With a desire for representation that reflects our community and city, and due to a frustration with the secretive big money parties of the NPA & Vision, I founded Vancouver 1st.
Vancouver 1st, strives to be your independent voice and choice in the next civic election and is a party of go-getters not talkers. Everyone on the Vancouver 1st team has been either a community advocate, or builder and has helped to represent those who couldn’t represent themselves.
Unlike the NPA which is funded by big money from the social elite or Vision which is funded by special interest groups and unions, Vancouver 1st is a grassroots party which is funded by ordinary citizens.
Vancouver 1st is the only party whose candidates are not only from every corner of the city but also represent a very diverse group:
2 Olympians:
Brent Hayden – Olympic Bronze medalist 2012 Swimming
Yogi Johl – Olympic Super Heavyweight Wrestler / Restaurateur
Mercedes Wong - Director of the Aboriginal Women’s Centre
Elena Murgoci – Former director of the BC Liver Foundation
Federico Fuoco – owner of Federico’s Supper Club
Richard Wong – Chinese Opera Singer and business owner
Doug Starink – Seniors advocate
Susan Bhatha – PAC President
Ken Denike – School Board Trustee
Sophia Woo – School Board Trustee
3 community centre presidents:
Milan Kljajic – Kensington CC (who is also a member of CUPE 1004)
Massimo Rossetti – Hastings & Thunderbird CC
Jesse Johl – Hillcrest CC
We are pro-business and pro-development, but believe that this should happen reasonably and responsibly with open and transparent consultation. Further that CACs should stay in the community where developments occur.
Our fundamental and core values are simple and are the same as the majority of Vancouverites. We believe in getting back to basics, and taking care of our city starting with:
Lowering taxes on small businesses and homeowners
Creation of the office of the ombudsman/public advocate and lobbyist registry
Opening the books of city hall and giving a line by line accounting
Funding our community centres and promoting the independent model for CCAs and including a third party arbitration/mediation clause in every JOA immediately to address outstanding issues
Building a senior centres in every community
1,000 more daycare and preschool spaces
Building more playgrounds and revitalizing the outdoor/indoor pools
Increase funding for our Fire and Police departments and immediate purchase of equipment for both such as a fire boat
Expansion of community policing offices for every community, and an increase in funding for our community policing offices to help fight property and petty crime
Vancouver 1st will address all lawsuits filed against the city by immediately sitting down with all parties without any preconditions.
This will be between elected officials and concerned citizens first.
Finally, I would like to say that Vancouver 1st will do what no other party in Vancouver has done… and that is put you first, Vancouver 1st.
On November 15th please vote Vancouver 1st and bring city hall to the people.
Facebook: facebook.com/vancouver1st
Twitter: twitter.com/vancouverfirst1
Website: vancouver1st.com
