From ordinary office worker to state government aide, then running for city council “Breaking Down Communication Gaps, the Next Generation Will Continue the…
![[Interview] “Now is the time to raise our voices” Candidate Ria Park, running for Burnaby’s first Korean-American City Council member](https://pub-7c30bf53af234e8292c8a3d8df0166de.r2.dev/articles/cms8gxgs9000004lcu0o8rm6v/1792035131371-aace444b-21cd-48b1-8352-a5117f88afe9.jpg)
From ordinary office worker to state government aide, then running for city council
“Breaking Down Communication Gaps, the Next Generation Will Continue the Dedication of the First Generation of Koreans”
In Burnaby, one of the central cities of Metro Vancouver, Canada, a meaningful challenge by a 1.5-generation Korean-Canadian youth is continuing. Candidate Rhea Park, who began her career as an ordinary office worker and served as an aide to a British Columbia provincial assembly member, has launched a bid for the Burnaby City Council. In Burnaby, a city that has never once produced a Korean-Canadian council member throughout its long history, she is meeting voters directly, armed with everyday politics and open communication.
I was originally an ordinary office worker, but I reached a turning point while working as an aide to BC Assemblywoman Katrina Chen for about two years. This was because I witnessed firsthand how the numerous decisions made by the provincial and municipal governments directly impact the daily lives and quality of life of residents.
In the process, I keenly realized that our Korean community must also actively enter politics to finally gain strength and make its voice heard. I know this is not an easy challenge, but I decided to run for office with the conviction that this is a task someone must undertake for the sake of the local community and the Korean community.
City council members oversee overall city administration, but in reality, it is a position most closely connected to the daily lives of residents.
From maintaining streetlights to illuminate the streets at night, to installing crosswalks, and managing waste collection and the sewer system, all basic living infrastructure falls under the city's jurisdiction. Furthermore, the city oversees administrative matters directly linked to the vitality of the local economy, such as business permits and building permits for local small business owners. It is a position that resolves the daily issues that directly affect residents in the fastest and most accessible way.
The biggest problem I felt after meeting voters in person and listening to them was the ‘lack of communication.’
As Burnaby is a large city, local issues are diverse; however, residents commonly expressed frustration, stating that they “didn’t know where to discuss everyday problems” or “were completely unaware of significant changes happening in the neighborhood.” Compared to 30 to 40 years ago, the channels of communication have completely changed. Moving beyond traditional administrative methods, we aim to bridge the communication gap between generations and residents and innovate municipal communication through diversified channels, such as social media.
Many people think that politics is a realm accessible only to those with a distinguished family background or specific professionals like doctors and lawyers. However, opportunities are open to everyone.
I, too, began my involvement in the local community through volunteering. Devoting my precious time and effort was by no means easy, but through volunteering, I broadened my perspective and learned about the various facets of society, which allowed me to get to where I am today. I want to serve as an exemplary role model to convey the courage that anyone—even young people without special backgrounds—can change society, as long as they have the will and the ability to take action.
It is a deeply heartbreaking reality that not a single Korean-American city council member has been produced in Burnaby, a city with a long history. The fact that Korean-American candidates are now able to run in various locations such as Coquitlam, Langley, and Burnaby is due to the foundation laid by our first-generation immigrants who have silently dedicated themselves over the past few decades.
While I am grateful for your warm encouragement such as ‘Stay strong’ and ‘We’re rooting for you,’ your ‘direct vote’ is essential to achieve true change. I ask that those with the right to vote 꼭 come to the polling station to exercise their rights, and furthermore, work tirelessly alongside me on the ground. I will certainly repay your trust and support with results.
Interview = Editor-in-Chief Bae Ha-na
