A Mission councillor is challenging the mayor for the job of leading the city for the next four years.
Coun. Tony Luck says he is making the leap to “stand up for my principles and ethics.”
While he has enjoyed his first term on council, Luck maintains there is a clear leadership void.
“I want to bring a new vision and leadership style that’s more conducive, more respectful, and more inclusive to the people in the community,” said Luck, who noted several regular council watchers have stopped attending meetings because of the negative atmosphere inside council chambers.
Luck plans to listen to citizens more by creating a mayor’s citizen advisory committee. He would like to give all residents in the community a chance to bring their ideas to council and speak their mind to make Mission a better place to live.
“I want people to respect the office of mayor and council again. I think that has been lost.”
Luck said he stayed with CRMG for more than two years to try to bring about change from the inside.
“I spoke passionately about the way we were treating people; the way we were being perceived,” said Luck. “I didn’t like it.”
Luck said he has asked tough questions, but was never a part of the “bullying” that took place at council meetings. However, he acknowledged he didn’t stop it either.
“I phoned people and apologized to them,” said Luck. “I apologized because I didn’t stop it. I should’ve.”
Mission Mayor Ted Adlem, who is seeking re-election, said he welcomes the challenge by Luck, but he questioned where the the void in leadership was.
“Everything we promised, we delivered, through good leadership,” said Adlem, who wasn’t surprise to hear about Luck’s decision. “If that’s a void in leadership, then I’m guilty.”
Luck was first elected to office in 2011 as part of the Citizens for Responsible Municipal Government team, but resigned from the group in February this year after the majority of councillors passed a lack of confidence motion against the mayor.
Although Luck broke away from the group, he still believes the values and work done by the current council was positive for the community.
“I had no problem with the ship, but I had a problem with the captain,” he explained.
CRMG focused on fiscal responsibility, accountability, and sustainability for its citizens. “I’m proud to be a part of that … People like what we’re doing, but don’t like how it’s being done.”
As mayor, Luck plans to keep taxes low, focus on young families, and run a business-friendly district.
“I’ll continue to keep the fiscal house in order,” said Luck. “We’ve done a great job focussing our attention on the bottom line. I know we can’t always have zero (per cent tax rates), but we’ll be careful and cautious about raising taxes.”
Luck is running as an independent, and said he is humbled by the support he has received from the community and several candidates running for council.
Luck currently works as an advisor with Investors Group, but is prepared to dedicate his time to being a full-time mayor, if elected. Luck has six children and 10 grandchildren who all live nearby. He has lived in Mission for six years and want to leave Mission a better place for future generations.
