Open LetterTo Mayor Brenda Locke and Surrey Council!

Dear Her Worship Mayor Brenda Locke and Esteemed City Council,

I hope this message finds you in good health. I am writing to implore the City of Surrey to embark upon a journey of electoral reform that will strengthen our local governance and ensure fair representation for all residents. Specifically, I propose electing the Mayor at-large, by all the voters of Surrey, while electing City Councillors through neighbourhood districts.

Having grown up in the vibrant community of Newton within the City of Surrey, I have a deep-rooted connection to the city and a genuine understanding of the diverse needs and aspirations of its residents. As a proud property owner in both the Whalley and Fleetwood neighborhoods, my personal investment in Surrey extends beyond mere words. I am fully committed to advocating for the best interests of our city and its communities, driven by a firsthand appreciation of the unique challenges and opportunities that exist within different parts of Surrey.

BACKGROUND

It is with great concern that I raise the issue of the current electoral system, which has left several neighbourhoods in Surrey without proper representation on City Council throughout our history.  In our current system there is no guarantee there would be representation from Whalley, Guildford, Fleetwood, South Surrey, Cloverdale, and Newton. Growing up in Surrey, I witnessed elections where the voices of poorer and marginalized communities were not adequately heard or represented. It often felt as though Surrey Council was actually the South Surrey Council, leaving the rest of the city feeling neglected and overlooked.

By adopting a neighbourhood district method of electing City Councillors, we can rectify this glaring imbalance and guarantee that every neighbourhood in Surrey has a dedicated representative on City Council. This approach ensures that candidates from any background, regardless of their affiliation with political slates or financial resources, can run for council and win a local election. It levels the playing field and removes barriers, empowering individuals who truly care about their communities to step forward and serve.

It is worth noting that major cities across Canada, including Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Halifax, Calgary, Edmonton, and Winnipeg have already embraced the neighbourhood district method of electing local City Councillors. It is time for Surrey to join the ranks of these progressive cities and prioritize fair and inclusive representation.

Additionally, it is crucial to highlight the success of the neighbourhood district method in electing other public officials, such as Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Members of Parliament (MPs). This neighbourhood district system is a tried and tested system of electing public officials.

Furthermore, the current system places an immense burden on City Councillors in Surrey, as they are expected to handle caseloads representing over half a million voters each. This duplication of work not only strains our elected officials but also results in an inefficient allocation of resources. It is high time we re-evaluate this approach and adopt a more streamlined and effective system that better serves the needs of our diverse and rapidly growing community.

RECOMMENDATIONS

I respectfully request that City Council undertake the following steps to pave the way for meaningful change:

Direct City Council to commission a comprehensive staff report exploring various options for implementing a neighbourhood district method of electing City Councillors, while ensuring the Mayor continues to be elected at-large.

Initiate a robust citizen engagement process to gather feedback and insights from the residents of Surrey. Their voices and perspectives are crucial in shaping the future of our local governance.

Take the bold step of putting the finalized proposal, resulting from careful consideration and public input, to voters in a referendum during the upcoming civic election. This will allow the citizens of Surrey to decide on the best electoral system that truly represents their aspirations and desires for the city.

The time for change is now. By implementing these recommendations, the City of Surrey can demonstrate its commitment to inclusive governance, empower marginalized communities, and build a stronger, more united future for all residents.

Thank you for your attention to this pressing matter. I have full faith in your leadership and dedication to the betterment of our beloved city.

Summary of Arguments for a Neighbourhood District System:

Enhanced Representation: Ensures better representation and addresses specific needs of each geographical area or community within the jurisdiction.

Localized Decision-Making: Allows for localized decision-making, focusing on unique concerns and issues of each neighbourhood.

Community Engagement: Facilitates increased community engagement, making it easier for residents to voice concerns and participate in local government processes.

Tailored Policies and Services: Enables policies and services that are tailored to the specific needs and preferences of each community, leading to more effective solutions.

Proximity to Local Issues: Neighbourhood representatives can quickly respond to local issues and emergencies, ensuring a swift and appropriate response.

Accountability: Representatives are directly accountable to their constituents, fostering transparency and accountability in local governance.

Efficient Resource Allocation: Enables efficient allocation of resources based on the specific needs and priorities of each neighbourhood.

Increased Civic Participation: Encourages increased civic participation at a localized level, enhancing democracy and community involvement.

Neighborhood Development: Empowers representatives to focus on improving infrastructure, services, and amenities within their neighbourhoods, enhancing residents’ quality of life.

Balanced Representation: Considers the unique characteristics of each neighbourhood, ensuring that all voices are heard and represented in local government.

Efficient Communication Channels: Streamlines communication between residents and local government, enabling prompt information sharing and issue resolution.

Local Economic Growth: Supports targeted economic development strategies, benefiting specific areas and local businesses.

Community Cohesion: Fosters a sense of belonging and ownership within each neighbourhood, promoting community cooperation.

Effective Urban Planning: Ensures development projects align with the aspirations and needs of neighbourhoods, leading to sustainable and well-designed communities.

Cultural Preservation: Facilitates the preservation of local culture and heritage within each neighbourhood.

Efficient Service Delivery: Enables more effective resource allocation and prompt addressing of concerns.

Increased Trust in Local Government: Enhances trust in local government through direct access to representatives and greater transparency.

Increased Political Participation: Encourages more individuals to engage in politics and local elections.

Empowerment of Underrepresented Groups: Provides a platform for underrepresented groups to have their voices heard and interests represented.

Civic Education: Promotes civic education and understanding of local government and democratic processes among residents.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, I would like to express my utmost gratitude for taking the time to review and carefully consider my proposal for much-needed electoral reform within the City of Surrey. By embracing this transformative change, we have the incredible opportunity to strengthen our local governance, ensure fair representation for all residents, and build a brighter future for our beloved city.

I have full faith in your leadership and dedication to the betterment of Surrey, and I am confident that your thoughtful consideration of this proposal will result in positive and impactful change. Together, let us forge a path towards a more inclusive, engaged, and prosperous Surrey.

Yours sincerely,

Alex Sangha

Registered Clinical Social Worker and Registered Clinical Counsellor

Recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada