Michael Glenister

So, I vote for whoever I believe is the best candidate or party at the time. I voted Conservative when I lived in Ottawa in the 1980s. I almost voted for Justin Trudeau when he promised to hold a referendum on proportional representation, but I’m jaded enough not to trust the promises politicians make during elections and wasn’t surprised when he backed out of that one. However, I care deeply about the environment, and I also believe in fairness, so I prefer to vote Green. My personal ethics also demand that I vote for who I truly support, rather than voting strategically.

Coquitlam had only three candidates in the last election—one for each of the three major parties. I was frustrated that voters in my riding didn’t have more choices. I try to resist the “Someone Else’s Problem” effect, and I actively practice doing so. When I see an object on the road, I stop and move it out of the way instead of just driving around it. If someone is in trouble or injured, I stop to help instead of leaving it for someone else. So, I thought—why don’t I run? Plus, unlike me, most politicians have a terrible background in science, yet they’re the ones deciding who gets research funding.

I’ve been teaching high school science and mathematics for the Surrey School District for over 25 years. I have a degree in biology from UBC, where I also earned my teaching degree. In addition to teaching full-time, I’m a part-time magician and an Uber driver. I’ve been environmentally conscious since I was a kid and have participated in beach clean-ups, the removal of invasive species from parks, and monitoring stream water quality. I have solar panels on my house, drive an electric car, and I also keep bees.

If elected, I’ll push for a national referendum on proportional representation, the development of more renewable energy projects, and a sustainable economy. I’d also like to see government reforms to bring our 19th-century system into the 21st century.