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Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn’t mean politics won’t take an interest in you.  -Pericles (Greek Statesman)

As local elections draw nearer it’s time to amp up your understanding of the issues. How many are driven by the electorate and how many by the candidates themselves. As we have seen over the years the politics of division and derision are alive and well. Add copious amounts of distraction and is it any wonder anyone one us can form an accurate impression of those who stand before us.

On Pulse Mornings we have been having round-table conversations with a variety of candidates and the results have been quite revealing. As you listen to their voices and watch their body language as we stream video live on Facebook it all starts to come together.

Tomorrow, October 10th at 7:00 a.m. the Surrey Mayoral Candidates will be in-studio and on-air at Pulse FM to discuss their platforms and vie for your vote. Your vote counts, it’s important you make an informed decsion and we’re here to help by showcasing the candidates against the many issues facing Surrey voters.

What are the issues in this election? When Surrey secured funding for LRT it came as a surprise to many that there would be fierce opposition to the plan, but it has certainly become a leading topic.

Crime and safety have always been a concern and no more than in this election. The very mention of creating our own municipal force in favour of the RCMP always leads to a lively debate.

Housing affordability, liveable communities and transportation top the list of issues we ought to be following, but the real question, for me comes down to leadership. Who has enough experience and a bold enough vision to earn my vote. Ask yourself who is best suited to lead the city of Surrey to the next level in technology, housing, agricultural lands, transit, policing and recreation and green space? Which of these candidates do you think will be best able to work with the provincial and federal governments to negotiate the best deal for Surrey? Which of the candidates has the compassion and empathy to make a real difference to the homeless, downtrodden and those affected by mental health and or substance abuses.

There is a myriad of questions all worthy of answers. And, if you have something of import to ask the candidates please submit them to our Twitter account Pulse 1077 and we’ll do our best. But whatever you do try to tune into 107.7 Pulse FM tonorrow morning as the mayoral candidates in Surrey join Pulse Mornings, Wednesday, October 10th from 7:00-8:00 a.m. for an honest conversation about the issues we face today and in the four years to come.

Ian Power

@ianonair