The Editor,
I have been a resident of Surrey for more than 40 years and, today, I am writing to you to express my continued concern regarding Mayor Doug McCallum’s unwarranted decision to move from the RCMP policing model to that of a city police force.
My intent is not to reiterate the many concerns put forward to government over the past year regarding the mayor’s dictatorial, adversarial, antagonistic and non-transparent approaches to the duties of his office, although his actions continue to be a concern to a number of city councillors and many residents in Surrey.
Now, in the unprecedented times that face us all, it is even more irresponsible to head down the path of changing the policing model in Surrey.
Should Surrey scrap the RCMP and set up its own police force?
SEE ALSO: Fight to keep Surrey RCMP ‘not over,’ campaign vows
Due to the pandemic, people have been laid off and/or will lose their jobs entirely. Businesses are closed with many looking at the possibility of never opening again. The cost to our city, province and country is huge and will continue to grow.
It has been well documented that Mayor McCallum has not been transparent as to the actual impending costs for a municipal police force and there is little doubt that property and businesses taxes would have to be increased if this change came to fruition.
It is not prudent, nor is the mayor looking at the big picture if he continues down the path to transition our police force. How are Surrey businesses and citizens to survive, not only recovering from the pandemic costs, but with the added expense of a new city police force?
SEE ALSO: Surrey mayor denies property tax deferral motion
The RCMP have patrolled the streets of Surrey for many years and continue to do an excellent job even in these trying times. The RCMP is committed to their role of providing the best possible policing services to the many municipalities they service throughout the country.
To change just for the sake of change (or for a personal vendetta) is not necessary, shows weak leadership and the inability to understand the needs of our community.
There is a long road of financial recovery ahead of us all and this is not the time for unnecessary change. Please keep the RCMP as Surrey’s police force.
Thank you, from a concerned Surrey resident.
Donna Morse, Surrey
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