The Chilliwack Progress is testing the waters in the coming weeks to see what topics are making waves in the upcoming local elections.
Feedback and opinions are being sought from readers, through questions posted on The Chilliwack Progress Facebook page, to narrow down which election issues are shaping up to be most pivotal for Chilliwack.
READ MORE: Do a little research
Here are just a sampling of the recent responses to the Progress question about which issues are their top concerns.
Ian Stephen said his priorities included candidates concerned about “protecting City and Yarrow water sources (and schools, residential areas, wetlands, salmon habitat) when the pipeline route hearings come again.”
That each candidate should truly “represent the community” is a priority for Shelley Goerzen.
“That each decision made is for the good of the whole district and that each candidate is accountable to the community,” Goerzen said in response to the online. “When these elected officials sit down at the table together for the first time it is to build bridges not walls.”
Kevin Luck wrote he wants to vote for those “who have a strong desire to work on fixing the crime, and a mayor who cares about making the city better and not just a pay check.”
Colleen Swain ticked off her key issues: “The crackheads, crime, safety, and the gross messes they leave behind.”
She wants to feel safe when shopping downtown and does not go alone to certain parks.
Laurie Johansen said more money should be spent on “crime, safety and cleanup” as opposed to city promotion or decorating roundabouts.
“If you do plan on a decoration in the middle of a roundabout like the Vedder bridge, why not a plaque with Chris Gadsden’s name on it and all the regular volunteers that have kept the Vedder River beautiful.”
Chilliwack should embrace its neighbouring First Nations, according to Mike Goold.
“It’s time for the City of Chilliwack to not just accept or acknowledge our Indigenous neighbours but embrace and celebrate the eight First Nation communities whose traditional territory we all call home,” Goold said. “I believe we have more First Nation neighbouring communities than any other city in Canada, maybe North America. It’s what makes us unique. And because it’s 2018…!”
Brian DeLong wants parking “restored” to the narrower streets for the senior residents.
“Our families are growing and need a place to park. Some of us are getting older and it’s hard walking at the end of a shift from a block away, in my case down a steep hill, because there is limited parking due to the fact that it was removed recently from one side. When I moved in over 10 years ago, we looked around at the parking and thought it would work, but now we have several spaces ripped away.”
Want more info?
Progress reporters have been loading up the website with all the election info that voters need before they vote.
READ MORE: Our ELECTION section rocks
You can find the special ELECTION section as a clickable option from the home page above the name, THE CHILLIWACK PROGRESS at www.theprogress.com.
There are candidate profiles, election issues, as well as key campaign information.
@CHWKjourno
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
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