Latest Fort Erie mayoral candidate Juan Liu aspires to big change

Juan Liu has big aspirations to help the people of the world–and those plans begin with Fort Erie.

The 37-year-old Crystal Beach resident is campaigning to become Fort Erie’s next mayor, with goals to make the place she chose to call home 10 years ago the blueprint for enriching people’s lives.

“I really hope people will understand what we’re going to do,” she said.

While she has no political background, she said she and her husband have travelled the world, studying political systems along the way.

Combine that travel experience with the research and scientific background of what she calls her science team, which includes her husband, and you’ve got her plan for shaping Fort Erie’s future using a democratic economic system.

This change, she said, shifts decision-making power and ownership to the people, rather than having it controlled by private corporations and shareholders.

Liu has her sights set on issues such as homelessness, taxation and community. She believes she and her team have discovered the root causes of these problems.

“That’s why we’re trying to make a change.”

The society she describes includes a self-sufficient Fort Erie that relies on its own resources and people to thrive, homes with patented designs her science team would give to residents, and building a community that helps one another.

She sees current government structures as a “parasite system” that sucks people dry. She said she can’t understand how a country like Canada, with such rich land and resources, can leave its people to hunger and be unhoused.

Originally from China’s Sichuan province, Liu carries principles from her life there.

“I do not agree with my country’s political (structure), but I agree (with) some of the economy style,” she said.

Despite the differences between the system she envisions and the way the municipality is run, Liu is confident once people understand her framework, they’ll be on board, including councillors.

They have a mutual goal of improving the lives of Fort Erie residents, she said.

She does, however, acknowledge there is a learning curve with her approach. Liu said she knows some people will probably think it sounds like a “dream.”

Still, as mayor she would apply her science-based approach and societal structure to Fort Erie. She said she believes once fully realized, it would be an inspiration to other municipalities and even the country as a whole.

Her focus now is to connect with Fort Erie residents and help them understand her vision.

She invites people to visit her Facebook page and her website to learn more about her stance and read through her plans.

Liu is running against Mayor Wayne Redekop and Regional Councillor Tom Insinna. A complete list of Fort Erie’s registered candidates for mayor and council can be found on the town’s website.

People wanting to run for mayor or council have until August 21 to submit or withdraw their names. The municipal elections are on October 26.

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