My parents arrived from Greece with little formal education and limited English, but they brought something more valuable: a strong work ethic, faith in family, respect for others and the determination to build a better future. My father, Nick, opened his barbershop in Metrotown and spent 50 years serving generations of Burnaby families. His shop was more than a business - it was a place where people came to talk, be heard and feel welcome.
Watching my father work taught me values that have stayed with me: hard work, listen carefully, respect every person, and never forget the community that supports you. He believed family came first, your word mattered, and success was measured not only by what you achieved, but by how you treated people, from seniors to the most vulnerable.
I grew up in Burnaby, attended elementary and high school here, and went on to earn three degrees. Strong believer in lifelong learning, I studied Critical Thinking and Strategic Partnerships at Wharton. As a teacher, coach, school principal, business leader in health care and community volunteer, I have learned the importance of teamwork, accountability and getting things done. As Director of Edmonds Business and Community Association, I presented the proposal for a perimeter walkway around Central Park - an example of how community ideas can become action.
I am also a strong supporter of SFU Athletics regularly attending games with my dog Timber and believing SFU is one of Burnaby's great assets, especially the new stadium. I'm not a politician. I'm a Burnaby resident who believes the next chapter should be built around people, not bureaucracy. Burnaby has enormous potential. With its amazing assets and people, our city is uniquely positioned to unleash its potential and become the most efficient city in Canada.
My vision is to unleash Burnaby's potential and make it one of Canada's safest, most efficient, innovative and livable cities - where every tax dollar works harder and every resident has a voice. I'm running because I believe I can bring a different perspective to City Hall - and help build Burnaby's next chapter.
I want Burnaby to become a city where people can afford to stay, families can build a future, seniors can age with dignity, businesses can succeed, and taxpayers know their money is being respected. I want us to embrace the AI era rather than be left behind - and most importantly, I want people to feel that City Hall works for them. We need leadership prepared for the AI era - and a mayor who will respect every tax dollar and listen to every voice.
Why I'm Running
Burnaby is at a crossroads
Burnaby is at a crossroads. Running for Mayor is another opportunity to serve the community. I have always viewed teaching and coaching as a privilege. I was once told that a good coach can change a game, but a great coach can change a life. I view public service in much the same way: help people succeed, remove unnecessary barriers and remember that elected office is service to the community — not a career.
This election is about more than choosing a Mayor — it is about choosing Burnaby's direction. After eight years, we should ask: Is housing more affordable? Is traffic congestion better? Has infrastructure kept pace? Has City Hall become more efficient? The families who call Burnaby home, the seniors who built our community, the workers who keep it moving, young people building their future and the businesses that power our neighbourhoods all have a stake in what comes next.
Renewal means controlling taxes and spending, bringing fresh perspectives to City Hall, consulting residents before decisions, reporting the full cost of major projects before approval, and treating the Mayor's office as one paycheque and one full-time commitment to Burnaby. Your voice. Your vote. Your future.
Burnaby has been governed by the same civic slate for 39 consecutive years. What my campaign hears, at doors and on sidewalks, is a clear call for change: change in how taxpayers' money is handled and spent, with real consultation before decisions are made; change on affordability, at a time when nearly 70,000 residents moved from British Columbia to other provinces in a single year and more people are leaving than arriving; and change from development approved faster than the roads, transit and infrastructure that have to carry it. Change comes from fresh perspectives and a willingness to do things differently. I will be the candidate who brings it.
After eight years, “I'm running to finish the job” cannot be the only choice. The question we should be asking is: how long does it take? Eight years is enough to know what works, what doesn't, and what needs to change. Burnaby cannot afford to stay on the same path while families struggle with affordability and the cost of living continues to rise. We need a Mayor who takes responsibility, brings solutions to the table, and leads — rather than pointing to other levels of government.
I'm running for mayor because I love Burnaby and believe our city is ready for a new chapter.
I'm not a politician. I'm a lifelong community builder, educator and administrator, coach, business COO and volunteer. I was raised with simple values: family comes first, help the elderly in our family, work hard, respect others and listen to people even when you don't agree with them. Those values have guided me throughout my life and shaped how I lead, work and serve my community.
Burnaby has enormous potential. With its amazing assets and people, our city is uniquely positioned to unleash its potential and become the most efficient city in Canada. I want to make government more efficient, reduce duplication, and use modern tools — including artificial intelligence where it makes sense — to improve services and make better use of taxpayers' money.
Vancouver has shown that finding efficiencies can make a real difference for taxpayers. I believe Burnaby should be asking the same questions: Can we deliver better services without continually asking taxpayers for more?
This campaign isn't about building a political career. It's about passion for Burnaby, a lifetime of experience and the opportunity to help build its next chapter. I want to listen to Burnaby's 250,000 residents, respect every voice and make sure every tax dollar works as hard as possible for them.
Read the campaign priorities or send Bill a note — he reads them.