Locke completes Surrey Connect council slate with two candidates

Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke has completed Surrey Connect’s eight-candidate council slate as she seeks re-election in the Oct. 17 municipal vote.

Former councillor Vera Lefranc and lawyer and realtor Michael Dunn were introduced Aug. 11 at Reflections Banquet Hall in East Newton. They join incumbent Surrey Connect councillors Gordon Hepner, Harry Bains, Pardeep Kooner and Rob Stutt, as well as newcomers Noemi Victorino and Rona Tepper.

Lefranc served one term after being elected in 2014 with Surrey First, now led by rival mayoral candidate Linda Annis. She said the party had changed since her campaign and credited Locke with making difficult decisions and leading a council team that is delivering for Surrey.

Dunn, a South Surrey realtor who previously built a law practice, said Surrey Connect has a plan to continue work in the city. He criticized the previous Doug McCallum-led Safe Surrey Coalition administration over its financial record.

Asked about property taxes, Locke said a Surrey Connect-led council would keep them low but would not promise a four-year freeze. She said such a freeze could require cuts to services and staffing while the growing city still needs investment. Municipal elections across B.C. for mayor, council and school trustee positions are scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17.