Civic Election Spotlight: Richmond and Delta
Posted November 15, 2011 8:43 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
RICHMOND (NEWS1130) – Malcolm Brodie has been Richmond’s mayor for a decade and he’s considered the favourite to remain in the big chair.
“I believe we’ve had a decade of growth and prosperity and I look forward to meeting the challenge of the next three years,” says Brodie.
Standing in his way is lawyer Richard Lee, who admits he doesn’t have Brodie’s profile. But he believes people are fed up with the influence unelected city staff have on decisions.
“It’s no longer mayor and council deciding where your hard earned taxpayer dollars go,” Lee explains. “If you elect me, I will change that.”
Meanwhile, in Delta, three candidates are trying to unseat longtime mayor and Metro Vancouver Board chair Lois Jackson.
Major competition comes from Krista Engelland, who has been on council for 15 years. She promises to keep a tight rein on spending and revitalize Delta through a Neighbourhood Renewal Program and Business Incentive Program that will make Delta a vibrant livable community.
“I’m running because I firmly believe we need a new direction at city hall. I care deeply about Delta, its people, its history and its land use, as mayor I intend to ensure Delta residents have a real say in their community. “
Councillor and former school board trustee Heather King is another experienced candidate trying to end Jackson’s reign.
She’s calling for more transparency and better supports for seniors.
“Regardless of personal beliefs or political affiliations, a leader’s job is to look objectively at the pros and cons of every issue that is brought to the table and then collaborate to bring about an innovative solution,” King said.
“As a school board trustee and as a municipal councillor I have always asked the tough questions such as: What is in the best interest of the child? How will the community benefit? Politicians are elected to serve the public’s best interest. This entails looking strategically into the future to determine how the decisions we make today will impact us down the road.”
UBC mining engineering professor John Meech is in the race as well. He’s running on a five-point platform: Governance: A Delta Code of Conduct, Delta Pride and Renewal, Delta Enterprise Facilitation, Delta Hub for Renewable Energy Systems and Delta Master Transportation Plan.
Incumbent Lois Jackson is running on her record. She says under her leadership Delta hasn’t borrowed money in 10 years, the debt has been reduced by $60 million and it has won a national award for municipal fiscal responsibility.
