My Experience
1992 — Vice President, Import & Export Company
In 1992, I was promoted to Vice President of the Import & Export branch within my company in Suzhou, China.
I had first worked for approximately five years as a biochemist in manufacturing. Through my work and experience, I was given the opportunity to take on this senior management responsibility.
In this role, I had to understand and work across many parts of international business — including financing, import and export, shipping and containers, insurance, and other practical aspects of getting business done.
This new responsibility encouraged me to broaden my knowledge of business, finance and the world economy. That led me to return to university to pursue an MBA, with a focus on Finance and World Economy.
A Practical Focus for Hamilton
My priorities are based on a simple principle: municipal government should provide effective services, manage public money responsibly and make decisions with the long-term interests of Hamilton residents in mind.
Eight Areas of Focus
Financial Responsibility & Transparency
Hamilton residents deserve clear and timely information about how their tax dollars are being spent. I would focus on financial transparency, meaningful reporting, careful examination of spending and accountability for results.
Before asking taxpayers for more money, City Hall should demonstrate where existing funds are going, what results are being achieved and where efficiencies can be found.
Better City Services
Residents and businesses should be able to receive responsive, accessible and understandable service from City Hall.
I believe municipal operations should be examined with a focus on accessibility, accountability, productivity and practical service to the people who pay for those services.
Infrastructure & Transportation
Roads, bridges, water systems, sewer systems and other essential infrastructure require long-term planning and maintenance.
Hamilton should understand the condition of its existing infrastructure, the cost of maintaining it and the consequences of delaying necessary work.
Transportation planning should consider pedestrians, cyclists, public transit, drivers, freight, emergency services and people with disabilities.
Responsible Growth
Hamilton needs growth that can be supported by the infrastructure and services available to residents.
Densification can make sense where infrastructure can support it, while expansion also has long-term costs that must be understood.
My approach is infrastructure first, growth second.
Housing & Homelessness
Hamilton needs practical cooperation among municipal government, the Province, healthcare organizations, housing providers and community organizations.
We should measure progress by outcomes: how many people move from homelessness into stable housing and how many remain housed over time.
Public Health & Safety
Residents deserve safe parks, streets, neighbourhoods and public spaces.
Municipal responsibilities include public spaces, emergency services, policing, bylaw enforcement, sanitation and coordination with other levels of government.
Where responsibilities belong primarily to the Province, Hamilton should work for stronger coordination rather than pretending municipal government can solve everything alone.
Supporting Older Adults
Older adults should be able to live with dignity, security and independence.
That includes affordable and accessible housing, transportation, access to services and opportunities to remain active and connected to the community.
Seniors should also have a meaningful voice in discussions about the services and policies that affect them.
Business & Economic Development
Hamilton should make it easier for residents and businesses to understand City processes, obtain answers and resolve issues.
Reducing unnecessary administrative barriers does not mean removing appropriate rules or oversight. It means making government processes more understandable, efficient and accountable.
Economic development should consider both economic opportunity and the long-term interests of Hamilton residents and taxpayers.
Evidence Before Decisions
Major municipal decisions can affect Hamilton for decades. Whether the issue is infrastructure, development, transportation, housing or economic development, residents deserve to understand the evidence, costs, benefits and long-term consequences.
My approach is to ask questions, examine the information, listen to residents and make decisions based on the circumstances of the issue rather than political slogans.
A Better-Run Hamilton
My goal is a Hamilton that is financially responsible, transparent, safe and focused on providing the services residents actually need.