SURREY — Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner has been named vice-chairwoman of the TransLink mayor’s council.

“I think it’s really important for Surrey,” she said. “We have a lot of skin in this game. There’s a lot at stake for Surrey in this.”

She defeated Delta Mayor Lois Jackson for the job in a secret-ballot vote.

Hepner said Surrey will have a “bold and vocal” voice at the council’s table. Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson was voted its chairman.

Hepner is campaigning for a “Yes” vote in the plebiscite calling for a new .05 per cent regional sales tax to fund $2.5 billion in transportation improvements over 10 years.

Hepner said the city needs light rail, expanded bus service, HandyDART service and an upgraded Pattullo Bridge to fight gridlock and other traffic congestion.

“The benefit of this plan will keep out people moving,” she said. “We need those upgrades.”

tzytaruk@thenownewspaper.com

Surrey Now