Dear Editor:
Re: It's a two-way race - so far, The Record, Sept. 12.
For the past four elections, I have voted for and publicly supported Wayne Wright for mayor. I haven't agreed with all of Mayor Wright's decisions, but I have always felt he was passionate about the city and worked hard on my behalf.
This Nov. 15, however, I will be supporting Jonathan X. Cote for mayor of New Westminster. I have voted for Jonathan as a councillor for the past three terms, and I am excited that he has decided to run as mayor. I feel Jonathan is the right candidate to take New Westminster to the next level, as I want a mayor who brings not only passion and hard work, but is also armed with a formal education in city-building and place-making. I want to see New Westminster continue to grow and develop, but want to see that happen in a thoughtful and sensible way.
As a parent, Jonathan's past work and fresh ideas on transportation issues and planning for civic facilities are crucial to me - I want a safe, livable city for my son. As a small business owner, I need to know my small business is just as important to our local economy as any big business.
I want a mayor who I can relate to and whom I feel can relate to me. A mayor should be transparent, open to feedback and approachable, and I believe the best candidate is Jonathan X. Cote.
I hope you'll join me in voting for a fresh perspective, New West.
Jen Arbo, New Westminster
