Doug McCallum Announces Campaign to Reclaim Surrey Mayoral Seat
Former Surrey mayor Doug McCallum has officially declared his intention to run for mayor once again, setting the stage for a rematch against incumbent Brenda Locke in the upcoming municipal election. McCallum, who served as mayor from 2018 to 2022, made the announcement during a media event in South Surrey, where he outlined his campaign platform and reaffirmed his commitment to the city.
Campaign Launch and Key Promises
Speaking to reporters, McCallum emphasized his ongoing dedication to Surrey, stating, "Surrey, I never stopped working for you. But we are not finished. I’m running again to solidify Surrey’s legacy." He was joined by Councillors Doug Elford and Mandeep Nagra, the only two members of his former Safe Surrey Coalition to be elected in the 2022 election. Both Elford and Nagra will be running on McCallum's slate again, with additional members expected to be announced in the coming month.
McCallum's campaign promises include:
- No property tax increase over the next four years, citing economic uncertainty and the high cost of living.
- Purchasing a helicopter for the Surrey Police within the first 90 days of office to enhance law enforcement capabilities.
- Extending SkyTrain service to Surrey's Newton town centre to improve public transportation infrastructure.
He explained his tax freeze proposal by saying, "The economy is uncertain. The cost of living is punishing, and the government should feel that too. So we are going to freeze that tax rate, keep every dollar where it belongs — in your hands, in your family’s hands, in your business, and make more money in your pocket."
Background and Election Context
McCallum narrowly lost to Brenda Locke in the 2022 election, with the policing issue being a central point of contention. During his previous term, McCallum advocated for transitioning from the RCMP to a municipal police force, while Locke campaigned to halt the transition. Although Locke won the election, the provincial government ultimately mandated the policing transition, forcing the city to proceed with the change.
The upcoming civic election, scheduled for October 17, will see McCallum and Locke facing off against other candidates, including Councillor Linda Annis, who is running under the Surrey First slate, and former NDP MLA Mike Starchuk. This sets the stage for a competitive race that will address key local issues such as public safety, taxation, and urban development.
Looking Ahead
As the campaign progresses, McCallum aims to rally support by highlighting his past achievements and future plans for Surrey. The election outcome will significantly impact the city's direction, particularly regarding policing, infrastructure projects, and fiscal policies. With the announcement drawing attention from residents and political observers alike, the race for Surrey's mayoral seat is poised to be a closely watched event in British Columbia's municipal politics.
