After a three-year break from politics, Ted Schaffer is ready to step back into the fray with his election to 91原创 City council on Saturday night.

Schaffer said he was 鈥渧ery surprised and extremely pleased鈥�  with his strong showing at the polls on Nov. 19. The former council member, who served 18 years before stepping away in 2008, placed third, with only incumbents Rosemary Wallace and Teri James earning more votes.

Schaffer explained that work and community commitments forced him to step away from council in 2008 because he wasn鈥檛 able to devote the necessary time to his role with the City.

Now that he is retired, both from his 35 years with the City of New Westminster and a four-year stretch working with a hydroelectric contractor, Schaffer found the desire to serve was still there and so he decided to run once more.

As the only newcomer to City council this term, Schaffer will be working with familiar faces in Mayor Peter Fassbender and Councillors Gayle Martin, Jack Arnold and James.

Councillors Wallace and Dave Hall were first elected three years ago, when Schaffer stepped away.

鈥淚 think it鈥檚 an excellent council 鈥� diverse in what each person would like to see done. I鈥檓 looking forward to working with them,鈥� Schaffer said, adding he wants to be 鈥渁n independent team player.鈥�

Whether it鈥檚 TransLink, property tax, money spent on roads or a community centre, finance is a big concern for residents, he said.

鈥淭imes are tough. People are watching their dollars and cents.鈥�

Asked what issues will be at the forefront for him in the next three years, Schaffer replied that the City鈥檚 finances will be top of mind.

鈥淎fter a three-year breather, getting in touch with the community, I鈥檝e stepped back, refocused and re-looked, and the community is asking for fiscal responsibility,鈥� he said.