The V3H.com - Port Moody, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam

The Coquitlam election to choose a new city councillor is coming up on May 15. We have been in contact with all of the candidates, and we asked them a few questions to get a feel for where they stand. Owen Coomer responded, and his answers are printed verbatim.

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, and why you are running for council?
I’ve been a citizen of Coquitlam for over 24 years and I plan to have a future here. I went to Como Lake Middle School and graduated with honours from Centennial High School. I used to play baseball at Mackin Park and Blue Mountain Park and I have coached and played soccer for Coquitlam and Metro Ford. I studied Business at BCIT. I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to do a fair amount of travelling throughout my life. I am very proud to call Coquitlam my home. I have always been involved in leadership programs and student councils and I ran for Mayor of Coquitlam in the 2008 municipal election.

I will bring leadership, positivity, strength, and a thirst and passion for bringing this city forward to my role on council. I feel I am a part of the future, a part of the 21st century. I am a forward-thinking individual who will work well with the experienced council members and help introduce a new, fresh, vibrant future.

We need a fresh voice, fresh ideas, and out-of-the-box thinking – someone not attached to or affiliated with a hidden agenda. I want to be a part of a plan of action to foster leadership on our city council.

With nearly 130,000 people living in Coquitlam, and with the likelihood of significant future development in the city, it is important that council has a member on its team that is young and can relate to the wave of the future and to properly represent its population. This may lead to better voter turnout as well as more people actively involved in municipal politics. I would provide an honest, fresh, personable voice on council that would definitely encourage trust and participation among Coquitlam citizens.

2. What do you see as the most important issues currently facing the City of Coquitlam?
There are many issues I want to raise in this by-election, including voter turnout. In the last municipal election only 21% of all eligible voters went out to vote, with 23% in the election before that. This is something we need to change.

I am also interested in increasing youth involvement. As a 26 year-old, I still consider myself a junior when it comes to municipal, provincial, and federal elections and issues. The decisions we make today as voters will affect how this city is running in the future, when my peers will be homeowners, renters, business owners, and parents in this city. I want to lend my ears to the younger voters and am willing to listen to any and all suggestions. I am always interested in hearing new ideas and fresh, positive thinking as to how we can improve things in our fine city.

I have an interest in revitalizing the Austin, Burquitlam, and Maillardville areas. These areas have constantly been overlooked by our past city councils in favour of newer development in the northeast sector and will be further delayed by the Fraser Mills development. Obviously I believe having a waterfront property near a Skytrain and a developer willing to build even during these economic times are very good things for the city. However, aside from the construction of the long-overdue new pool and the renovation of our library, where is the development in the older parts of Coquitlam?

It seems that ever since City Hall moved from the birthplace of Coquitlam in Maillardville to the new location by our city center, the older parts of Coquitlam, the original neighbourhoods, have been left behind. We seem to be developing a dangerous negative dividing line between the citizens of the “new” Coquitlam and the citizens of the “old” Coquitlam.

Why allow Burquitlam to rot? It is night-and-day compared to the new development across the street on the Burnaby side. There is a large amount of land not being used and a park and a school that have become hazards for children, with needles, homelessness, and crime. It’s no wonder the provincial government has wavered with regard to bringing the Evergreen Line into place. The Austin and Maillardville areas are also being neglected and allowed to languish. These are prime examples of areas that could benefit significantly from development, like that seen in Port Moody’s Suterbrook/Newport Village.

We have so many lovely parks in this city and I want to promote an active lifestyle. This includes providing more lighting for sports fields and parks, and safer areas for youth. We also have to increase the safety of our children, families, and all citizens in and around our parks and schools. As well, we need to continue to actively protect and save our greenspace. This includes re-planting after every development, setting aside community garden space, and preserving our streams and creeks.

