BRENT ASMUNDSON
Age: 53
Who are you supporting for mayor?
I think Richard Stewart's done a fine job and I don't see a need to change.
Who is funding your campaign?
Friends, developers, the Coquitlam firefighters' union local.
You are a Burke Mountain resident and are a past president of the Northeast Coquitlam Ratepayers' Association. Do you like the way Burke Mountain is developing?
There are changes that are happening, some I agree with and some I don't. With the loss of single-family homes, we have to control that and ensure that we have a community with different types of housing for everybody.
Some of developers are building beyond the neighbourhood plan limits. How can that be managed?
Continuing to make sure that staff is tracking the densities and that council is keeping an eye on that to make sure it is balanced.
As engineering committee chair, you know there have been some hiccups with Burke infrastructure.
Yes, but I have led a change in site-development practices to get better control. We increased fines, have kept boulevards clean and provided better notification to residents.
What should the Partington Creek village core look like?
It's always been the highest density area that will help support the commercial surrounding that.
In the past three years, what have been council's greatest achievements?
Seeing the funding committed for the women's and children's transitional housing unit [on Como Lake Avenue] and [the planned homeless shelter at] 3030 Gordon Ave.
RANDY DELMONICO
Age: 56
Number of years living in Coquitlam: 23
Occupation: Burnaby fire department captain
Civic committees and community volunteer work: Lacrosse coach for more than 30 years, including minor, junior and senior; director and vice-chair of the Burnaby Hospital Foundation for six years; president and treasurer of the Burnaby Fire Fighters Charitable Society for 11 years.
Campaign funding: Individuals, unions and businesses.
What makes you stand out from other candidates? I have much experience with municipal government, having been a public sector employee for more than 33 years.
Do you believe that Coquitlam residents are getting good value for their tax dollars? Yes, I do. The city has good employees who supply many services.
When it comes to budgeting, are you more likely to support cutting services and staff in favour of keeping taxes low?
I am not likely to to support cutting services and staff because the city is going through a rapid growth phase and will likely need more service for a growing population.
If you were elected, what services would you like to see added? What services would you like to see reduced or eliminated?
I would like to see residents in new or growing areas receive the same level of service provided to established neighbourhoods.
CRAIG HODGE
Age: 54
Number of years living in Coquitlam: 46
Occupation: photojournalist
Civic committees and community volunteer work: Riverview Hospital Task Force; president of the Tri-Cities' Chamber of Commerce; BC Chamber of Commerce; economic development, and traffic and safety advisory committees; traffic calming committee; Burke Mountain Scouts; coach U-12 boys; Theatrix Youtheatre; Coquitlam Historical Society (president).
Campaign funding: Friends and businesses.
What makes you stand out from other candidates?
As a photojournalist for The Tri-City News (where he worked until June), I covered every major event in this city and saw the issues first-hand.
Do you believe that Coquitlam residents are getting good value for their tax dollars?
I'd like to see the appointment of a municipal auditor general to do an independent audit to see if we are receiving good value for our tax money.
When it comes to budgeting, are you more likely to support cutting services and staff in favour of keeping taxes low?
Residents continue to demand more services but taxes are increasing at a rate that is unsustainable.
If you were elected, what services would you like to see added? What services would you like to see reduced or eliminated?
The city will have to expand existing services such as fire, police, snow removal and garbage collection just to maintain current levels of basic service throughout the city.
DOUG MACDONELL
Age: 57
Who are you supporting for mayor?
I can work with either one. They both bring something to the table.
Who is funding your campaign?
It's coming in from all over the place. I have been endorsed by the Coquitlam firefighters' union.
What happened to the sport field strategy that was introduced earlier this year?
It's been put on hold because it didn't take into account our new strategy for events tourism. We want it in place in the new year.
As chair of the recreation committee, would you be willing to change council's current policy to allow only sports activities at Percy Perry Stadium, especially if the city's efforts now are focused on events tourism?
Everything is on the table with events tourism. We need to look at a festival location in Coquitlam. We will also have events at Town Centre Park. Whatever happens, we have to do this as an economic standpoint.
If I'm the organizer of a sporting event, why would I choose Coquitlam over Langley and Surrey, which have top-notch sports venues with hotels and restaurants nearby?
We're going to make it easier for people to come here with a one-stop shopping office for organizers. We're going to have rapid transit here soon with direct access to the airport. It's all very accessible.
Why have we had no consistency at city hall in the economic development office?
Here's the issue: For so long, we've been a suburban bedroom community. We're not that way anymore. We're becoming an urban community. The big thing that people need to understand is that we have to be prepared.
MASSIMO MANDARINO
Age: 34
Number of years living in Coquitlam: 21
Occupation: business owner/operator
Civic committees and community volunteer work: Confrattelanza Italo-Canadese; Michael Cuccione Foundation; Zajac Ranch for Children.
