Questions and Answers

If the assent voting (referendum) pieces pass, what would you do?

Let's get something clear, if the citizens of our community want the 3 assent voting pieces to proceed, including the golf course being repurposed into a multi-use community park, I will honour the decision made by the people of Maple Ridge. I will not stand in the way of what residents have voted for.

If an item does not pass, then I believe it's our responsibility to understand why, revisit the project, and take another look at the location, the configuration and the cost before deciding how to move forward. Leadership means listening to our residents, respecting their decisions and then doing the work to move Maple Ridge forward. There is no question whether or not I will respect the voice of Maple ridge residents, I will, regardless of the statements made by Mayor Ruimy in the Maple Ridge News. Saying that another Mayor and Council could "kibosh" the recreation pieces even if the people want them to pass, would never happen on my watch and is simply fear-mongering.

Why are you running for mayor as opposed to council?

Honestly, it comes down to where I feel I can be most useful right now. After four years as President of the Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce, I’ve had the chance to build strong relationships, work with a lot of different groups, and learn how to bring people together. I’m at a point where stepping into a bigger leadership role feels like the right move.

I also see a real opportunity to bring the voice of local business to the table. With the economic challenges we’re facing, that perspective matters more than ever. Businesses are a huge part of our community’s stability and growth, and making sure their experiences are understood helps everyone.

Council is incredibly important, and I want to work closely with councillors. I feel that the mayor’s role gives me the space to use my experience in a way that supports the whole team and helps keep things moving in a positive direction.

Do you think that you are capable to be the mayor even though you have never held an elected position?

I hear that question a lot, and it makes sense. Even though I haven’t held elected office before, I’ve spent the last four years as President of the Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce, and that’s given me real, hands‑on leadership experience. I’ve worked closely with businesses, community groups, and all levels of local government, and I’ve learned how to build relationships, solve problems, and bring people together around shared goals.

On top of that, I’ve managed a small business through some pretty uncertain economic times. When you’re responsible for keeping a business running, you learn very quickly how fast things can change and how important it is to stay flexible and adaptable. You also get a front‑row seat to the pressures small businesses face every day. They’re a huge part of Maple Ridge’s stability and success, and understanding their challenges helps me stay grounded in what the community needs.

I’m used to being in situations where you have to listen carefully, make balanced decisions, and keep a team moving in the same direction. Those skills translate directly into the responsibilities of a mayor. I wouldn’t be considering this step if I didn’t feel ready for it.

So while I haven’t held elected office before, I’ve been doing the kind of work that prepares you for it: leading, collaborating, advocating, and staying connected to the community.

Where do you stand on the future of Maple Ridge Golf Course?

Let me start by saying that I do not believe that we should get rid of Maple Ridge Golf Course.

My position on Maple Ridge Golf Course comes from a few different places. My dad has a memorial plaque and a tree there, so the course has always been more than just a spot to play golf. It’s tied to my family, and honestly, it’s tied to Maple Ridge’s history too. The course has been around for decades, and it gives seniors a place to stay active, social, and connected. You see the same groups out there every morning, and it’s obvious how much it matters for their health and quality of life.

I know there’s been talk about the baseball fields at Hammond Community Park and what happens if they need to move. I don’t believe the solution is to take down the golf course. If the fields truly need a new home, the City has other options, including finding another suitable site that doesn’t require removing a long-standing recreational space that thousands of residents use and enjoy.

On the bigger conversation about new ice rinks or a new pool, I think residents should have a real say in whether they want those projects and whether they’re prepared to pay for them. That’s a community decision.

But when it comes specifically to the golf course, I don’t support turning it into a park, with or without baseball fields. Maple Ridge Golf Course already functions as a park. It’s green space, it’s recreation, it’s history, and it’s something that makes Maple Ridge feel like Maple Ridge, and for that, we should be proud.

Who do you vote for provincially and/or federally?

People sometimes ask who I would vote for in a provincial or federal election. I understand why they ask, but the reality is that the role of mayor is not about choosing a political side. It is about working with whoever is in government at any level. If I am elected, my responsibility is to build strong, productive relationships with all senior levels of government because that is the only way to effectively advocate for our community.

I have already shown that I can do this. When I served as Chamber President for four years, I worked with leaders from every political background. I met with ministers, MLAs, MPs, and local officials, including the current mayor. There are photos of me standing with people from different parties, and those photos simply reflect the work I was doing. They do not mean I agreed or disagreed with anyone politically. They show that I understand how to build connections, open doors, and make sure our community’s needs are heard.

That experience taught me something important. When you want results, you cannot afford to limit yourself to one political lane. You have to be able to pick up the phone and talk to anyone. You have to be able to sit at the table with people who may not share your personal views but who hold the authority to help your community move forward. That is how I approached my work at the Chamber, and it is exactly how I would approach the role of mayor.

My commitment is to the people who live and work in Maple Ridge. It is not to any party. My focus is on building relationships, finding common ground, and making sure our community is represented at every level of government. That is how real progress happens, and that is the kind of leadership I intend to bring.