Richmond’s new council will be sworn in Monday night, just over two weeks after the city’s dramatic election.
Last month, Richmond’s municipal election saw some significant shifts as former councillors Derek Dang and Ken Johnston were not voted back to council. Instead, Richmond Citizens’ Association’s Kelly Greene and RITE’s Michael Wolfe were elected.
On Monday night, in council chambers, mayor and council will officially be sworn in and committee appointments will be given.
Greene said she’s looking forward to an overall “hopeful optimism” in council, similar to what she observed when attending the swearing in for the BC NDP in 2017.
“I’m hopeful that we can have that again tonight where there’s just a really positive atmosphere and that belief in change and that change is possible,” she told the Richmond News.
Prior to Monday night’s meeting, city spokesperson Ted Townsend explained that new councillors receive “a comprehensive orientation… including briefings provided by senior staff, the city clerk’s office and mayor’s office.”
He added that “new councillors also have the option of participating in upcoming workshops for new elected officials across the province offered through the Local Government Leadership Academy.”
With the orientation and her own experience, Greene said she feels prepared to get started on council.
“I’m ready to go,” she said. “It’s not like I’m going in blind. I’ve been part of the process over the years.”
For Wolfe, who also said he understands the process of council well, the support of other councillors has been helpful.
“I’m in a really good position as a result of Richmond having many current councillors who are also long-term,” he said, adding that he’s heard from both Carol Day and Harold Steves.
“They both are open to supporting me, answering any questions and meeting with me whenever needed so I feel I’m in a very good place.”
Wolfe echoed Greene’s sentiment that tonight could mark a moment of change for Richmond.
“It feels like the start of a new era,” Wolfe said. “Nothing in local politics is possible without the people and they spoke up. They got involved in the citizenry process and voted to make change.”
Mayor-elect Malcolm Brodie will begin his seventh term as mayor this evening. Previously serving and councillors-elect Carol Day, Linda McPhail, Bill McNulty, Chak Au, Harold Steves and Alexa Loo will all be sworn in as well.
Richmond's city council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 5 in council chambers at 6911 No. 3 Rd. The public is welcome to attend or watch an online broadcast of the meeting.
