Azim Rizvee has been planning to enter politics for many years, but he says now is the right time to make the jump.
A long-time Milton resident and entrepreneur, Rizvee, 44, is one of several candidates seeking the Liberal nomination for the new riding of Milton in next year’s federal election.
“I’ve lived in the riding for 10 years. I know the issues,” said Rizvee, co-founder and CEO of Milton-based MinMaxx Realty.
“Actions always speak louder than words. When it comes to business and community service, one should always think big, start small and act fast.”
Along with Rizvee, also running are Zeeshan Hamid, Jennifer Stebbing, Jeff Raulino and Martyn Johns.
Having political aspirations for many years, Rizvee said he finally decided to run after being encouraged to do so by riding residents and stakeholders. He supports Liberal leader Justin Trudeau’s belief that politics should be positive, optimistic and hopeful.
“But the way I look at it, it’s not about politics. It’s about leadership. It’s about putting political differences aside and having a common agenda,” he said.
To that end, Rizvee would like to create a regular meeting of political stakeholders involving the mayor and area councillors, MPs and MPPs so that every level of government can find common ground regardless of their party to make the lives of their constituents better.
Along with national policy matters such as the economy and immigration and foreign relations with trade partners, Rizvee said local issues include healthcare, education and transit.
If he wins the nomination, Rizvee said he will hand over leadership of MinMaxx to his wife Dr. Rabiya Azim, who already runs the affairs of the organization in her current role of COO. The sales organization has already been transferred to his business partner Omer Malik.
