TAN -Q : How would you describe your journey through politics, your role in the current position and its essential responsibilities?
I’d describe it as exciting, challenging and the most critical endeavour I’ve ever taken on.
While I had certainly not planned on running myself, it became clear that no one else was willing to do what was right and take bold action on our housing crisis.
In my current role as a Vancouver City Councillor, I’ve been able to dramatically impact the way we discuss the challenges, as well as approach them. Furthermore, I’ve been able to do that largely as a single voice. Now more than ever, what we need now is to give me and the YES Vancouver team a mandate to carry on that work and complete the mission of getting Vancouver back on a track of prosperity that works for all of us.
TAN – Q : As we observe our multicultural diversity in Canada continuing to grow, what observations have you made in this regard and how are you planning to work with the vital role this growth plays in our society’s overall development and true the city ?
We need to enhance this growth by making more housing choices available in all parts of the city. This will make multiculturalism more than a concept, as neighbours will now build common understanding and share in each others mutual prosperity.
TAN – Q: The challenge we face in society today is the issue of human rights, equality, refugee and immigration diversity, social disadvantage, senior protection, growing worry about economy and corruption what’s your feeling on this issue ?
Cities have the responsibility of making their communities safe and equitable. Our new Action Plan focuses on “re-humanizing” our neighbourhoods and planning around people, not just buildings.
This fundamental change in approach ensures we have the housing, services and amenities that we need. It ensures we have community that is engaged and understanding. Furthermore, we need to regain the sense of excitement and pride of welcoming people to our City, just as others welcomed us before.
TAN-Q : What brought you to enter the race for the city election Mayoral Candidate and what difference will you make to build on ?
As the only person in the race with any experience at City Hall, and as the clear choice for anyone seeking a real change, we felt it was critical to be in this race.
I was with another party, and the backroom dealings saw wealthy donors interests first over the membership and people’s interests. If we weren’t in this race, we’d be allowing this behaviour to be rewarded. It’s all of our duty to stand up and fight for what’s right.
YES Vancouver offers a real plan to address the crisis we are currently living with, we offer real leadership with the discipline to get the job done. And, most importantly, we understand that you must take all the good ideas, no matter where they come from, bring people together, and just get the job done.
You can see how at www.yesvancouver.ca
TAN – Q: What has inspired you most in your life and if you were in your youth starting over again is there anything you might do differently?
I have a strong faith that the good and bad in our lives is all meant to shape us for our purpose in life. So, while I’d love to do something’s over, I generally try to allow past mistakes guide me to become a better person in the future.
Losing everything and experiencing homelessness as a youth taught me that you must be focused on the long term. That dark days will eventually lighten, that you must keep moving forward to get to a better place.
TAN- Q: What is your message for the Voters in this coming election?
Vote. It’s our duty as citizens to participate and choose wisely on how our collective interest is managed. We must say YES to a better future for Vancouver, we must say YES to choosing a local government committed to real change, we must say YES to a real plan that will support our families.
Visit us on Facebook or www.yesvancouver.ca to learn more. Advanced voting is until October 17th, Election Day is October 20th
