Fil-Canadian to run for city councilor in Vancouver
10/07/2011
VANCOUVER - A young Filipino-Canadian is slowly making his mark in local politics, after winning a bid to run as city councilor in November.
Rafael JR Aquino is running for city councilor under the Coalition of Progressive Electors or COPE.
Aquino won the nomination by a narrow margin, as he defeated 3-time COPE councilor David Cadman by 7 votes--316 to 309.
“It demonstrated the need for reinforcement for the Filipino community to mobilize and really understand the process if they want to nominate somebody within the community,” Aquino said.
Long-time COPE member and city councilor Ellen Woodsworth, who nominated Aquino for the position, said she believes the 30-year-old political newcomer will bring a fresh perspective to the Vancouver City Council.
“I think RJ is a great candidate. He's committed to the same issues I'm working on so I was happy to help him out and get him elected today,” she said.
Aquino has been a long time advocate of workers' rights and new Canadians. He used the power of technology to connect communities and foster relationships for social change.
In his speech, Aquino championed the need for affordable housing, public transit and child care in Vancouver. He also called on the youth to become more involved in the city's decision making process.
“I want them to know so they care; I want them to care so they take action; and I want them to take action so we can see change,” he said.
Woodsworth and former city councilor Tim Louis will join him in the COPE slate. If elected, Aquino will be the first city councilor of Filipino ancestry in Vancouver.
Aquino won the nomination by a narrow margin, as he defeated 3-time COPE councilor David Cadman by 7 votes--316 to 309.
“It demonstrated the need for reinforcement for the Filipino community to mobilize and really understand the process if they want to nominate somebody within the community,” Aquino said.
Long-time COPE member and city councilor Ellen Woodsworth, who nominated Aquino for the position, said she believes the 30-year-old political newcomer will bring a fresh perspective to the Vancouver City Council.
“I think RJ is a great candidate. He's committed to the same issues I'm working on so I was happy to help him out and get him elected today,” she said.
Aquino has been a long time advocate of workers' rights and new Canadians. He used the power of technology to connect communities and foster relationships for social change.
In his speech, Aquino championed the need for affordable housing, public transit and child care in Vancouver. He also called on the youth to become more involved in the city's decision making process.
“I want them to know so they care; I want them to care so they take action; and I want them to take action so we can see change,” he said.
Woodsworth and former city councilor Tim Louis will join him in the COPE slate. If elected, Aquino will be the first city councilor of Filipino ancestry in Vancouver.
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