City councillor candidate Jizhou (William) Wang says he is running to make Richmond safer, more affordable, more efficient and full of opportunity, and answers questions on public safety and housing development fees.
The Story
Jizhou (William) Wang, a candidate for Richmond city council, says he is seeking to improve what he calls safety, affordability, efficiency and opportunity in the city where he moved with his wife and daughter in 2012.
Wang, who is listed as running with the Advance Richmond slate, provides his profession as an investment banker and YouTuber. In describing his reasons for running, he says his focus is on solving problems rather than only discussing them, and he notes that his family is raising three children in Richmond.
In response to a yes-or-no question on whether Richmond is a safe place to live, work and play, Wang says Richmond is a good community but that the city should not ignore residents who feel less secure than they did before. He says public safety must be practical, including residents being able to communicate effectively with police and understand how to get help, and he calls for strengthening communication between public safety services and diverse communities.
Wang also argues that improving prevention and directing resources to where they are needed are key parts of making Richmond safer, and he says a safe city should identify problems early and deal with them effectively.
On a second yes-or-no question about whether the city should lower fees for developers to support faster housing development, Wang says yes, saying Richmond needs more housing while also avoiding delays, unpredictable costs and unnecessary bureaucracy. He says he wants the approval process to be faster, clearer and more accountable, including service standards and timelines at City Hall.
Wang says applicants for new housing should know what is required, what it will cost and when they can expect a decision, and he adds that residents should not face indefinite waits for basic approvals for straightforward home renovations.
He says the city should measure how long applications actually take and continuously improve the process, while ensuring faster development respects infrastructure, safety and neighbourhood needs.
In a third question on whether he supports creating more low-cost or subsidized commercial space for local entrepreneurs and startups, Wang says yes. He says small businesses and entrepreneurs bring energy to a city and supports exploring lower-cost commercial spaces, partnerships and practical programs to help local entrepreneurs start.
Wang also says he wants to create more opportunities for young people to experience entrepreneurship through community-based programs, mentorship and small-business initiatives, and he says support should also look at permits, regulations, processing times and other barriers that make it difficult for small businesses to open and grow.
← More stories