Terry Cross has announced he is running for city council.
A resident of Chilliwack for more than 45 years, Cross has been the manager of O’Connor Collision and Towing for 26 years.
Cross is the 11th person to announce they will be running for a seat on city council.
He pledges to be “tough on crime” and asks voters to help him “build a strong, safe city.”
A strong trades advocate, Cross is the chair of the UFV Apprenticeship Board for the Collision Industry, with a goal of encouraging more people to join the trades.
The candidate said he has a “strong sense of fiscal responsibility” and has volunteered as treasurer of his Emerald Ridge Strata, one of the largest freehold land stratas in the community, for the past six years.
Terry Cross has supported the Chilliwack Chiefs through their Guardian Angel program and served as a Chilliwack Minor Hockey coach for many years.
Cross is a proud of his city.
“Chilliwack has the most beautiful scenery and mountains. It abounds with opportunities for outdoor recreation. It is a wonderful place to raise families and I have loved seeing my own two children and three young grandchildren put down roots here.”
The shortage of skilled workers in the region is related to housing issues.
“The high cost of affordable housing for young families in this area is the major problem when it comes to retaining our skilled tradespeople. Young productive families need better support from our community so that they have the chance to build their future for both themselves and for the benefit of Chilliwack.”
The rampant petty crime is in his sights.
“I will be tough on crime and I will not tolerate the petty crime that has divided our community. For so long we have catered to those who give nothing back to our city,” he said.
“I will work collaboratively with council and the community to make Chilliwack a safe place for all residents.
Part of the solution could be “more policing at nights” and more frequent patrols in crime hot-spots.
“The money used for ineffective private security would be better spent on true policing.”
Cross and his wife, Pauline, of 33 years, enjoy dragon boating and are volunteers with the Cultus Blue Dragonboat team.