Coquitlam will hold a byelection on Saturday, Oct. 26 to replace two councillors - Linda Reimer and Selina Robinson - who resigned after being elected in May as MLAs.
With the nomination period closed as of last Friday, The Tri-City News asked the 12 candidates to introduce themselves to Coquitlam voters...
MICHAEL BELL
Age: 47
Occupation: Toyota Canada warehouse associate
Coquitlam resident: 8 years
Previous campaigns: None
Top three issues: Ensure that council is accountable to the taxpayers through transparency and well-thought-out usage of the public's money; find a solution to the homeless issue that will meet the needs of our community and help those affected with reintegration (where possible) into our society; work with council to create long-term policies that will secure a thriving, vibrant future for our citizens
Contact:
Phone: 604-812-5299
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: MichaelBellforCoquitlamCityCouncil
Twitter: @michaelhcbell
BEN CRAIG
Age: 43
Occupation: Financial advisor
Coquitlam resident: 4 years
Previous campaigns: None
Top three issues: Cost of government; business and employment growth; bringing communities to the bargaining table
Contact:
Phone: 604-837-7037
Email: [email protected]
Website: bencraig.ca
Facebook: BenCraigforCouncil
Twitter: @bencraig
YouTube: Elect Ben Craig
BEN B.H. KIM
Age: 67
Occupation: Retired civil servant
Coquitlam resident: No (Kim lives in Port Moody)
Previous campaigns: None
Top three issues: Ensure sustainable community and business development while capitalizing on the construction of the Evergreen Line; encourage and celebrate diverse cultures of citizens and help newer citizens utilize their skills and expertise fully; promote and support lifelong learning; and provide safe environment for seniors to retain their independent living
Contact:
Phone: 778-355-6659
Email: [email protected]
ANDY LACUNA
Did not return calls
BARRIE LYNCH
Age: 57
Occupation: Executive director and chief operating officer of Supply Chain Management Association; part-time BC Ambulance paramedic
Coquitlam resident: 38 years
Previous campaigns: elected Coquitlam city councillor, 2002, '05 and '08; ran unsuccessfully for mayor in '11
Top three issues: Ensuring the transportation needs of Coquitlam are met; managing growth and provision of parkland, recreation and community facilities; providing resources for safer neighbourhoods
Contact:
Phone: 604-813-7407
Email: [email protected]
Website: councillorbarrielynch.ca
Facebook: barrie.lynch.5
Twitter: @BarrieLynch
LinkedIn: barrie-lynch/27
DOUG MACDONELL
Age: 59
Occupation: Retired RCMP officer
Coquitlam resident: 51 years
Previous campaigns: elected Coquitlam city councillor 2005 and '08; ran unsuccessfully for council '11
Top three issues: Transportation; responsible taxation; safety
Contact:
Phone: 604-505-5574
Website: macdonellcoquitlam.ca
Facebook: electdougmacdonell
KEVIN STARTIN
Age: 39
Occupation: Math teacher
Coquitlam resident: 33 years
Previous campaigns: None
Top three issues: "I am not focused on any hot-button issue. I am running to help the city work on balancing its mandate of providing the people with the right services at the right cost"
Contact
Phone: 604-931-5951
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Kevin Startin
TERI TOWNER
Age: 45
Occupation: Share Family and Community Services' special events and fund development officer
Coquitlam resident: 15 years
Previous campaigns: None
Top three issues: Focusing on taxpayers' priorities; keeping kids safe around schools and parks; promoting a healthy, active community with options for all residents
Contact
Phone: 604-812-9972
Email: [email protected]
Website: teritowner.ca
Facebook: Teri Towner
Twitter: @TeriTowner
CHRIS WILSON
Age: 45
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Coquitlam resident: 24 years
Previous campaigns: BC NDP candidate in Coquitlam-Burke Mountain in May provincial election
Top three issues: Keeping housing affordable in Coquitlam; city taxes; transit and the environment
Contact
Phone: 604-341-0241
Email: [email protected]
Website: chris4coquitlam.ca
Facebook: Chris Wilson
Twitter: @chriswilson630
VINCENT WU
Age: Not provided
Occupation: Journalist
Coquitlam resident: 16 years
Previous campaigns: ran unsuccessfully for Coquitlam city council in 2008 and '11
Top three issues: Promoting local business and economy; sustainable transportation-oriented development; diversity and public engagement
Contact
Phone: 778-848-0196
Email: [email protected]
KURT ZAPOROZAN
Age: 49
Occupation: Purchasing manager, driving instructor
Coquitlam resident: 35 years
Previous campaigns: None
Top three issues: Responsible taxation levels for business and residential clients; transportation access to the Evergreen Line; healthy families (including health for the homeless and seniors, and prevention of illness)
Contact
Phone: 604-942-1081
Email: [email protected]
Website: zaporozan.ca
Facebook: kurt.zaporozan
Twitter: @runone
BONITA ZARRILLO
Age: 47
Occupation: Employment agency owner
Coquitlam resident: 4 years
Previous campaigns: None
Top three issues: Building a strong local economy; fair and affordable city taxes and good local services; adequate transit
Contact:
Phone: 778-960-5836
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Bonita Zarrillo
Twitter: @bonitazarrillo
LinkedIn: Bonita Zarrillo
ALL-CANDIDATES MEETINGS
Two all-candidates meetings are being held next month for people running for the two council seats open in the Oct. 26 Coquitlam byelection. They are:
Oct. 16: The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce will host its all-candidates meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. at the David Lam campus of Douglas College. Registration is not required. For more information, visit www.tricitieschamber.com.
Oct. 17: Burquitlam Community Association will hold its meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. in the gymnasium at Sir Frederick Banting middle school, 820 Banting St., Coquitlam. For more information, contact Graham Hill at 604-937-7458 or [email protected], or visit www.burquitlam.org.
