Candidate Profiles
Richmond General Local and School Election 2014
In order to assist voters to make informed choices in the election, brief candidate profiles have
been made available for public access on the City website. The candidate profiles will also be
published in a hard-copy Voters Guide that will be mailed to every Richmond household before
the election.
During the nomination period, each candidate for Mayor, Councillor and School Trustee was
given the option of submitting a candidate profile consisting of a 150-word statement, a recent
head-and-shoulders photograph and candidate contact information. All candidate information
was provided by the candidates themselves. The information provided was not edited for
content, spelling or grammar after submission by the candidate. The Chief Election Officer is
not responsible for verifying or investigating the accuracy of any information provided in the
candidate statements or in any information resources accessed using the internet links provided
in the candidate contact information. The views and opinions expressed are those of the
candidates and do not reflect the position of the City of Richmond or the Richmond Board of
Education.
The candidate profile submission deadline was the end of the nomination period (Friday, October
10 at 4:00 p.m.). For candidates who chose not to submit profile information, or who did not
submit the required information prior to the deadline, only the candidate name, elector
organization (if applicable) and the position for which the candidate was nominated will appear
along with the words “Candidate profile information not available.” If the profile is complete
except for the photograph, the words “Photo not available” will appear in place of the
photograph.
The official list of declared candidates will also be made available. Unless otherwise indicated,
the city of residence for each candidate is Richmond, BC.
CITY OF RICHMOND 2014 General Local and School Election
November 15, 2014
List of Declared Candidates
CANDIDATES FOR THE OFFICE OF MAYOR
Malcolm BRODIE ................................... Richard LEE .......................................... RICHMOND REFORM Cliff Lifeng WEI ......................................
CANDIDATES FOR THE OFFICE OF COUNCILLOR
Chak AU ................................................. RICHMOND COMMUNITY COALITION Adil AWAN ............................................. RENEW RICHMOND Dan BAXTER ......................................... RICHMOND COMMUNITY COALITION Janos BERGMAN................................... Sal BHULLAR ........................................ RICHMOND COMMUNITY COALITION Derek DANG ......................................... RICHMOND FIRST Carol DAY .............................................. RITE RICHMOND Jerome DICKEY .................................... Lee GILDEMEESTER ............................ Kirby GRAEME ...................................... RICHMOND COMMUNITY COALITION Sunny HO .............................................. RICHMOND REFORM Andy HOBBS ......................................... RICHMOND FIRST Jennifer HUANG .................................... Ken JOHNSTON .................................... RICHMOND COMMUNITY COALITION Alexa LOO .............................................. Bill McNULTY ........................................ RICHMOND FIRST Linda McPHAIL ..................................... RICHMOND FIRST Don MONTGOMERY ............................. Laura NASTASA .................................... Helen QUAN .......................................... RICHMOND COMMUNITY COALITION Roy SAKATA .......................................... Patrick S. SAUNDERS ........................... Dave SEMPLE ....................................... Harold STEVES ..................................... RCA Grace TSANG ........................................ RENEW RICHMOND Kristian VON SCHALBURG ................... Michael WOLFE ..................................... RITE RICHMOND Elsa WONG ............................................ RICHMOND FIRST Jun L. WUYAN ....................................... Henry YAO ............................................. Garry YUILL ...........................................
Page 1 of 2
CITY OF RICHMOND 2014 General Local and School Election
November 15, 2014
List of Declared Candidates
CANDIDATES FOR THE OFFICE OF SCHOOL TRUSTEE
Rod BELLEZA ........................................ RITE RICHMOND Michael COBER ..................................... Moushtak ESTEPHO .............................. RICHMOND COMMUNITY COALITION Mohamud Ali FARAH ............................. Norm GOLDSTEIN ................................. RITE RICHMOND Khilvinder Kay HALE .............................. (WITHDRAWN) Ken HAMAGUCHI .................................. Jonathan HO .......................................... RICHMOND COMMUNITY COALITION Kenneth HO ........................................... RICHMOND REFORM Kevin LAINCHBURY .............................. RICHMOND FIRST Peter LIU ............................................... RICHMOND FIRST Sandra NIXON ....................................... Matt PITCAIRN ...................................... RICHMOND COMMUNITY COALITION Donna SARGENT ................................. RICHMOND FIRST Michael STARCHUK .............................. RITE RICHMOND Debbie TABLOTNEY ............................. RICHMOND FIRST Jack TROVATO ..................................... RCA Alice S. WONG ...................................... RENEW RICHMOND Eric YUNG ............................................. RICHMOND FIRST
Nomination Papers are available for Public Inspection in the Election Office at Richmond City Hall, 6911 No. 3 Road, Richmond between 8:30 am and 5 pm on weekdays (excluding statutory holidays) and on the City website: www.richmond.ca/electionservices/candidates
As of the 4:00 pm deadline on October 10, 2014, no candidates have withdrawn, nor have any elector organization endorsements been withdrawn.
