Is it a time for change or time to stay the course? That's the decision city council candidates want voters to consider when they head to the polls for the 2011 civic election.
At the first all-candidates meeting of the 2011 municipal election campaign, held in Queensborough Tuesday night, incumbents highlighted progress that's been made and the need for stability, while challengers outlined a number of concerns and a need for change.
Three of the four mayoral candidates - Vance McFadyen, Francois Nantel and incumbent Wayne Wright - attended the meeting, while James Crosty had a previous commitment.
McFadyen said there are a multitude of issues to focus on but his priorities are families, neighbourhood infrastructure and youth amenities. He said he respects Wright and Crosty and believes both have the city's interests at heart.
"I guess what makes me different is I am a low-profile guy," he said. "And with tongue-in-cheek I want you to know that I am neither an asteroid or a star, just a guy with his feet firmly planted on the ground."
Nantel, who has no municipal experience but has ran in two federal campaigns, believes that sports and music are some of the best ways of bringing people together in the community. He'd be open to residents' suggestions on how to make the community more vibrant.
"We said what we were going to do nine years ago. We told you the changes that would come. We told you the things we had to do to make it possible. You can look around here now and it's what you see. There's more to do, but these are the people that will help do it," Wright said. "As far as leadership, as far as knowing where we are going, as far as having a plan, you are looking at the person that can do it."
Wright said "no mayor walks by himself" and needs a strong, supportive council. He said the current council rarely has divisive votes because they work well together.
"That's what your decision is going to be now," he said. "You have to choose someone to lead and you have to choose six strong horsemen to be with him."
Bill Harper, who has served as a city councillor for six years, said he wants to continue to work on initiatives that make the city livable such as strengthening the environment, replacing old infrastructure and providing affordable housing.
"Our own children can't afford to live in the city any longer," he said. "The city needs to step up to the plate - we have been doing that with a number of projects."
Paul Mulangu said he wants to learn, listen and work with community before taking action.
"In 2008 I ran and came 12th out of 16," said Gavin Palmer. "Some say it was a failed attempt. I disagree. It showed me that I have support, but I need to get another 1,300 or more votes to represent you on city council. As many of you have asked me to run again and have committed to support and assist me, I am sure we will be able to accomplish our goals and refresh our city's council."
Bob Osterman, who has served as a councillor for 15 years, is pleased with the progress made in recent years.
"In the past six years particularly, we have made strides that this city has never made. Strides not only in infrastructure and parks, in recreation, in the arts," he said. "We have made strides in partnership with the school board."
Osterman told the crowd that Queensborough has changed from a have-not to a have community with premium shopping, entertainment and parks. He said new schools will be a reality in New Westminster because the hard work has been completed by council and the school board.
Jonathan Cote said he's fought hard for issues such as the environment, childcare, affordable housing, economic development and community facilities. He said the city needs a council that isn't afraid to tackle difficult social and environmental issues, and works for everyone.
"In the coming years New Westminster will continue to have changes and opportunities," he said. "We need a group of councillors that will provide strong leaders, strong leadership and progressive community values."
James Bell said he wants to see better financial control, at the same time the city maintains its arts and culture.
Betty McIntosh, who has served four terms as a councillor, noted the positive improvements that have taken place in Queensborough.
"Queensborough has seen a lot of changes recently," she said. "You have seen the parks and you have seen the trails. You are seeing the construction that is happening right here. There is a plan for Ewen Avenue to have an upgrade. It's in the capital plans."
Calvin Donnelly said he has experience on city council, having first been elected to council in 1981 and been involved in the community. He stands for a safe, well-managed and vibrant community.
Susan Wandell, a Voice New Westminster candidate, believes that some land should be retained in Queensborough for a future high school because of all the development that's occurring in that community.
Gerry Liu said he wants to improve communication between the City of New Westminster and its residents.
Harp Sihota said he's appreciate of the work done to improve parks and walkways in Queensborough, but is concerned about Queensborough traffic, school expansion and ditches.
Former New Westminster councillor and MLA Chuck Puchmayr hopes to return to council chambers.
"It's no secret I have four very good friends on council who are councillors," he said. "I seek to be the fifth and join my friends on council. I look forward to coming back and serving my community as I have for so many years."
The city's finances are one of the reasons John Ashdown is making his first foray into municipal politics.
"Why am I here? I believe in a balanced city council, which represents all citizens. We need an equal representation of taxpayers, business, labour, seniors and families," he said. "I believe free enterprise needs to flourish if we are going to attract business."
While current councillors have different perspectives, first-term councillor Jaimie McEvoy said they are united in getting things done for the betterment of the city.
"We need some sustainability in New Westminster, we need continuity in terms of the program that we're pursuing," he said. "We need stability in the city to get the job done."
Lorrie Williams said she's proud of the improvements that have taken place during her nine years on council but wants to continue to work on initiatives such as increased recycling, a new animal control facility, a marina and infrastructure improvements.
For an extended version of this story, see www.royalcity record.com.
