Safe Surrey Coalition

Mayoral Candidate – Doug McCallum

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 07:01:30 +0000

Doug McCallum served proudly as a Surrey City Councillor between 1993-1996 and as Mayor of Surrey between 1996-2005. He also sat as the Chair of Translink from 2002-2005, a Director of the Big Cities Mayors’ Caucus, and currently sits as a Director on the Law Foundation of BC.

He was able to clean up the crime-ridden town centre of Whalley by taking aggressive stances on drug houses, increasing the police presence on the streets, and ensuring that all criminal activity was taken seriously and met with swift action.

Doug showed respect for the residents of Surrey by freezing property taxes for 9 years. The City of Surrey also reached unprecedented levels of growth and prosperity through property development and investment.

His return to run as the Mayoral candidate as part of the Safe Surrey Coalition is fuelled by a growing divide between the current Mayor and Council and the needs of Surrey citizens. Ineffective strategies on crime and public safety, blatant examples of fiscal waste and mismanagement, and growing anger over unequal treatment of neighbourhoods, require immediate change and tangible action of how to improve Surrey’s fortunes.

The ability of any one individual to have an impact begins with a decision to stand up and make a difference.

Surrey is our community. The time for leadership is now.

Doug McCallum is ready for that commitment.

Doug on Surrey’s Crime Problems

“Since 2003, the City of Surrey has the worst performance of the nine largest municipalities in BC in lowering criminal code offences, and is the only city in the region to see an increase in violent crime. Public safety is Surrey’s top priority in this election, and the chain of accountability must once again flow directly from the Mayor’s office.”

Doug on Wasteful Spending

“The new City Hall will cost residents close to $150 million. The Surrey City Development Corporation spent $20 million of public money to invest in a brewery and even more to compete with private sector development. Property taxes have increased close to 3 per cent every year since 2003, but services have not improved for Surrey residents. Respect for taxpayers’ needs must once again guide Surrey’s next set of elected representatives.”

Doug on Surrey’s Future

“Surrey has become the showcase for the best that BC has to offer – a multicultural landscape that is strong and vibrant, a business community that is the heart of the city’s growth and competitiveness, and a kind and considerate population that is a model for community spirit.

But unless we take immediate action to tackle the growing pains the City of Surrey is currently facing, we are risking our chance at a future that is healthy, dynamic and sustainable.”

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City Council Candidate – Rina Gill

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 07:01:05 +0000

The ability of any one individual to have an impact begins with a decision to stand up and make a difference.

Surrey is our community. The time for leadership is now.

Doug McCallum is ready for that commitment.

Doug on Surrey’s Crime Problems

“Since 2003, the City of Surrey has the worst performance of the nine largest municipalities in BC in lowering criminal code offences, and is the only city in the region to see an increase in violent crime. Public safety is Surrey’s top priority in this election, and the chain of accountability must once again flow directly from the Mayor’s office.”

Doug on Wasteful Spending

“The new City Hall will cost residents close to $150 million. The Surrey City Development Corporation spent $20 million of public money to invest in a brewery and even more to compete with private sector development. Property taxes have increased close to 3 per cent every year since 2003, but services have not improved for Surrey residents. Respect for taxpayers’ needs must once again guide Surrey’s next set of elected representatives.”

Doug on Surrey’s Future

“Surrey has become the showcase for the best that BC has to offer – a multicultural landscape that is strong and vibrant, a business community that is the heart of the city’s growth and competitiveness, and a kind and considerate population that is a model for community spirit.

But unless we take immediate action to tackle the growing pains the City of Surrey is currently facing, we are risking our chance at a future that is healthy, dynamic and sustainable.”

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City Council Candidate – Laurie Guerra

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 07:00:13 +0000

Laurie Guerra is a 25-year resident of Surrey that views the local community as an extension her immediate family. Living in the Fleetwood area with her husband and five children, Laurie built simultaneous careers in real estate and yoga instruction after achieving international success in the entertainment industry.

