DELTA – A new face has emerged in the race for a seat on Delta Council, as Peter Mattoo announced his candidacy on Wednesday morning (Sept. 24).
Inspired by a deep commitment to Delta and a disdain for top-down politics, Mattoo said he has a genuine interest in shaking up Delta's political scene by "challenging the status quo."
"My motivation for running is to make a positive impact on the future of Delta, and the only way I can do that is to speak freely about the issues that matter to residents," said Mattoo. "The current mayor and council make re-election their main reason for running, and I am not driven by politics.â€
Mattoo identified a range of issues that he said are currently being unaddressed by the current administration, including:
• A lack of affordable housing options for young people to settle in the community that they grew up in;
• Development without foresight or innovation, discouraging new residents and businesses from settling in Delta;
• A mayor and council that operate municipal hall by dictating to Delta, not governing on behalf of residents;
Electoral politics have led to a stagnant state of politics in Delta that deserves a candidate concerned with community over politics, according to Mattoo. He said he is determined to be a candidate that brings forth ideas and issues from the doorsteps, and challenge political rhetoric and partisan decision-making.
"Delta has a long-standing and popular Mayor, but without independent voices to work with her on Council, we will not be able to evolve as a community," he said. "It is time to stand up for those that are not being listened to at municipal hall."
As a husband, father, grandfather, and retired tradesman and union member, Mattoo is Delta's first declared candidate of South Asian heritage.
You can read more about this candidate at his website or on his Twitter account.