SFU student brings youth perspective to Coquitlam council race
An undergraduate student at Simon Fraser University has entered the Coquitlam municipal race, pitching himself as a younger, independent voice focused on the everyday concerns of residents.
Ali Cina, 21, who is studying computer science and political science at SFU and has lived in Coquitlam for eight years, announced his candidacy in a news release on Aug. 10. His campaign centres on three primary priorities: cost of living relief, greater transparency in municipal finances and increased community engagement.
Platform priorities and proposed changes
Cina says lowering property taxes and diversifying the city’s revenue sources are central to his approach on affordability. On transparency, he proposes a digital budget tool for residents and more frequent financial reporting — quarterly rather than annual updates — so taxpayers can track how public funds are spent.
For community engagement, Cina wants residents to have more meaningful input on city decisions, with earlier notice and consultation timelines so people and small business owners can engage before plans are finalised.
“I’m not running because I’ve spent decades in politics. I’m running because I’ve spent my life in this community. I’ve talked to the residents and small business owners living these problems and I think it’s time someone who actually understands them helps fix them,”
The candidate says his pitch offers residents a different perspective from career politicians, emphasising lived experience in the neighbourhoods affected by municipal policies.
Field shaping up ahead of civic vote
Cina joins a growing list of candidates vying for council seats in Coquitlam. The news release lists the following individuals currently campaigning door-to-door (in alphabetical order):
- Phillip Buchan
- Tali Campbell
- Matt Djonlic
- Dana Ebtekar
- Madhavee Inamdar
- Genevieve Kyle-Lefebvre
- Matthew Sebastiani
- Harvey Su
- Kash Tayal
- Jane Thomsing
Incumbent Coun. Craig Hodge has signalled a mayoral run to succeed Richard Stewart, who announced his retirement from the mayor’s office last year. The shifting field at the top of the ballot could reshape council dynamics and policy direction if voters opt for significant change.
| Candidate | Noted status |
|---|---|
| Ali Cina | SFU student; candidate for council |
| Craig Hodge | Running for mayor |
| Richard Stewart | Retiring mayor |
What this means for Coquitlam
Municipal elections determine who sets rates, approves development and prioritises public services. Cina’s emphasis on property taxes and a more interactive budget suggests his campaign will focus on financial stewardship and civic access, areas that resonate with residents managing household costs and local businesses navigating post-pandemic pressures.
Calls for quarterly reporting and an online budgeting tool would represent a step toward real-time municipal accountability if implemented. Such changes could alter how residents follow spending decisions and engage with council priorities between elections.
With several candidates already active in the door-knocking phase, the election campaign in Coquitlam appears to be entering a competitive stage. Voters will have the opportunity to weigh proposals from a mix of newcomers and established figures as the campaign progresses.
For more details on Cina’s platform and to follow local campaign developments, his news release directs residents to his campaign website.
