Surrey, BC: The One Surrey plan to train 200 so-called community safety officers just got even more expensive, due to an apparent last minute policy change in the final days of the Surrey election campaign.

During a live radio debate this morning, candidate Barinder Rasode said these proposed officers would be trained like BC’s Sheriffs – a higher level of training and responsibility than first indicated.

“Her initial $8 million plan was already underfunded, but now it’s even worse,” said Surrey First mayoral candidate Linda Hepner. “BC Sheriffs make about $54,000 a year, so 200 community safety officers would cost $10.8 million in salary alone in order treat them fairly, never mind additional costs like training, uniforms, operational costs and benefits. But what really astounds me is that the platform is suddenly shifting on the fly at the last minute, as her plan comes under scrutiny. At Surrey First we have committed to a firm, well thought out platform that has been fully researched and costed. We stand by it, and our record, as we head into Saturday’s election.”

The complete Surrey First platform may be seen here

Mayor’s Endorsement, Sign Vandals, Social Media and Big Choices for Surrey Voters

Surrey, BC: With only days to go before the November 15 election, Surrey First mayoral candidate Linda Hepner said this election “definitely feels different” with plenty of substantive issues in front of Surrey voters.

“I’m really pleased to be running on our record and this election is really a vote on how people think we’ve done, and whether our city should continue to move forward,” noted Hepner. “Our team is the only one that offers a coalition of councillors with first-hand experience at City Hall, and being able to run on our record is definitely one of the campaign highs for me, along with Dianne Watts’ endorsement, and the thought we put into our detailed platform. I’ve also enjoyed the chance to talk to our Surrey residents about their priorities and what they want for our city in the years ahead. Another high point for me was hearing that people feel that our city has changed for the better and how the Surrey ‘brand’ is more positive today than it was in 2005 when we got elected. That means a lot and it’s something I’m really proud of.”

Commenting on the campaign’s “lows”, Hepner said she was disappointed that a major issue like public safety and policing became so politicized, when it should have been one of those issues “everyone gets behind” and works to improve.

“Everyone who is running wants a safe city, we all do. So, I was concerned when I saw candidates trying to use it as a way to scare people, or trash our city,” said Hepner. “It’s an important issue, and there’s certainly a perception issue we have to deal with, but turning it into something purely for political gain doesn’t sit well with me. I also take offense to people maligning our city and all of the tremendous improvements we’ve made and seen over the past nine years. When I spoke with voters, they didn’t like it when people tried to run down their community, and I agree with them. It doesn’t mean you ignore important issues, but putting down our city to make political points goes too far in my opinion.”

Hepner said another campaign low was the vandalism of campaign signs that seemed targeted against south Asian candidates, regardless of their political affiliation.

“I can’t think of a more multicultural community than ours,” said Hepner. “We speak more than 90 languages here in Surrey and when I heard about signs being vandalized based on someone’s name, I was seriously upset because that’s not the Surrey I know, or the city I want us to be. We’re better than that, and I see the positive side of our city every day where people work and play and live together in a city they are proud of. In some ways I feel sorry for the kind of people who do that sort of thing because they are so out of step with today’s Surrey.”

Other campaign highs included the increased voter turnout during the advance polls, Surrey First’s endorsement from the city’s fire fighters, and the increased interest in the Surrey election campaign by media across the lower mainland.

“Coverage of this election has been everywhere, and I think it says something not just about the race, but also about the way Surrey is seen today. We’re no longer Vancouver’s bedroom community,” said Hepner. “Our citizens and the media look at Surrey very differently today than a decade ago, and that’s a good feeling for someone who wants to be mayor.”

Hepner said she certainly felt the power of social media during this election, saying it plays a big role in engaging people, and was definitely another campaign high.

“We all know that social media is important, but even more so during an election,” noted Hepner. “Whether it’s an audience tweeting out during a candidate debate, or creating an ongoing discussion over a press release or announcement, social media is instant, so there’s no waiting to see if you’ve hit a home run or struck out. The feedback is in real time, and that’s good for both candidates and voters alike.”

Hepner added that she hopes another election highlight will be voter turnout on Saturday.