Campaign funding: Myself.
What makes you stand out from other candidates?
I am honest, dependable and hard working. Working as a restaurant manager and now for myself taught me how to be a team player and work alone. To be fiscally responsible when managing a budget. I know clearly who I am work for and that's the taxpayer.
Do you believe that Coquitlam residents are getting good value for their tax dollars?
No, I do not. Taxes seem to increase at a rate of double that of inflation and I do not see services increase with that increase. Spending needs to be controlled and that starts with in the four walls of city hall.
When it comes to budgeting, are you more likely to support cutting services and staff in favour of keeping taxes low?
The problem is that many projects are funded by the taxpayer, when alternative resources could have been found (public/private partnership).
If you were elected, what services would you like to see added? What services would you like to see reduced or eliminated?
Services added or reduced should be looked at with what the taxpayer wants and needs are.
NEAL NICHOLSON
Age: 70
Who do you support for mayor?
Barrie Lynch
Who is funding your campaign?
CUPE, developers and individuals.
You said in January that you wouldn't accept the 4% remuneration hike and would be donating the increase to the Douglas College Foundation. Did this happen?
Yes.
You're the chair of the Maillardville revitalization task force. Why are things taking so long to re-develop in that neighbourhood?
I think we've been working at it for a long, long time. At the same time, we've had other areas that are easier to develop in. I think the decision that we made to provide tax incentives to Maillardville commercial property owners is good and I look forward to it moving quicker.
As an accountant and city councillor, you have seen the budget crunch at city hall yet you voted in favour this year of spending $50,000 of surplus funds for "Welcome to Coquitlam" signs. Is this a decision you still stand by?
Absolutely. There are too many places where we are bordered by Port Coquitlam and Port Moody. And there are way too many places where you move from one city to another and you don't realize it. I'm proud of being in Coquitlam and I would like people to know when they come into Coquitlam. I don't think it's a luxury item. They're simple signs.
Are you still in favour of having the city have an in-house garbage pick-up service?
I'm in favour of the city doing a real, solid analysis when it comes time to consider re-contracting. Port Moody and Port Coquitlam saved money when they went in-house and they did that because the city and the union worked together to make it work.
TERRY O'NEILL
Age: 60
Number of years living in Coquitlam: 31
Occupation: writer and editor
Civic committees and community volunteer work: Coquitlam Foundation; Alzheimer Society of BC's Walk for Memories; Pregnancy Concerns; St. Joseph's Parish; Crossroads Hospice's Treasures of Christmas gala; Canadian Diabetes Association; Heart and Stroke Foundation; Mothers' March; t-ball coach.
Campaign funding: Businesses, friends and family.
What makes you stand out from other candidates?
The combination of my extensive professional accomplishments and my record of community activism and volunteerism.
Do you believe that Coquitlam residents are getting good value for their tax dollars?
Generally, yes. But, looking down the road, I fear that the current rate of growth in the city's annual expenditures, which is felt in the pocketbooks of the citizens of Coquitlam by way of fast-rising property taxes, is unsustainable.
When it comes to budgeting, are you more likely to support cutting services and staff in favour of keeping taxes low?
What's needed is a reasonable and tangible reduction in the annual rate of growth in property taxes in order to have minimum impact on necessary services and staffing.
If you were elected, what services would you like to see added? What services would you like to see reduced or eliminated?
By far the most common comments [at the door] are about high and fast-growing property taxes. Few people are asking for new services.
MAE REID
Age: did not answer
Who are you supporting for mayor?
I'm an independent candidate and I will work well with either one.
Who are you being funded by?
Business, candidates.
How do you see Coquitlam developing over the next 10 years?
I wish I knew in these recessionary times what exactly is going to happen. Right now, the development industry is trying to get the HST situation straightened out so that they know their actual costs. I would expect to see Austin Heights redeveloped - at least 30%, if not more - with a good mix of rental housing and a lovely village-like atmosphere, like we have in our plans. I believe the City Centre will have a mix of retail and housing like you see in Vancouver, only a bit smaller. Burquitlam will be a stop-off point with the SkyTrain [Evergreen Line] station.
As the land use committee chair, you've pushed for adequate parking in new apartments. Why haven't you also lobbied for other amenities like energy efficiencies, adaptable units, better building materials and better designs?
Our developers follow best practices, especially in the large commercial buildings. It's handled by staff as we go along. And if [the amenities] are not there, we ask for them.
You've had 21 years on city council. You've said if you're re-elected it will be your last term.
Most likely, yes. I have things that I would like to see finished and like to see started next term, like Maillardville commercial [development].
In the past three years, what is council's greatest achievement?
I think we're trying to move the development forward that we want - and not what the developers are trying to foist upon us. Because we're a city that's accepting high growth, we shouldn't be accepting everything that comes our way.
