In civic elections on November 19, New Westminster will have a choice for mayor between an incumbent that has been in power for almost a decade and a fresh, experienced citizen advocate by the name of James Crosty. I am that fresh choice for the voters in New Westminster. As resident for 22 years and the mayoral candidate, I am seeking support from residents, taxpayers, students, young citizens, and business owners.

After a decade of yearly tax increases our city is becoming unsustainable and too expensive for home owners, businesses, and renters. This needs to be addressed and I will advocate for three main objectives: 1. No increase in residential or business property taxes; 2. No new taxes for residents; and 3. No tax increases for business. My opponent has run out of ideas on how to achieve these objectives. In order to find savings (for additional info, visit my website), the city will undertake a core service review for cost saving opportunities, to identify duplicate services, redundant programs, and reduce red tape. The last time this was done was over a decade ago! Implement an employee incentive program for ideas on cost saving measures. Review the living wage policy and if required implement a “fair” wage policy, similar to Burnaby to ensure New Westminster is competitive.

I would immediately engage the provincial government to get three new schools built that have been promised for more than a decade. Our high school is out of date, old, and considered unsafe. Parents and students have waited long enough!

Transportation is a serious problem with 400,000 vehicles passing through our city daily. The current mayor has done nothing to bring relief despite being on the mayors’ TransLink council for 10 years. I would engage resident associations for discussions with Burnaby on the Stormont Connector, Surrey on the Pattullo Bridge, and Coquitlam on Columbia Street and Bailey Bridge with or without TransLink. Initiate a complete review of options for Front Street, the Parkade, Pier Park, Columbia Street, and Larco property. Move to eliminate the North Fraser Perimeter Road option as a major transportation corridor and establish viable alternatives. Take immediate steps to consult directly with the rail companies and the CTA to reduce or eliminate whistle blowing at all crossings in New Westminster.

On development, our city struggles with too much red tape. Move to streamline the time to process applications for developers. New Westminster is not competitive with our neighbours and we must demonstrate that we are open to new ideas and not just towers with small living spaces. There needs to be a blend for families and professionals while providing accommodation for seniors. We have our share of social assistance and need to support our current inventory while encouraging neighbouring communities to help out. With limited space we need creative ideas from many developers that realize the potential for building in the centre of the Lower Mainland where people can live work and play. We have reached the tipping point and no longer can we afford to be a bedroom community.

For arts and culture, New Westminster needs to truly establish credentials as a major attraction striving to become a hub in the Lower Mainland. Remove arts and culture from parks and recreation, opting for citizen initiative committee. Initiate the creation of the Royal City Arts, Cultural and Tourism Society to provide assistance to the many festivals that will enhance our tourism potential and increase business investment. Provide a three-year funding formula for grant applications. Restart the stalled planning of a new dedicated arts centre. Develop an economic plan to promote programs throughout the Pacific Northwest, then into the rest of North America. For all these initiatives to happen we need new leadership and I am seeking your support to make this happen. Please consider my proposals carefully and know that all of this can only happen with true community consultation. Vote James Crosty for mayor of New Westminster, thank you.

James Crosty is running for mayor of New Westminster.