Page 2 of 2
Candidate Profiles
Richmond General Local and School Election November 15, 2014
Candidate for School Trustee
Rod BELLEZA RITE RICHMOND
Rod Belleza: Fellow (Institute of Canadian Bankers), Bachelor of Arts (Political Science),
Bachelor of Laws (Philippines).
As a Richmond School trustee since 2008, Rod advocates for sound financial management and
good governance. He also advocates for more support for students who are in need especially
those students who are negatively impacted by child poverty.
Rod’s community service, spanning over 25 years includes the Richmond Intercultural Advisory
Committee, Richmond Community Services Advisory Committee, ERCA, RMCS, AMSSA,
Rotary Club, Jaycees, and various Filipino and Canadian Associations.
As a community leader, Rod promotes the values of service, multicultural harmony and
inclusion in our schools and city. He has received service awards from the BC School Trustees
Association, Philippines Asian News, and the Filipino Canadian Directory.
Rod’s mission is to ensure that the Richmond Board of Education provides vision and
leadership. His goal is education that enables the potential of our children and youth.
Contact Information
Telephone: 604-241-7153
Email: [email protected]
Web: RITErichmond.ca
Candidate Profiles
Richmond General Local and School Election November 15, 2014
Candidate for School Trustee
Michael COBER
Education is the foundation of our society, it fuels our economy, enriches our culture, and
elevates our collective well being. It is, therefore, one of our core obligations to responsibly and
progressively care for and fund our public education system. Proper stewardship of our
educational system ensures positive outcomes for future generations: the opportunity for all
students to reach their potential, and to be prepared to face the challenges of our changing
world. Encouraging critical thinking, sustainable practices as well as cultural and social
awareness and connectedness is fundamental. Our attention, advocacy and responsible
administration of our education system is essential to a healthy community and city and is
something I am deeply focused on affecting positive change.
Contact Information
Telephone: 778-386-4575
Email: [email protected]
Web: michaelcober.com
facebook.com/MichaelCoberForSchoolBoardTrustee
Candidate Profiles
Richmond General Local and School Election November 15, 2014
Candidate for School Trustee
Moushtak ESTEPHO RICHMOND COMMUNITY COALITION
I have lived in Richmond since 1994. I originally graduated from Richmond High School and
earned a BA in Business at Kwantlen College.
I came to Richmond with my family as a new immigrant and went through the provincial school
system. Having a disabled brother has given me a new perspective to bring with me to the
school board. He has given me an understanding of what families go through when having a
disabled child.
I currently sit on several boards in the lower mainland, including the Fraser Valley Organic
Association, and the Chaldean Catholic Church. I also am a member of my townhouse strata
council. I have been working at Misty Mountain Specialties for the last 16 years, a Richmond-
based produce company that is involved in the community like raising money for the Food Bank,
working on Richmond Sharing-Farm and Christmas-fund.
Contact Information
Telephone: 604-789-2971
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.richmondcommunitycoalition.com
Candidate Profiles
Richmond General Local and School Election November 15, 2014
Candidate for School Trustee
Mohamud Ali FARAH
Richmond is a fast growing multi-cultural city. We want to make it the best possible place to
raise our children. We would have to give our children the best care and education they ever
need in order for them to succeed in their life and coexist with one another. We would have to
correct poor learning and social issues of our students. We would need to fix these barriers in
order to produce the results of our effort to educate better our children so they could compete
the others. I have good experiences to work with all sources in communities.
I have been an insider since 1993 as a parent and volunteer. I could elaborate and engage
parents, students and supporters. I want to be part of our children’s' education. Mohamud Ali
Farah is requesting that the Richmond residents to vote for him November 15, 2014.
