"I envision PoCo as a place for families to live, work and play."
That's from Cindy Carkner as part of her campaign launch for Port Coquitlam city council in formally announcing her intentions to run in the 2022 municipal election — set for Oct. 15.
The local interior designer and entrepreneur of more than 20 years hopes her first stint is a success as she believes she can provide a "creative" agenda that focuses on "investing in community" through new opportunities and partnerships.
"I intend to listen and learn from PoCo residents and focus on what matters most to them," said Carkner in a news release sent to the Tri-City News.
"I imagine a vibrant city centre with diverse local shops and restaurants and a unique vibe. As city councillor, I want to build on the progressive work of past councils and attract new businesses, create additional living spaces and pursue new cultural events for the community."
According to Carkner, civic leaders should put people and community first.
She claims, as a mother of three daughters and a woman in business, she'll be able to connect with residents from all corners of Port Coquitlam.
"As a service-oriented family, providing elder care to aging parents, supporting my daughters and their young families, and assisting families new to PoCo, I will deliver a unique female perspective with compassion, thoughtfulness and a can-do attitude."
Carkner has served as a volunteer with a number of Port Coquitlam community groups and non-profits while raising her family.
This includes chairing Castle Park Elementary's parent advisory council, delivering groceries and meals to families during the COVID-19 pandemic, and acting as a cooking instructor at Hawthorne Seniors Care Community.
Carkner studied interior design and home development at BCIT and Trinity Western University.
Her husband is Dr. Mike Carkner — a Tri-Cities family physician and coach of the Terry Fox Secondary senior girls' basketball team.
Other known candidates who have formally announced their intentions to run include Dawn Becker, Mithila Karnik, Justin Alexander Smith, Sarah Harbord, Erik Minty, Jami Watson, council incumbents Dean Washington, Glenn Pollock, Nancy McCurrach and Steve Darling, and mayoral incumbent Brad West.
Those wishing to run for a mayor, city council or school board position have until 4 p.m. on Friday (Sept. 9) to submit a nomination package to their respective municipality.
For more information on Carkner and her platform, you can visit her campaign website.
She can also be reached directly by phone at 604-788-0549, email [email protected] or through her Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
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.
