Candidate Profiles Richmond General Local and School

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



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


Web: michaelcober.com

facebook.com/MichaelCoberForSchoolBoardTrustee

Candidate Profiles



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 protected]

Website: www.richmondcommunitycoalition.com

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.richmondcommunitycoalition.com/

Candidate Profiles



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)


Web: http://Baardaaq.weebly.com

Candidate Profiles



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 protected]

Web: RiteRichmond.ca

SystemSolutionRD.com

Candidate Profiles



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


Candidate Profiles



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


Web: www.richmondcommunitycoalition.com

Candidate Profiles



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 protected]

Web: www.richmondreform.ca

Candidate Profiles



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 protected]

Web: www.richmondfirst.ca

Candidate Profiles



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 protected]


Candidate Profiles



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


604-295-6445 (home)


Web: https://www.facebook.com/SandraNixonforRichmondSchoolTrustee

Candidate Profiles



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


Web: www.richmondcommunitycoalition.com

Candidate Profiles



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



Candidate Profiles



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 protected]

Web: riterichmond.ca

Candidate Profiles



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



Candidate Profiles



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



Web: https://facebook.com/JackTrovato4RichmondBoardEducationTrustee

http://about.me/jacktrovato

Candidate Profiles



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


Web: RenewRichmond.ca

Candidate Profiles



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



Documents

Candidate Profiles Richmond General Local and School