“Local government is the level of government closest to voters,” explained Hepner. “We’re the people who pick up your trash, build your pools and rec centres, and provide the day-to-day services you and your family count on. So, I’m hoping we’ll see more people voting on Saturday. There’s a lot at stake and some really clear differences between the candidates. This election, there’s definitely some big decisions to be made. Our city is at a crossroads, and on Saturday we get to decide together what our future will look like over the next four years.”

48% of decided voters favour Hepner for Mayor

Surrey, BC (Nov 10, 2014): With less than a week to go in the City of Surrey election, Linda Hepner’s lead on Doug McCallum is widening, according to a telephone poll conducted between October 30 and November 8, 2014 by Innovative Research Group – the polling firm that successfully called close elections in Alberta and Ontario.

600 respondents were asked who they would choose to be mayor:

• 48 per cent of decided voters responded they would vote for Linda Hepner of Surrey First
• 32 per cent would vote for Doug McCallum
• 19 per cent said they would vote for Barinder Rasode

The results put Hepner 16 points ahead of McCallum, doubling the lead reported in a poll by the same firm three weeks ago.

“Telephone polls like these tend to be more accurate than online polls, and the spread among the candidates is becoming well established now,” said pollster Greg Lyle of Innovative Research. “While there are still a good number of undecided voters, the undecided is down 10 points from our earlier poll and it appears Councillor Hepner and Surrey First have picked up those voters.  The candidate favourable ratings show little reason to expect a major change in the last few days.   Given our previous poll three weeks ago showed a good number of residents feeling good about the direction their city is taking, it’s not surprising to see that translate into support for the incumbent team.”

The poll is considered to be accurate +/-3.99%.

For a detailed look at the poll, please click here

SURREY, BC: The association representing fire fighters across BC is urging its members who live in Surrey to vote for Surrey First on November 15^th.

Surrey’s own firefighters local has already endorsed Surrey First, but the endorsement letter from the provincial association was sent this week to all members who live in Surrey, including those who might work as fire fighters in other municipalities.

The November 3^rd letter, written and sent by Michael Hurley, President of the BC Professional Fire Fighters Association states:

Surrey First has a clear and demonstrated record of support for Fire Fighters and public safety. With candidates like recently retired IAFF member Mike Starchuk, this support of public and Fire Fighter safety will no doubt continue.

We urge all members to vote on November 15th and to please consider casting your ballot in support of our own Mike Starchuk for council, Linda Hepner for Mayor and the rest of the Surrey First Team.

“These are the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect us every day, and they know from experience that Surrey First places the safety and security of our residents above all,” said Surrey First mayoral candidate Linda Hepner. “We have the greatest respect for the work they do, and to have the provincial association recognize our efforts to support the work of their members speaks volumes about our ability to bring stakeholders together and protect our citizens.”

Selective Amnesia and Math from Rasode Don’t Add up

Surrey, BC: The money just wouldn’t be there, under a plan announced by Mayoral candidate Barinder Rasode and One Surrey, to redirect one per cent of discretionary spending into public safety.

The idea is one of several in Rasode’s platform, but 49 per cent of the city’s $390 million dollar annual operating budget is already fully committed to police, fire and bylaw management and enforcement.  That leaves $199 million, much of which contains fixed amounts for such things as wages set by collective bargaining agreements.

It’s simply untrue that there’s any money ready and available to access, and even if one per cent could be trimmed, that’s still only $1.9 million – which won’t fund the $8 million Rasode plans to spend on 200 loosely trained security guards paid at what amounts to minimum wage.  That works out to $40,000 per person, but it’s expensive to train and outfit a safety officer. Right now, it costs $30,000 in terms of operating costs for cars, uniforms, training, safety equipment, fuel and other expenses, let alone wages.

“The only fully costed item in her budget is the $8 million for these 200 so-called community safety officers, which is clearly too thin,” said Surrey First Councillor and chartered professional accountant Tom Gill. “Rasode also overstates the city’s external debt at $245 million, which is $213 million, and says she would dismantle the Surrey City Development Corporation, which provides millions in annual dividends to our city. None of these proposals represent good decisions, or smart financial management”.

Rasode’s platform also questions the value of the new Surrey City Hall, something that strikes Surrey First Mayoral candidate Linda Hepner as “selective amnesia”.

