One on One with Trish Mandewo

The Afro News – Coquitlam 

Describe your journey through politics, your role in the current position & its essential responsibilities? 

For many years, I have joked that politics runs in my blood.  My late father loved politics, my mother held local leadership positions in political parties.  I truly believe that we have to be the change that we want to see in the world.  It is no wonder my platform consists of the same issues that I champion for in my day to day life.  Running for council is  natural progression from my current work.

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?

Indeed! global migration is on the rise.   More than ever, the city has to set a progressive agenda on making our city inclusive.  We are a blended community.  This comes with its own complexities.  My vision is to turn our blended community into a melting pot. 

This requires social capital from all residents.  Community engagement is pivotal to the success of the City and I will work hard to bring the communities together and move away from silo/sub-community references.  Strong neighborhoods are vital to our continued growth and quality of life.  I am very passionate about getting the youth engaged in the development of the City as they are the future leaders.

The challenges we face in society today is the issue of human rights, equality, refugee & immigration diversity, social disadvantage, senior protection, growing worry about the economy & corruption.  What’s your feeling on this issue?

The problems that a City like Coquitlam face cannot be looked at in isolation.  There are issues that are provincial, national and indeed global that trickle down to the City.  The best approach at getting solutions to these is by reaching out to other Cities, local and federal governments.  It is through such collaboration that broader issues of human rights, social injustice are taken care of.

What brought you to enter the race for City election and what difference will you make to build on?

I have long worked for positive change in Coquitlam.  The next level in serving my community is through elected office.  We live in a great city.  Coquitlam is rich in diversity and it is bursting with potential.  Housing is a big issue as it is everywhere else.  I will be a proponent for smart affordable and sustainable housing.  I will recommend and champion a Renters Advisory Council.

We need to bring the youth voice to the table.  The arts and culture strategy needs to have a youth component, at the moment, besides sports, there isn’t much for the youth, they have to go to other cities for entertainment. I will recommend and champion a Youth Advisory council.

As our community grows, so does the need for childcare.  The voice from the childcare community has been silent. The city of Coquitlam needs a childcare strategy complete with a needs analysis.  We need to gain insights through community dialogue and consultations with childcare providers, families, city staff representatives and other key stakeholders. Together, the statistical information and qualitative advice will inform the direction for the City’s strategy.  We need to be proactive rather than reactive.

We need to have an Inclusive and Collective Voice in Coquitlam.  Right now, we have silos within our community, we need to be a melting point.  Through open, transparent communication and dialogue, we will an engaged and vibrant community.

Above it all, we need to develop a scorecard to use as a benchmark, so we can evaluate our progress.  We all know that what gets measured, gets done.

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? 

My parents are my biggest inspiration, even more, I draw my inspiration from the “Ubuntu” philosophy.  Ubuntu is an African belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity.  The common translation is “I am because we are,” or “humanity towards others”.  If we use what I call the “C” cubed method:  Communication, Collaboration and Connections, our city will be engaged, livable and vibrant.

What is your message for the Voters in this coming election?

My message to the voters is simple!  VOTE SMART!  Treat the election process as a job interview.  Does the candidate have governance experience?  Do they have a proven record?  Are they well rounded?  Are they capable of putting their own interests on the side?  Are they open minded?  As in a job interview, choose the best candidate.

I am your candidate!  In addition to my extensive experience, my high level of political consciousness gives me the ability to critically analyze the political, economic and social forces affecting our community.  It allows me to listen to the needs of my community and to have a dialogue that leads to informed decisions at the council table.