LINDA REIMER
Age: 52
Who are you supporting for mayor?
I'm not taking a public position on that.
Who are you being funded by?
I don't have the details of all of that.
How would you characterize your first term on council?
It was a great learning experience, a wonderful experience. For the most part, I'm really happy about the way the city has progressed in the last three years. There's been some great changes made, changes that provide better services to citizens, businesses and investors.
You have championed online voting, business and cutting bureaucracy. What's next for you, if re-elected?
We still have a lot of work to do with [reducing] bureaucracy at city hall. The economic development will be very interesting, too, especially with the coming of the Evergreen Line. I would also like more residents to work, live, play and learn in this community.
Do you still supporting giving non-resident business owners a vote in civic elections?
Absolutely. I think that would be a very wise idea.
In the past three years, what have been been council's greatest achievements?
Poirier Sports and Leisure Complex. Evergreen Line. Customer-service improvements. The new City Centre library branch. The new King Edward Street overpass.
What does council have to do better?
I would like us to be even more business-friendly. There was one decision made that I wasn't pleased with regarding a badminton business to have a rezoning and OCP change in United Boulevard. We turned them down and they ended up relocating in Port Coquitlam. That's an economic opportunity that we lost.
ARAZ RISMANI
Age: 29
Number of years living in Coquitlam: 7
Occupation: senior partner of Domotics Systems Ltd.
Civic committees and community volunteer work: Multiculturalism advisory committee (2010-'11); Festival Planners Network; SUCCESS; Tri-City Iranian Cultural Society (chair).
Campaign funding: Low-income families, hard-working couples and successful small businesses.
What makes you stand out from other candidates?
Motivation, vision and transparency. As a small business operator and a former program manager in the not-for-profit social service sector, I truly understand the needs of both business and the community.
Do you believe that Coquitlam residents are getting good value for their tax dollars?
I believe there have been several positive improvements made in the city of Coquitlam but I strongly believe there are still lots we need to work on such as reducing crime rate/ violence, traffic/ traffic congestion, taxes and boosting economy and dealing with environmental issues.
When it comes to budgeting, are you more likely to support cutting services and staff in favour of keeping taxes low?
I am pro-small businesses. By fostering an environment to support small businesses, more jobs can be created and more people choose Coquitlam as their new destination.
If you were elected, what services would you like to see added? What services would you like to see reduced or eliminated?
I would like to put more light on educational issues and promote school choices.
SELINA ROBINSON
Age: 47
Who are you supporting for mayor?
Barrie Lynch
Who is funding your campaign?
Many different sources: friends, businesses. My financial agent [husband Dan Robinson] is dealing with the cheques.
How would you characterize your first term on council?
A great learning experience and a real opportunity to see how decisions are made, how to make things work and how to move an agenda forward.
What is the perfect pesticide ban bylaw?
For me, it was really all about cosmetic pesticides. Spraying in order to beautify or maintaining a certain standard for a lawn or garden is a problem so while I think what we saw was sort of on the right track, I think it just got a little carried away.
Over the past three years, what do you see as council's greatest accomplishment?
[The planned homeless shelter at] 3030 Gordon Ave. and the pesticide bylaw. If you recall three years ago, I couldn't even get the conversation going. That's a huge leap forward and I complimented council.
What can council do better next term?
Talking to our neighbours and partners, whether it's Fraser Health, New Westminster, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, School District 43. I would really like to see us put energy into those relationships. I think that it impacts us when we compete with our neighbours rather than working collaboratively - then we all lose.
If you're re-elected, would you accept a pay increase?
I actually think that we're well paid [but] I think that when we're looking at budgets, we would lead by example and hold the line on our pay.
LOU SEKORA
Age: 80
Who are you supporting for mayor?
Barrie Lynch
Who are you being funded by?
Myself.
You have consistently voted against the budgets. Is it because you didn't like what was in them or because they weren't zero-based?
Lately, $3.4 million was found to be a surplus. That should have been referred to budget time. There's many, many things we need. We don't know what the taxes will be or what other expenses there will be. It would have gone a long way to a new fire hall in northeast Coquitlam. We know that we need 10 to 20 firemen for northeast Coquitlam. I know we probably need policemen also.
You are a Metro Vancouver director for Coquitlam. What have you achieved on the board?
I've certainly been raising hell as far as the bureaucracy and the budget and a few other things. In matter of fact, they're pushing for an incinerator and I said the tipping fees are going to go up by double or triple within the next five years.
You were the only council member to vote against the homeless shelter at 3030 Gordon Ave. Why?
Because the residents in the area didn't want it. The fact is, the ideal place for it is Riverview Hospital. And you know what? Coun. Brent Asmundson brought in a notice of motion to have Royal Columbian Hospital on Riverview lands yet they said for a homeless shelter, there was no transportation. How silly is that?
