Mayor Brenda Locke Releases Her Top Priorities Upon Taking Office

Surrey, B.C. – The new Surrey City Council was sworn in during an Inauguration Ceremony tonight. Mayor Brenda Locke is outlining her top priorities as she begins her 4-year term. Mayor Locke’s vision and commitment to residents is to ensure transparency, restore public engagement, and maintain Surrey RCMP as the police of jurisdiction.

“Surrey deserves a Council that values public input, delivers on promises and above all else, is ethical and transparent,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “Restoring integrity and public engagement will be the focus of my work every step of the way. My immediate priorities are maintaining Surrey RCMP as the police of jurisdiction, ensuring extensive public input on the city’s budget, strengthening the independence of the Ethics Commissioner and creating a stronger role for youth in our city. All voices will be heard and I look forward to working with all the residents of Surrey.”

1. Maintaining Surrey RCMP as the police of jurisdiction
   Work has already begun to maintain Surrey RCMP as the police of jurisdiction for the City, including producing a report outlining the plan. When complete, this plan will be released publicly for all to see.
2. Public Consultation on the City Budget
   Seeking community input on the City of Surrey’s Financial Plan will be a top focus and priority. Opportunities will be made available for residents to provide input and feedback in each of the City’s town centres.
3. Strengthening the Office of the Ethics Commissioner
   The City of Surrey Ethics Commissioner will be strengthened to ensure independence and transparency.

Surrey Council Inauguration Photo Caption: Surrey City Council (left to right) Cllr Doug Elford, Cllr Pardeep Kooner, Cllr Harry Bains, Cllr Rob Stutt, Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke, Cllr Gordon Hepner, Cllr Linda Annis, Cllr Mike Bose, Cllr Mandeep Nagra.