After much careful thought, I have put my name forward as a candidate for City of Courtenay council.
My family and I moved to Courtenay in 1993. Since coming from Taiwan, we have worked hard at fitting in and contributing to our new home. My husband Dali set up T.F. Specialty Sawmill where I worked in office management and international export of specialty lumber.
In 1996, we also purchased the Maple Pool Campground, which we have managed solely since 2003. We have proudly worked with the Dawn To Dawn Society to house people who would otherwise have been homeless, and I have gained considerable insight in dealing with issues of mental health and addictions through this experience. Both of our businesses provided life lessons in dealing with people from all walks of life.
I am probably best known in Courtenay for my volunteer activities (CVMISS or the Comox Valley Multicultural and Immigrant Support Society, July 1st Committee and Advisory, Lantern Fest Committee, Evergreen Club Special Event Committee, Naswell Christmas Dinner, Elks Club, Comox Valley BC Senior Games, China Winter Olympic team attaché and more). I have humbly accepted awards including 2017 Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year as well as one of Courtenay Centennial Anniversary celebration’s Citizen of the Century.
As an immigrant to Canada, I take great pleasure in promoting and sharing cultural friendships to help to enrich our community, and give people from other cultures the opportunity to share their customs, foods and festivals with our friends and neighbours in the Comox Valley. I am especially proud to say that we have done this at no cost to the local government.
I am much more than a passionate volunteer. My diverse business and volunteer experience has prepared me for budgeting and fiscal responsibility. Those who know me well say that my heart is on the left but my pocketbook is firmly on the right. This is the balanced approach I would take if elected. As a councillor, I would listen carefully, study extensively, discuss respectfully and serve selflessly.
Some local issues that I feel strongly about:
• Fiscally responsible oversight
• Spending within our means
• Open and transparent government
• Addressing housing affordability
• Promoting senior-oriented amenities
• Recycling education
I look forward to more community input during my campaign.
Jin can be reached by phone, at 250-792-0738 or by email: jinlinforcouncil@gmail.com