Steve Kim is new to politics but, as a small business owner, he's finding the hard work of campaigning and knocking on doors somewhat familiar terrain.
"It's very demanding but at the same time I'm really enjoying it, with the energy and ability to meet so many people," said the BC Liberal candidate in the Coquitlam-Maillardville riding.
"I get to be outside, and I'm even losing some weight," Kim joked.
He's also getting a chance to engage with voters and, with a surprising number not planning to vote at all, Kim said he has been talking to them about the importance of getting to the polls come election day on May 14.
When they do, Kim is hoping they'll support him as their representative in Victoria, noting that what he lacks in political experience he makes up for in his career and community service.
Ten years ago, he helped co-found the Korean Canadian Coactive (C3) Society, a non-profit organization that serves as a bridge between the Korean community and the rest of the Tri-Cities, Lower Mainland and B.C. Kim has chaired the organization since 2006 (he stepped down at the start of his campaign, however, noting C3 is a non-partisan group) and has helped develop leadership programs for students and young professionals, an annual children's camp in Belcarra Regional Park and the annual Korean Heritage Days in Coquitlam.
Kim is also the president of Boilingpoint Group, a marketing and communications firm (he has also temporarily stepped away from his role as president of the BC chapter of the American Marketing Association) but said he was willing to take a break from running his business because he believes in helping to create a smaller government with a free enterprise platform.
"I couldn't wait another four years," he said. "Something compelled me to throw my hat in the ring. A lot of it had do with being a small business person, and my parents are small business people, and I thought of how they came to sacrifice for their children... and I decided this was the time for me to run."
Kim said he only has to look to his own family to see a microcosm of the concerns felt throughout B.C.
"My parents are getting older. I look at my nephews and my niece, they're getting older, and a lot of the decisions we make now will impact them for some time."
The economy is forefront among the issues Kim sees as driving this election because "a strong economy can create more jobs, more high-paying jobs," and not only makes life more affordable for individuals and families but also generates much-needed resources for education and health care.
Additions to local infrastructure, particularly the Port Mann/Highway 1 improvements and the Evergreen Line, Kim adds, will help position Coquitlam as a hub of the Lower Mainland.
"The environment is also very important to me, especially in Coquitlam, where there is so much green space," Kim said, finishing his list with the importance of multiculturalism and its role in developing strong communities.
"I've spent my career on building and empowering people and creating inclusive environments," Kim said. "At the end of the day, we have to hear all voices to make a better decision.
"Being a new candidate allows me to bring a new perspective."
