LANGLEY – The mayor of Langley City will be taking on NDP’s Jagrup Brar in the riding of Surrey-Fleetwood after announcing his jump into provincial politics on Friday.
Peter Fassbender, who could claim to be one of BC Liberals’ star in Surrey after another star candidate Sukh Dhaliwal was forced to resign due to tax troubles, officially announced his candidacy on Friday. Although he should give Brar a good fight – he may become a victim of NDP’s sweep if Premier Christy Clark’s fortunes don’t improve.
Fassbender told News 1130 that the upcoming provincial election pivotal. “I believe we have some choices ahead of us, and I want to provide an opportunity for the voters in that riding to have a choice.”
He’s been a rumoured candidate for quite some time and Fassbender says he’s had conversations about it for years.
Fassbender says he’s already been working for the region and province on issues like transit and RCMP contract negotiations in his role as mayor.
The three-term Mayor, who was raised in Surrey, has been a champion for issues important to communities South of the Fraser since entering public office in 2002.
“As a Mayor, and a representative on a number of local boards and associations, I have always fought to ensure that communities South of the Fraser are well-represented,” said Fassbender. “Whether I’m standing up for critical transportation infrastructure like the new Port Mann Bridge, or for a stronger economy that helps families secure good paying jobs.”
Fassbender is a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, and is the co-chair of the Fraser Health Municipal Advisory Council and the former Chair of the Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Premier Christy Clark’s outstanding team of candidates,” said Fassbender. “The Premier has defied her critics and shown that she is an outstanding leader capable of making tough decisions and putting together a top-tier team.”
Surrey City Councillor Barbara Steele believes Fassbender is the right man for the job. “Peter Fassbender is a tireless champion for people and communities South of the Fraser,” said Steele. “He would be an excellent representative for Surrey.”
Fassbender will be officially nominated on February 24th at Eaglequest Coyote Creek Golf Course.
