Jami Watson says city council should represent several community groups and that they all should have a voice at the table.
The Costco employee of more than two decades believes she can be that voice and has decided to make a second attempt at running for a seat on Port Coquitlam city council in the 2022 civic election — set for Oct. 15.
In the 2018 civic election, Watson earned more than 1,300 votes, or 2.17 per cent of the councillor vote, amid a 30 per cent eligible voter turnout.
She claims that stat alone is "proof" more diversity is needed in politics.
"I love this city, and proud of its people," says Watson in her campaign announcement today (July 14).
"I want to bring representation, accessibility, opportunities and inclusion in way to give back to the city that has given so much to my children and I."
Watson explains, as a child, her family moved to Port Coquitlam from Ontario after being diagnosed with a profound hearing loss as School District 43 (SD43) offered a hard-of-hearing children mainstream program.
As someone on the disability spectrum, Watson believes her "empathy and understanding" of most life challenges can benefit others in similar situations.
She says this has included affordable housing, food security and mental health — all of which are issues that have been raised to her by hundred of local residents.
"My perspective and life experiences would bring a different voice to the table that is needed to make our local government more representative," adds Watson.
"It is my passion to be a voice for those who feel they don’t have one in any level of government. The dislike and distrust in our governments is real and bitter which is often dismissed."
If elected to council, other issues and initiatives Watson says she wants to bring forward include:
- Bringing the SkyTrain to Port Coquitlam
- Climate change, in terms of protecting infrastructure and the community
- Supporting local farmers on "the remaining farmland"
- Providing business opportunities for creating renewable energy
Watson has four children that have participated in local programs like lacrosse, soccer and music.
Watson is now one of four known council candidates for Port Coquitlam this fall, alongside Sarah Harbord, Erik Minty and incumbent Nancy McCurrach.
Harbord and Minty are first-time runners for the municipality, while McCurrach is seeking a second term around the horseshoe.
For more information on Watson and her platform, you can visit her Facebook page.
As well, the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce has scheduled a series of all-candidates debates for local 2022 civic elections.
Port Coquitlam mayor and council nominees will get the chance to speak to the issues that matter to them, and take questions from the public, at Riverside Community Church on Oct. 3.
