The Editor,
Red giants are stars that have exhausted the supply of hydrogen fuel in their cores. Doug McCallum reminds me of that - a spent force. He has seized on the crime and policing issue to gain attention. He proposes to hire even more police than the plan. It all costs money.
I do remember when he was the mayor, he was keen on keeping taxes low - keeping them artificially low. He would put a freeze on them. The fact is, we paid for the latter under Mayor Watts' regime. Also I remember the tiff he had with Surrey RCMP when he wanted to suppress bad things about Surrey. I say, "no thanks."
Then there is Coun. Linda Hepner.
Her platform is more of the same. She has no vision except to suggest we put a ferris wheel in Surrey. I also have personal experience with her in the parks capacity. I found her to be most bureaucratic. Patrons of the North Surrey Rec Centre started experiencing problems with the new parking regulations when the city hall was moved there. Some of the patron letters were sent to her asking for help. She never even acknowledged receipt of any. I think Surrey deserves a new start, a new vision.
That brings me to Coun. Barinder Rasode. She has demonstrated a penchant for dissecting issues when problems arise. I remember after Julie Paskall's murder, she pinpointed the problem for the public but the rest of the council ganged up on her because she didn't keep it under wraps. She has shown a fresh approach and her own vision for the city. I support that.
One point to consider for all: The growth under McCallum and Watts was unbridled. Former mayor Bob Bose used to lament about it.
I believe a fresh look is needed and the unchecked paving under of land slowed.
Dave Bains
Surrey