Michael Hayes has announced his candidacy for Pitt Meadows council.
Hayes ran against Mayor John Becker in the 2014 municipal election. He garnered 1,589 votes, and finished second to Becker’s 2,114. Gary Paller also ran for mayor and finished third with 228 votes.
Hayes will not seek the mayor’s seat this time, instead opting to seek election as a councillor.
He said it will take strong leadership, a pulse on the community, pride, vision and integrity to ensure Pitt Meadows moves forward in a positive manner.
“We have an excellent foundation to build on,” Hayes said in a press release. “We are one of the fastest growing markets in the Lower Mainland. We must continue to build our local economy, while balancing financial, environmental and social responsibilities.”
Hayes said he is a business professional with over 35 years of experience in leadership and management.
“I am up to the challenge to bring about positive change to council and Pitt Meadows!”
Pitt Meadows has been home to Hayes and his family for over 41 years. He has been an active volunteer in many city interests, including past president of the Pitt Meadows Community Foundation.
Hayes said he strongly believes in giving back to the community that he is so proud of.
Hayes said his emphasis will be on:
• Fair taxation, where a growing commercial and industrial tax base will ease the burden on residential tax payers and will help keep the local economy sustainable and strong for present and future generations.
• Transportation, because he said transportation is a major area of concern for all residents, businesses and visitors. He would aggressively lobby all levels of government for work on an alternate route under and over the CP Rail Line.
• Service delivery - the need to deliver top quality services with the least amount of impact to the taxpayers.
• Growth and development. Hayes said to protect agriculture lands means any expansion is limited. He believes in smart growth and development that will contribute to the city’s culture.
• Quality of Life – Hayes says he understands that we have a very unique community. “It’s so important to protect and preserve the exceptional quality of life that we have here in Pitt Meadows”.
“I believe as members of council, we must recognize that our actions have an impact on the lives of all residents and property owners in our community,” he said.
“Fulfilling our obligations and discharging our duties responsibly requires a commitment to the highest ethical standards. The quality of the public administration and governance of the city of Pitt Meadows, as well as its reputation and integrity, depends on our conduct as elected officials.”