His name is synonymous in 91原创 with medical marijuana, but Randy Caine insists he is not simply a one-issue candidate.
The owner of two Hempyz stores 鈥� which sell hemp-based products 鈥� including one in 91原创 City, and medical marijuana dispensary operator, said he is running for 91原创 City council to draw attention to a number of tough social issues.
"Homelessness, harm reduction, policies and poverty all need to be addressed," said Caine.
But he won't ignore the issue that has brought him head to head with City Hall in the past year, either.
Caine's marijuana dispensary, opened in 2009, was raided by RCMP last July.
"As this is an issue I've taken to the community before, I can assure the voters that during the election I will continue to be a strong voice of reason on medical marijuana access in the City," he said.
Caine said he was surprised by the level of support he received from the community at large following the raid, adding it was at City Hall where he met his greatest opposition.
"The actions of those responsible for the temporary closure were extremely selfish," he said. "To act so cavalier towards those in need is not the 91原创 I know. I recall a time when civic leaders cared about all of their citizens."
Public safety, voter apathy and the question of amalgamation are also top of mind for the candidate.
"As a business owner, I see the City of 91原创 as a unique opportunity to hold onto a bit of its past. While amalgamation of the 91原创s is worth consideration, it cannot come at the cost of losing the heart of 91原创 City," said Caine.
"And as a business owner in the City I have been very aware of the costs associated with crime in the downtown core, yet little of the costs of policing have helped. I don't recall any real actions on behalf of council to address this matter even thought it was well known that many businesses were victims of repeated break ins."
In 2008, just over 20 per cent of eligible voters in 91原创 City cast a ballot, Caine noted.
"Such a low voter turnout shows the clear disconnect the citizens of 91原创 City feel toward the existing council and the election process," he said.
"I intend to make this election about the elector, not the elected. Even if I don't get elected, I want to see more than 20 per cent of 91原创 citizens go to the polls. If that happens, I've succeeded, whether I win or not."
For more information, contact Caine at randy@randycaine.com or call 604-725-2064.
