Leslie Roosa believes her experience in handling important finances can serve the community well, if elected to Coquitlam city council.
As of Friday (Sept. 9), she's one of 22 people looking to earn one of eight seats around the horseshoe in the 2022 municipal election — set for Oct. 15.
Roosa is a teacher and English language learning specialist, as well as a case manager with the Vancouver School Board (VSB), but has called Coquitlam home for three decades.
Her résumé is largely rooted in finances, having been a secretary–treasurer with the Vancouver Elementary School Teachers’ Association, considered to be one of the largest TA's in all of B.C., and director for Community Savings Credit Union.
Additionally, she's a trustee for the BC Teachers Pension Plan, which she explained, in a statement to the Tri-City News, is the 10th largest pension plan in Canada with assets of more than $34 billion.
Roosa claims her experience in his particular field can be beneficial for Coquitlam council beyond decision day.
"This financial experience is extremely valuable when enhancing services within a city budget," she said, noting the city can do more in making itself a "wonderful place to live, work, or have a business."
Roosa added she's also concerned about the impact on city services given Coquitlam's expected rapid population growth.
"I want to advocate for services that impact seniors (seniors centres), parks and recreation services (recreation centres, playgrounds, and green spaces), and infrastructure (firefighting, roads and sidewalks, sewage and water, and libraries). Additionally, I would like to support housing projects for seniors, families, and singles."
She said her current profession had allowed her to interact with people across different cultural backgrounds, which she believes can be valuable as Coquitlam continues to grow in diversity.
Roosa holds bachelor and master's degrees in education and a bachelor's degree in arts from UBC.
She's one of 22 council candidates on Coquitlam's nominee list, which was finalized as of 4 p.m. on Friday.
The other names on the ballot are as follows (in alphabetical order):
- Brent Asmundson (incumbent)
- Rob Bottos
- Phil Buchan
- Ben Craig
- Mo Darwish
- Matt Djonlic
- Craig Hodge (incumbent)
- Steve Kim (incumbent)
- Paul Lambert
- Sean Lee
- Trish Mandewo (incumbent)
- Dennis Marsden (incumbent)
- Robert Mazzarolo
- Cameron McBryer
- Brian Misera
- Benjamin Perry
- Zoe Royer
- Harvey Su
- Ali Tootian
- Teri Towner (incumbent)
- Carl Trepanier
For more information on Roosa and her platform, you can visit her campaign website.
He can also be reached directly by email, LeslieRoosaCoquitlam@gmail.com or by phone at 778-245-1928.
As well, the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce has scheduled a series of all-candidates debates for local 2022 civic elections.
Coquitlam mayor and council nominees will get the chance to speak to the issues that matter to them, and take questions from the public, at the Evergreen Cultural Centre on Sept. 22.
