The Richmond News has been busy soliciting the profiles and some key information from all 30 mayoral and city council candidates for the civic election being held on Saturday, Oct. 15.
We asked them why they are looking for your vote and why they are running for office. We also asked them what they believe to be the three key issues in this year’s election.
Here are the three candidates for mayor in the 2022 Richmond election:
Name: Malcolm Brodie
Party: Independent
Occupation: Mayor
Why are you running for office: I’m running for re-election as Mayor to help lead Richmond in continuing to grow responsibly, affordably and sustainably for future generations — as we maintain the safe, high quality of life and good management the City has now.
Key issues in this election:
1. Affordability - we need to work with partners on a full range of housing for families to sustainably complement our many environmental initiatives and programs. Important in order to ensure affordability, we want to extend our extensive recreational trails, cycle paths, childcare centres and facilities;
2. Finances - we need to continue to keep Richmond’s property taxes low and our finances strong while expanding grants and subsidies for those who cannot afford recreation or other programs;
3. Community safety - it’s vitally important that we continue to provide the resources and personnel to keep every resident and business safe. We need to eliminate racial discrimination and hate through education and encouraging victims to report incidents. Everyone needs to feel safe in the City.
Name: Wei Ping Chen
Party: Independent
Occupation: Sports instructor
Why are you running for office: Richmond needs fresh air business development, more community safety, more multicultural education and more green space for residents.
Key issues in this election:
Community safety
Improve local business
More medical clinics
Name: John Roston
Party: RITE Richmond
Occupation: Retired McGill University senior administrator and adjunct professor
Why are you running for office: I’m running because I’m fed up with the token efforts being made by our Mayor and the majority of our councillors to address the housing crisis and emergency preparedness for the environmental threats brought about by climate change. There is a lot more we can do, but it will take strong leadership from a Mayor with a collaborative management style working with all the councillors.
Key issues in this election:
Housing: We need to attract large developments of 100% purpose-built rental housing to dramatically increase supply to meet demand and provide the economies of scale that keeps rents down. We can also rezone single storey commercial properties to add only 100% rental on top of the ground floor commercial.
Climate Action: We must accelerate protection from floods and earthquakes and plant many more shade trees to cope with heat emergencies.
Public Safety: We need more mental health workers to accompany RCMP when required. We can build segregated bicycle lanes to protect both cyclists and drivers.
Here are the candidates for Richmond city council:
Name: Chak Au
Party: Richmond Community Coalition Association
Occupation: Family therapist
Why are you running for office: Families, businesses, and individuals are suffering from the pandemic’s negative impact, and I am running on a platform to make living more affordable for them.
Council approved the highest property tax increase in a decade (5.68%) during the pandemic and insisted on recruiting 16 additional RCMP officers regardless of the huge accumulated financial impact down the road. RCCA’s platform is action-oriented and solution-focused.
Key issues in this election:
Economic Recovery: Richmond lost 17,500 jobs during the pandemic. Many small businesses are still struggling to survive. The City must reduce the red tape for starting new businesses and introduce measures, such as consumption vouchers and a “buy local” policy, to stimulate the local economy and keep jobs.
Lower tax burdens: Every tax dollar adds up. RCCA proposes a budget reset at the beginning of the Council's new term so that tax increase is not automatic.
Housing crisis: Increase all types of housing supply through innovative measures, including a "rent-to-own" incentive and the City providing land for social housing.
Name: Adil Awan
Party: Independent
Occupation: Pilot/property manager
Why are you running for office: As we all know, Richmond has grown significantly.
A thriving hub for commerce, and rich with nature and beautiful views – Richmond has a lot to offer.
But, now is the time for a new voice on council to help move Richmond towards a more viable and sustainable future.
Key issues in this election:
As YOUR Councillor, I will advocate for MEASURED growth, LOW property taxes, AFFORDABLE housing, and INCREASED green space.
