In the words of Charles Dickens, “it was the best of times, it was the worst of times”. Like so many people I’ve spoken to, those words kind of sum up 2022. It was a year filled with memorable moments…and a few others I’m glad are in the rear mirror.
The highlight for me had to be the opportunity to run for city council and get elected on October 15th whilst in the presence of my mom who came out from Winnipeg to join me. She wasn’t in town in 2018 when I first ran and came in 7th, so clearly she is my lucky charm!
I was honoured to be running with mayoral candidate Ken Armstrong and such a strong field of candidates for both council and school board. Each one of them poured their heart and soul into the campaign and I owe them a debt of gratitude for helping to get me and Coun. Paul Minhas elected.
2022 was also when we undertook a significant renewal of the NWP Board of Directors. Karima Budhwani took over from Brian Goss and became our new President.
In Karima we couldn’t have found a better person to be heading up our elector organization. She brings a sense of calm, poise and professionalism to this position which will serve all of our membership well over the coming years.
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”
― Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities
Brian Goss, well, he is one-of-a-kind. He was tapped on the shoulder and asked to take on this task when I decided to step down…and he did a phenomenal job. Brian is incredibly organized, thoughtful and he will be missed as our former commander in chief! But I know he won’t be going too far now that he is sitting on the board as past-president.
As for the low points of 2022, there were certainly a few of those too. But thankfully they were overshadowed by the love, support and kindness shown by so many people who truly cared about me. To all of you who were there during those times – and you know who you are – thank you for your loyalty, generosity and encouragement. It definitely made a low point…a lot less low.
Reflections: Early Days on Council
It’s hard to believe I was only sworn into office on November 7th. My time since the inaugural event has been fast-paced and passed by like the blink of an eye.
I’ve attended two full regular public council meetings and a plethora of behind-the-scenes briefing sessions with senior staff at the City of New Westminster. It quickly became evident that few people anticipated fellow NWP council member Paul Minhas and I would come out of the gate as quickly as we did.
10+ motions have already been submitted for debate and discussion. Notwithstanding the fact we’re a minority on council, our efforts have already had an impact on some policies and procedures.
Paul and I introduced a motion to freeze utility rates, halt a costly rebranding exercise, increase supports for mental health and re-establish a key committee to expedite whistle cessation in Queensbourough and Sapperton.
While not all of our motions got passed, we did generate some interesting debate and were able to provide a voice for citizens who have for far too long felt disconnected with our elected officials at city hall.
I am proud of the fact we got approved a procedural change which means staff reports must now be made public with a minimum of five business days notice. This will help provide our citizens with more time to get engaged and be provided with more advance notice of major policy changes or initiatives.
As for the Snow Summit that Surrey Councillor Linda Annis and I have been calling for the past few weeks, there’s still no major progress. However, we’re not giving up that easy! A motion will be coming before New West council on January 9th which will hopefully be supported by my colleagues and help to keep this important issue on the radar.
Coun. Paul Minhas and I are really enjoying our early days and he’s an amazing colleague to work with. He knows so many people in our community and is in this for all the right reasons! He’s not only a colleague and office-mate, Paul is now a good friend too!
I’ll be back in front of my keyboard soon with a few more updates as the weeks pass by in 2023. Be sure to check back here soon.
