In 2018 Metro Vancouver held their mayoral vote and in a landslide victory, Port Coquitlam elected councilor Brad West. This is a change as the previous mayor, Gray Moore had been in office for 3 consecutive terms. I was able to ask him a series of questions about how the position has transformed him, what he is doing right now and what he plans to do.
I chose Mr. West because I am very interested in politics and local government is very important but underappreciated. I hope to become a politician and one day, I wish to model my politics after Mr. West’s local and moral approach to governing. I believe that Port Coquitlam is ready for change and Mr. West has many ideas to transform the city. He is a riverside graduate and a 3 term counselor.
Some of his accomplishments are; over-seeing the opening of the new Port Coquitlam Community Centre, investing in better roads and making the gouvernement more transparent. He is also a tough critic on the PPC in China, banning foreign donations entirely and is battling the foreign housing market.
1. Why are you passionate about your job?
Because I get to make a difference in the lives of our residents and that drives me every single day.
2. What obstacles have you faced to get you where you are today?
Sometimes people assume that because of my age that I do not have the experience to serve in a senior leadership position.
3. What advice would you pass on to someone interested in what you are doing?
Don’t let anyone discourage you. Most elected officials are very approachable and I encourage you to contact them and possibly even volunteer with them. There is no better way to learn than from doing.
4. What are some goals or aspirations you have for the community?
I have set a goal of making Port Coquitlam the best city in the province to raise a family by focusing on affordability, improved options for getting around, more and diverse businesses and amenities as well as investing community and recreation infrastructure.
5. What have you learned during your tenure as mayor?
The most important part of being Mayor is bringing people together, focusing like a laser beam on what you want to achieve and following through.
6. Would you be open to further contact from Riverside students and if so, how can someone contact you?
Yes, email me directly at westb@portcoquitlam.ca or my Executive Assistant at bhandalr@portcoquitlam.ca
Mayor West is a strong advocate for Port Coquitlam and in getting to know his values I trust that the city is set for the further and that mayor west is building a better city for all of us.
Credit to
Picture 1: Poco.Today :
Mayor Brad West Calls Out Premier Horgan About Overdose Crisis (Updated)
Picture 2: Vancouver Sun:
Port Coquitlam Coun. Brad West announces candidacy for mayor
Picture 3: CBC:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/port-coquitlam-mayor-joins-anti-china-rally-outside-ubcm-event-1.5297826
Picture 4: Tri city news:
Thank you for submitting your Community Connection assignment for COL. We have reviewed your Edublog post, and have the following observations regarding your work:
– Great job interviewing someone and seeking out information regarding their expertise
– Way to incorporate your answers on your edublog
Thank you,
Mr. Barazzuol and Mr. Robinson
COL Teachers