Ken Herar is throwing his hat into the political ring. The life-long Mission resident has announced his plan to run for council in the October election.
Herar is a Rotarian, winner of several awards for his work in promoting and educating people about diversity – including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal – and the founder of the Cycling4Diversity Foundation.
Herar said he decided to run because he wants to “bring his diversity experience to council” to discuss how Mission can grow and remain connected to each other.
“I don’t want to see Mission, as we grow in the future, and our town is certainly going to be growing, that we become like other communities in the Lower Mainland that are very disconnected, culturally, religiously and from each other,” said Herar.
He said diversity is working in this community but people are still disconnected – adding there are not a lot of places where people from different cultural groups can meet together.
As the district grows, Herar doesn’t want to see “ghettoization” in Mission.
“I can imagine a potential for the city and understand the baby steps needed to get there. My record as a leader who fosters an atmosphere of mutual respect and community cohesiveness is well known.
“People know I am approachable and willing to listen to all sides of an issue. I know I can make a difference by actually listening to the people of Mission and having an open mind,” said Herar.
There are several issues, besides diversity, that are of interest to Herar.
“Obviously taxes are important, we need to keep in line with that as a small community. Recreation, I know a lot of people want a lot more for our parks. I’ve seen the master plan and I understand and agree with that.”
He is also passionate about the homeless issue and wants to continue the work that has been started. And he has concerns about local traffic.
“We have big traffic issues. A lot of people are speeding all over the place and we need more traffic enforcement.”
Herar said it is important that, if elected to council, every member of the table needs to work together.
“You need social skills. You don’t need to agree with everyone, but you must respect everyone and who knows, maybe you can learn something from the people you disagree with.”
He decided to announce his decision to run now, to allow people to talk with him over the summer about any of the issues.
He encourages people to call him at 604-615-2499.