The issues up in the Westwood Plateau Golf Course area are obviously very difficult and both sides have excellent arguments. Development and redevelopment are very important and bring in new jobs and money. We are a booming city. However, a lot of people sometimes forget that development isn’t just highrises and more density. Some examples of development that I’d like to see are more in the areas of hospitals, hotels, and a new school for Burke Mountain. Therefore, I feel that some development is vital and necessary. However, that does not mean that I am in favour of eliminating all of Coquitlam’s beautiful green spaces. I feel that the Westwood Plateau Golf Course should remain under the control of the Metro Vancouver Regional Growth Strategy, and should not be urbanized. I feel that development in this area is not necessarily the way to go at this time, although development in other areas of our city is essential.

Crime in this city is growing. Forget the numbers that may try to say otherwise. It’s a scary world outside these days. What’s happening is that businesses and citizens are becoming so used to what’s going on out there that fewer reports are being made. Is this right? Are we allowing our city to be overrun by drugs, graffiti, prostitution and more in the streets of Coquitlam? How can we turn a blind eye to this? I believe we need to be tough on crime and increase our by-law enforcement. We need to offer programs to teach our citizens about starting block watches. We also need to continually update new “things to watch” lists with regards to criminal behaviour and patterns.

Coquitlam is a very diverse city, with a growing infrastructure and a growing population. Providing adequate transportation service is a must. We need to look at increasing bus service in key corridors of the city to meet the demands of our citizens. As we continue to grow, we need to work together with the provincial government and TransLink to finally build the long-awaited Evergreen Line, which was put on the back-burner in order to build the much-anticipated and very well-used RAV Line for the Vancouver Winter Olympics. This includes Coquitlam council being more pro-active at listening to its citizens and working very closely with the Provincial Government on transportation issues and developments.

3. How will you work together with Mayor Richard Stewart and Council to make Coquitlam better?
As for working with council, I have worked with Richard Stewart on my many different civic projects and we have a few other ideas planned. I have also worked with Selena Robinson and enjoy her enthusiasm and passion for the city. As for the remainder of the council members, I truly admire each and every one of them, and could learn a thing or two from their previous experience. One of my strengths is the ability to foster a friendly atmosphere in any situation and I have no doubt that I would work well with all council members, either on an individual or group level.

I would be a passionate councillor for Coquitlam. I want you to be proud of me and trust me, and I want to prove I can inspire this City.

I’d like to thank Owen for taking the time to get back to us. And I would like to encourage all Coquitlam residents to get out and vote on May 15. Local politics matter!

The Coquitlam election to choose a new city councillor is coming up on May 15. We have been in contact with all of the candidates, and we asked them a few questions to get a feel for where they stand. Neal Nicholson responded, and his answers are printed verbatim.

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, and why you are running for council?
I’ve lived in Coquitlam with my wife Barbara for 34 years, raising our family here. My Chartered Accountant practice was established in 1979, eleven years after I qualified. I’ve been involved in many aspects of our community since we arrived, including the BC Seniors Games in Coquitlam’s Centennial year, Douglas College, both the Board and now the Foundation. I’m Treasurer of the Coquitlam Heritage Society and serve on the St. Laurence church committee.

I want to keep Coquitlam accountable. Accountable to our people and accountable to our coming generations for the decisions we make today. That’s why I’m running. My 40+ years of financial accounting experience and my previous service on Council give me the background to contribute to good choices.

2. What do you see as the most important issues currently facing the City of Coquitlam?
Four issues stand out for me as I look at Coquitlam today and tomorrow.

HOMELESSNESS

People living on the street because we can’t get senior governments to fund the promises they’ve made. Coquitlam has put up the land – let’s get going! We need to encourage affordable development so our children can live where they grew up.

TRANSIT & ENVIRONMENT

Transit – Once again senior governments are putting Coquitlam at the back of the queue. We need the Evergreen line but first we need improved bus services. We need density to achieve sustainability but that makes our green space, air and water even more important. We need to protect and increase our green space, where we develop.

CITY TAXES

Our city budgeting must move to dealing with needs, not wants. I will apply my accounting and financial experience to help find solutions.