Contact Information
Telephone: 778-710-7080 (cell)
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://Baardaaq.weebly.com
Candidate Profiles
Richmond General Local and School Election November 15, 2014
Candidate for School Trustee
Norm GOLDSTEIN RITE RICHMOND
Dr. Norm Goldstein and wife Rivian have enjoyed twenty years in Richmond. Son Ethan, who
grew up here, is now an engineering student, and Norm is completing a term on the Richmond
Board of Education. He has also co-chaired the Incentive Parents Group at MacNeill
Secondary, served on the board of the Richmond Jewish Day School, and coached Cosom
Floor Hockey. In the past three years as a school trustee, Norm has analyzed how to offer
better education efficiently, helped enable positive changes in our school district, and learned a
lot himself. Norm believes in programs that grab students' attention, motivating them to deeper
learning and broader enthusiasm. Norm strongly supports acquiring a second language, since it
is highly beneficial for cognitive development and lifelong success. That includes French
immersion available to all students and the opportunity for Mandarin immersion, in keeping with
our country’s growth in Pacific Rim trade.
Contact Information
Telephone: 604-448-1751 (home)
778-883-1751 (cell)
Email: [email protected]
Web: RiteRichmond.ca
SystemSolutionRD.com
Candidate Profiles
Richmond General Local and School Election November 15, 2014
Candidate for School Trustee
Ken HAMAGUCHI
I am running for the position of School Trustee. I am a long time Richmond resident, who is
very active in the local minor hockey community. Professionally, I have worked with individuals
with autism for over 30 years, and have run a successful consulting practice for over 16 years.
If elected, my priorities would be to:
ensure that Richmond's educational and financial needs are clearly communicated to the
government
support our schools/teachers in providing them with the resources and supports to
provide quality education to our students
advocate for services for students with autism, and other special/medical/mental health
needs
promote and support health, fitness and wellness to our students
I feel my blend of experience and education in working with children and parents, would be an
asset to the board - and it would be an honour to serve as one of Richmond's School Trustees
Contact Information
Telephone: 604-723-7245
Email: [email protected]
Candidate Profiles
Richmond General Local and School Election November 15, 2014
Candidate for School Trustee
Jonathan HO RICHMOND COMMUNITY COALITION
I have worked at the TD Bank Group for 15 years. I currently serve on the school planning
council of William Cook Elementary School, and also on my condo strata council for 8 years. I
also am a youth leader and am active with the Hospice service team of my church. I co-host a
weekly current affairs phone-in show at Fairchild Radio. Before immigrating to Canada, I served
in the Royal Hong Kong Regiment, British Army.
I share Richmond parents’ concerns about their children’s future. I’ll work with families to
encourage more parents’ participation to help their children education success. I am dedicated
to improving children’s financial literacy and improving career education programs for our
students. I can be a bridge between Asian communities and our education system. With my
banking, and financial planning, I will bring a fresh perspective to our Board of Education.
Contact Information
Telephone: 604-649-2139
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.richmondcommunitycoalition.com
Candidate Profiles
Richmond General Local and School Election November 15, 2014
Candidate for School Trustee
Kenneth HO RICHMOND REFORM
As a long time resident of Richmond, Kenneth has been involved in several youth groups in
local communities. He is concerned about the education of the students here. He will advocate
for better preparation of students to enter the job market and to live a successful life by
emphasizing:
character training;
personal financial skills;
deeper awareness of environmental issues and practices
Kenneth wants to assist parents in making their voices stronger and promoting more direct
communication between parents and teachers. This will improve mutual understanding and
cooperation, all for the benefit of the students.
Kenneth immigrated to Canada from Hong Kong in 1982, and has been living in Richmond for
the last 23 years. He worked as an engineer for 8 years and has been a business owner in
Richmond for 29 years. He is father of 2 sons and has been happily married for 36 years.
Contact Information
Telephone: 604-760-3241
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.richmondreform.ca
Candidate Profiles
Richmond General Local and School Election November 15, 2014
Candidate for School Trustee
Kevin LAINCHBURY RICHMOND FIRST
I have been involved in the education system in other countries; we have a very good system in
Canada that supports the stakeholders and the aim of higher education.
I believe in making the most efficient use of available resources to ensure the best outcome for
our students. The status quo is no longer good enough in this age of instant, digital
communications and the education system needs to be adaptable to new technologies. We
need to emphasize the basic building blocks of the Three R's, foster greater curiosity in the
Sciences and ensure learning opportunities for all students.
