Candidates under 40 years old in the upcoming civic elections are tired of being asked if they’re “old enough” to run.
At Tuesday’s all-candidates meeting at Minoru Centre for Active Living, council candidate Bill Han introduced himself as one of the youngest candidates, saying he was told he was “too young” to get elected.
And Han is not alone. Other younger candidates including Evan Dunfee, Keefer Pelech, Mark Lee, Jasmine Piao and David Yang have all been asked the same question — aren’t you too young to run?
“I have had to preface a lot of conversations by explaining that I am an experienced and credentialed professional in my field, because some may mistake my enthusiasm and passion for naïveté,” said Lee.
The extra work to prove themselves, said Dunfee, is time these candidates could have spent on connecting and sharing their visions with more people.
While most of their campaign experiences have been positive, with members of the community being supportive of younger voices and visions, these candidates remain concerned that they’re not being “taken seriously” due to their age.
“I am concerned with the common assumption that young people are inexperienced and don’t know what they’re talking about when it comes to governance.
“Too often, when young people step up to participate in our community, we are met with skepticism, condescending treatment, and outright hostility,” said school trustee candidate Yang, referring to his attempt to participate in a council meeting earlier this year.
And they’re also worried the positive response from community members will not translate into votes.
“My biggest worry has been that people who agree with our politics will pass on voting for us because they may think that younger candidates are less likely to be elected,” said Lee.
“I have had some people say that they appreciate what I’m trying to do, but tell me to not feel discouraged ‘when’ I lose. I have a hard time imagining someone saying that to a retiree,” said Lee.
As Oct. 15 approaches, these candidates are hoping to convince Richmondites that younger generations should get a seat at the table.
“We have goals and objectives that take us to 2050 and beyond and we need people at the decision-making table who can best advocate for that future,” said Dunfee.
Younger candidates have “an acute awareness” of their lack of representation in decision-making, Pelech explained, and they’re “invested in the future” of their community.
Piao, who’s running as an independent, said younger candidates can bring a “fresh voice.”
