching the bottom line, his top agenda item is ensuring a strong public safety record and that first responders are supported.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 CAROL DAY RITE
Carol Day would be honoured to serve as a city councillor and be the new blood desperately needed on city council - with new ideas and new commitment.
She will avoid tax increases by reducing spending where appropriate, protect those who report abuse of taxpayers' dollars and provide sufficient services for businesses so the city can prosper.
If elected, Day will suggest free opportunities such as sports for children living in poverty and save neighbourhoods from densification when residents don't support it.
She will also welcome new perspectives and listen to the people.
EVELINA HALSEYBRANDT
Evelina Halsey-Brandt is an independent candidate, accountable only to the residents of Richmond.
During the 16 years she served on council, she supported many projects that increased Richmond's prosperity and quality of life, such as support for the building of the No. 2 Rd Bridge, the Library Cultural Centre, several child care centres, and the purchase of Terra Nova Park.
Her goals for the next term of council are to make sure the Garden City Lands are utilized only for community uses; protect single family neighbourhoods from multifamily encroachment; ensure that the city centre has adequate resources to serve the growing population; and to make certain Richmond has adequate police and fire services.
KEN JOHNSTON RICHMOND FIRST
As President of Richmond-based NOVEX recipient of the 2010 Richmond Chamber Of Commerce Business Leadership Award, a CGA, and former chair/ director of Richmond/Coast Capital Credit Union, Ken Johnston brings an experienced and bottom line focused approach to tax dollars.
While still investing in priority safety and social programs, he will press to keep taxes among the lowest in Metro Vancouver.
Johnston isn't afraid of challenges, such as spearheading Canada's first bylaw to ban puppy sales in retail stores and being the first councillor to speak out publicly against the proposed jet fuel pipeline and storage facility.
RICHARD LEE
Richard Lee has always, in his humble way, contributed to helping needy people.
His strengths lie in experience, having served as city councillor and school trustee; problem solving; his belief in empathy and putting people first.
Actions speak louder than words. His track record in caring lists current member of Richmond's City Centre Community Association (president), Community Services Advisory Committee, Patient Safety Advisory Council, Community Health Advisory Network, and Rosewood Manor Intermediate Care Society; and volunteer for Richmond's Salvation Army, Centre for Disability, Peoples' Law School, Poverty Response Committee, School Settlement Workers, Library, Canadian Bar Association and SUCCESS.
ALEXA LOO
Growing up in the community oriented, multicultural City of Richmond is what helped to mold Alexa Loo into the person she became. Now that she's married and expecting her first child, ensuring a strong community that will support her son and all of the children and families here in Richmond, to realize their dreams and their potential, is her top priority.
Through her involvement with the Olympic team, Loo knows, the best way to effect change that benefits the most people is through policy.
As a Richmond city councilor, her goal is to create policies that continue to make Richmond the best place to grow up!
BILL MCNULTY RICHMOND FIRST
Bill McNulty always has the taxpayer's interest in mind. He's pressed to keep taxes low, only spending when necessary, providing prudent management and advocating breaks for taxpayers.
He's advocated for increases in support for more police and fire rescue personnel. He also supports critical funding for social programs, sports, arts, and a new senior's centre.
McNulty opposes YVR's proposed jet fuel pipeline and storage facilities in East Richmond.
He wants to preserve single family neighbourhoods, while supporting affordable housing options for seniors, low income families and youth.
He supports local business to protect and grow jobs in Richmond.
LINDA MCPHAIL RICHMOND FIRST
Elected for three terms as school trustee, serving seven years as chairperson, Linda McPhail brings experience, leadership skills, a strong work ethic and a common sense approach.
She believes that elected officials should be held responsible when it comes allocating taxpayer dollars.
McPhail strives for the best of both worlds - preserving single family neighbourhoods and proactive planned growth that has a healthy mix of housing choices such as senior's and affordable housing.
PETER MITCHELL
Peter Mitchell is a 30year Richmond resident and graduated from Burnett secondary and Brighouse elementary.
A retired senior property manager in B.C. and Ontario, Mitchell managed commercial property, stratas and participated in developing and managing 2000+ suites, including 600 affordable housing suites.
His volunteer experience dates 30 years to VP UBC student society; student representative Langara Student Building Development Committee; and former member 12th Service Battalion Canadian Armed Forces Militia.
He believes in downtown focused housing densification, suburbs, farming, fishing, local employment, efficient volunteer directed community services for all within walking distance, with cost control within inflation.
HAROLD STEVES RCA
Harold Steves has served on Richmond council since 1968, except for 1973-1975 when he was Richmond MLA. He is a founder of the Agricultural Land Reserve.
A former teacher, Steves operates the family farm in Steveston with his wife Kathy, raising Belted Galloway cattle and assists with his son's ranch at Cache Creek.
Descended from a pioneer Steveston family, he is particularly interested in farmland preservation, heritage and environment. He is chair of Parks, Recreation and Culture on Council.
Over the years he fought to save Sturgeon Banks, Richmond Nature Park, Garry Point, Terra Nova, Garden City Lands, Britannia Shipyard, Gulf of Georgia Cannery and the Richmond Trails System.
Harold is a director and chair of agriculture on the Metro Vancouver Board, working on a Food Security Strategy for this region.
CLIFF WEI
Cliff Wei believes the prices of essential supplies such as gas should be regulated to keep low and granted free of tax.
Property tax aimed at paying the cost of providing necessary services to properties should not be the reason to raise property tax.
DE WHALEN
De Whalen is married with one grown son and has lived in Richmond since 1975. She started community volunteering six years ago when she retired.
Community engagement and social justice sustain a healthy and inclusive community. She is running with the Richmond Citizens' Association to ensure everyone's voice is heard.
From 2006 to the present, her Richmond experience includes leading a neighbourhood groups advocating for the Nelson Road interchange and cost sharing with federal government; founding member of Richmond Civic Engagement Network, connecting new immigrants to civic processes; and leading the drive for a women's homeless shelter.
Whalen will work to increase affordable housing stock and encourage land trusts; and change municipal funding formulae with senior governments.
MICHAEL WOLFE RITE
Born and raised in Richmond, Michael Wolfe aims to provide a voice on council for the citizens. At 29 years old, he leads the environmental movement in Richmond.
Known as the "Green Wolfe," he's run in six elections, whilst completing his bachelor's degree in biology and education. Currently he's a teacher in Richmond.
As a volunteer, he's worked tirelessly towards creating urban agriculture spaces so we know our food is safe and sustainable for our children; and ensuring that the health of Richmond residents is at the heart of policymaking.
JUN WUYAN
Jun Wuyan is a new Richmondite originally from South China.
As most young and new Richmondites, he would like his new homeland be better.
But he didn't see any representative of newcomers in the council, so he decided to participate in this competition.
He brings new values and ideas to this city.
He plans to help youth start businesses, to make the city greener, to make housing cost more affordable, to attract environment friendly investment, to develop public transport, and to freeze property tax.
