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: Rick McGowan
Current occupation: Public School Teacher in New Westminster School District
Tell us about yourself.
I have lived in and around Burnaby since 1988, for the last 18 years in Metrotown. I live in a 1400 square foot condo, which meets the needs of my family of four. I am a public school teacher. I want my two daughters to know that they, like all Canadians, can be change agents in their chosen communities. The change I am fighting for is improving our democracy and ensuring future generations inherit a a peaceful, sustainable society. My goal as a councillor is to ensure that all people have a voice and receive the respect we all deserve.
What are the top three issues in Burnaby right now and what would you do to fix them?
1. Affordability: There is no quick fix to affordability. My goal is to ensure that every person in Burnaby has a safe, healthy and secure place to sleep. I want all of us to have enough food to eat each night. For children, I want to ensure that the community provides affordable opportunities, so children fully develop physically and intellectually. We can reduce the financial barriers to community participation.
2. Transparency and Accountability: The best decisions are made when people have reliable and complete information. The City hides behind Freedom of Information legislation. The $85 million Parks and Recreation budget is controlled by an unelected body of friends and union representatives. Is this the best model for Burnaby?
3. Democratic Participation: Voter turnout sucks. I want to inspire people, regardless of political leaning, to get out and vote. Greens are successful when people get out and cast a ballot.
If you have run for office before, what have you learned? If you have not, why are you running now?
I have run for council twice and in two provincial elections. People underestimate the powers they bestow on their politicians. Many of the decisions being made are not necessarily made for the greater good of the people, but for the benefit of donors, friends and political ideology. I want to offer voters an opportunity to choose representatives that put the aspirations of our neighbourhoods and the future of our children ahead of special interests.
What is one achievement and one failure of Burnaby council in the last four years?
Council has achieved unprecedented success in neutralizing criticism of city policy. This has been accomplished by ignoring the criticism, systematically limiting public discourse, and blocking the free flow of what ought to be public information. This has allowed council to pass the Metrotown update and demovict hundreds of households, collect millions of dollars in over-taxation and spend millions of dollars on meritless court cases. Their success in these matters amounts to a massive democratic deficit. Issues of low voter turnout, disinformation, a lack of institutional accountability and arrogance must be addressed.
What would make you a good councillor/mayor?
I am not a career politician. My goal is to offer an alternative form of representation that is fair, open-minded and reasonable. My life experience, dedication to my community, the knowledge I have gained, my tenacity and my compassion qualify me for the office of councilor.
What movie is most relevant to your life and why?
I don’t think we should judge people by the movies they like; however, I was recently inspired by Erin Brockovich. The fact that this movie is based on a real person, makes this film all the more gratifying. Brockovich demonstrates that anyone can do anything they set their minds to.
How can voters reach you?
Twitter https://twitter.com/rick_mcgowan
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BurnabyGreenParty/
https://www.facebook.com/Rick.Mcgowan4Burnaby
Website https://www.burnabygreenparty.com/