Ensuring Safe Schools
Championing Fiscal Responsibility
Advocating for Student Success for All
Providing Positive Teacher, Student and Parent Relationships
Involving the Community in Decision Making
Contact Information
Telephone: 604-220-1782
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.richmondfirst.ca
Candidate Profiles
Richmond General Local and School Election November 15, 2014
Candidate for School Trustee
Peter LIU RICHMOND FIRST
I was born in Tianjin, China and educated at Sichuan University, obtaining BA. I immigrated to Richmond in 2002. Along with my wife Junling, we are very supportive at public education system with two children at Richmond schools. I am involved in wine industry, running an exporting company. I am actively involved in Richmond as a Director of the Canadian Community Services Association and a member of Rotary E-Club Lulu Island. Over the next four years, my priorities include:
Providing safe, healthy, environmentally sustainable schools Providing strong fiscal leadership Ensuring student success for all Acting as a bridge to diverse communities Building positive student, teacher and parent relationship
I will continue to work to involve the community in decision making. I bring experience, leadership skills and strong work ethic with a common sense approach to the
Board of Education.
Contact Information
Telephone: 778-885-6206
604-285-6335
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.richmondfirst.ca
Candidate Profiles
Richmond General Local and School Election November 15, 2014
Candidate for School Trustee
Sandra NIXON
Richmond is a great place to raise a family, and our education system is one of the vital
components that makes our community strong. As a mother with children in Richmond schools,
I have experienced the excellence of our school system, and some of the challenges it faces.
Some issues I would voice as a trustee include:
• Balancing academic excellence with emphasis on social responsibility and intercultural
understanding
• Support for arts, music, healthy living & sustainability programs such as school community
gardens
• Greater integration of mental health supports, so students receive timely and effective help.
• The link between poverty and educational outcomes
• Better communication and public engagement. Our school system should reflect local
priorities and values - this requires listening!
About me:
Richmond resident for 13 years, mother of two children in Richmond school system
Volunteer Girl Guide leader, background in Commerce/finance
Ordained minister; extensive Board and Committee experience
Contact Information
Telephone: 604-783-6087 (cell)
604-295-6445 (home)
Email: [email protected]
Web: https://www.facebook.com/SandraNixonforRichmondSchoolTrustee
Candidate Profiles
Richmond General Local and School Election November 15, 2014
Candidate for School Trustee
Matt PITCAIRN RICHMOND COMMUNITY COALITION
Matt Pitcairn is a lifelong Richmond resident and has deep connections to the community.
Raised in Steveston, and now residing in City Centre with his young family, Matt has witnessed
firsthand the amazing transformation that Richmond has experienced in recent decades.
Matt is committed to making Richmond classrooms inclusive, safe and leaders in innovative
learning practices. Matt will advocate for all families and parents in Richmond to ensure that
School District 38 is delivering the highest level of education for our youth.
Currently employed as a policy analyst and communications manager, and with strong ties to
many local non-profit organizations, Matt has his finger on the pulse of the City.
Matt believes it’s vital to rebuild confidence and effective lines of communication within the
public school system. Matt will work tirelessly towards this goal in order to ensure School District
38 continues as an educational leader for our new generations.
Contact Information
Telephone: 604-341-8319
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.richmondcommunitycoalition.com
Candidate Profiles
Richmond General Local and School Election November 15, 2014
Candidate for School Trustee
Donna SARGENT RICHMOND FIRST
Donna Sargent and her husband Chris have lived in Richmond for over 25 years and have two
children. Completing her fourth term as School Trustee, Donna is currently the Chairperson of
the Board of Education. Her extensive track record has given her a reputation of being a hard
working, principle-centered and trustworthy team player. Donna has been a dedicated advocate
and has worked tirelessly to ensure every child has the very best education possible. She
believes working closely through meaningful involvement with stakeholder partners is the key.
Donna has also been very active with the British Columbia School Trustees Association
(BCSTA). She chaired Metro Branch, worked on many committees and was recently elected a
Director on the BCSTA Board. She believes that with her knowledge and experience she can
contribute to making a difference at a provincial level as well. By investing in public education
you secure future economic prosperity.
Contact Information
Telephone: 604-272-0742
604-250-6750
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.richmondfirst.ca
Candidate Profiles
Richmond General Local and School Election November 15, 2014
Candidate for School Trustee
Michael STARCHUK RITE RICHMOND
While attending school in Richmond, Michael Starchuk was influenced by many good
teachers, school staff and fellow pupils. Along with knowledge, he learned social skills, respect
and responsibility, and he wants every student to have those benefits.
Michael is now Senior Program Manager at Tomorrow’s Topkids Child Care Society,
always learning from children and their families. In his job, parenting and community service, his
goal is to help youth to exceed their potential.
Michael Starchuk plays, teaches and referees hockey, and he has been involved with
the Seafair and Richmond Minor Hockey Associations for many years. A referee since he was
thirteen, he now referees adult hockey at Richmond Ice Centre.
