Sharon Perry​​​​, CPA, CA

I don’t put my name behind someone simply because I like them. When it comes to choosing a Mayor, I want to know they have the experience, judgment and the ability to actually do the job.

That is why I am proud to endorse Trish Mandewo for Mayor of Coquitlam.

I have known Trish for years and what has always stood out to me is her ability to listen, bring people together and work with people who may not always agree with her. She is genuinely inclusive and not because it is a word that sounds good in politics but because it is how she leads.

Trish also brings an incredible amount of governance experience to the table. She has served on Coquitlam City Council since 2018 but her experience goes far beyond City Hall. She has served on more than 25 boards across the public, private and non-profit sectors and served two terms as President of the Union of BC Municipalities, working with local governments throughout BC and advocating with other levels of government.

That experience matters.

A Mayor needs to understand governance but they also need to know how to build relationships and work effectively with regional, provincial and federal governments. So much of what Coquitlam needs cannot be accomplished by our city alone. Trish understands that world, has worked extensively within it and has built relationships that will help her advocate for Coquitlam.

If elected, Trish may also represent an important milestone for our city. Representation matters and seeing people of different genders, ethnicities and backgrounds in leadership matters. But that isn't why I am supporting her. I don't believe anyone should be elected because of their gender, ethnicity or the opportunity to make history. Those things can be celebrated but ultimately the person sitting in the Mayor's chair needs to be the best person for the job.

And I believe Trish is. 

I am supporting her because of her experience, her leadership, her understanding of governance and government and her ability to listen to different perspectives and bring people together.

Coquitlam has been my home for many years. I have raised my family here, built my business here and invested a great deal of myself into this community. I care deeply about where our city goes next and who is sitting in the Mayor’s chair. That is why this endorsement matters to me.

I am proud to support Trish Mandewo for Mayor of Coquitlam because I believe she is the right person to lead our city forward and I hope you will join me in that support.