It was hinted at last week on Twitter. Now it's official.
Chamber of commerce president Jason Lum is jumping into the fray to run for city council.
"I'm excited the news is public, and eager to hit the ground running," Lum said.
Creating a "healthy, vibrant community" through innovation, education, and quality of life are some of his goals.
He was approached to run two years ago, and has been humbled by the support received to date.
The Sardis secondary grad studied at the University of the Fraser Valley and is owner/operator of a local tech firm, Myriad.
In 2007, he joined the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce board, eventually taking over as one of the youngest presidents ever in its 108-year history.
“Having the opportunity to work and learn alongside some of the brightest business people in Chilliwack has been an honour and a privilege.”
He is also on the board of Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation, Downtown Chilliwack BIA, Chilliwack Museum, Chairman of the Lower Mainland Economic Sustainability Panel, the Stó:lō Development Corporation, as well as Vice Chairman of the Fraser Valley Healthcare Foundation.
Along with his work with the business community, Lum has also volunteered as a Youth Mentor with the Phoenix Program at Chilliwack Community Services and is a member of the Mount Cheam Rotary Club.
Lum said his campaign will focus on: generating new ideas, engaging voters, especially younger ones, and actively seeking out opportunities to help solve some of the challenges local government is faced with.
Find out more at www.jasonlum.ca
Paramedic Phill Bruce is joining the race for a council seat in Chilliwack, citing a lifelong interest in community politics.
"For many years I have watched friends, family, and mentors work in these positions, and have admired the growth that they have acquired in human relations," he said in a news release.
Bruce said he's ready to debate issues from "fiscal responsibility, community infrastructure, provincial and federal cutbacks," as well as downtown revitalization and crime prevention.
"I am ready to focus on these, and many more important areas that are in need of Chilliwack City Council's attention," he said, adding his background brings "a no-nonsense voice of reason" to the mix.
Bruce is married and has three children, and has taught youth basketball and soccer. His career as a health professional has spanned 27 years as a paramedic and educator of street medicine and emergency preparedness, as well as teaching DND medics before they're deployed overseas.
"I am a huge advocate for the elderly, and feel strongly about ensuring universal literacy," he said.
Council candidate Mitchell Nosko said he understands the struggles of Chilliwack's young families.
"My goals if elected to city council are to help the new families by increasing Chilliwack's attractiveness to new business, and to help struggling existing businesses with incentives like temporary reductions in property taxes," Nosko said in a news release announcing his candidacy.
Nosko, 33, moved to Chilliwack from Toronto in 2004, and is owner/operator of Principal Air, a flight school and air charter company at the Chilliwack Airport.
He's a member of the Chilliwack Aviation and Aerospace committee, geared to expanding the aviation community and improving the Chilliwack Airport.
"Chilliwack is my home, and it is where my wife and I plan to start a family," he said. "I understand the struggles that young families face living in Chilliwack. Have to commute to work is a common trend today cause by a lack of higher paying jobs in Chilliwack."
Rapid transit is a priority for Bruce, as is fiscal restraint.
"These are tough economic times and many families are struggling, the last thing they need is increased taxes," he said. "The city has to reduce spending to keep expenditures in line with income."