For Michael Starchuk, becoming a father was the greatest moment of his life. His desire
to be a positive voice as a School Trustee has grown along with his son, who will soon be
joining the public school system.
Contact Information
Telephone: 778-229-7206
Email: [email protected]
Web: riterichmond.ca
Candidate Profiles
Richmond General Local and School Election November 15, 2014
Candidate for School Trustee
Debbie TABLOTNEY RICHMOND FIRST
As a Richmond resident since 1982, I’m honoured to have served three terms as School
Trustee. I’ve been a volunteering in the district for 26 years and am an unwavering advocate for
public education, fine-arts/music programs, and students with learning challenges/special
needs.
I operate from a position of principle-centered leadership which has allowed me to make difficult
decisions while always putting the student first. I’m an Insurance Broker with our family run
Richmond Insurance firm.
Board Service:
Current Chairperson: Personnel/Finance Committee, Policy Committee, Vice Chairperson, Audit
Committee, Provincial Counselor, BCSTA
Board Vice Chairperson
Chairperson: Education Committee
District representative: Sister City Committee
Community Service:
Treasurer: Richmond District Parents Association, Richmond Sunrise Rotary,
Richmond Youth Concert Band, Family Place, Toastmasters, Scouts
Founding director, (CHADD) disability parent support group
PAC Chair, Westwind (4yrs)
Church councilor/Sunday school Teacher
Education is my passion. I’m asking for your vote and continued support.
Resume richmondfirst.ca https://www.facebook.com/debbie.tablotney https://twitter.com/DebbieTablotney
Contact Information
Telephone: 604-272-4020, 778-233-0028
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.richmondfirst.ca
Candidate Profiles
Richmond General Local and School Election November 15, 2014
Candidate for School Trustee
Jack TROVATO RCA
As a public school educator in Burnaby, Jack is well acquainted with the various issues facing
public education. Moreover, Jack believes it's his civic duty to draw upon his personal and
professional experience to contribute to the educational community in Richmond, as a genuine
way of giving back to the community, which he has called home for over 25 years.
Jack is dedicated to advocating on behalf of a first-rate, high-quality, well-funded, public
education as the cornerstone of a pluralistic, egalitarian, democratic society. He is committed to
educational policy and actions that allow students, teachers, parents, concerned citizens, and
communities to work together to meet the needs of all learners in our public school system.
Jack holds a B.A., B.Ed., and an M.Ed. He has been honoured with several academic and
professional accolades, and is the 2002/2003 national recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award
for Teaching Excellence.
Contact Information
Telephone: 604-928-0278 (cell)
Email: [email protected]
Web: https://facebook.com/JackTrovato4RichmondBoardEducationTrustee
http://about.me/jacktrovato
Candidate Profiles
Richmond General Local and School Election November 15, 2014
Candidate for School Trustee
Alice S. WONG RENEW RICHMOND
Alice S. Wong lived in Richmond since 1992, has two teenage children, she has been involved
in public education since her son was in Kindergarten at 2001.
She has been BCCPAC Parent information Resources Coordinator, President of Richmond
Chinese Parents’ Association. PAC Chairperson at her child’s elementary and secondary
school for few years, last two years Vice-President of the Richmond District Parents
Association. And she also is Navy League cadet officer of Richmond corps.
She believes that children are our future and they are having equal opportunity to have best
education. If she is elected, she will advocate to increase funding for public education; ensuring
school board has accountable and transparent governance, she supports the 21 century
learning to improve student’s achievement and also support schools have a safe, healthy and
inclusive learning environment. Increase resources fund for extracurricular activities.
Encourage parent to involve their children’ education.
Contact Information
Telephone: 604-273-7118
Email: [email protected]
Web: RenewRichmond.ca
Candidate Profiles
Richmond General Local and School Election November 15, 2014
Candidate for School Trustee
Eric YUNG RICHMOND FIRST
Our children deserve the best education – not just the best we can afford. This is the most
important duty of a school trustee.
As a School Trustee since 2011, I have promoted what is best for our district, working with our
stakeholder groups. From 2008-2011, I was President of the Richmond District Parents
Association, being the voice of parents. As a voting member of the Insurance Council of BC – I
have experience making the hard choices needed to focus our efforts on the children. As a staff
scientist at the BC Cancer Agency – I understand the education needed to ready our children
for studies in post-secondary institutions.
My own children are in elementary school in Richmond – I understand the challenges we
parents face, and our worries. I ask for your support so I can continue to advocate for the
resources needed to guarantee the quality of our children’s future education.
Contact Information
Telephone: 604-816-2874
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.richmondfirst.ca