I ALSO pledge to donate 50% of my net salary as Councillor to a new foundation called “We Care for Richmond”. This money will be donated on behalf of Richmond residents, for grants to families and individuals who need it the most.
Name: Derek Dang
Party: Richmond Rise
Occupation: Property manager
Why are you running for office: My desire is to contribute to a resurgent Richmond in the coming years. I want to add my experience to City Council in order to have a cohesive, unified working Council.
Key issues in this election:
Public safety: Public Safety has been a main focus of mine since I first got elected in 1996. The RCMP has provided Richmond with a professional police force for decades. They need our support as a Council to achieve the high standard of policing a dynamic City like Richmond needs and expects. The population is over 200,000 and its importance geographically, with an international airport and a vibrant business sector, requires vibrant police oversight.
Seniors living: Our Community is home to a vibrant seniors population. Aging in place has been a goal of our City for decades. We want to continue to provide programs and services that meet the needs of our local seniors. As boomers age, the demand for an emphasis to meet the needs of an aging population will intensify.
Housing: Richmond’s ideal location has prompted much attention from the development community. Pricing of housing has been a critical factor for many. Our goal is to have a variety of housing choices that can meet the housing needs of Richmond residents and future residents.
Name: Carol Day
Party: RITE Richmond
Occupation: City councillor/business owner
Why are you running for office: I love being a City Councillor. I am able to help so many people with issues that are important to them. I feel there is work to be done and I need to serve another term to make sure we solve the key issues facing Richmond.
Key issues in this election:
1. The Housing Crisis, we cannot allow any more opportunities to go under utilized and I will continue to work for the maximum benefit to Richmond citizens on each and every redevelopment application, we do not need alot more luxury townhouses, we need affordable smaller options for owning and renting especially in the community hubs such a shopping centres.
2. Safety and policing, We need to hire more mental health workers to accompany our police when required on mental health calls. Far too many calls are mental health related and police are not trained to deal with these calls. Given that the Fire rescue staff are the first on the scene and almost 86 % of their calls are medical in nature we need to train our firefighters to the first levels of paramedic work so they can deliver fast service to people in with medical needs.
3. We need a code of conduct that is more modern and up to date with the changes in B.C. The managers of cities cannot develop properties in the city he/she works in and we need the same rule for members of council.
Name: Jerome Dickey
Party: RITE Richmond
Occupation: Mediator and business consultant
Why are you running for office?
As a forward-thinking community advocate, I’m committed to a new kind of leadership at city hall – a leadership that includes listening to and engaging with Richmond residents to fully understand their concerns and issues. As a qualified mediator, I have experience in dealing with conflicting perspectives to reach agreement in solving challenging problems.
As a resident of 25 years, I have been an active volunteer with the city’s emergency programs, where I’ve led a team involved in assisting families facing personal disasters, have served on the Economic Advisory Committee, and continue to volunteer time to community organizations.
I have a masters’ degree in leadership, a business degree, and a certificate in emergency management.
What are your three key issues in this election?
Housing crisis: Not just any growth, but smart growth, including new options and large-scale rental housing and affordable density so young adults and seniors can remain in Richmond.
Climate Action: Create liveable communities through improved green spaces and alternative transportation infrastructure.
Responsible government: No automatic tax increases and better civic engagement.
Name: Evan Dunfee
Party: Independent
Occupation: Olympian (50km race walk) and KidSport ambassador
Why are you running for office: My childhood dream was to win an Olympic medal. Walking tens of thousands of kilometres around Richmond, chasing that dream for 21 years, has allowed me to see our city through a unique lens.
That, along with the skills I’ve developed like dedication, goal setting, and teamwork make the council table a place where I believe I could best continue to try and make this community I love so much stronger. I have a pragmatic, progressive vision for a Richmond that is on track for everyone and I want to help guide us towards our potential.
Key issues in this election:
Affordability. Adaptability and Active Transportation. I’m presenting a positive vision for a Richmond with the housing we need in every neighbourhood; that is resilient in the face of a changing climate; where people can safely and easily access their daily needs; and where everyone feels welcome, included and at home. You can learn more at www.evandunfee.ca.
