The Tri-City News sent questionnaires to each candidate in the 2022 civic election to learn more about who they are, why they are campaigning and what are the issues that matter most to them.
Candidates are being published to our website in alphabetical order.
Ali Tootian
- Age: 59
- Years as a Coquitlam resident: 17
- Occupation: Teacher at Gleneagle Secondary in Coquitlam
- Most recent civic/volunteer work? Storm drain (Yellow Fish) protection program.
- Website: AliTootianBio.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 604-809-2294
- Instagram: @Coquitlam4Us
- LinkedIn: @alitootian
- Facebook: @TootianAli
Why are you running for public office?
"I am an active member of the community, an educator and a social activist. Now that my children are grown up, I can give back to the community more than before. Coquitlam is my home; I live and work in the same neighbourhood. I would like to keep my city safe and sound while experiencing its change into a modern city. I believe in a diversity of knowledge, expertise and background among the city council members to approach city-related projects inclusively. I can offer up-to-date research and education techniques, and years of experience working and hearing youth, young adults and their needs. I advocate for the lifestyle of seniors as well as holding on to environmental values at all costs."
What’s your No. 1 issue and why?
"The city council is not properly connected to the residents. This has caused several different issues at the city level. The demographic of Coquitlam has dramatically changed in the past decade and the council, which is supposed to represent the public, is not communicating with residents. Therefore, the city is falling behind in some areas such as holding and meeting on to the lifestyle residents prefer, hearing the peoples’ concerns with density and fast-growing Coquitlam, and the infrastructure required for keeping up with quick changes. The city council in Coquitlam should educate people about how to be part of a modern city while collecting useful data in a variety of ways."
