DOUG Elford, President of the Surrey Community Alliance, on Tuesday slammed Surrey Councillor Tom Gill, who is also Surrey First’s mayoral candidate, for only now asking for a Surrey Police Force.
Elford noted: “Tom Gill has called for a referendum on having a Surrey Police Force following a third party review of policing options. Surrey First approved a 20-year RCMP contract in 2012 and Tom Gill supported it then. He didn’t need a referendum then.
“Surrey First waited until last October to call task force on gang violence. Now Tom Gill wants a third party review. Why did he and Surrey First wait until an election is approaching to start calling for consulting the citizens of Surrey?”
Elford added: “We are glad that Tom Gill supports our call for considering a Surrey Police Force. We need a city council that consults with and listens to the citizens.”
He said: “The Surrey Community Alliance is committed to starting the process of establishing a Surrey Police Force if we have a majority on council after this election. This coming election is going to be a referendum on the Surrey First track record and what policies the parties stand on.”
According to a Research Co. poll published in The VOICE last week, Elford is regarded as a good choice for mayor by 17% of residents; Gill is seen as a good choice to lead the city by 15% of residents.
Shame on Tom Gill and Surrey Councillors who are making the RCMP their political football or scapegoat. A previous Mayor brought up a city police force during an election campaign to his detriment. I for one, support the RCMP until some learned and considered dialogue tells me otherwise. This is not a referendum issue and certainly not an issue that this council is capable of determining. Surrey Council – Back off – have your election on your own merit.