There's still a lot to get done.
That's what Lois Jackson had to say Monday as she announced she's seeking a sixth - and final - term as mayor in November's civic election.
The veteran politician made the enthusiastic announcement at municipal hall to media and several staff members.
Transportation, transit and a replacement for the George Massey Tunnel are some of the big issues she said she wants to see resolved.
"There are many, many others. As you know, I'm pretty hands-on and have an open door policy," she told those in attendance.
First elected mayor in 1999, Jackson also unveiled her Delta Independent Voters' Association slate, which includes incumbent councillors Ian Paton and Robert Campbell along with newcomer Rod Binder.
The mayor said she's proud of her administration's fiscal policy of no new borrowing and lowering the debt, saying she'd like to be around when the debt is paid off in full.
"When I first became mayor in 1999, Delta's debt was $63 million. I was determined that we would not borrow monies and would 'pay as you go,' becoming debt-free during my time on council. We are almost there and my resolve is to leave Delta with a legacy of being a debt-free municipality with a continued sound fiscal management plan. I ask the people of Delta for their support to finish our work," Jackson stated in a DIVA news release.
The release also quotes Campbell on such initiatives as the development of Boundary Bay Airport, which has helped raise the tax base in order to fund capital projects without borrowing. Campbell is seeking a sixth term, having run with Jackson since 1999.
Paton joined the team in a 2010 by-election. He was mentioned as being instrumental in helping maintain and promote a positive working relationship with farmers. At Monday's announcement, Paton said his four years on council have been both fun and challenging.
A North Delta resident, Binder is on Delta's parks, recreation and culture commission. He would essentially replace former councillor Scott Hamilton, who was a member of DIVA but vacated his seat to become Liberal MLA for Delta North.
Binder said he has a tremendous amount of respect for both council and municipal hall staff.
Jackson, a longtime North Delta resident, was the first woman elected to Delta council in 1972 and has served continuously except for one term.
The veteran politician has faced a variety of "big name" contenders in the past five elections, but always came out on top, largely on the strength of North Delta.
Council and school board terms will increase from three to four years, a change Jackson had advocated to the Union of B.C. Municipalities. So far, nobody else has declared their candidacy for mayor, although the official nomination period doesn't begin until Sept. 30 and potential candidates have until Oct. 10 to file at municipal hall.
The municipal election is set for Nov. 15.
