Political newcomer, Dean Drysdale’s campaign said they have built a substantial lead in Surrey’s only totally new riding, Cloverdale – Langley City but still need your support. Well known in Langley due to his two terms on Langley Township Council in the late 1990s, he was a bit of a mystery to some in Surrey at first, but his victory in retrospect seems almost obvious. Drysdale joined the Conservative Party when he was twelve and earned his stripes in local campaigns. In 1984, he accepted a position working in the Prime Minister’s Office under Brian Mulroney. He went on to earn an MBA in France while also perfecting his French. A few years later he earned a PhD in business in London, England, before returning home to teach business at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and UBC. He has taught at KPU for over 20 years, mostly at the Newton Campus. Kwantlen colleague and two time Liberal candidate Shinder Purewal, supported Drysdale in the race to the surprise of many. His time at KPU paid dividends during the nomination. Davinder Romana, one of Drysdale’s students quietly introduced him to many in the community. Some senior members of our community were particularly impressed by the fact that he had served 35 years in the Canadian Army Reserves, finally as a Lieutenant Colonel, commanding 15th Field Regiment in Vancouver. With so many of our seniors having served in the Indian Army, his military service was well received.