Laurie’s life forever changed when her son was diagnosed with Autism at the age of six. For the past 13 years, Laurie has been one of the province’s most vocal and involved autism advocates as a Director of the Autism Society of British Columbia, a facilitator for the Surrey Parent Support Group for the society, and the Chair of the Community Council for Surrey for the Ministry of Children and Family Development – Community Living.

Laurie recently became the captain of her neighbourhood Block Watch and enrolled in Athabasca University to pursue a political science degree at the age of 51. These are endeavours that show an enduring commitment to constant personal challenges and lifelong learning. Her decision to step forward as a City Council candidate for the Safe Surrey Coalition is a way to apply these life philosophies to improving the city she has called home for a quarter century.

Laurie on Taking Responsibility

“Things never get accomplished by complaining without action. If I want a different outcome or see a particular need in the community, I try to meet it with everything I have to offer.”

Laurie on Safe Neighbourhoods

“A safe community begins with residents getting to know one another. It only takes a quick “hello” or a simple wave to turn strangers into neighbours and inspire people to look out for one another.”

Laurie on the Bonds of Diversity

“Surrey residents enjoy one of the most diverse communities in the country. Regardless of our distinct backgrounds, we are collectively bigger than our identities as individuals, and this is one of our city’s greatest strengths.”

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City Council Candidate – Beau Simpson

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 06:54:13 +0000

Beau Simpson is a proud resident of Cloverdale’s Hillcrest area, husband to wife Kari, and father to two young children. The love of his family and community is the motivation behind his decision to run as a City Council candidate for the Safe Surrey Coalition, but his decorated 15-year career as a journalist is what guides his perspective.

Beau is the Editor of the Surrey Now newspaper, and for the past seven years he has been at the heart of local coverage for the city’s most difficult issues. Under his leadership, the paper has won a number of provincial and national awards, in addition to earning awards recognizing his own efforts. His community service project dubbed “Junior Journalists” earned Beau national recognition for not only grooming the next generation of media leaders, but also teaching a sense of citizenship and responsibility amongst young people.

Beau believes in a balanced perspective to public policy that attempts to understand and incorporate the many sides to every story. More specifically, his coverage of Surrey politics has witnessed the deterioration of this approach at City Hall, causing many communities like Cloverdale to feel isolated and ignored.

Beau is determined to bring equality and consideration back to Surrey’s civic representation.

Beau on Listening

“Being an editor requires an ability to listen to people’s concerns, ideas and input with an open mind. I believe that this is one of the most important skills that a politician can bring to the job of serving the interests and priorities of the community.”

Beau on Transparency

“I have been trained with the understanding that information is at the heart of an effective democracy. This is why tough situations like Surrey’s recent troubles with crime and public safety require open and immediate disclosure to avoid putting the public at risk.”

Beau on Youth in the Community

“If you give youth the opportunity to shine, they will accept the challenge. It requires volunteers to run youth programs, politicians to provide ample resources, and citizens to recognize and applaud their efforts.”

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City Council Candidate – Justin Thind

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 06:52:37 +0000

Born in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Justin Thind has immersed himself and his young family into the City of Surrey since being called to the Bar of British Columbia as a lawyer in 2006. He is a managing partner in a full service law group that is proud to be a part of the dynamic Surrey business community.

Justin uses his previous residency in many Surrey neighbourhoods including Newton, Cloverdale, Sullivan Station and Fleetwood, as well as his past career working in government, as the inspiration behind his decision to run for City Council as part of the Safe Surrey Coalition.

Simply put, whether in the Surrey Provincial Court, or at the neighbourhood level, Justin has witnessed the impacts of local crime first hand. He sees how Surrey’s growth is strongly encouraged by the current Mayor and Council, and yet the proper resources to deal with the issues attached to such rapid change have not kept pace. This also includes other voids like a lack of transit infrastructure, inaccessible community facilities for under privileged youth, and a problematic electoral system that prevents representatives from effectively speaking to the unique issues of different neighbourhoods.

