New Westminter native Tej Kainth is aiming to “spark the vote” in the 2014 civic election.
Kainth, executive director of Tourism New Westminster, has announced she’ll be running for a seat on city council in November’s election. Along with her role at Tourism New Westminster, the New Westminster native has spearheaded a number of initiatives in the city including Quest New West, the Key to the City, NEXT New West and the Next Up awards.
“I’m running because I love this city and I’m excited about all the opportunities ahead of us,” she said in a press release. “New West is built on a rich history, but there’s an exciting vibe with a lot of new people and businesses moving here, and I want to help keep the momentum going.”
Kainth said Tourism New Westminster fully supports her decision to run for city council.
“I’ve seen firsthand the dedication and commitment Tej has to everything she does,” Tourism New Westminster president Kathy MacKerricher said in a press release. “She is New Westminster’s biggest champion and works diligently developing the city’s profitable, business connections and sense of community. She’s a great listener and has her ear to the ground to find out what concerns, interests and needs people have. She’d be a great asset at city hall.”
Tourism New Westminster, now based at the Anvil Centre, receives a grant from the City of New Westminster.
Kainth said she’s looked into the issue of conflict of interest and has been given the green light to run for council.
“There is no conflict. I am not a city employee,” she told The Record. “Obviously, when tourism issues arise I will step back and be aware of that.”
If elected, Kainth wants to spark conversations and projects around issues of family support, smart growth, economic development, community engagement, transportation planning and youth leadership. She also wants to ignite an interest in getting more people to vote – many for the first time.
“Voting is one of the best ways to shape our city,” she said. “I want to spark excitement, engagement and conversation that help get people out to the polls. I want to spark the vote.”
Kainth hopes to be elected to council so she can help the city build on the positive momentum that’s taking place in the city.
“I always knew I was going to do it one day. I just didn’t think I was going to do it at the age of 33,” she said. “I am ready for this.”
While she has respect for all candidates, Kainth said she plans to run as an independent rather than part of a slate. Kainth said she “eats, breathes and sleeps” New Westminster, so serving on city council would be a perfect fit.
“I am crazy in love with this city,” she said. “If New West was a man, I would definitely marry him.”
