Rick McGowan is running for Burnaby city council with the Burnaby Municipal Green Party:
My name is Rick McGowan. I am a public school teacher in New Westminster. I am 41.
I moved to Burnaby in 1988 to attend Simon Fraser University. Being from the Okanagan, I immediately fell in love with the temperate climate and lush urban forests of the Lower Mainland. The view of the North Shore and Burrard Inlet reminded me of the mountains that surround Okanagan Lake. I loved the convenience of being able to walk, bike or take transit to access the amenities, job opportunities and attractions within and outside of Burnaby. I enjoyed being part of the university community, which at the time had a student population of about 15,000.
I have chosen to run as a Green in this election for several reasons. As a Civics 11 teacher, I explain the values and ideals of participation in a democratic system. As we explored issues of governance, it became clear to me and my students that the reality of politics is considerably removed from the ideal. I see people without a voice in the system including new Canadians, children, seniors, the homeless, and other vulnerable groups. I see the growing influence of special interest groups in our democratic system - a system where individuals are supposed to have the power. Admittedly, our children's future, the elderly, the marginalized and the environment are my special interests.
Unlike the other parties in this election, our low budget campaign is buoyed by strong organization, commitment, cooperation and many pragmatic solutions to the issues of today. We are not left or right thinking. We are forward, long-term thinkers.