As a husband, father, lawyer, business owner and concerned resident, Justin is motivated to put his name forward as a candidate on a number of levels.

Justin on Municipal Leaders

“I understand the positive impact that municipal government can have in the lives of residents, so I find it very frustrating that this current Mayor and Council are more concerned with their political legacy than demonstrating leadership.”

Justin on Intergovernmental Cooperation

“Surrey will become BC’s biggest city within the next decade, so it is essential to have civic representatives that work well with other levels of government. With the recent cuts to the RCMP gang task force and the ongoing absence of transit investment in Surrey, it doesn’t appear that we have those relationships.”

Justin on a Wards System

“I believe that the time has come for Surrey neighbourhoods to have representatives fighting for their specific interests at City Hall. All regions of Surrey deserve an equal voice at the table, and an advocate is always best when they can directly relate as a neighbour rather than simply as a politician.”

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Doug McCallum introduces the Safe Surrey Coalition – Immediately releases detailed 6-point public safety platform to address Surrey’s number one issue

Tue, 09 Sep 2014 06:17:29 +0000

Surrey, BC – Faced with an ongoing crime wave that is being met with inaction by the current Surrey Mayor and Council, Mayoral candidate Doug McCallum unveiled the Safe Surrey Coalition and their Public Safety Platform Tuesday morning.

Consisting of McCallum and 4 City Council candidates – Small Business Owner Rina Gill, Community Advocate Laurie Guerra, Journalist Beau Simpson and Lawyer Justin Thind (complete bios can be found at www.safesurrey.ca) – the Safe Surrey Coalition represents a serious response to the growing problems of crime and insecurity infiltrating the streets of Surrey.

The Safe Surrey Coalition is releasing their Public Safety Platform containing 6 specific proposals:

Introduce the Mayor’s Integrated Public Safety Council
Establish Minimum Thresholds for Service Levels in Accordance with the RCMP Contract Accountability Provisions
Double the Amount of Officers on Patrol & Accelerate Hiring of 95 New RCMP Officers to 2015
Double the Amount of Bylaw Officers in the Community
Invest $4 million per year over 4 Years into a Crime Prevention through Social Development (CPSD) Community Strategy
Launch a Public Awareness Campaign & Encourage Involvement with the RCMP Public Crime Prevention Programs & the Surrey Crime Prevention Society (please visit safesurrey.ca/publicsafetyplatform for the complete proposals)

The creation of the Safe Surrey Coalition and their Public Safety Platform comes directly as a result of what has been heard from Surrey residents since launching his campaign, says McCallum.

“People are fearful in neighbourhoods across Surrey, and are looking for leadership, detailed proposals, and most importantly, a plan for action on the issue of public safety,” says McCallum. “The Safe Surrey Coalition represents a group of candidates with diverse community involvement, political affiliations and professional backgrounds that are united by one overpowering concern: Public Safety.”

The Safe Surrey Coalition has come together around public safety, but believes in a balanced approach to governance. Adhering to a set of Guiding Principles (www.safesurrey.ca/guidingprinciples), the Safe Surrey Coalition will continue to release a range of policies for consideration in areas such as fiscal responsibility and management, transportation and electoral reform.

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Block Watch: The Great Uniter

Fri, 05 Sep 2014 07:06:30 +0000

I recently became the captain of my neighbourhood’s new Block Watch program, which has really served to bring our tight-knit neighbourhood together like never before.

I and my family have always been close to those that live on our block, because with 5 children, meeting other families is inevitable. It also happens because I have a natural desire to get to know the people that I share my block with.

Yet never before have I witnessed the level of interaction that the Block Watch program has inspired. A common purpose of looking out for each other has touched all personalities, professions and backgrounds – we are all so invested in making our neighbourhood safe for everyone.

