FORMER solicitor general Kash Heed and former Richmond councillor Derek Dang announced on Tuesday that they have formed Richmond Rise to run for Richmond City Council and are asking voters for their support on October 15.
They said: “In this year’s municipal election, Richmond voters will have the option to vote for two experienced, reliable, and enthusiastic City Council candidates ready to work hard and focus on issues that matter the most to residents.”
Dang said: “I was raised in Richmond of Chinese descent. I have witnessed the growth of Richmond from an agrarian society to one that thrives in economic importance. It has been a privilege to serve as a City Councillor previously for 22 years and I am asking for the opportunity to serve the citizens again.”
Kash added: “I was one of four children raised by our dear mother in Richmond. She taught me to do what is right rather than what is popular. This has been my guiding principle through my career and will influence my drive to continue to make Richmond a proud community to call home.”
Dang was first elected to Richmond City Council in 1996 and has helped shape many successful community projects over the years. In addition to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games and sister-city collaborations with municipalities in China, his collaborative approach has helped position Richmond as a local city with international ties.
Since his first patrol with the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) in 1979, Heed has served the citizens of British Columbia for over 43 years. After high-profile gang and drug enforcement commands with the VPD, he was West Vancouver’s Chief Constable for two years before being elected to the BC Legislature in 2009 as the MLA for Vancouver-Fraserview. Immediately after, Heed was appointed to serve as BC’s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
Building on their extensive experience and in response to feedback received from Richmond
residents, businesses, and community leaders, Heed and Dang have identified four policy priorities to guide Richmond Rise over the next four years: Public Safety; Housing; Senior’s Living; and Good Government.
Dang said: “My grandparents and my parents taught me the power of being able to conduct significant negotiations here in Richmond. They saw Richmond as place of opportunity and embrace. My goal is to continue this tradition that can see the potential of our Island City and navigate an inclusive course to prosperity.”
Heed added: “I have been a visible leader with a history of planning, implementing, and completing largescale projects that have influenced drug and protective service policies. My fortitude, innovation, and leadership skills have elevated criminal justice benchmarks, developed sustainable human talent and strengthened stakeholder relationships. On October 15, I hope local voters will give me the opportunity to put this experience to work for them.”
More information regarding the Richmond Rise agenda will be announced during the campaign, said Dang and Heed.
In the meantime, citizens interested in supporting the campaign are invited to contact them at www.rmdrise.ca.
