At the end of September, a series of debates between the Abbotsford mayoral candidates was hosted by the Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 28, 2022 and by the Student Union Society at UFV on Sept. 29, 2022. The three candidates present were: Ross Siemens, Manjit Sohi, and Troy Gaspar.
Candidates Siemens and Sohi answered questions and presented their ideas and plans regarding issues such as the transit system and bike safety, crime, addiction, homelessness, affordable housing and rent, business, industrial and agricultural development, natural disaster prevention, climate change, and more. The majority of Siemens points referred to the current and ongoing work of the council while avoiding any promises for the future, and the majority of Sohi’s points, refer back to his publicly available “10 point action plan,” which is the collective actions he intends to enact once elected, centered around streamlining development in Abbotsford on all fronts. Both Siemens and Sohi were clear in their views and plans for these issues, whereas Gaspar mainly answered questions with “no comments.”
When asked about why students should vote for them, the answers varied. Siemens believes that his double term as a city council member, as well as his experience as a multi-generational business owner, gives him the experience needed for the position of mayor. He wants to revitalize the historic downtown with hopes that job opportunities might be created for students and youth. Siemens said that there is a conversation happening currently on the topic of affordable housing, where the possible solution would be smaller suites or co-op living.
Sohi has a wider focus in mind. He is concentrated on affordability by making rent, services, and buying homes more affordable in Abbotsford. His plan includes the development of an “entertainment hub” to keep youth and students from needing to commute to Vancouver for things to do on a Friday night. Sohi said that if there are things for the young community to do, affordable rent in the community, and opportunity for their future, the young will remain in Abbotsford thereby helping the development and growth of this town.
Gaspar seemed confused by the question. His answer stated that “the children” should look to him as a positive influence, and then followed up with a disjointed comment on affordable housing and shelters.
When asked about their views for future youth involvement in Abbotsford, only two commented; a lot of which resonated with their earlier points. Sohi referred to his “10 point action plan,” emphasizing accelerated development, creation of recreational facilities and the importance of keeping the youth engaged. Siemens on the other hand referred back to current involvement with the young people of Abbotsford by informing everyone present about the relationship with “CityStudio Abbotsford,”Abbotsford’s current youth council, and how the city council is involved with high schools at the moment. There were no mentions of any future initiatives. Gaspar did not answer the question.
All three candidates want to be mayor for different reasons. Ross Siemens believes he is the best qualified to continue the current work that city council is doing in Abbotsford. Manjit Sohi has a “10 point master plan” he wishes to use to accelerate changes and development in Abbotsford, to help those in need currently in Abbotsford as well as create an environment of growth for the future generations. Troy Gaspar has a “bucket list”, and being mayor is on it.
City Council Candidates:
At the all-candidates-meeting held at the Garden Park Tower on Sept. 30, 2022, the candidates for city council were given two minutes to present why the community of Abbotsford should vote for them. Many of the candidates presented personal details on their families and past work experience, which was extensive. The highlights below represent the priorities, values and goals of the candidates and what they wish to accomplish. Only eight of these 21 candidates will be elected for city council.
Four of these candidates represent an electoral organization that have worked together in campaigning as a team with a unified goal. This team is called “Abbotsford First.” They state their goal as guiding “the City in achieving its stated vision as the ‘Economic and Cultural HUB of the Fraser Valley.’”
- His main point and focus was to express his desire to give back to the community of Abbotsford.
- Although Barkman did not use his two minutes to share his goals as a city council member, he did speak to the importance of voting, and shared his extensive service resume.
- As a member of “Abbotsford First” she focused her speech on their goals towards the longevity of the community as well as a positive development of this town in the forms of residential, industrial, and agricultural growth.
- As another member of “Abbotsford First,” she spoke to their strategic fiscal plan and ended on a note about the importance of public safety concerns the team wishes to address in conjunction with affordable housing and persuading the provincial government for better mental health services.
- She wishes to ensure all voices (regardless of demographic) be heard by the council, and she plans to work hard and be of service to these voices.
- Evans read a passage from a book by David Suzuki and proceeded to talk about the environmental issues he wishes to address.
- He expressed his concerns with the rise in security positions throughout superstores, malls, and hospitals, and claimed that these are preludes to global economic collapse, which has already begun under the form of weather warfare.
- Her main goal is to establish, support, and strengthen the developments and programs within Abbotsford that clearly communicate a sense of home in this town by being a voice for the people.
- Gibson talked mainly on the trust that has been put in him by many in the community to represent them in different forms and levels of civic servitude, and he trusts the community of Abbotsford to vote for him so that he might continue representing the people’s interests.
- He wished to point out that a minimum of two seats at the council level would be changed, as well as the position of mayor, and proposed that his experience on the council since 2005 will give some stability and guidance to the transition to come.
- McLauren passionately declared that the world is changing, and with that change, Abbotsford is in need of a leader that has fresh new ideas, diverse perspectives, and multiple solutions, and he believes he is the right candidate for the job.
- She wants to see Abbotsford develop with the small business community to make the town more business friendly, more affordable and safer for everyone.
- Mund announced that he will do everything in his power to make Abbotsford a safer, family-friendly, connected community.
- Norton, a retired RCMP officer, was not able to attend nor did he have anyone speak on his behalf.
- Pimm focused his talk on the discussion of bringing out the SkyTrain to Abbotsford and presented an alternate solution he wishes to explore, which would be to expand on the West Coast Express system already in place instead.
- She believes that creating a sustainable community — where housing and job opportunities are balanced, economy and sustainable quality of life are parallel, and our agricultural heritage compliments environmental values — is important and that she can get the job done.
- She wishes to focus on the healthcare concerns of the community as well as improving accessibility in Abbotsford.
- Sidhu is determined to develop and improve Abbotsford’s parks and recreational facilities.
- She vocalized her relevant experience qualifying her for the job as well as resonated with the goals and values of her previous colleagues on the “Abbotsford First” team.
- Tran wishes to give back to the community that welcomed him.
- His statement was read by a supporter, who thanked the community of Abbotsford for showing up as well as directing it to look to his colleagues from “Abbotsford First” for a clear picture on their goals and values.
