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Former two-term school trustee Andy Hobbs topped the polls in the May 29 Richmond civic by-election with 3,095 votes.
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Hobbs wins Richmond civic by-election
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Andy Hobbs has dedicated his life to serving others. And now the long-time community volunteer can add city councillor to his resume.
A Richmond High grad, the retired Vancouver police superintendent and former two-term Richmond School Board trustee won today’s civic by-election with 3,095 votes and will replace Kelly Greene as a member of the municipal council. Greene gave up her seat after winning the Richmond-Steveston riding in last year’s provincial election.
Asked by the Richmond Sentinel what he considered to be the biggest priority for Richmond in the next year, Hobbs said “the city must make sure that it implements policies that help support small business so that jobs are protected and families’ incomes are secure.”
“We need to take steps now to not only make sure our local businesses, like restaurants, survive COVID-19 but thrive after,” he said. “I have advocated for the city to expedite permits, at no cost, to allow restaurants to expand patios so they can serve more people in a safe manner.”
Running as an independent, Hobbs spent 35 years with the Vancouver Police Department and listed community safety with a focus on community policing among his council goals. He also campaigned on financial accountability and sustainability, making more family-oriented housing options available, food security, farmland and the agricultural land reserve; and establishing a COVID-19 relief grant for small businesses.
On the issue of community safety, Hobbs said community policing is the most effective policing model for Richmond. But, he added, community safety involves “a lot more than just the police and fire services.”
“We must make sure that our local police coordinate action with other stakeholders such as the fire departments, healthcare providers, schools, community groups,” he said.
Hobbs has volunteered on numerous community boards, and is currently chair of the Britannia Heritage Shipyards Society.
Jonathan Ho earned the second-most votes in the May 29 by-election with 2,785, while Karina Reid earned 2,767 to place third. Ken Hamaguchi had 1,515 votes, Kay Hale 708, Sunny Ho 693, Jennifer Huang 655, John Roston 446, Mark Lee 239, and Dennis Page 81.
In accordance with the Local Government Act, the results are unofficial until June 2.
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