There’s such a feeling of violation when you become the victim of a crime. Whether it’s your vehicle being broken into, property being vandalized or in the worst scenario violence perpetrated against someone, peace of mind is something that is easily threatened.

A desire to feel secure in the place one lives is universal, and when a neighbourhood’s sense of safety is at risk, amazing things can happen. Just as importantly as the ways that we have been able to take back our block is the way in which we stand united as a community that cares.

They say it takes a village to raise a child. Well, it also makes a village when we all become parents, brothers, sisters and protectors of one another.

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Fear Mongering? Hardly

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 07:11:48 +0000

As the editor of the Now Newspaper for the past 7 years, I constantly have to make decisions about what to publish in relation to the public good. I and the journalists I work with are constantly striving to offer balanced reporting by not only representing the various sides to a story, but also by showing context between the “facts” and the sentiments of the community.

I was struck a few weeks back when in response to the release of the information about the Surrey RCMP only having 36 uniformed officers on the streets, Councillor Linda Hepner stated that the information would likely be used to “fear monger in the community.”

In fact, Surrey First as a whole continues to argue that crime is under control, and that figures in many categories are often decreasing. While I question the first claim, it is true that the numbers across the different crime classifications are a mixed bag in terms of trends.

On the other side of the spectrum is the kind of response that we as journalists receive in the community. Many profiles of citizens, in every neighbourhood across Surrey, are speaking up about the fear they face in their own neighbourhoods.

This brings forth a very interesting question: are the media better served by reporting the increases in violent crime or the decreases in break and enters every quarter, or by reporting the more anecdotal stories offered by the people that live in the community.

I think that we have an obligation on both fronts. That being said, any politician holding up numbers to show why residents’ feelings about safety are wrong demonstrates an arrogance that doesn’t reflect the people they’re tasked with representing.

The media attempt to act as the conduit of factual information in order to better inform people about the world in which they live. But at the end of the day, the human condition is never just about simple statistics.

So would I describe bringing light to the fact that there are only 36 uniformed officers on shift as a way to “fear monger” in the community?

Not a chance.

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My Experience with Access to Information and the RCMP

Tue, 02 Sep 2014 07:28:18 +0000

Since I announced my return to politics on July 7, the crime taking place on Surrey’s streets have dominated the headlines and the agenda. Soon after my announcement, I had the privilege of doing a ride along with one of the senior RCMP officers on shift on a Thursday night, which was a shocking eye opener to what was really happening out there.

Geographically, policing the City of Surrey is very challenging, because in terms of sheer land mass, it could comfortably hold Vancouver, Burnaby and Richmond combined. I saw how the officer I rode with would have to respond to calls from one corner of the city to the other, and how that could impact response times.

So on August 5, I decided to file an Access to Information (ATIP) request to find out exactly how many of the 673 officers the Surrey RCMP detachment consists of are on patrol on any given shift.

Within days of the request going in, media attention prompted the release of the information I was requesting: 36 officers. To say I was blown away by this figure is an understatement.

This works out to approximately 1 officer on patrol for every 14,156 Surrey residents. Now while the RCMP did mention that there were always a range of specialized units that were also on the streets simultaneously, the ratio of uniformed patrol officers seemed very low.

I am still unsure about the release of that number, as within 2 weeks of filing several ATIPs, I received a response back from the RCMP stating that my requests were going to take several months, and that even then, the release of certain figures would likely be restricted.

Even certain sitting Councillors who had requested similar numbers had been stonewalled for months until the attention my ATIPs caused served as a catalyst.

The whole exercise of trying to access information of the Ottawa-based national force proved to be a frustrating experience, and only served to reinforce the need for greater accountability. With Surrey residents paying over $100 million per year for the RCMP contract, it is vital for elected representatives to demand a more open relationship when it comes to information.

After all, we are the customer, and as the service provider, the RCMP must do more to inform their client about the level of service that we as Surrey residents are receiving.

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