Name: Mohamud Ali Farah
Party: Independent
Occupation: Accountant, system information management, paralegal and legal assistant .Why are you running for office: I want to help, grow and be part of the community with my resources and connections.
Key issues in this election:
Affordable housing, elimination of homelessness, community safety and supporting Hamilton police station. Expanding the businesses in Richmond, B.C. and to be a councilman.
Name: Laura Gillanders
Party: RITE Richmond
Occupation: Chief financial officer
Why are you running for office: I have taken a lead role advocating for many issues Richmond has faced, such as being spokesperson for Richmond FarmWatch and combating mega mansions on farmland. I have volunteered for and chaired city advisory committees. I often hear from Richmond residents and businesses who have concerns and I do my best to advise them, knowing how city hall works and the effects the city’s decisions have on all of us. Sitting at the council table I can serve the community with sound, informed and trustworthy leadership.
Key issues in this election:
1. Housing: Large-scale rental housing through rental tenure zoning, rental above single storey commercial and densifying community hubs, as well as acquiring land to build affordable housing and co-ops.
2. Climate change and climate resilience through incentives for improved building standards to reduce GHG’s, retaining and increasing the tree canopy to keep us cool and support biodiversity.
3. Bringing people and communities together with better dialogue; this means improving civic engagement with residents and more collaboration on council.
Name: Bill Han
Party: Independent
Occupation: Home financing advisor
Why are you running for office:
I want to bring in a different perspective to our Council, one that is full of energy, vitality and inclusivity. Just like it’s our civil duty to vote in an election, running for office is one way to exercise our rights that are given to us.
Key issues in this election:
1. Encourage affordable housing and increase supply of affordable rental units
2. Ensuring public safety
3. Supporting local small businesses
Name: Kash Heed
Party: Richmond Rise
Occupation: Public safety consultant, former MLA, Solicitor General, chief of police, adjunct professor
Why are you running for office: I am a firm believer that politics has reached a point of “divisive inertia” and is not developing progressive public policy that serves the constituents of their electoral area. Politics should not be considered a career and people that are interested in public service should do so after they have proven themselves in other areas. This is one of the reasons why I am advocating for term limits at all levels of our political sphere as part of the “good government” issue.
Key issues in this election:
Public safety: Enable authorities to ensure a safer environment for our fellow Richmondites.
Housing and senior living: Ensure a wider variety of home options by promoting a collaboration between all levels of governments. Offer better housing strategies and services to Richmond’s senior citizens.
Good government: Ensure access and delivery of municipal services are effective, equitable, and transparent.
Name: Andy Hobbs
Party: Richmond United
Occupation: Vancouver police officer, superintendent, retired
Why are you running for office: Richmond has been a wonderful place to raise our three children and we have five grandchildren growing up in Richmond. There must be opportunities for young people to live here, for seniors to thrive here and for new residents to be welcomed here. I’ve volunteered continuously in our community since Grade 5 and council is another form of community service. On council, there is the opportunity to influence large policy priorities such as the Official Community Plan or building a new community centre. At a more personal level, every day, you are able to assist individuals with very specific challenges (fines, noise, access to information and key personnel), which is all part of providing service to others and that is what Council is all about.
Key issues in this election:
Community safety, including infrastructure such as dikes;
attainable housing; and
farmland, food security, sustainability
Name: Mark Lee
Party: Richmond Citizens’ Association (RCA)
Occupation: Translator and interpreter
Why are you running for office: Richmond needs a local government that truly engages the public and responds to the needs of the entire community. We need more culturally competent “young” people in government, and it’s well past time for fresh faces on Council. The quote may be cliché, but I am running to be the change I wish to see as a resident committed to listening and willing to work to build the Richmond we all deserve.
