The Cloverdale Reporter reached out to all the local candidates in the B.C. provincial election with a questionnaire allowing them to introduce themselves to voters. Candidates were all given the same questions, word counts, and deadlines.
Below are the responses as received, with questions in bold, followed by candidate answers in their own words.
Here are the responses we received for the candidates in Surrey-Serpentine River.
CANDIDATE: Linda Hepner, B.C. Conservative Party
Where do you live?
Surrey
One-sentence bio:
Lived and worked in Surrey for more than 40 years, as our city’s economic development manager, then 9 years city councillor, and 4 years mayor.
Why should you be elected?
I think we deserve better than what the NDP have given Surrey. Our schools, hospital, and infrastructure needs a lot of work, all things the NDP have ignored. We have almost 400 portables with 8,000 kids, a hospital where doctors are genuinely worried, and a lack of real transit that connects our neighbourhoods. In five years we will be the largest city in BC, and for the last seven years the NDP have ignored our biggest issues. They’ve delivered very little and treated taxpayers like an ATM machine.
Surrey families deserve better. I felt that way as a councillor, and as your mayor, and I’m ready to put those years of practical experience to work. We need strong voices in Victoria, and I know I can do more for our city and our families. I’m optimistic about our future with a common-sense Conservative government that knows how to get things done, on time and on budget. Whether it’s public safety, affordable housing, more transit, or getting kids out of portables and into schools, Conservative candidates like me are committed to standing up and speaking up for you and your family.
Top 3 priority issues you would address if elected:
1. Affordable housing
2. Zero tolerance for portables
3. Healthcare equity for our city
***
CANDIDATE: Baltej Singh Dhillon, B.C. NDP
Where do you live?
Surrey, Cloverdale
One-sentence bio:
I’ve spent my life working in law enforcement, with the RCMP and then with the BC anti-gang agency. I’ve raised my family in Surrey, where my wife ran a childcare centre.
Why should you be elected?
With over 35 years experience in policing, I know how to bring people together, solve problems and ensure our communities are safe for everyone.
People in Surrey have long awaited the healthcare services they deserve. After over a decade of neglect from John Rustad and the BC Liberals, the BC NDP has made investments Surrey deserves. From a brand new hospital in Cloverdale, to a new tower at Surrey Memorial and even a new medical school. The BC NDP has been making sure our fast growing community gets the services we need.
The BC NDP has also made a record number of investments in our schools, including an upcoming expansion at George Greenaway Elementary, an addition at Frost Road, and Tamanawis Secondary. They’re getting 15,000 student spots in Surrey.
John Rustad made life harder for people in Surrey, and given the challenges that come with growing, he’s a risk we cannot afford.
I want to continue the BC NDPs work, building more modern, upgraded school facilities, and ensuring everyone gets healthcare when they need it.
Top 3 priority issues you would address if elected:
1. Expanding access to healthcare
2. Safer communities
3. Strengthening our youth’s future through schools and infrastructure
***
CANDIDATE: Jim McMurtry, Independent
Where do you live?
West Cloverdale
One-sentence bio:
Longtime teacher, coach, play director, and organizer of Cloverdale Terry Fox Run and games for disabled students. Former principal, son of Chief Justice Roy McMurtry, 16K followers on X (@jimmcmurtry01).
Why should you be elected?
I knew that politicians overspent long before Black Press Media reported (August 22, 2019) that school officials billed taxpayers for $80 steaks. All levels of government must be more respectful of taxpayers and become more sensitive to the affordability crisis for young families.
We need more amenities in Cloverdale, such as parks and an indoor pool – underpinned by a strong local economy, fiscal responsibility, environmental sustainability, sufficient housing, and a path to prosperity for all.
Drag Queens performed at many schools last year; students are used as pawns in the transgender fad sweeping our society; children are taught to see race and reject a colour-blind world; classic literature like To Kill a Mockingbird is banned in Surrey schools; Canadian history is falsified; and academic standards are abandoned.
I am against indoctrination in schools and support the right to free and open expression as guaranteed by the Canadian Charter. I will work to end all land acknowledgements and place individual rights above voting blocks.
Top 3 priority issues you would address if elected:
1. Respecting taxpayers
2. Ending school indoctrination
3. Cancelling land acknowledgements
