The key plank in Coun. Michael Wright's campaign is something he has promoted for years: the arts. But when it comes gaining support from others on council, Wright said he hits a brick wall.
Arts and culture are always the first on the cutting block when it comes to funding and, at this point, Port Coquitlam council is eager to find efficiencies at city hall and keep taxes low, he said. As a result, arts leadership at the city level "is lacking."
The loss of the city's arts and culture co-ordinator to another municipality was a big blow to PoCo, he said, noting that more than a year on, her position remains vacant - a matter Wright isn't too pleased about. As well, the summer entertainment wasn't a big draw this year, although Lions Park was under construction.
The chair of the city's healthy community committee, which is responsible for the arts, among other things, Wright said that until arts groups become more organized and have a stronger voice, "it's just going to be an uphill battle on council."
A city councillor for most of the last 33 years, Wright said he has seen plenty of change in PoCo and is eager to help shape the city for the next four years.
On the topic of the Fremont connector, Wright said there will be disruption to residents. "I guess Devon would be my favourite," he said of the three options north of Prairie Avenue, adding, "We've got a lot of public consultation coming up. I'm obligated to listen to what the public has to say."
Wright, who is also vice-chair of the city's community safety committee, believes now is not the time to hire more Mounties. "If the crime rate was going up at a rapid rate, sure, but crime is coming down."
Website: michaelwright.ca
