A listener,
by experience.

From Vietnam to Parkdale–High Park

As a child of communist Vietnam, I rose through the academic ranks to become one of the nation's top students, earning a full scholarship to study abroad during a time of great political transformation — a bachelor's degree in Kyiv and a PhD in Moscow. My wife and I have since lived and worked in six countries and visited more than 70.

We chose Canada for its diversity, inclusivity, and democracy — and we chose Parkdale–High Park as our home. For more than two decades I've raised a family here, built friendships and a local business, and watched the community's warmth and resilience up close.

Why I listen

Born during the war, I was only six when my city was hit by a massive bombing campaign. I was lucky to survive, but I lost 35% of my hearing that morning.

Having to adapt taught me to listen — closely, and to everyone. I focus intently on understanding people's needs, concerns, and advice, and I'm committed to being available to hear what Ward 4 actually needs.

Practical, not ideological

Having lived in communist states and witnessed the collapse of socialist systems — and the shift of countries from Czechia and Poland to China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam — I understand the danger of ideology-driven decisions.

I believe in practical solutions that work for real people. Gradual reform, not revolution. Achievable goals, grounded in real experience with owners, landlords, tenants, and the streets of this ward.

Why I'm running

I often think about the "boiling frog" — how a community can fail to notice negative change because it happens so gradually. My family and I have volunteered with parties across the spectrum in every election, hoping things would improve. Every winner promised a more affordable, safer, better city. Yet the cost of living kept rising, the budget kept ballooning, and people found it harder to pay the rent or stay in their homes.

This is enough for empty promises. This election isn't about slightly managing the ward — it's about how Toronto comes back to its core values and keeps growing, charmingly and smartly. So I'm running as an independent.

"Just as the Japanese maple and cherry trees were brought here from afar and became part of who we are, Toronto thrives when it stays open to new ideas."