“Her comments strike me as more than strange, since council voted unanimously to approve the new building,” said Hepner. “Meanwhile, she’s making campaign promises that have no sound fiscal basis for how they will be financed. Surrey First has outlined detailed financing as it pertains to every part of our platform, and we will be transparent about everything we announce throughout the balance of the campaign.”

Hepner also notes that Rasode’s proposal for a trade centre at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds will burden the city with a deficit on the order of $40 million over 10 years. “It’s actually offensive to suggest we sell property from our city’s crown jewel,” Hepner added. “The fairgrounds represent a legacy that must be protected for the future. As for the viability of the trade centre itself, we haven’t seen a full financial analysis or business plan from One Surrey to fund such a significant undertaking, including whether our city’s taxpayers would carry the full cost.

“We stand by our record, which, frankly, is also Barinder’s record since she was elected twice as part of the Surrey First team,” said Hepner. “Either way, I’m very proud of our city’s record which includes the lowest per capita tax and spending rates in the region, lowest property taxes, and record numbers of new businesses, all while attracting  more than 1,000 new residents to Surrey every month. By any measure, it’s an impressive record and something we’ve done together with our residents and taxpayers.”

SURREY, BC (Nov. 6, 2014): A new ice rink for Cloverdale and a new Performing Arts Centre in Surrey’s City Centre are among Surrey First’s priorities as it commits to Build Surrey, The Next Generation – a continuation of the successful $800 million Build Surrey program.

Created by Surrey First, Build Surrey has already funded rec centres, sports fields, arts facilities and more in Cloverdale, Fleetwood, Newton, Guildford, South Surrey and City Centre. $200 million was invested in and around Surrey’s City Centre, including the new City Hall and Plaza, the new library, Innovation Boulevard and other projects that have resulted in more than $3 billion in private sector investment.

Under Build Surrey, The Next Generation, $141 million will be invested in projects that will continue the success of Build Surrey to date:

• A new $60 million ice rink will be built in Cloverdale under a public-private partnership, to complement $39 million in projects already completed such as the Cloverdale Recreation Centre, the Cloverdale Youth Park, the Surrey Visitors Centre and more
• The City will begin extensive consultations with the community on the future of the Cloverdale Fairgrounds. Surrey First is committed to keeping Surrey’s jewel intact. It belongs to all Surrey residents, so they should have a say in its future
• In East Clayton, $11 million will be invested for a new recreation centre
• In the city’s centre, a $70 million Performing Arts Centre and Contemporary Arts Space and Gallery is to be built.

Funding for these projects will come from existing capital funds set aside under the Build Surrey program.

Surrey First also pledges to complete a list of projects that began under Build Surrey, including completion of the city’s $67.5 million BioFuel facility to be completed in 2017.  Surrey First will also reserve an additional $30 million to fund emerging priorities over the next four years.

“We started Build Surrey to address the facilities desperately needed for our growing city, and we’re pledging to keep that program going to keep attracting families and other new residents,” said Surrey First mayoral candidate Linda Hepner. “The fact that we were able to accomplish all we have so far without raising taxes speaks to our commitment and ability to get this done and create the quality of life our residents deserve, while maintaining the lowest property taxes in the region and attracting investment.”

For more information on Surrey First’s Build Surrey strategy, please Click Here

SURREY, BC: The unique Innovation Boulevard approach that has brought investment and jobs to Surrey in the multi-billion dollar healthcare industry will be expanded by Surrey First, by diversifying it into the environmental sector and agriculture sectors.

“Creating Innovation Boulevard took vision, and it’s succeeded in creating a working partnership of health industry partners, more than 100 business, four universities and government working to research and develop medical devices, digital health technologies, and ways to encourage more independent living,” said Surrey First mayoral candidate Linda Hepner. “Knowing this vision has worked, we will take Innovation Boulevard to the next level by finding similar working partnerships, and attracting new partners, in the field of agricultural technology, and cleantech industries.  These industry clusters will attract investment and students, and create well-paying knowledge-based jobs here in Surrey.”

Surrey is already home to 10 per cent of BC’s clean energy industry, so a Centre of Excellence for Clean Technology will be established at Simon Fraser University to build on that progress.  An Agriculture Innovation Living Lab will also be created to develop sustainably produced foods.

