SURREY - About 100 "Yes" people gathered last Wednesday morning at Surrey's City Hall to urge residents to support the upcoming TransLink plebiscite.
Mayor Linda Hepner said not only does council unanimously support the "Yes" vote, they have a variety of allies, with members of the business sector, organized labour, health officials, environmental groups, academics and students all urging voters to cast a ballot in favour of the plebiscite question.
"When it comes to the merits of the plan there is no split along traditional lines," said Hepner. "There is no split due to philosophical differences. What we have here is a consensus of common sense."
The Mayors' Council Plan calls for a 0.5 per cent regional sales tax, with proceeds to go to several key improvements to Surrey's transportation and transit system.
On Friday, the mayor, who is receiving a $50,000 salary as vice-chair of the Mayors'
Council, responded to news that the city will spend between $200,000 and $300,000 on advertising the "Yes" vote to Surrey residents.
"The city is certainly committed to making sure this referendum has as much of a success at "Yes" as possible because it is what is going to shape our community, both in rail and in transit service and other capital projects like walkways, bike paths and bridges."
Hepner said it's no different than when the city would spend money to advertising the importance of recycling food waste.
The advertising strategy comes from a Jan.
12 staff report to council recommending the allocation of those funds toward a communications and public relations blitz that includes social media, bus shelter and digital media advertising.
Hepner said a "No" vote would lead to transit and traffic gridlock, harm the economy and will mean families spend less time together and more time stuck commuting.
amacnair@thenownewspaper.com