Local businessman and long-time resident, Doug Lifford, has announced his candidacy for one of the six councillor positions up for grabs in the October 2018 municipal elections.
Lifford has a long and extensive involvement in the community spanning three decades, from his early time with the Kinsmen’s Club of Mission, to being a Paul Harris Award recipient for his work with the Rotary Clubs of Mission, and now a former director and current member of the Chamber and Downtown Business Association.
Lifford said he decided to run after becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the current state of leadership at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels; and is alarmed at how recent high-level decisions have had negative impacts, both economically and emotionally, on his friends, neighbors, and the community.
“Mission’s population is expected to grow over the next few years by 1,000 people per year up to 2025, based on current trends and federal policies. How we deal with this growth, and the community that we want to become – starts Saturday, October 20, 2018. Business as usual is not an option”
He goes on to say “cookie cutter subdivisions and developments, without consideration of how they impact the local surrounding citizens, and without a solid future infrastructure plan to support that growth – well that’s just a plan for mediocrity, or worse, failure.”
Recycle BC is another item on the list Lifford wants attention drawn to. “Fast, fun, fact – Recycle BC is operated by Unilever, Overwaitea, and Loblaw. Since the prior provincial government let the wolves run the chicken house in 2014, I haven’t seen a reduction in non-recyclable packaging; but what I have seen is a concentrated and forced change in consumer behaviors, along with noting that $69 million of BC taxpayer’s money is presently sitting in their bank account. I don’t think I am alone here in wanting a change.”
The business license review was the last straw says the rookie candidate, “attending and watching the debate amongst the current council over which small business they were going to charge $10,000 for a business license, or $3,000, or $1,500 - from the current rate of $148, well that was enough for me. I realized then that it’s probably a good idea to have a voice for those who actually run a business and work here in Mission, and aren’t retired quite yet – but are working towards that goal.”
“I believe that everyone has the right to be heard. I look forward to hearing from my fellow citizens over the next few short weeks – all I ask is that as an community, we make sure that we all get out and vote Saturday, October 20th!
“I will be stating my positions on my website at dougliffordformission.com, and I am always looking for your thoughts and feedback at doug@dougliffordformission.com.”