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.
Current occupation: Lawyer
Tell us about yourself.
I have lived in Burnaby for the past 42 years. I served 22 years on Burnaby council. I served as Metro Vancouver director from 1994 to 1999, chairing the region's finance committee from 1994 to 1999. I led negotiations with the province and SFU that allowed the city to add 800 acres to Burnaby Mountain Park. I have worked on many environmental housing initiatives during eight terms on council. I manage a successful private law practice. I have been a volunteer Burnaby youth softball and baseball coach. I'm married to urban planner, Ragini Rankin, who is active in community affairs.
What are the top three issues in Burnaby right now and what would you do to fix them?
1. There is a crisis in housing affordability in Burnaby. I recommend development proposals to increase housing and zoning options in Burnaby. The city must halt demovictions and replace lost rental stock in Metrotown. Rents in replacement rentals must be comparable to existing stock. The city must hire a renters' advocate.
2. Burnaby must active aggressively with traffic management. Local residential streets and residents suffer from excessive commuter traffic. Traffic calming measures must be implemented in north, south and east Burnaby. Increased traffic enforcement, especially near Burnaby schools, is needed. The city must work with Translink to increase local transit opportunities.
3. Burnaby receives millions in development amenity fees from developers. This is our money and it needs to be put to use building public facilities to serve us. Burnaby needs a long overdue new art gallery. We need additional recreational and community space in Metrotown, Brentwood, Lougheed and Edmonds town centres.
If you have run for office before, what have you learned? If you have not, why are you running now?
I learned effective negotiations in government. I led negotiations between Burnaby, SFU and the province that added 800 acres to Burnaby Mountain Park. I led negotiations between the province, city and school board that produced the new Burnaby South school, the Nikkei Centre and seniors housing on the old Burnaby South site. I initiated the Burnaby business awards recognition program. I insisted that affordable housing be part of the Oakalla and George Derby redevelopment plans.
What is one achievement and one failure of Burnaby council in the last four years?
Burnaby council failed to implement a rental housing strategy in Metrotown before approving demolition of low-cost rental units and building high rise condos. When I was on council, I supported a moratorium on rezoning rental buildings south of Central Blvd. and east of Nelson. This council has pushed through condo development in this area with little regard for the impact on tenants of modest means. Councillors should thought about the harsh impact of their actions and they should have put a tenant protection policy in place first. Council has been effective in voicing its opposition to Trans Mountain pipeline.
What would make you a good councillor/mayor?
I have been a tireless advocate for people as a councillor and a lawyer. I respond diligently and promptly to citizen enquiries and make sure they get the help they need and answers to their questions. I work to identify gaps in services and propose solutions to residents' problems.
What movie is most relevant to your life and why?
"The Best Years of Our Lives" (1946) is the story of three WWII veterans returning home. It reminds me of my father who fought overseas for Canada in WWII. We must always honour this "Greatest" generation and the values they fought and died for - democracy, human rights and freedom.
How can voters reach you?
Tel: (604) 436-9210 (home)
Tel: (604) 683-6777 (business)
Tel: (778) 988-9648 (Mobile)
e-mail: leerankin@shaw.ca
Facebook: Lee Rankin
Twitter LeeRankinBurnaby