Key issues in this election:
Housing: We need to expedite building non-market rentals, fight for more co-ops, and update the OCP to streamline developments that meet our needs.
Environment: We need to invest in active transportation, push for improved public transit, and encourage EV uptake. We need to drop fossil fuel use in public buildings and incentivize strata properties to take up renewables.
Community Safety: We need to invest in mental health services, youth programs including sports, and other community infrastructure that promotes belonging and leads to healthier, safer communities.
Name: Alexa Loo
Party: One Richmond
Occupation: City councillor and mother of 2 boys.
Why are you running for office: I love Richmond and I love being a City Councillor for Richmond. We have a great city and a wonderful community and I would like to continue making life better so that everyone can reach their potential.
Key issues in this election:
Our top issues are interconnected: Housing affordability, health and safety and environment.
Housing affordability is our biggest issue and best tackled holistically by updating our Official Community Plan (OCP): planning for growth with more housing types, continuing to require developers to build affordable housing in new projects, designing complete energy efficient neighbourhoods that are safer, friendlier, walkable, and sustainable. Keeping good jobs here in Richmond by improving transportation and speeding up dike improvements to protect people, homes, businesses and our heritage will help families afford to stay.
Reducing congestion by improving bike lanes and providing secure bike parking while embracing new modes, like e-bikes and e-scooters, will get us where we are going safely and sustainably.
Ensuring safety and health by advancing diking, caring for our environment, and that our fire, police, and health care systems keep up with growth.
Name: Bill McNulty
Party: One Richmond
Occupation: City councillor
Why are you running for office: Richmond is a vibrant, diverse city and I am committed to working for you to keep it safe, prosperous, affordable, and sustainable.
Key issues in this election:
Housing: Diverse housing options must be made available and accessible across the housing continuum with rental housing being paramount. I continually advocate for measures and incentives to stimulate the supply of below-market and market rental housing. We need to respond to an aging population, changing family and household characteristics and a range of household incomes. Childcare and shelter spaces for the homeless must be addressed.
Community safety: We must maintain city infrastructure now and in the future with long-term flood protection strategies to keep Richmond safe. Dykes and pump stations need continual upgrading. Commitment to invest in first responders will improve response time and reduce crime. Mental health challenges, hate crimes and racism must be addressed along with pedestrian and cycling safety traffic enforcement.
Taxes: Maintaining a solid financial position enables Richmond to provide excellent services while improving the infrastructure within the city.
Name: Rahim Othman
Party: RCCA - Richmond Community Coalition
Occupation: Engineer and program manager
Why are you running for office: Richmondites and local businesses are suffering from the pandemic’s negative impact, and I am running on a platform to enhance the quality of living for them. For example, Council approved the highest property tax increase in decades of about 5.7 per cent during the pandemic. I am running to represent and advocate for them in the City Council by working with stakeholders at all levels. I am running under the RCCA's platform which is action-oriented and solution-focused that is committed to proposing solutions for complex challenges.
Key issues in this election:
Lower tax burdens: propose budget reset every new term to scrutinize city funds more efficiently/transparently without resorting to automatic tax hikes.
Housing crisis: Find innovative measures to increase all types of housing supply, including “rent-to-own” incentives and social housing.
Economic recovery: Richmond lost 17,500 jobs during the pandemic. Many small businesses are still struggling to survive. The City must reduce the red tape for starting new businesses and introduce measures to stimulate the local economy and keep jobs.
Name: Dennis Page
Party: Independent
Occupation: Digital marketing and management
Why are you running for office: I believe in democracy. I believe that our politicians should be proactive and vigilant. When issues arise, our elected officials should be leading the charge on proactive solutions – not ignoring the problems, not denying the issues, and certainly not disappearing from public life when good leadership is needed.
I’ve studied Canadian History and B.C. politics, digital marketing at BCIT, and covered local Richmond issues as a journalist. I put myself out there as a candidate because it is now a matter of survival – if I don’t fight for the Richmond I want, and the services, jobs, culture and all that goes with it – others, with their own motives, will seek power in my stead. I've lived in Richmond since 1982, and will serve with honour.
