SURREY — A civic political party that hopes to defeat Surrey First’s firm hold on council this fall says there was a larger than anticipated turnout at its first community meeting.
“It was really good, we had up to 60 people and the room was full,” Doug Elford, Surrey Community Alliance president, told the Now-Leader.
Elford said he expected about 40 people to attend the party’s first political event, but a “surprising and diverse” amount of people turned out to the Tuesday night meeting, held at City Centre Library.
See also: New party announces intention to challenge Surrey First in civic election
According to Elford, a “dissatisfaction with the current council” was a common thread.
“People feel there is definitely a need for change,” he said. “They want community minded people on council that are going to listen to the people of Surrey and not large business.”
It’s not yet clear if SCA will produce a mayoral candidate, but Elford said some people are pushing him to run.
“It’s something I’ll have to decide in the very near future,” he said.
SCA is set to hold nomination meetings in mid-May, and a slate will be announced then, according to Elford.
While Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner has announced her intentions to seek re-election, a Surrey First slate has not yet been announced.
See also: Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner says she will seek re-election
See also: People First Surrey party reveals intention to run in upcoming civic election
Another new party has also materialized, called People First Surrey. They have not yet released a slate of candidates.
Voters go to the polls in Surrey on Oct. 20.
amy.reid@surreynowleader.com
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