After serving nine years on Coquitlam city council, I am running to be the next mayor. Coquitlam needs a mayor with strong leadership qualities and abilities, and one that will take a firm hand on property taxes. The mayor’s role is complex and demanding but first and foremost requires being at the helm during meetings and providing decisive direction. While the mayor has one vote, the same as each other member of council, there is a persuasive function of mayoral leadership.

As a person who is a procedural expert in Robert’s Rules of Order (PRP) and a professional presiding officer, I will ensure local government meetings are professional and respectful. One of the reasons I was selected to be a justice of the peace to preside over bail hearings and review search warrant applications was my ability to make decisions based on facts. I will be decisive and continue to provide conscientious, considered, and competent government decisions for Coquitlam.

On the issue of property taxes I have in the last term voted against the budget twice because of rate increases and the budget process used. As a certified association executive (CAE) I understand the need to identify priorities within budget limits. As mayor I will be highly involved in providing stewardship for the process.

I believe that the mayor’s office needs to listen to the community and to be responsive to those concerns. Communication between city council and the residents needs to be a priority. Many residents are demanding more input and communication with their council. As mayor I will improve communication with residents, fellow council members, other city councils, and other levels of government.

In the recent Ipsos Reid poll residents responded that concern over break and enters was a priority. I have also served as an auxiliary constable with the Coquitlam RCMP and was presented with a 10-year certificate of service from the Ministry of the Attorney General. I understand the concern of justice and public safety. As mayor I will work with the citizens and the RCMP towards making safer neighbourhoods through a reduction in break and enter and property theft.

Another issue is regional planning. Coquitlam has adopted the Metro Vancouver Regional Growth Strategy. The next step is planning the regional context statement, which is a means of protecting council’s authority to make local planning decisions. Coquitlam needs to ensure the protection and enhancement of our natural areas in this process. Planning must also recognize the strength of a healthy business and commercial community. As mayor I will include active participation of the residents of Coquitlam and listen and respond to their views.

In addition to representing Coquitlam residents on city council and at Metro Vancouver, I have represented Coquitlam city council at the national level, serving on the Federation of Canadian Municipalities board of directors.

On education I have an undergraduate degree from Simon Fraser University in criminology and business; and obtained a master of arts, leadership and training from Royal Roads University. I also currently work part time as a B.C. ambulance paramedic stationed in Metro Vancouver.

Prior to entering politics I served as a library trustee, serving as a founding director of Public Library InterLINK, president of the B.C. Library Trustees Association and Canadian Library Trustees Association.

In 2002 I was recognized with the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, from the Canadian governor general. In 1999 I received the Outstanding Library Trustee from the American Library Trustees Association and in 1995 I received the 10-year Certificate of Service from the Ministry of Attorney General.

I represent authentic, real leadership.

Coun. Barrie Lynch is running for mayor of Coquitlam.