PETER FASSBENDER: MAKING THE CASE FOR MAYOR

Peter Fassbender wants voters to look at his track record when it
comes to his bid for re-election as Langley City mayor.

"I've lived here 32 years, I'm committed and have worked hard to make
a difference. I consider this a full-time job and I know the pulse of
the community," he said.

Fassbender recognizes that crime and safety are still top of mind for
most residents.

"We are just putting together our Crime Prevention Strategy for the
City. I'm in contact with the RCMP on a daily basis on issues. We are
getting foot patrols walking our streets. That is rolling out this
month. We've had a number of significant initiatives to go after drug
dealers and prostitution," he said.

"We're having some successes. We finally got approval from Ottawa to
have our officers work out of the City's (CPO) Community Police
Office. That means our City officers stay here, even at night, instead
of working out of the detachment," he said.

Crime and homelessness are complex issues, he said.

He's met with Surrey Mayor Diane Watts to talk about what works and
what doesn't with crime initiatives there. He's looking into whether
the City can get a detox or a day-tox to address addiction issues.

He doesn't apologize for refusing the marijuana novelty shop Hempyz a
business licence.

"It's saying drugs are fun. Pot is a gateway drug and we don't need
these kind of stores celebrating pot," he said. "I'm not naive or a
prude. I've seen in close proximity what it can do. If I'm living in
the dark ages then maybe the dark ages weren't so bad, because there
were principles and accountability and a legal system that carried
consequences."

He continues to look at ways to clean up the bus depot on Logan
Avenue.

"We are pushing hard to see the owner redevelop Rainbow Mall. We are
asking TransLink to redevelop the bus loop to make it a more
attractive place. I have spoken to the premier about it and there is
significant interest in making the bus loop part of a pilot project,"
he said.

But much of the concern is based on perception not reality, he
stresses.

He believes the homeless shelter will address some of the need on the
streets.

"We have the Gateway of Hope coming which will help, but not everybody
will come off the streets," he said.

For those who won't use the shelter, there are usually mental health
and/or addiction problems that need to be dealt with at the federal
and provincial levels. These are things that shouldn't be downloaded
onto municipalities, he stressed.

"Twenty years ago, homelessness didn't exist in Langley. Now it's
worldwide," he said.

He believes that concerns in Douglas Park about drug dealing and
homelessness will get better after the bandshell is built, because
better sightlines will be created.

"It will be more open. This will provide visibility so drug dealers
and homeless won't want to be in the park," he said.

As for not seeking input into putting in the $800,000 structure, he
maintains it is what's best for the community.

"We are elected to do a job and take leadership. If we always go out
asking everybody's opinion then we are not leaders," he said.

If he could go back in time, he would have made the neighbours of the
park more aware of the plans for the Spirit Square.

But he recognizes that change is never easy. "Everything we are doing
to the park will enhance it."

Fassbender believes the key to the City's success is to make sure it
is connected to the region.

"If we are going to get things like affordable housing and
transportation, we have to be part of the region," he said. "I am that
leader who is connected to the region."

Fassbender sits on several regional boards and committees including
the Council of Mayors for TransLink and the Fraser Health advisory
board. He's advocated for better transit and has pushed, along with
council, to have rapid transit get to 200 Street before its predicted
2031.

He was also instrumental in developing the downtown master plan that
has caught the interest of developers from across the Lower Mainland.
It includes new bylaws allowing for higher density and taller
buildings and legalizing secondary suites.

Fassbender is excited about the City's future, which includes being
debt-free in 2009.

"When we pay down the debt, we can build more public facilities like
upgrading Al Anderson pool and upgrading sewer and water and repave
streets. "There are still streets in Langley City that need ditches
filled and sidewalks built."

He refutes that the City is 'rolling in dough.'

"We are doing things right, being fiscally prudent, looking 25 years
down the road. By using the casino money, we have saved in tax
increases. The City's taxes are some of the lowest in the Lower Mainland."