SHOULD WE BELIEVE?
Tuesday, November 25
Thanks for Your Support, Much Work Ahead in the New Term
Dear Constituent,
Saturday, November 15 was the conclusion of the fourth civic election campaign that I have had the honour to participate in as a candidate for office. And for the third time in a row, I have had the great fortune to be elected as one of the ten councillors who will serve the residents of Vancouver for the next three years.
On a personal note, having the opportunity to work once again with the governing majority is an exciting prospect for me, as there is still so much to do in Vancouver to make this a city that works for everyone. Moreover, under our new Mayor Gregor Robertson, we have a mandate to move forward on our campaign promises to tackle the many challenges that you told us you wanted council to address.
The top five concerns that brought voters out to the polls according to a Simon Fraser University exit poll were homelessness, taxes, the economy, affordable housing and open government – significant issues that will require creative solutions and new partnerships with senior levels of government, business, labour and the non-profit sector. In addition to the regular business of city hall, we also have the Olympics coming in 2010. The next council has the responsibility and the privilege to invite the world to our doorstep and I will work hard to ensure we present a Vancouver on the international stage that is the most compassionate and caring city possible.
I also look forward to working with all my colleagues – the six elected who are returning to council chambers, along with the three first-time councillors. It is a great mixture of experience and new energy that promises a city hall that will, more than ever before, listen to and involve its citizens.
Finally, I want to acknowledge the many voices that question our current at-large election system and the challenges it poses for some of our communities. While the outcome for myself and my party was very positive on Nov. 15, this victory was less than satisfying.
The results of the election have highlighted how, once again, candidates of South Asian-heritage from all major parties had to exert extra effort to overcome the electoral barriers that exist in our current system. In most cases, they were not successful in the election and a direct voice from this significant community will not be heard in council chambers. This is something our new council will need to put effort into solving, if we are going to truly open up city hall to all of our communities and citizens.
Thank you again for your support. I look forward to serving you again as your city councillor.
Sincerely,
Raymond Louie
About City E-News
As your city councillor, I want to keep citizens informed about the work I am doing with my colleagues to solve the pressing challenges facing Vancouver