In addition, Special Industrial Corridors will offer tax incentives for job-creating businesses. They will receive property tax and development cost breaks if they invest those savings in apprenticeships and trades training.

“We all know the lower mainland’s future growth is coming south of the Fraser, and by attracting significant investment, and creating long-term, well paying jobs, we will be able to ensure Surrey will serve as the core municipality that will drive the economy for the entire region for decades to come.”

For more information about Surrey First’s Innovation Boulevard Policy please click here

Facial Recognition Technology for Surrey

SURREY, BC: Surrey First mayoral candidate Linda Hepner wants to put facial recognition technology to work solving crimes, just as Calgary Police are now doing.

“I want to talk with our local RCMP and the City of Calgary to see how we can put this kind of technology to work in our city,” said Hepner. “Putting facial recognition technology to work will help police do their job even faster, and that’s an important part of proactive policing.”

The Calgary Police Service says it will use new facial recognition technology to compare photos and videos from crime scenes against their database of roughly 300,000 mug shots, in an effort to identify suspects and people of interest.

Before they had the technology, Calgary Police sometimes spent weeks or months trying to determine whether suspects seen on closed circuit television or identified by witnesses were already in the police picture database.

“When it comes to policing, timing is important,” explained Surrey First council candidate Dave Woods who spent 40 years with the RCMP. “The faster you can identify suspects, or people of interest, the faster you can solve a crime.”

NEC Corporation, which produces the technology, says their new NeoFace Reveal technology can carry out identification searches in seconds with greater accuracy. American police forces have used different versions of the technology, but the Calgary Police Service is the first to use the latest version of the facial recognition software.

Trained technicians, rather than police officers, analyze the matches and pass their findings on to police for follow-up. Meanwhile, officers wearing body cameras can send images they collect at crime scenes to technicians who look for database matches.

NEC’s NeoFace Reveal facial recognition technology was selected by the City of Calgary and the Calgary Police Service following a competitive procurement process.

SURREY, BC: After showing proven leadership when it come to protecting the environment, Surrey First will continue to find ways to keep our city growing in a sustainable manner, and will work to create an environmental research and industry hub aimed at generating local jobs in the field.

Surrey First has announced it will launch a new Cleantech Centre for Excellence as part of an expansion of the successful Innovation Boulevard initiative, which to date has centred mainly on the health care field.

“The Cleantech Centre would be established in partnership with the Surrey City Development Corporation in order to create space for the facility space, with Simon Fraser University and local cleantech businesses to aid in the commercialization of research for our cleantech cluster,” said Bruce Hayne, chair of the city’s Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee,  “This builds on our recently announced industry research chair which is a partnership between the city, SFU and Power Tech Labs. It demonstrates the kind of out-of-box thinking needed to utilize the tremendous resources we have here in Surrey, in order to keep the city growing sustainably, and a great place to both live and work.”

“No one in the Lower Mainland has preserved more greenspace than us, and under the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy we established, we’ll protect 10,000 acres of natural space,” said mayoral candidate Linda Hepner. “Establishing a cleantech centre not only serves to develop ways to preserve the environment, but also works to concentrate business and academic expertise in the field here in Surrey, where there’s an abundance of natural areas to work on. The result will be a new local industry that will attract investment, expertise, and new residents to the city.”

Other commitments in the Surrey First sustainability platform include strengthening tree-protection bylaws, completion by 2017 of a biofuel facility that processes organic waste into alternative fuel for use in city vehicles, and planning additional district energy hubs that will redistribute heated or cooled water through city buildings through a network of pipes, thus reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

(Please see a list of Surrey First sustainability achievements to date, and platform details here

Surrey, BC (Nov. 1, 2014) – Surrey First campaign manager Stewart Braddick expressed concern today that advance polls were closed for almost an hour, and wants to make sure that everyone who voted this morning would have their votes counted.

“Surrey’s Chief Electoral Officer should have contacted all candidates before closing the polls as campaigns were encouraging voters to come out and participate in the first day of advance polls. We also want to make sure that the paperwork was completed properly by those candidates who claimed their affiliation was not included in the ballot. We are also concerned election officials were not available at their published contact numbers, something that should have been possible throughout the election campaign, particularly on advance voting day.”