I was born and raised in Vancouver. I have watched Vancouver grow and the skyline change over the years as this beautiful city continually draws more attention to its stunning self. I want the growth in Vancouver to impact its residents in a positive way. This would require conversations between communities and the city. Transparency and public engagement is essential in the public consultation process. Giving residents ample notice of upcoming public hearings gives communities an opportunity to meet and gather input prior to speaking to council. I believe public hearings were designed to be conversations between the various parties involved and not a one way street. It is worrisome to me that so many people, myself included, feel that the system is failing them when citizens witness their public outcries falling upon deaf ears.

I believe that communities take care of one another and there needs to be space allocated for gatherings where we can connect with our neighbors. Approving more community events with less red tape to obtain permits would facilitate these types of interactions. We need to build more amenities and community centres to service neighborhoods with the increasing densification. As apartment style living grows, outdoor play space that is needed for many young children and families to thrive needs to exist and be easily accessible. Growing Vancouver at a reasonable pace and working with community plans, would set a great foundation for this city to flourish.

I can relate to Vancouverites who feel disenfranchised and disengaged; but in order to pull us out of that state of mind, a desire for change must take place. The first step in establishing that change would be coming out and voting on November 15. This election’s outcome determines the next four years of this city. The decisions about your city will be in the hands of the next mayor and council members. Their judgement and actions can directly affect your daily life. Impacts such as construction, traffic systems, permits, and transportation will affect you. I will bring a youthful perspective into office; looking through the lens of residents who are trying to establish themselves in a city where affordability is drifting farther and farther from reach. The directions in which city hall will take us will not only affect our generation but for generations to come. I want to focus on more long term city planning and apply common sense and fairness in office. Affordability is not only a present problem; it will continually affect Vancouverites for generations to come if we do not start making changes now.

I have been compelled to run for Vancouver city council because I am tired of complaining and I am prepared to do something about it. It is time for us to demand city hall to be transparent, open, and to make decisions that are for the greater good of its people. I believe that working cohesively with communities and with open communication between the city and all parties involved can lead to suitable solutions where everyone can benefit.

I am honoured to be running as a city councillor with the Vancouver Cedar Party alongside Glen Chernen, Nicholas Chernen, and Jeremy Gustafson. We are rooted in democracy and it is time we place power back into the hands of the people.