Age/occupation: 46, city councillor and executive director of KidSport Tri-Cities
As a former Olympic wrestler, Chris Wilson has felt the bumps and bruises that come with grappling on the mat.
But these days, he fights most of his battles in the political arena, pushing his positions on the campaign trail and the city council table.
After winning his seat in a byelection last year, Wilson said it has been a steep learning curve. But while he has not been on council for long, there are already a few accomplishments he is proud to point out.
Getting council to unanimously agree to apply to the National Energy Board for intervenor status on the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline was an important vote, he said. He is also happy that council is now moving forward with a dry-floor sports facility, something he advocated for before being elected.
If he is re-elected, Wilson said he will focus more of his effort on attracting employers to Coquitlam.
"We need to invest more in economic development," he said. "That is a way to broaden our tax base. People want to work in Coquitlam and we need to find more jobs for our residents."
Wilson is one of five candidates seeking election under the Protect Coquitlam banner. While there is nothing compelling the group to vote in unison, he said they share a similar philosophy as to how the city should operate.
"There is a benefit to working together on council," he said. "You need a real commitment and we haven't had that focus... on council."
