Pounding pavement and painting police cars
Who says Abbotsford has always been politically blue?
Looking into the history books, the 1960s and '70s federal elections were always a three-way battle between then Social Credit, Liberal and the New Democrats. Only a few thousand votes separated each party from victory.
In fact, Abbotsford elected a Liberal member of Parliament to Ottawa in 1968.
Gerry Pringle served one term from 1968-1972 as the Fraser Valley East representative. He was later defeated in 1972 and 1974 by long-time Social Credit and Progressive Conservative Member of Parliament Alex Patterson, who regained his seat from Pringle.
I applaud candidates from all political stripes, who let their names stand for public office. Many people talk about it, but very few actually follow through. Little appreciation comes along with the enormous responsibilities.
I had the opportunity to experience this firsthand and go door-knocking with one of the federal candidates. For the most part, people were welcoming when we came to their door. Looking back, we only had one bad experience, where the lady basically slammed the door in our face. Little did she know, I reside a few doors down. If candidates come to your door, take the time to meet and greet them, and ask questions. It's a fabulous opportunity to be politically engaged face- to-face at your own door step with the candidate who may be representing you in Ottawa.
Looking for perfection can be nearly impossible in politics. Finding a candidate who best represents you is a much better method. There will be someone for everyone on the ballot May 2. In public life almost everything can be fair game, including one's personal life.
It's occurring more frequently and candidates are being fired or forced to resign for silly behaviour. Mandeep Bhuller, who is the Liberal candidate for Pitt Meadows/Maple Ridge/Mission, recently had his drinking and driving conviction from 2003 thrown into the spotlight. Speaking with Bhuller recently, he expressed sorrow for the incident and claims he has learned from it.
"I am humbled that my friends, supporters have stood with me despite my mistake. Liberals believe that mistakes should result in help, not prison. Liberals believe that people can, and should, make amends, but should also have second chances," said Bhuller.
"I decided to run despite my DUI because I think our riding deserves an MP, who believes in these values."
Driving past the political colours on our streets, notice any other changes around town? Speaking with Abbotsford Deputy Constable Rick Lucy, he shared some interesting insights into these changes.
In 2005, it represented the 50th anniversary of the Matsqui/Abbotsford Police.
To mark this special occasion the department decided to have two cars appear with a 'retro' black and white look.
Lucy said: "At around this time, there was also some discussion about updating the overall appearance of our marked vehicles. Our awareness that a number of policing agencies in North America had been returning to the traditional black and white colour scheme, combined with the public feedback on the black and white cars that we had patrolling the community, had us embark on a design review based on a black and white scheme."
"The end result was the decaling [much of it reflective] and black and white markings that now exists on half or more of our marked fleet. We will continue to phase in the 'new' look as marked vehicles require replacement, so that cost is not a factor."
n Ken Herar is a columnist for the Abbotsford-Mission Times. Kenherar@gmail.com.
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