The Burnaby NOW asked every candidate running for office in the Oct. 20 civic election to fill out a questionnaire. We hope this helps you make an informed decision at the ballot box.
Candidates were given strict word limits and a deadline to submit their answers. Those who missed the deadline will not have their questionnaires posted and answers exceeding word limits will be cut off.
More candidate questionnaires can be found here and more of our election coverage can be found here.
Name: Alain Deng
Current occupation: Entrepreneur involved in Building Materials, manufacturing, warehousing and creating jobs.
Tell us about yourself.
I was born in China and from a young age had always dreamed of moving to Canada. With a degree in French Language and Literature in-hand, that dream came true in 2003. I live in Burnaby with my wife, son and daughter. The day I received Canadian Citizenship is the day I received my voice, prior to this, there was no opportunity for me to vote in a fair and free election. Onwards and upwards, I aspire to use to be the people’s voice in the City Hall.
What are the top three issues in Burnaby right now and what would you do to fix them?
1. The legalization date of marijuana is approaching soon. This is new, all the associated consequences cannot all be anticipated. We can’t make things up as we go. I’ll ensure that we proceed when there are proper policies and resources in place.
2. Traffic congestion costs time, money and wastes resources. There is no magic fix, but one can look at the cities with the same population. Many of them have got it better than Burnaby. It’s a challenge, but the one to be prioritized.
3. Policing cannot be viewed strictly as a cost only; we cannot afford to fall behind. I’ll work tirelessly to restore proper ratios to ensure that they continue to expand as required, not afterwards.
If you have run for office before, what have you learned? If you have not, why are you running now?
I have not run for political office before but do run a local company. Every day, consumers can choose to use products and services or not. If the deliverable value ever dips below the cost, we are instantly voted out; customers go elsewhere. I’d like to introduce some elements of the free market into our governing culture at the City Hall and support small businesses in the city.
What is one achievement and one failure of Burnaby council in the last four years?
One achievement is the improvement project of Rumble Street is greatly appreciated, and it was badly needed. But the failure is not anticipating the amount of parking that high rise construction workers require is a recent example of failure. We have people that have been parking in front of their homes for decades and then suddenly started receiving notices for not parking for a few hours daily. This supposed solution is a fix to the traffic problem that was also not anticipated.
What would make you a good councillor/mayor?
My education and experience of managing a successful business is my basis for being an effective councilor. Transferring these skills to municipal government will increase efficiency, optimization and allow people to regard what we ask from them, as worth it. And, this is my passion too!
What movie is most relevant to your life and why?
I am not really a movie fan and seldom see movies. I spend part of my leisure time watching news, politics and QP.
How can voters reach you?
Voters can contact me by texting to 778-999-6858 or by sending email to alaindeng88@gmail.com
