Dear Editor,
As a candidate from the RITE/RCA coalition, I am truly excited our teammates Michael Wolfe and Kelly Greene have made it onto Richmond City Council.
Although the makeup of the new council ensures the protection of Richmond farmland, it does not secure enough support for other changes.
Voters have shown a deep desire for change, yet, the composition of our new council still favours the status quo.
After a chaotic and frustrating civic election, it is obvious voters want council to make the following changes:
1. Bring in a council code of conduct to limit conflict of interest on council and introduce an accessible and simplified council voting record;
2. Consult and increase the number of firefighters and police officers to the recommended level;
3. Lobby the provincial and federal government for more co-ops, affordable and specialized housing to improve housing affordability;
4. Introduce sign bylaws to ensure all public and commercial signs have sufficient English to foster cross-cultural communication and interaction;
5. Direct the Richmond Business Development Office and partner with Richmond Chamber of Commerce to reduce red tape for local businesses.
There are plenty of other issues that also need to be addressed.
I hope councillors have noted the community’s appetite for change and will find ways to collaborate with each other.
If councillors cannot find ways to work together, Mayor Malcolm Brodie will have the final call to determine whether our city maintains the status quo or takes progressive strides towards much-needed change.
Only time will tell.
Henry Yao
RICHMOND
