Candidates for Mayor, Council Team Up under “A Better Maple Ridge” Banner

A group of candidates running for mayor and council have announced that they will be running together as part of the “A Better Maple Ridge”. The candidates include former MP Dan Ruimy for mayor, and councillor candidates Korleen Carreras, Onyeka Dozie, Sunny Schiller, and Jenny Tan. The team was announced to a packed audience of supporters at a backyard barbecue over the weekend.

Asked about what motivated the candidates to run together, Ruimy had this to say. “Over the past few months, we’ve come to realize that we share a collective vision for our city and building a better future for all. We need to take action on affordability and improving services for residents. We need to work with the provincial and federal governments to make sure we’re not leaving a single dollar on the table in terms of funding for infrastructure and other projects. The current council has shown that they are more interested in infighting than getting to work, and we want to offer voters a clear alternative.” Our Team is committed to debating the issues at the council table.

“We’re a group of people with very different jobs, backgrounds, and areas of expertise,” said Carreras. “But we all agree that the most important thing a Council has to be focused on is getting results for our community.”

Tan, an economist, added "Cities can play a huge role in addressing the challenges we face, and attention to the triple bottom line - economy, environment, and people - is crucial for decision-making that leads to better outcomes for all, not just a select few.”

“It’s so important that small businesses be supported,” continued Dozie. “As the former president of the Port Coquitlam Business Improvement Society, I know that vibrant small businesses lead to vibrant communities which is good for all of us.”

Schiller, an environmental leader concluded, “So often, we’re given a false choice in politics where we’re pitted against each other. I’m excited to run with a group of folks who celebrate diverse perspectives. We need a Council that is willing to listen, whether that's when engaging the public or debating issues at the Council table. A variety of views makes for better decisions and a better use of our resources. “

Information about the Better Maple Ridge team, candidates, and how to get involved is available on the website www.ABetterMapleRidge.ca.

The election will be Saturday October 15, 2022.

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Korleen Carreras:
Korleen Carreras is a two term School Trustee and current Chair of the board of education. She is a past president of the The Act Arts Council and Director of Ceremonies and Special Events on the 2020 Maple Ridge BC Summer Games organizing committee. 

Sunny Schiller:

Sunny Schiller has worked in the community for many years and has held positions at the City of Maple Ridge and with the Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows Katzie Community Network. She currently works at the office of Maple Ridge Mission MLA Bob D'Eith. Sunny is a Board Member of the Maple Ridge Climate Hub and was part of the founding team behind Maple Ridge Repair Cafe.

Jenny Tan:

Jenny Tan is an economist, a former journalist, and currently the Director of Partnerships at a non-profit organization that advocates for better transportation and urban planning. She previously sat on the Social Policy Advisory Committee for the City of Maple Ridge and is the host of a podcast that examines the roots of the housing crisis. 

Onyeka Dozie

"Purpose driven collaborative supportive action is needed at the city hall today more than ever before. The youth, our seniors, business community and the hard-working people of our community deserve a change that will bring about a better Maple Ridge that we all seek. I am in this race to work with others to make this dream a reality"

Dan Ruimy:

A Former Member of Parliament for Pitt Meadows Maple Ridge, Ruimy believes in building great relationships and working with senior levels of government to bring in tens of millions of additional funding into Maple Ridge – for smart and sustainable development, local infrastructure, and to improve traffic, transit and housing