SECURITY

We all have the right to feel safe in our homes and on our streets. We need to provide our officers with all the resources they need, so we can feel safe.

3. How will you work together with Mayor Richard Stewart and Council to make Coquitlam better?
Mayor Stewart, Council and I have worked together before. At the inaugural meeting of this Council, Richard said, “Neal provided input that was reasoned and deliberate. He and l often joked that we found ourselves in agreement more often than either of us cared to admit.” Members of Council and I will disagree on occasion. I will always remember that we agree on far more than we differ on and will treat them as colleagues, not rivals. Our common interest is Coquitlam and her people.

4. How will you encourage more people to become involved with their civic government?
People will become more involved when they know they will be heard. I want to revive and revitalize the Council Advisory Committees of earlier years, empowering them to control their own agendas. I’ll seek ways to improve people’s ability to advise Council on agenda items through liberalized delegation practices.

And, of course, links to Council matters on TheV3H.com.

I’d like to thank Neal for taking the time to get back to us, the shout out, and buying campaign advertising on theV3H.com. I would like to encourage all Coquitlam residents to get out and vote on May 15. Local politics matter!

The Coquitlam election to choose a new city councillor is coming up on May 15. We have been in contact with all of the candidates, and we asked them a few questions to get a feel for where they stand. Brian Babcock responded, and his answers are printed verbatim.

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, and why you are running for council?
My name is Brian Babcock. I’m 45 years old and have lived in Coquitlam for 25 years. I am married with 2 children. I am an entrepreneur and have operated three different companies in Coquitlam. The most recognizable business I owned was Babcock Fly and Tackle on Austin Ave. I started that store in 1986 and eventually sold it to one of my long time employees a few years ago. I have been very involved in the creative thinking school program – “Odyssey of the Mind”. I’m a hockey coach and passionate outdoor enthusiast.

Why I am running for Council is quite simple. I have been fortunate enough to have had successful businesses, a safe and healthy environment to raise my family, and fabulous outdoor opportunities all within the City of Coquitlam. At this point in my life, I have the opportunity to give a bit back. I don’t consider myself a politician. I don’t have any ambitions beyond Council. I have not and will not accept any campaign donations. I have not and will not enter into any agreements with special interest groups. In this manner, I hope to serve as a truly independent voice on Council.

2. What do you see as the most important issues currently facing the City of Coquitlam?
There are many issues I could address but I will choose three that I consider critical. First and foremost is fiscal responsibility. I am of the strong opinion that the financial turmoil that is throughout the world is far from over. Here in Canada, and specifically Coquitlam, we have had the good fortune to be somewhat shielded from this mess. There are many reasons for this but the bottom line is that we have been fortunate so far and we need to make use of this good fortune to prepare for an unsure future. Second is homelessness. I’m tired of hearing promises around this issue. I want to see some concrete getting poured. Third is a sense that with the departure of Fin Donnelly, I fear that we have lost a great advocate for healthy streams and rivers. I would love to accept this role.

3. How will you work together with Mayor Richard Stewart and Council to make Coquitlam better?
I have always been a pretty easy person to get along with. Although I can have very strong opinions, I am always eager to learn the other side. I am honest, forthright, and willing to accept responsibility. I can make decisions. It is these qualities that I will bring to the Council table and it is these qualities that will allow me to work with our Mayor and fellow Councillors to make Coquitlam better.

4. How will you encourage more people to become involved with their civic government?
I think that this begins with youth. As a Councillor, I would take every opportunity available to engage youth in the process. I would strive to demonstrate a level of honesty and integrity that would stand as a positive example. Through youth, I believe we can increase community pride and encourage more civic involvement.

I’d like to thank Brian for taking the time to get back to us. And I would like to encourage all Coquitlam residents to get out and vote on May 15. Local politics matter!

The Coquitlam election to choose a new city councillor is coming up on May 15. We have been in contact with all of the candidates, and we asked them a few questions to get a feel for where they stand. Andy Shen responded, and his answers are printed verbatim.