Key issues in this election:
Top priorities are bringing back mixed-income communities to Richmond to help boost housing affordability. Effective bylaws and strong enforcement, and reviewing policies and practices for exploits and loopholes and shut them down. Finally, boost social harmony and economic activity.
Name: Keefer Pelech
Party: Richmond Citizens’ Association
Occupation: Executive assistant to the Minister of Education and Child Care
Why are you running for office: I grew up in Richmond and it’s where I want to raise my family. But the cost of housing is making it harder for families, senior renters, and new professionals to live here. Tweaking around the edges isn’t working — but there is hope for creating more affordable housing. However, we will only achieve this with a Council that is taking every step to address this crisis.
Key issues in this election:
Expanding below-market and non-market housing options for residents in every neighbourhood. We can do this through zoning for multi-family housing, working with developers to create more below-market rentals with a registry for these units, and providing city land for non-market housing for needs such as seniors’ and accessible housing.
Addressing the climate crisis through greener public infrastructure, incentives for residents, and an emergency response plan to help vulnerable residents during extreme weather events.
Planning neighbourhoods to be family-centric hubs with different transportation options and access to local businesses and culture.
Name: Jasmine Piao
Party: Independent
Occupation: Community support worker and tutor
Why are you running for office: Richmond urgently needs accountable and responsive representation. After speaking to Council about voting accessibility and a closed-door meeting decision, I learned that governments run unchecked unless informed citizens get involved. My mission is to be a voice for Richmond residents, put families and community first, and restore integrity in local governance.
Key issues in this election:
Tax dollar accountability: Review budgets for Affordable Housing Program and Reserve Funds. Propose affordable housing models adapted from Singapore and Whistler. Debrief lessons learned from Minoru Pool delayed opening. Justify and account for every tax dollar in city capital projects.
Voice for the people: Stop closed-door meetings for public policy.
Review Richmond Fire-Rescue budget to address increased response to medical emergency calls.
Advocate for consultation and local programs to protect and support small businesses.
Moral family values: Preserve family values in policy decisions. Parents decide how to raise their families, not government and institutions. Improve parent and resident consultation on city events and program for children.
Name: Sheldon Starrett
Party: Richmond Community Coalition - RCCA
Occupation: Wine professional
Why are you running for office: I am running on a platform that is action-oriented and solutions-focused to address the complex issues facing our Richmond community. Uncertainty and anxiety surrounding affordability is a matter concerning many residents and businesses in Richmond. RCCA has solutions to create affordable housing and support a thriving economy that empowers residents to live and work locally. It’s imperative to elect people who are committed to protect Richmond’s agricultural land for farming and food security.
Key issues in this election:
Lower tax burdens: budget reset every term to scrutinize and allocate city funds more efficiently and transparently without resorting to tax hikes
Housing: find innovative measures to increase all types of housing supply, including a ‘Rent-to-Own’ initiative, and social housing
Economic recovery: Richmond lost over 17,500 jobs during COVID-19, and many small businesses are still struggling today. The city must cut red tape to help start new businesses, and introduce a consumption voucher to stimulate the local economy and help employers preserve local jobs.
Name: Jack Trovato
Party: Richmond Citizens’ Association (RCA)
Occupation: Retired educator
Why are you running for office: I care deeply for this community. The time for incremental change is over regarding affordable housing; a bold environmental action plan and responsive leadership is needed. I will challenge the status quo of our current policies for a greener, more livable, and sustainable Richmond.
Key issues in this election:
Protecting and growing a variety of housing options: RCA will work with the provincial and federal governments to advocate for more affordable, non-profit, and purpose-built rental housing. Clearly, when families are living from paycheque-to-paycheque, it becomes apparent that we need more non-market, cooperative, and social housing units. We will also provide options for rezoning medium-density and multi-family housing throughout Richmond.
