Richmond United

Welcome to Richmond United

Welcome to the official campaign website of Richmond United — a movement built on integrity, collaboration, and a bold vision for Richmond’s future.

We are a team of community-minded leaders and residents committed to building a stronger, more inclusive, and forward-looking Richmond. Together, we believe in a city where housing is affordable, local businesses thrive, and diverse voices are truly represented at City Hall.

Whether you’re a long-time resident, a new neighbour, a business owner, or a student, this is your Richmond — and your voice matters. Richmond United is here to listen, to lead, and to stand united with you.

Explore our platform, get to know our candidates, and find out how you can join the movement to make Richmond better, together.

Let’s unite for a city that works for everyone.

Andy Hobbs

Raised in Richmond

  • Attended James Thompson Elementary, J.N. Burnett Junior High, and Richmond Senior Secondary.
  • Married to Lynn (born and raised in Richmond); have been married since 1982.
  • Three children attended Richmond public schools and graduated from McMath Secondary in Steveston.

Committed to community safety

  • Joined the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) in 1979 and retired in 2014 as the Superintendent commanding North Command, which includes operations and personnel working in the northern half of the City of Vancouver.
  • Public safety and security have always been Andy’s priorities and Andy recognizes that the peace, prosperity and stability we enjoy as Canadians require vigilance. In his career, he’s had a number of assignments including Operations, Planning and Research, Mounted Unit, Detective Office, Recruiting, Internal Investigations, and Traffic among others.
  • Andy was promoted to the officer rank of Inspector in January, 2003, and served as the Executive Officer to the Chief Constable, an Inspector in District One (Downtown Core) and as the Inspector in charge of the Traffic Section.
  • In 2007, he was promoted to Superintendent.
  • From January to December, 2011, he served as the Acting Chief Officer for the Transit Police during a challenging transition period. As the Transit Police Chief, he completed an operational review and took several initiatives to stabilize the agency.
  • As a VPD officer, Andy received extensive training, including in England & the United States, and served as the VPD’s Public Order Group Gold Commander responsible for police responses to protests and large events such as the Celebration of Light, playoff hockey, various demonstrations and a host of other events in Vancouver.

Committed to Richmond

  • Andy has always been an active person in Richmond and continues to volunteer in several capacities.
  • In November, 2002, Andy was elected to the Richmond Board of Education and was involved in a wide variety of educational issues and challenges; he worked collaboratively with government and non-government groups and stakeholders.
  • In November, 2005, he was re-elected to the Board of Trustees for a second term which ended in 2008.
  • Andy has volunteered in Richmond in a variety of roles including coaching, officiating and cancer fundraising.
  • He has also been on several boards such as the Richmond Kigoos Swim Club and the Richmond Community Foundation.Currently, Andy is a member of:
    1. Tourism Richmond Board
    2. Richmond Intercultural Advisory Committee
    3. Britannia Heritage Shipyard Society Board
    4. Steveston Salmon Festival Committee
    5. Richmond Hospital Foundation’s Stakeholders Relations Committee

Strong Family Values

  • Andy & Lynn were thrilled recently to welcome their first grandchild, Keira Lynn Savage, into the family.
  • Family time has always been important whether it was a swim meet, a soccer game or Kumon math lessons for the kids.
  • Nowadays, a little golf, skiing, and family time keep them pretty busy.

Other accomplishments.

  • Andy has a BA from UBC and numerous courses/training, including executive management, as a member of the Vancouver Police Department.
  • He has received several commendations with the VPD and in June 2011, he was inducted into the Order of Merit of the Police Forces by the Governor General of Canada.
  • In 2013, Andy received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for his service to the community.

Personal commitment

  • Community Service has been a consistent part of my life.
  • Family values are important to my family and me – it’s our number one priority.
  • I am also committed to making Richmond a better place – with more housing choices, better security, more economic opportunities – and enhancing the quality of life for our families.
  • Affordability is a critical issue in our community and I feel strongly that we must address this as a priority in all of the City’s planning.
  • I am running for re-election as a candidate with the Richmond United – for Councillor.
  • I would sincerely appreciate your support.

Mike Gill

Mike Gill is a lifelong Richmond resident, small-business owner, healthcare professional and community volunteer who brings a deeply personal understanding of what it takes to build safe, healthy and resilient communities. He attended Tomsett Elementary and Cambie Secondary School and now raises his four children in the same neighbourhood that shaped his values and sense of responsibility.

Mike’s connection to Richmond is rooted in everyday experience—both as a parent and as a professional serving families across the city. For more than 13 years, he has owned and operated a trusted optometry clinic in Richmond, serving approximately 2,000 patients each year while building long-standing relationships with patients of all ages. His approach to care goes beyond prescriptions; it is grounded in listening, trust and helping people stay healthy so they can fully participate in community life. Through partnerships with local schools and seniors’ centres, Mike also supports eye-health education and preventative care in the community.

Through his work in healthcare, Mike has seen firsthand how access to care, affordability pressures and community well-being are deeply interconnected. This experience has shaped his belief that safe and resilient communities are built through prevention, strong local services and proactive support for families and seniors.

Mike’s commitment to Richmond extends well beyond his professional life. For more than a decade, he has volunteered as a coach and community leader, including serving as Vice President and Head of Player Development with the Richmond Raiders tackle and flag football programs. He also coaches the Richmond United Football Club girls’ soccer team, working closely with young athletes and families across the city and reinforcing his belief in mentorship, teamwork, and the importance of strong community programs.

As a father of four and a small-business owner, Mike understands the pressure families and local employers face – from housing affordability and neighbourhood change to rising costs and staffing challenges. Having operated a small healthcare business for more than 13 years and employed a team of four, he brings practical, firsthand insight into Richmond’s local economy and the role small businesses play in creating jobs, supporting families and strengthening neighbourhoods.

Mike believes growth in Richmond must be planned thoughtfully. He supports expanding housing options for families, seniors and young people while protecting neighbourhood character, ensuring infrastructure keeps pace and prioritizing walkable communities, safe streets and access to local services.

Mike understands that a strong local economy starts with supporting small businesses and professionals who reinvest in the community. He supports practical, business-friendly policies that reduce unnecessary red tape, encourage entrepreneurship and help local businesses succeed.

Mike is committed to accountable, collaborative and community-first governance. Drawing on his experience as a small-business owner and long-time community volunteer, Mike believes local government works best when elected officials listen carefully, engage residents early and meaningfully and work constructively to deliver practical outcomes. He believes trust in local government is earned through transparency, fiscal responsibility and open communications.

Family remains at the centre of Mike’s life. Whether coaching from the sidelines, supporting school activities or spending time in his neighbourhood, his perspective as a parent shapes his priorities and reinforces his belief that Richmond’s future must work for families today and for generations to come.

Mike Gill is seeking to serve Richmond with a steady, community-rooted voice—one that reflects lived experience, practical leadership, and a deep commitment to keeping Richmond safe, livable and inclusive.