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Andy Chiang

Independent for Richmond Council
I want to make Richmond safer, starting with the roads and its drivers. I want to bring a stronger sense of community by bringing people together. I want to make Richmond more accessible to everyone by ensuring the right resources area available to its residents.

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Misc. topics

Cannabis Legalisation & Policy

Pro legalisation and sales of cannabis and cannabis products in Richmond

I know this is a controversial topic, but the reason I stand behind this is for 2 very simple thoughts:

1) It helps promote our local economy and creates new local business opportunities, meanwhie, tax dollars can be generated and appropriated to other areas of the city.

2) It's not hard to drive over a bridge to buy cannabis in any other city around Richmond. The problem is, what if someone uses it and decides to drive. I want to keep roads safe, and making it convenient for someone to get their cannabis and return home safely to use it is a simple way to do it.

City Police

Increased funding to hire more police officers Focus on poor driving habits

Poor driving habits in Richmond need to be addressed. I get that speed and distracted driving will always be an issue and is the hot topic item right now, but there are other things that cause plenty of accidents.

People who don't use turn signals should be re-educated to use them. This is common courtesy for the people on the road and the ONLY way outside of hand signals to indicate your intention.

People also need to remember to use their headlights when its dark. It's simple, always double check to see if your lights are on.

U-turns are not permitted on many of our streets. If you miss your turn, don't be selfish and do a U-turn. Just wait until the next intersection and safely make your right or left turn and adjust your course.

Diversity

Simple point: Stand up for Richmond.

I have seen the diversity, or lack there of, from some of the issues being presented. I am Chinese, if my picture and name didn't give it away. But I'm not here to swing for Chinese votes or non-Chinese votes. We are all residents of one city, we should represent our city and not a people, culture, language, or ethnicity.

I do not agree with Chinese-only signage. All signage should have a form of at least one of Canada's official languages.

I am Chinese.

I do speak both Mandarin and Cantonese.

I am Chinese and I don't agree with singling out a single population to garner votes.

But...

I am proud of who I am.

I am proud of my heritage.

Most importnatly, I am here to represent Richmond and EVERYONE in it.

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Farmland and the ALR

Farmland should be used as intended, farming Mega homes should be further limited

Agricultural land in Richmond is of utmost importance and we need to preserve these as best we can. These are the bedrock of Richmond's original foundations and should be respected and maintained.

Mega homes are usually homes built for multiple families, while they have large properties, they're also able to pay a single property tax versus several if they had multiple properties. This is a loophole that needs to be fixed.

Land that is not used for farming should be further taxed as they no longer contribute to our local economy.

Pedestrian Safety

Newly painted lines Illuinated crosswalks Police enforcement for poor driving habits

Did you know that you're supposed to stop before the crosswalk at an intersection and not roll through it on a right turn then stop if there's traffic? These are the things that the police shouldbe on the look-out for. I know almost everyone does it, but it doesn't mean it's right.

For example, the speed limit is 50 km/h, but there is no one who drives below that limit. It doesn't make it right, but we need to also govern ourselves to make sure we are driving responsibly.

A lot of the lines in Richmond are no longer defined because of repaved roads or general wear and tear. It's time that we start repainting these. For older crosswalks on busy streets, it's also time to start installing flashing lights to indicate crossings. Pedestrians, please use these lgiths and press the button because that's what our hard earned tax dollars are going towards - keeping you safe.

Public Transit

Affordable and accesible transportation Ride sharing programs

It's not fair that it costs families almost $20 if they decide to travel somewhere for the weekend. That's why I proudly support the #allonboard movement.

It's time for a more efficient transportation system that includes creating jobs for our own residents as well. It's time to allow ride sharing programs into our city to help reduce traffic, congestion, needless waits on key events like Halloween and New Years, prevent driving under the influence, and all the while being an affordable alternative.

Traffic

Increased police presence More marketing campaigns around bad driving habits Wider parking spaces Reduce entries onto main roads from new buildings Repainted lines Illuminated crosswalks Ride-sharing programs

Have you noticed the abundance of drivers that don't seem to have their headlights on at night, or "forget" to use turn signals? These are all bad driving habits that we need to re-educate our residents with. Increased police presence would include looking for drivers who continue to exude bad habits. Marketing campaigns, like the ones on the radio discussing distracted driving, to remind drivers to turn their lights on or use turn signals would be implemented.

Parking has become a mem in this city. That's not the right way to approach things. Let's stop making small and narros parking spots, instead, we will have a city bylaw for parking space width that will be grandfathered into buildings. We should draw lines onto walls for existing parkings spots in structures to assist in proper parking ettiquette.

With all the new condos being built, all of that traffic needs to flow somewhere. We need to restrict this flow from our main roads, and instead, they should connect to side streets to detract from congesting our main roads anymore.

Re-painting lines and illuminating crosswalks are self-explanatory. But if you are a pedestrian, please press the crosswalk button, that's what it's there for and what our tax dollars are being put towards.

Ride-sharing programs like Uber and Lyft will help alleviate the need for everyone to have their own cars and ease our transportation network while creating more jobs.

Biography

submitted by the candidate or their team
I was raised in Richmond for the majority of my life, so I've seen the changes this city has gone through and the complications that come with it. I want to be the one that can help bridge the gap between cultures and bring a strong, united Richmond, and a safer city for all.

I'm a graduate from the MBA program at SFU and currently an Account Manager with Canada Post. I've seen many changes in Richmond as my high school has closed, and my elementary school is constantly on the list of schools to be closed. I know there are a lot of things that people want to change and improve, and a lot of issues that need to be addressed. I hope that everyone can just remember that change first begins with ourselves.

Be kind.

Be patient.

Be good to one another.

We can make Richmond better. Together.

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