Implementing a Comprehensive Environmental Plan: RCA will advocate developing a plan to bring more district geothermal power systems online throughout Richmond on city-owned land, exploring options for solar power, increasing EV-charging stations and active transportation networks, preserving farmland and ecologically-sensitive green spaces, increasing our urban forest, and offering a subsidized tree-planting program for residents.
Name: Michael Wolfe
Party: RITE Richmond
Occupation: City councillor and science teacher at McNair
To continue representing the people of Richmond, who expect better from their political representatives. I have run in over 10 elections with heavy involvement in city hall proceedings in between, delegating on issues from all city departments. As I complete my first term in office with the best attendance record by far, including attending committees that I am not even appointed to, I have invested a great deal in learning how to be an effective voice of change on council.
My notable accomplishments include raising attention to young family issues (I have a 3-year-old daughter), raising issues for East Richmond and Hamilton residents (I have always lived there), advocating for public environmental enhancement grants to restore and rewild our island, advocating for cycling training for students, and visiting all development sites BEFORE council deliberations.
Key issues in this election:
1. Housing affordability
2. Environment, including habitat restoration, reducing our city’s greenhouse gases, and adaptation to climate impacts
3. Building public trust to increase civic engagement
Name: Elsa Wong
Party: Independent
Occupation: Constituency assistant to MP Wilson Miao
Why are you running for office: I believe with my experience as a constituency assistant, I have had the honour to listen to the citizens of Richmond, and get an understanding on their needs and concerns. I believe that with my years of experience in business and community services, I will be able to use my strengths to help the municipal government, creating strategic plans that are beneficial to Richmond.
Key issues in this election:
Encourage affordable housing and increase supply of affordable rental units;
Ensuring public safety;
Supporting local small businesses
Name: Fipe Wong
Party: Richmond Citizens’ Association (RCA)
Occupation: Union organizer
Why are you running for office: I am dedicated to being a voice for ordinary working people on Council and to work hard and advocate for all Richmond workers who struggle to cover basic expenses, like, mortgage, rent, food and other basic necessities. Our City’s diversity is our strength and we want to make sure that those who work here can continue to afford to live here instead of moving out of Richmond.
Key issues in this election:
Housing affordability is through the roof, we need all three levels of government to commit to building new non market, cooperative and social housing units and rentals.
We need to support our local businesses, civic infrastructure and improve community safety.
Richmond should be a city where everyone can afford to live, work and raise a family and where neighbourhoods can thrive while doing our part to protect the environment.
Name: Eric Yung
Party: Richmond United Voters Association
Occupation: Staff scientist at BC Cancer Agency
Why are you running for office: Housing affordability made families move away from Richmond, causing declining enrollment in our schools while I served as a school trustee. I want everyone to find homes in Richmond to live, grow their families, and age in our community.
Key issues in this election:
I believe that the three key issues to this election are:
Housing affordability - providing a variety of purpose-built housing options that support all ages and stages of life;
Community safety – reducing crime and racism and improving inclusiveness;
Sustainability – ensuring our food security, and planning programs and infrastructure to alleviate future climate change and reduce our environmental impact.
Name: Melissa Zhang
Party: Richmond United Voters Association
Occupation: Financial advisor
Why are you running for office: I believe residents, community organizations and businesses need to be involved in decisions made by the City.
I’m running for Council because I believe I can help bring concerns and feedback from the community to the table and work with others to find solutions. This is an opportunity for me to serve and give back to the community and I believe my experience serving in leadership roles in the different organizations prepared me well for this challenge.
Key issues in this election:
Community safety: Enhance Block Watch program to get more residents involvement;
Community inclusiveness: Unite Richmond against all discrimination, and support vulnerable groups;
Community development: Increase and diversify supply of affordable housing for different needs;
Enhance efficiency and transparency at city hall
* Two city hall candidates, Sunny Ho and Chai Chung, did not reply to the Richmond News’ requests for their bios and key election issues