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, and why you are running for council?
As a 20-year-old student currently studying computer science; this is my second time running for city councillor of Coquitlam, while actively working on the Multiculturalism Advisory Committee for the City of Coquitlam while learning and understanding the variety of cultures in Coquitlam and also how Council works. I advocate with the Advocacy Committee of the Simon Fraser Student Society – a committee that lobbies for more buses, affordable housing and increase in post-secondary education funding from the provincial government.

I am working hard to understand the needs of the minorities of Coquitlam – both the youth and the immigrant groups. Seeing that youth (18-30) have the lowest voting turnout in any election and with most immigrants who do not know or understand who to go to when they have concerns. Coquitlam needs a city councillor who will be available to write or speak the same language as the majority of the immigrants and citizens; I can speak both Mandarin and English fluently with secondary-level French. Actively involved on Facebook and Twitter, the main social network choice for the new generation of youth and immigrants who communicate with family and friends in other countries; and with these social media application being my primary means of connecting with youth, so that they will be informed about the issues that matter to them.

Most of the elected councillors and some current candidates have promised to start and complete the Evergreen Line on schedule, but are still debating on whether to add a new station. I personally take public transit and no other candidates use public transit as much as I do. On behalf of the transit riders in Coquitlam, I will work with other council members to see the Evergreen Line built as soon as possible. Once elected to Council, I will find out what I can to ensure progress on the Evergreen Line and act upon our public transportation system so that we can proceed in further green developments.

As a councillor, I want to begin dialogue with Translink towards ensuring that Coquitlam starts to head towards the twenty-first century by being as technologically advanced and greener as other cities or more than those cities; both in transport and in reducing carbon emissions.

2. What do you see as the most important issues currently facing the City of Coquitlam?
Transit: As mentioned before, the Evergreen Line is one of the most important issues currently facing the City of Coquitlam. A Skytrain line to Coquitlam has been promised since the Expo years, before I was even born and now being 20 years old with construction on the Skytrain having yet to begin. I will work to ensure progress on the Evergreen Line. In addition to improve bus service in Coquitlam. Once on City Council, I will gather the Councillors and Mayor together to help facilitate a 5 year plan to increase transit ridership and the number of carpool users to 50%. Increased ridership will bring commercial developments with more employment and a greener tomorrow for all citizens of Coquitlam. Not to mention the ability of citizens to get from Coquitlam to places of employment, entertainment, recreation and other zones where goods and services can be had within Coquitlam.

3. How will you work together with Mayor Richard Stewart and Council to make Coquitlam better?
In order for Council to work together, the councillors and the mayor need to have common goals/visions for Coquitlam. I believe that my visions/goals are similar to the views of the current councilors and mayor who want to see the Evergreen Line in Coquitlam as soon as possible. The City of Coquitlam needs to see a sustainable and more prosperous Coquitlam; I would attempt to connect with the citizens of Coquitlam and to work with Council to help convince them deliver on all of these above stated proposals; past, present and future ones. As a man of action, I am willing to spearhead the rapid growth with sustainable development of our great city.

4. How will you encourage more people to become involved with their civic government?
The current problem is communications with the citizens and Council. Lately Council is not communicating and informing with enough data with the people they represent. When I am voted onto Council, I will help by (a) hosting regional town halls or open houses to identify public priorities; (b) encouraging greater participation in community associations; (c) using Facebook and Twitter to encourage greater communication between Council and residents; and (d) introducing mail-outs every 18 months for residents to evaluate public services.

For more information, I run a personal blog to inform my constituency what is going on in their community. I did not get a blog or Twitter just due to the election. I created them so that I can share common city information with greater society. When I get on Council, I will continue blogging about city issues that matter and maintain it so that residents will be able to read and become informed about them by using social media as a means to increase civic awareness and involvement of the citizens in the City of Coquitlam.

I’d like to thank Andy for taking the time to get back to us. And I would like to encourage all Coquitlam residents to get out and vote on May 15. Local politics matter!