White Rock’s election is going to be fascinating.
Two slates are going all out to control council, and six mayoral candidates are vying to replace outgoing mayor Wayne Baldwin. Even the race for the lone school trustee seat will involve a vote this year, after past acclamations.
As noted in the Peace Arch News’ Sept. 21 editorial, White Rock voters are demonstrating more restlessness in this particular election, and incumbency is not necessarily a safe bet.
There are many reasons. One of the main ones is a deepening sense of dismay over the way the entire Metro Vancouver region is developing, and over the ever-increasing cost of housing. While most White Rock residents are in no danger of being homeless, those who rent feel a lot of pressure. Even many homeowners carry large mortgages and face significant pressures at mortgage renewal time.
Development is inevitable in White Rock and virtually every part of the region, but the shape of that development is a major campaign issue. A petition to council calling for a moratorium on any future highrise construction caused Baldwin to say that two of the petitioners, Democracy Direct candidates Darryl Walker and Erika Johanson, are unfit for office.
Also on voters’ minds is the purchase of White Rock waterworks and just how much that will end up costing taxpayers; relations with the Semiahmoo First Nation; rail traffic and the long-discussed relocation of the tracks off the waterfront; and the general livability and affordability of the city.
The only incumbent councillor seeking the mayor’s chair is Grant Meyer, who is part of the White Rock Coalition. It is running a full slate for council.
The other slate running is Democracy Direct, which has many supporters who are unhappy about the way the council majority has operated in recent years. Its mayoral candidate is Walker, former president of the B.C. Government Employees Union.
Former longtime Surrey councillor Judy Higginbotham was a surprise late entrant into the mayor’s race. While she still lives in Surrey, she is well-known in White Rock and came close to winning the MP’s seat as the Liberal candidate in South Surrey-White Rock in the 2015 election.
Mike Pearce, who has mayoral experience in Quesnel and Penticton, is also seeking the top job, as are Tom Bryant and Garry Wolgemuth.
Given that there are so many candidates, votes will be split all over the place. It’s quite possible that the winning candidate will get as little as 25 per cent of the vote.
Votes will also be split among the 22 councillor candidates. This may benefit the candidates on slates, particularly if enough voters choose only members of one slate. While this does happen in many elections, particularly in larger communities, White Rock voters are known for their strong independent streak.
Those interested in voting have plenty of time to study the candidates’ platforms and ask questions of them, either at forums or in person. Election day is Oct. 20.
Frank Bucholtz writes Wednesdays for Peace Arch News.