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Former Maple Ridge mayor Mike Morden to run for council
Mike Morden, Maple Ridge mayor from 2018 to 2022, will run as an independent candidate for council in the Oct. 17 municipal election.
Former Maple Ridge mayor Mike Morden says he will seek a seat on city council in the Oct. 17 municipal election. Morden, a three-term elected official, served as mayor from 2018 to 2022 and will run as an independent candidate.
Morden said his experience and record could contribute as Maple Ridge continues to grow, faces disproportionately rising costs and sees greater demand for city services. He said he would bring experience, accountability and common sense to council, with an emphasis on sensible spending, strong services and clean, safe neighbourhoods.
He considered another mayoral campaign but chose to pursue a council seat because of family commitments. Morden said his family has faced significant health challenges and that serving as a councillor would allow him to contribute to the community while meeting those responsibilities.
Morden pointed to lower taxes, long-term planning for a growing community, infrastructure and recreation projects, efforts to address major public-safety challenges, the closure of a downtown homeless encampment and implementation of BC's first Community Social Safety Plan as part of his record.
He said municipal spending belongs to taxpayers and should be guided by clear priorities, sound planning and approved budgets while protecting the core services used by businesses and residents. He also said council must be accountable for its results.
Independent decision-making will be a key campaign theme, Morden said. He said councillors should listen to residents and businesses, ask difficult questions, determine the best way forward and be prepared to make difficult decisions, even when they do not agree on every issue.
His campaign will focus on responsible spending, public safety, priority infrastructure, affordable recreation and open, honest governance. Morden said he wants Maple Ridge to be well positioned for current residents and businesses and attractive in the future, adding that individual issues will be discussed during the campaign.