Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke releases her top priorities upon taking office

Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke spells out her priorities. Photo by SUKHWANT DHILLON / AM 600 Sher-E-Punjab Radio

SURREY Mayor Brenda Locke outlined her top priorities on Monday as she began her four-year term, stating that her vision and commitment to residents was to ensure transparency, restore public engagement, and maintain Surrey RCMP as the police of jurisdiction.

The new Mayor and City Councillors — Linda Annis and Mike Bose (Surrey First); Harry Bains, Gordon Hepner, Rob Stutt and Pardeep Kooner (Surrey Connect); and Doug Elford and Mandeep Nagra (Safe Surrey Coalition) — were sworn in on Monday evening at Surrey City Hall by Judge Valli Chettiar.

Locke said: “Surrey deserves a Council that values public input, delivers on promises and above all else, is ethical and transparent. Restoring integrity and public engagement will be the focus of my work every step of the way. My immediate priorities are maintaining Surrey RCMP as the police of jurisdiction, ensuring extensive public input on the city’s budget, strengthening the independence of the Ethics Commissioner and creating a stronger role for youth in our city. All voices will be heard and I look forward to working with all the residents of Surrey.”

Judge Valli Chettiar and Brenda Locke.
Photo: City of Surrey

* Maintaining Surrey RCMP as the police of jurisdiction:
Work has already begun to maintain Surrey RCMP as the police of jurisdiction for the City, including producing a report outlining the plan. When complete, this plan will be released publicly for all to see.

* Public consultation on the City Budget
Seeking community input on the City of Surrey’s Financial Plan will be a top focus and priority. Opportunities will be made available for residents to provide input and feedback in each of the City’s town centres.

* Strengthening the Office of the Ethics Commissioner
The City of Surrey Ethics Commissioner will be strengthened to ensure independence and transparency.

Karishma Deo sings O Canada.
screengrab
Indian Consul General Manish with Brenda Locke.
This photo and the following photos by SUKHWANT DHILLON / AM 600 Sher-E-Punjab Radio
Indian Vice Consul Sanjay Malhotra, Indian Consul General Manish and Councillor Mandeep Nagra.

 

Councillors Harry Bains and Mike Bose.
Brenda Locke and political activist Jaspal Atwal.