We asked each civic election candidate in our readership area – Surrey, White Rock and Delta – to submit a written response to one question, in 100 words or less: Why should people vote for you?
Their responses, unedited except for length, are published in our Civic Election tab. Below, Delta's council candidates respond:
Johann Ackermann (Delta Connect)
I have worked the last 38 years in the financial field, volunteered in the community and with my wife, raised two sons in Delta.
I was also involved in Community Crime Watch for 16 years.
I want to put this experience to work for my fellow residents in all of Delta to keep it a healthy vibrant place that our children want to stay and retire in.
We need to think outside of the box and work with our neighbours to make this happen.
Check out my video on www.deltaconnect.ca and vote for Johann Ackermann for Delta Council.
Jennifer Thoss (Delta Connect)
I am a lifelong resident of Delta with a history of strong leadership and civic service.  
With seven years on the Heritage Advisory Commission and one year on the Parks,  Recreation and Culture Commission, I am well versed on the challenges facing Delta.  
My top priority, if elected will be to protect our natural ecosystems for future generations.  
I will work hard to protect our quality of life here in Delta.
Nicholas Wong (Delta Connect)
I was born and raised in Delta.
I love this community and I would like to spend my whole life here.
That means that I am concerned with more than the next four years.
I want to preserve the community spirit and neighbourhood character that makes Delta an amazing place to live.
When you vote for me, you vote for a candidate with firm convictions and clear priorities who will put the people first.
We will not solve our problems by continuing down the same course that created them.
Help me build a  community we can be proud of.
Lori Mayhew (Delta Connect)
My family and I have lived in Delta for 18 years and I’m eager to give back by making sure Delta remains a welcoming and affordable place for families.
As a treasurer for a not-for-profit organization I bring considerable financial management and governance experience to the table, as well as a commitment to transparency and accountability.
That’s important because, as a city, we are grappling with several challenges.
We need to protect our valuable agricultural land, advocate for more public transit, build a vibrant local economy, and have a council that truly listens to its citizens.
Bruce McDonald (Incumbent, Independents Working For You)
I have lived in North Delta for 45 years and served on Delta Council 21 years.
I am committed to addressing: Revitalization of business corridor along Scott Road; Community concerns about building height, density, traffic, small lot housing and infill housing; Improvements to recreational, cultural and arts amenities; and Pedestrian and cycling connectivity.
My vision for Delta is that it will become a “complete community†where all citizens from the youngest to the most senior have access to opportunities to live, work, learn and play in safe, attractive and vibrant neighbourhoods.
Read more: www.brucemcdonald2014.com.
Jeannie Kanakos (Incumbent, Independents Working For You)
I seek your support for re-election to Delta Council.
I have worked to enhance our unique community, culture, heritage, recreation facilities and libraries.
I support an inclusive community and reaching out to the vulnerable.
Concerns I continue to address in North Delta include: the thermal coal facility, the BNSF railway expansion and the MK Lands development; traffic congestion and parking issues; Seniors’ housing in North Delta; and, keeping taxes low.
We’ve lived in North Delta 35 years. I have an MA and draw on 30 years experience in community development and intergovernmental relations.
November 15, please consider, Jeannie Kanakos. jeanniekanakos2014.com.
Robert Campbell (Incumbent, Delta Independent Voters Association)
I bring a wealth of enthusiasm, expertise and experience to the position of councillor.
My leadership as Chair of Parks Recreation and Culture Commission has resulted community improvements such as the ongoing expansion at North Delta Recreation Centre, Sungod weight room expansion, and the Dennis Elsom artificial turf field.
I value Delta’s community infrastructure and it is my goal to ensure we in Delta have the best facilities and community amenities.
I have supported Mayor Jackson’s debt free Delta and we have worked to provide quality services for Delta without incurring any new debt.
Your vote for me is a vote for a better Delta.
Rod Binder (Delta Independent Voters Association)
Using my experience as a Director on Boards and Delta committees, we will ensure Delta stays on track and continues to grow.
Transportation – safe, efficient movement of people and goods is vital.
Mayor Jackson’s support of the Massey Tunnel replacement project was one of the reasons I accepted her offer to join the D.I.V.A. team.
Must keep continued pressure on Translink to support south of the Fraser communities.
Scott Road – using incentives, working with landowners and businesses, revitalize this street as outlined in the North Delta Area Plan.
Protect Bog and Farm Land. Complete platform can be viewed at VoteDIVA.ca.
Ian Paton (Incumbent, Delta Independent Voters Association)
I’ve been on Delta Council for 4 years and have enjoyed a great working relationship with Mayor Jackson, city staff, and my fellow councillors.
I’m proud to say I have been a resident of Delta my entire life and still reside on the family farm that my grandfather purchased in the 1940’s.
My vision as a Councillor is to bring a common sense approach to issues, with the knowledge and financial practicality of a self-employed farmer and business owner.
Improving transportation corridors, preserving the character of certain neighbourhoods and revitalization of others, as well as supporting farmers and retaining viable farmland are 3 important goals of mine.
Heather King
I am Innovative. I was the only candidate to propose an answer to development on Burns Bog by suggesting a land swap between Paterson Park (Ladner) and this proposal on Bog Lagg land thereby preserving the bog and adding housing beside transit, Delta Hospital and recreation centers.
I Listen. People want to be heard and valued.  My track record of listening to people (knocked on 11,000 doors last election), my past history of getting things done (while on Delta School Board – I started an antibullying program called ‘Roots of Empathy’, and an Early Reading Intervention program for struggling readers). 
I also worked to make 16 of the most deadliest intersections safer while serving on Delta Council.
I was voted ‘Best Community Leader’ because I Listen, Lead and get things done for you.
Sylvia Bishop (Incumbent)
I am asking for your vote Nov. 15 to Delta council for a 2nd term.
I know Delta is a great place to live: I grew up here, graduated from Delta Secondary, raised my family here and spent my teaching career in Delta schools.
My commitment to the preservation of farmland, protection of our green  spaces and quality of life in Delta is strong.  
Whether it’s insisting on health and air quality measures due to thermal coal transport through Delta, protecting Burns Bog, improved programs and services or housing choices, I speak my mind on behalf of residents. Electsylviabishop.com
Peter Mattoo
Occupation: Retired. Top 3 Issues: 1) Creating more housing options to increase affordability 2) Expand public transportation options 3) Better political representation that is community driven.
I am running for Delta Council for three reasons. 
First, as a 34-year resident of Delta, I want to give back to the community that gave my family and I so much.  
Secondly, I believe that in recent years, Council has become unresponsive to the local community, with representatives more concerned with political careers than serving the interests of residents.  
Lastly, and most importantly, I think it is time for Council to reflect greater diversity, whether through cultural heritage, neighbourhood, professional background or age.  It is time to shake up the status quo with new voices at the table.
Note: Delta council candidate Ron Calliou did not submit a response to the Now. Also, Lois Jackson has been acclaimed as mayor in Delta.
To read about Delta's school board candidates click here.
Voting day is Nov. 15. Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 25 locations. Visit Delta.ca/your-government/elections for the full list.