SOUTH OF THE FRASER — Three new candidates have come forward to throw their names into the mix for the upcoming municipal elections in Surrey, White Rock and Delta.
In Surrey, Fleetwood Community Association President Rick Hart has declared his intent to run as an independent this November, eyeing to nab a seat as councillor.
Hart has been a longtime advocate for Surrey's Fleetwood neighbourhood and most recently organized the 84th Avenue Café StreetFEST, an outdoor arts and music festival in Fleetwood.
Hart could not be reached by deadline. In White Rock, Dave Chesney will be running for a spot on council after coming close several times in the past. Chesney is the publisher and editor of the White Rock news site, The White Rock Sun and has been involved in media and entertainment for more than 30 years.
Most recently, Chesney ran in the 2012 White Rock byelection, coming in as runner-up to Bill Lawrence. He's lived in White Rock for over 25 years and is a prominent figure in the community.
"I've run in three elections and two by-elections, the last two I would have been elected," he said. "My father at a very young age instilled in me that 'don't just sit around and bitch about something. If something bothers you enough, roll up your shirt sleeves and get to work.
"I think I can do a tremendous job as a member of White Rock council, representing to people. I talk to them and I'm on the street all the time and I think I've got a really good feeling for what people would like to see in White Rock."
Finally, in Delta first-time candidate Lori Mayhew has announced that she will be gunning for a spot this fall on Delta council. An 18-year-resident of Delta who previously worked as a claims adjustor for ICBC, Mayhew said her focus is on keeping Delta a welcoming and affordable place for families.
"From Ladner to North Delta, we're one city. My kids play ball hockey and soccer games with kids from Tsawwassen, Ladner and North Delta," she said. "We rely on the same services and need our municipal government to deliver these services equally across our communities."
She plans to spend the rest of the summer and fall knocking on doors and meeting Delta residents at community events.
"As a city, we're grappling with several issues, from how to do development sustainable while protecting our valuable agricultural land to advocating for more transit and a stronger voice in regional decisions. I want hear what Delta residents think about these issues and where their priorities lie," she said.
The election is set for Nov. 15.