For Maple Ridge mayor
• Name: Graham Mowatt.
• Residence: 20910 – 115th Avenue, Maple Ridge.
• Occupation/education: retired from TransLink subsidiary Albion Ferry; BSc., Major organic chemistry and Math, Education Diploma; Captain Minor Waters; First Mate Intermediate Ferry, Captain Albion Ferry.
• Volunteer work: past president Maple Ridge Lions’ Club; Burnett Fellowship Baptist Church; St. Luke’s Catholic Church; leader of Alpha Course St. Luke’s Catholic Church.
Question: Please provide an example of what you have done that qualifies you for council.
Answer: As a 60-year resident, I have been politically active in city affairs, been a member of a board of directors of a million-dollar organization, member of numerous committees, local, provincial and federal, and chair of several others. I know how to listen, lead and be a team builder.
Q: Who is funding your campaign?
A: A mayor should not have any conflict of interest, perceived or real. My campaign will be run within a tight budget, spending only what I can afford. I will not ask for or accept funds from others except family or close friends.
Q: What makes you stand out from other candidates?
A: I have years of experience chairing committees, building a team from people with individual goals and transforming them so that everyone is working for the betterment of the organization. I have over 30 years of experience working in the public sector both as a manager and an union executive.
Q: How do you see the City of Maple Ridge developing in the next 10 years?
A: This totally depends upon who is elected on Nov. 15. If someone other than I were elected, total disaster. Just look around today and consider even worse conditions. With me and a supportive council, improved commercial growth, reduced urban sprawl, taxes, and crime, and an active and participating community.
Q: What will be your top priority if elected to Maple Ridge council?
A: To make Maple Ridge the best place to safely live, work, shop, and play in the Lower Mainland by reducing residential taxes, increasing quality shopping opportunities, increasing job opportunities, increasing transit options, and decreasing congestion and crime.