An 18-year veteran of 91原创 City council who retired three years ago wants his old seat back.
Ted Schaffer has announced that he will again seek a seat on council, running again as an independent candidate.
After retiring four years ago with more than 35 years of service with the City of New Westminster, a major hydro-electric contractor asked him to re-organize and manage part of its operation. With the new challenges, Schaffer chose not to run in the last civic election.
Now retired from that job, Schaffer says he has the dedication, experience and time to work for the citizens of the City and believes he can get the job done effectively.
Schaffer said he would like to return to politics 鈥渂ecause I have always enjoyed helping people and working for the community.鈥�
He added that if he is successful, he promises to be open-minded.
鈥淚t鈥檚 not my nature to be confrontational.鈥�
He said he will strive for fiscal responsibility and tangible return for tax dollars.
鈥淔ull accountability and communication must be encouraged with the residents of 91原创 City,鈥� he said.
鈥�91原创 City must keep the downtown core economically viable and continue to encourage growth in business and commerce without impeding the quality of life that residents have come to expect,鈥� he said.
He believes that RCMP bike patrols and technical advancements to the City fire department must also be maintained.
He vows to work on behalf of seniors for programs, resources and funding with other levels of government, along with a continued commitment to the 91原创 Resource Centre.
He advocates the City working with the school district to encourage sports, youth activities, community programs and continue to work for the betterment of the community.
In addition to the 18 years he served on City council, Schaffer was involved as a past member and director of the Rotary Club of 91原创, the advisory panel for a credit union, a past City representative to the 91原创 Seniors Resource Centre, and City representative to the Lower Mainland Treaty Association.
He is a former coach and umpire who also served as president of the 91原创 Girls Softball Association, which had more than 1,200 members at the time.
Schaffer and his wife Jean have been married for 38 years and have lived in the City for 31 years. They have two married daughters and three grandchildren. His daughter, Kirsten Schaffer-Charlesworth, is running for one of the Township seats on the 91原创 Board of Education.