In the past three years, what have been council's greatest achievements?
The sports fields and the Poirier Sports and Leisure Complex. As far as the budget, the mayor and the councillors have been a total failure.
ANDY SHEN
Age: 22
Number of years living in Coquitlam: 16
Occupation: constituent assistant for a member of Parliament
Civic committees and community volunteer work: Multiculturalism advisory committee; SFU and political organizations.
Campaign funding: Friends and family.
What makes you stand out from other candidates?
Coquitlam is in need of new and fresh ideas. We need to expand our focus to include the next generation - my generation. We need to figure out a way to make Coquitlam a place where young adults can find work and start a family as opposed to moving to neighbouring cities.
Do you believe that Coquitlam residents are getting good value for their tax dollars?
No. Too much money is being wasted in bureaucracy. We need to reduce wait times.
When it comes to budgeting, are you more likely to support cutting services and staff in favour of keeping taxes low?
I will support programs that are affordable without putting a strain on Coquitlam residents. If elected, I will look at all the facts and numbers presented to me and make the best decision possible with the citizens in mind.
If you were elected, what services would you like to see added? What services would you like to see reduced or eliminated?
The safety of our residents is incredibly important to me. We need to make sure that we are keeping up with our essential services.
FRED SOOFI
Age: 61
Number of years living in Coquitlam: I have had a business in Coquitlam for 10 years. While I currently reside in Anmore, I have recently purchased a residence in Burquitlam and will be moving there soon.
Occupation: owner/operator Pasta Polo Restaurant
Civic committees and community volunteer work: Multi-cultural advisory committee; Coquitlam Foundation; Tri-Cities' Chamber of Commerce; ArtsConnect; Homelessness Task Force; Share Society; PoCoMo Youth Services Society; Footprints.
Campaign funding: Individuals and myself. I am not accepting any funding from developers or labour unions.
What makes you stand out from other candidates?
More than 30 years of experience as a small business owner/operator and very active in the community.
Do you believe that Coquitlam residents are getting good value for their tax dollars?
I believe that we can get much better value by managing expenditures and balancing budgets, based on realistic projections.
When it comes to budgeting, are you more likely to support cutting services and staff in favour of keeping taxes low?
I believe that we have the ability to maintain our experienced staff levels and ensure fair taxation by better management of our budgets based on realistic projections.
If you were elected, what services would you like to see added? What services would you like to see reduced or eliminated?
Better policy for affordable housing, construction of necessary sidewalks, crime prevention and public safety.
ANDY WICKEY
Age: 71
Number of years living in Coquitlam: 22
Occupation: businessman
Civic committees and community volunteer work: PoCoMo Youth Services; Port Moody Heritage Society; RCMP Community Policing Speed Watch; Canadians Moving Beyond Money Society; Multicultural Advisory Committee of BC; Toastmasters International.
Campaign funding: Family, friends and small businesses.
What makes you stand out from other candidates?
I am an unique brand of politician who does not make promises to please the present moment. My vision for Coquitlam is futuristic.
Do you believe that Coquitlam residents are getting good value for their tax dollars?
Absolutely not. My property taxes have gone up 17% in the past three years and I have not seen one iota of improved services. My utility bills have gone up 35% for the same period. This is way more than the rate of inflation.
When it comes to budgeting, are you more likely to support cutting services and staff in favour of keeping taxes low?
I am in favour of reducing red tape and waste in city administration and making the system more efficient.
If you were elected, what services would you like to see added? What services would you like to see reduced or eliminated?
Improved transportation to new subdivisions. Accelerate progress getting the Evergreen Line built to Coquitlam. Planned infrastructure improvements and minimize "fight the fires," Band Aid fixes.
VINCENT WU
Age: 59
Number of years living in Coquitlam: 15
Occupation: freelance writer
Civic committee and community volunteer work: Multi-cultural advisory committee and economic development committee; Tri-City Asian Parent Association; Special Olympics BC; Canadian Cancer Society; Coquitlam Foundation.
Campaign funding: Myself.
What makes you stand out from other candidates?
I believe I am the right choice for city councillor because I can carry on accountability, positive approach, fair and inclusive representation to the job.
Do you believe that Coquitlam residents are getting good value for their tax dollars?
There are areas such as transportation challenge, affordable housing, pedestrian safety and multicultural accommodation that still need to improve.
When it comes to budgeting, are you more likely to support cutting services and staff in favour of keeping taxes low?
To keep taxes low does not necessitate cutting services and staff. I would like to see the council manage the budgeting issue based on thoughtful decision and the needs of majority of residents.
If you were elected, what services would you like to see added? What services would you like to see reduced or eliminated?
I would like to see recycling and garbage services improved. I also want parks, trails, green space and recreation opportunities to be added. On a responsive standpoint, I would consult and carefully assess before making any decision to reduce or eliminate services.
