Are you ready for next month’s civic election? What issues do you want to see talked about and who might get your support on Oct. 20?
The Optimist visited coffee shops in all three Delta communities last week in search of these answers in an effort to take the pulse of the electorate as the most wide-open election in Delta in two decades is less than a month away.
With voter turnout hovering around 30 per cent in recent elections, it’s not surprising that several folks told the Optimist they don’t have time for municipal politics and that they’re not sure whether they’ll even bother going to the polls in a few weeks. Candidate name recognition was spotty at best and didn’t extend much beyond the leading trio in the mayor’s race and a few incumbents.
Others, however, had issues they want addressed and some had already selected candidates they were prepared to support.
“Election after election there has been controversial issues like the Spetifore lands, the development and so forth,” said Patrick McGowan, who has lived in Delta for the past 30 years. “I’m quite happy that Mayor Lois Jackson is staying involved as a councillor. I enjoyed her as mayor the last couple of years. She has done a reasonably good job and I’m glad we have the stability. Also some of the councillors have been there for a while and are really committed. For instance, Sylvia Bishop for mayor – I think I support that.
“Some new names come along every election that I know nothing about, and I guess my premise is I go with the people I know and that I trust.”
Natascha McGregor said she plans to be very active in the election process with a particular focus on the school trustee race.
“For me, I think people need to understand where their alignments are, especially for children. I believe in fairness and open dialogue in the public school system,” she said. “Everyone, no matter their gender or sexual orientation, should be able to go to and feel safe in our public school system. We teach that to our child and I don’t want a candidate who thinks otherwise.”
McGregor said she also has a keen interest in who becomes Delta’s next mayor as well as the 20-candidate race for six Delta council seats.
“Lois Jackson was good for 25 years, but the community is changing and we have to find out where we want to go,” she said. “We do need to develop, and I’m all for affordable housing, and see the need for some change in the community, but in a positive way.”
Friend Ann Bentley is also interested in the race for the seven school trustee seats.
“We have a child that has some disabilities, so we have always been interested in the school and support systems,” Bentley said. “We’re changing careers and stuff so I’m getting even more interested and involved in the school system. I also feel like that South Delta and Ladner takes a bit of the priority, so I’d like to see more things done in North Delta, so I’ll be keeping a keen eye on that for sure.”
Both said they will be looking to support candidates who recognize the work that is involved, are passionate and committed to positive change for the whole community.
A young professional, originally from South Delta, now living in Alberta, was home for the weekend visiting family. He didn’t want to give his name, but did offer up that many, if not most, of his friends who grew up in Ladner have moved away due to a lack of affordable housing. He suspects that will be a big issue during the campaign.
David Macleod had to take a long sip of his dark roast when asked which mayoral candidate might be the favourite.
“I know Lois is leaving and George (Harvie) is running, but Sylvia (Bishop) and Jim Cessford are running too? That makes it interesting,” he said.
Macleod admitted he didn’t realize there are 43 candidates contesting next month’s election, adding that’s probably the case with a lot of people who follow provincial and federal politics but, for whatever reason, don’t pay as close attention to the municipal level.
“I think Lois has done a good job but for me, being a North Delta resident for 12 years, I’ve seen a lot of changes that aren’t good for the city. I’m talking about densification and traffic which has been getting progressively worse.”
Althea Gallano was surprised to hear so many candidates were running for mayor and council, adding she hasn’t followed local elections or issues since moving from Vancouver almost 10 years ago.
Caroline Padolina was also surprised, saying she’s not sure if she’ll take the time to vote. Padolina said housing issues, including monster homes and illegal suites, as well as traffic are her main concerns.
Traffic pouring in from Surrey was top of mind as far as important issues for one in North Delta, while another felt gang and youth crime seemed to be taking an uptick in North Delta and the police need to do more.
Saying it probably doesn’t make a difference who wins, Nancy Eichelberger said she has no clue who she’ll vote for. Traffic is her big concern.
Another said she liked Bishop for mayor, but admitted she had no idea who’s on Bishop’s slate.
Al Hammersmark and his wife Evelyn, who both say they are very active in the political process, like the direction Jackson has taken the community and will be supporting Harvie’s Achieving for Delta slate.
