Surrey - The Editor, Re: "Ward system would give Newton an ally," the Now letters, Jan. 16.
Finally, someone else is thinking along a political line that is long overdue for Surrey. With a city as large geographically and diverse culturally as Surrey, we definitely need a ward system.
If the mayor believes a ward system "creates infighting" she is again completely out of touch with reality. It is understandable why she does not want a ward system.
At present, she stands as the omnipresent and omnipotent voice of Surrey.
I live in South Surrey and the issues that concern me are entirely different than those of the residents in Cloverdale or Whalley or Fleetwood. The current state of affairs in Newton and what those residents are suffering is of concern to all of us and makes our local issues pale in comparison.
With the current makeup of council, none of us are served well. The mayor and her "team" will continue to be re-elected by simply pandering to certain blocks of the electorate and nothing will change. Remember, unfettered growth without proper infrastructure or social services is a recipe for disaster.
Seems to me when the mayor was first elected, she suggested municipal politicians should be limited to three terms. Now seems like a great time for her to step aside and take some of the other stale, dated councillors with her.
Come on Barinder Rasode, step forward and challenge the mayor in our upcoming election. If you win, forget about the next election and do what is right for the people of Surrey and implement a ward electoral system.
Andrew Johnston
Surrey