The Race Is On in Port Coquitlam!

Since announcing two weeks ago that I am running in the November 15th Port Coquitlam election for the position of City Councillor, I have received an abundance of support from new volunteers, people I meet on the doorstep and even folks approaching me while doing grocery shopping.  Now I need to earn your vote.

The nominations for this election closed yesterday and we have 3 candidates for Mayor; 24 for Councillor; and 3 for School Board Trustee.  As you can see from the list of candidates there are some familar names, a lot of unfamilar names and some folks who do not even live in Port Coquitlam.  This will be quite the race.

Current Port Coquitlam Mayor Scott Young who was recently convicted of a number of assault charges against his former girlfriend and who may have violated the terms of his curfew has decided to run for a Councillor seat.  During the last 18 months residents in Port Coquitlam have been asking for Scott to step down or for City Council to remove him from office.  This did not happen.  Now all voting age residents in Port Coquitlam have the chance to choose this next Council – just come out and vote.

In the 2005 Port Coquitlam election only 19% of eligible voters voted – less than one in five.  This election you have the chance to select a new Mayor, six Councillors and two School Board Trustees.  The power of selecting the next City Council rests with you.

Here is where I need your support.

Issues drive a person to run for office.  This is why I have attempted to clearly spell out my position on a number of issues.  I will not just say “I will represent you”, “I believe in accountable government”, etc. because really, what does that mean?  When I vote for someone it is because I agree with their views – not their ability to recite pithy statements with no meaning.

These are some of the things I will do:

• I will not vote to approve any budget with more than a 5% property tax.

• We need to be able to fire our elected officials through recall legislation.

• I propose donating Scott Young’s banked election fund to the Women’s Centre should he pull out of this race.

• I will create a Heritage Levy funded by developers.

• Restore the water grant for seniors and create new housing options.
• Create dog parks so our canine friends do not have to take us outside of PoCo to roam free.

• Port Coquitlam needs at least one more Bylaw Officer and three more Police Officers IMMEDIATELY to ensure we keep our communities safe and our quality of life high.

Be sure to read more of what I believe are the issues in Port Coquitlam by CLICKING HERE and let me know what you think by writing to dave@dave.ca.

I hope you will then see I am your best representative on City Council.  This is why I am asking you to vote for me – Dave Teixeira – on November 15th.