Mission Coun. Ken Herar is going to seek a second term on council.
Herar, who was born and raised in Mission and comes from a pioneer family with roots dating back to 1952, made the announcement in a press release.
“It has been an honour to serve the community these past four years. I’ve learned much and have given my all regarding the representation of our community concerns and the concerns of Mission’s citizens. I plan to continue with this support while bringing improvements and progress,” said Herar.
“As the workload on the council can be heavy at times, it also spurs a desire to address issues and provide a stable foundation for our community’s voice. Mission is at a crossroads and the upcoming election is a critical turning point for our city.”
In the release, Herar states that he has fought on many key issues that represent the will of the community.
“It’s very easy to follow the status quo and not extend your voice on issues. The key to good governance, in my opinion, is the ability to be broad-minded and bring forth the ideals of the community towards establishing bylaws and policies.”
He said, on many occasions, he has been the lone vote on council.
Herar pointed to his stance on lower tax increases during the pandemic, assisting a business on First Avenue with their desire to relocate next door, the much-needed relocation of Haven in the Hollow and many other issues.
“With respected independent opinions, working with my fellow councillors and mayors has been a lifetime experience.
“ I recall as a child growing up here in the 1970s and 1980s, remembering our past mayors and aldermen and keeping in tune with local politics then and how they have influenced my life as a community servant. I hope that I’ve been that example to young kids and citizens of how we can create a more inclusive community, even though we may have differing opinions at times,” said Herar.
He said public safety initiatives have brought new and improved sidewalks along with enhanced beacon crosswalks as a highlight of council’s progress.
“I believe that we need to continue this momentum carrying forward, exploring and implementing lighted facilities in the evening and for leisure activities to keep Mission active. If re-elected, as a collective council body, we need to continue our discussion with the provincial government to bring improvements to our transportation corridor, the most pressing being the Murray Street overpass, improving our hospital and ambulance service along with our public schools and affordable housing.”
Recently elected as a Director at Large for the Lower Mainland Local Government Association (LMLGA), Herar said he will continue to bring forward the above concerns and be a strong voice for the community.
“We’re a proud community that believes in diversity and how we can better our future by continuing to work together.”