HUMERA AHSANULLAH
Occupation: Licensed realtor
Number of years lived in the city: 9
Community involvement: Vice-chair of the parent advisory council; co-founder of IWillCare.org; Heart and Stroke Foundation; SOS; Downtown Eastside homeless advocate.
Why are you running?
Because of our children's secured future. 60% minority population has no representation but me. Three out of four incumbents have no children in SD43 except me. I live in Coquitlam, not outside. I want to be elected by vote only, not acclaimed/endorsed.
What are your qualifications?
I am a parent. I have a Masters in home economics. I have been a successful entrepreneur for 12 years and have been active in social work. I can speak six languages.
Top issues?
To elevate the declining math and science skills compared to international standards so that our students stay ahead globally. To harness the power of technology to cut cost and enhance learning. To utilize existing funds effectively and efficiently.
GAIL ALTY
Occupation: Retired medical office assistant
Number of years lived in the city: 28 (currently lives in East Sooke, on Vancouver Island, where she has resided for the last two years)
Community involvement: Canvassing for charities; volunteering in schools; president of Parent Advisory Council at school and district levels; Coquitlam Foundation.
Why are you running?
I like being a school trustee. I believe it is important to make decisions supporting policies and programs that benefit our students, teachers, support staff and administrators. I would like to continue being a part of our board of education as we define and implement the province's new education plan.
What are your qualifications?
I believe my years of involvement in Coquitlam school district testify to my dedication and interest in students and education. They have provided me with the knowledge and experience to make good decisions. I am trustworthy, honest, reliable and a good listener.
Top issues?
I wish to help define how the new education plan looks with a continued focus on improvement of student literacy, numeracy, graduation/completion rates and social responsibility skills. Directing funding to programs and policies that support the classroom is a priority of mine.
BRIAN ROBINSON
Occupation: Retired
Number of years lived in the city: 35
Community involvement: Coquitlam city councillor for 20 years; school trustee for 12 years; volunteer with Glen Pine and Dogwood pavilions; RCH board; GVRD director; youth service agency executive director.
Why are you running?
I have six of my seven grandchildren enrolled in Coquitlam schools and I enjoy trustee work promoting public education.
What are your qualifications?
I have three university degrees and have a proven record of community service for more than 30 years.
Top issues?
Although our district is rated number one in service to learners we still receive less educational funding for our 30,000 students than surrounding communities and that has to change.
DIANE SOWDEN
Occupation: Family support worker and executive director for Children of the Street Society
Number of years lived in the city: 27
Community involvement: For the past 18 years, I have presented hundreds of workshops in classrooms on child and youth safety; member of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitors General's Safe Communities Working Group for 10 years; Coquitlam Foundation.
Why are you running?
It gives me another opportunity to advocate for children and youth. SD43 is the leader in the province and it is a privilege to be part of such a committed group of professionals.
What are your qualifications?
I am a parent to eight children that have attended public school in SD43. I have been a school trustee for the past six years. I have been an owner/operator of a business in Coquitlam for 30 years.
Top issues?
To provide all learners their best opportunity to be successful.
GERRI WALLIS
Occupation: retired business owner
Number of years lived in the city: 34
Community involvement: School trustee for 18 years; Coquitlam Foundation; Wellspring Foundation for Education in Rwanda; Alpha Program; Coquitlam Library Board; Girl Guide leader.
Why are you running?
I enjoy being able to positively influence the exceptional education that is available for students in SD43. I am passionate about every student having opportunities to succeed in academics, fine arts, sports, culture and community service. I want to continue working on the vision for our district: Learning without Boundaries.
What are your qualifications?
I have 18 years of experience as a school trustee. I owned and operated a very successful business for 15 years. I have a reputation for listening and welcoming community input in education.
Top issues?
The best use and fairest allocation of taxpayers' dollars towards the classroom, equipping students with skills to succeed in a changing world, safe and healthy schools, and reducing costs by sharing community buildings, parks and fields are my priorities.
Notes about the VoteSmart voters' guide
Text by Janis Warren
Editing and design by Richard Dal Monte
Articles on the two mayoral candidates are based on interviews with them
City council and school trustee candidate briefs are based on interviews and emailed questions
Incumbents are shown with a bullet [ ] after their names
