From the BCPFFA website:
https://www.bcpffa.net/news/2018/6/27/retired-burnaby-fire-fighter-mike-hurley-to-run-for-mayor
Burnaby, Canada – Mike Hurley announced today (June 26, 2018) his candidacy for Mayor of the City of Burnaby. Hurley will run as an Independent candidate in civic elections to be held on October 20th.
Saying it is time for a new mayor at City Hall, Hurley focused on his priority issues: affordability, safety and health, and an open and accessible City of Burnaby. “We need a range of smart and responsible development that serves people in each stage of life,” said Hurley. “That includes renters, young and growing families and our seniors.”
Hurley also will work to reduce the cost and timelines for smart and responsible development that could save buyers money. “Imagine if we could save a buyer thousands of dollars on a new home,” said Hurley, noting a recent CD Howe report on the barriers to increasing housing supply. “I will undertake a full review, and have it completed within six months of becoming Mayor,” he added.
Burnaby Hospital is also on Hurley’s agenda and he fully supports the $200 million plus development plans being worked on by Fraser Health and the Minister of Health, Adrian Dix. “This project should have been completed by now if our Mayor had the ability to work with senior levels of government to get the best for Burnaby. My track record is highlighted by working with others and be assured, as Mayor I will work to get the job done” said Hurley.
Hurley also noted that it took over 10 years to put signaling in at a Cariboo Road crosswalk and that it only happened after a young girl tragically lost her life and two other accidents occurred within days. “It is time for a new Mayor, one that listens and ensures that all staff fully consider concerns and needs that residents bring forward” added Hurley.
Hurley also noted that policing in Burnaby parks has been curtailed by the Mayor when he cancelled the RCMP request for seven additional officers. Under Hurley’s watch, families would feel safe in their communities. It would not take fatalities to spur necessary change in safety measures.
Hurley will campaign over the summer months by listening to the people of Burnaby to further understand their needs and aspirations. He commented the he has been amazed at the number of people who talk about the dismissive approach of the current Mayor. He noted that the Mayor is on record as saying, ‘if you don’t like it, leave.’ “I will be a mayor who listens, brings people together, and finds solutions that will make a better Burnaby” said Hurley. “The same will apply to all those working for the people of Burnaby.”
On the pipeline - Hurley bluntly stated that “If it were up to me, the pipeline expansion would not go ahead.” He noted that this decision will be made in the courts, not in the Mayor of Burnaby’s office.
“My job as Mayor, no matter what the outcome, will be to do everything I can to protect our residents, our environment, the value of our properties and the quality of our lifestyle.” Adding that he will work with residents and industry to ensure that proper response plans are in place. He understands the risks. Hurley was with the first responders on site when the pipeline was breached in 2007.
Hurley is a 30-year Burnaby resident, husband, and father of four. He joined the Burnaby Fire Department in 1988 and became part of an outstanding team. It is a team that he would later lead, holding positions including lieutenant, captain (his current position) and acting assistant chief. Hurley is an expert in extremely dangerous situations, both in his day to day work as a firefighter and as a member of the technical rescue team and the hazardous materials team. Hurley is also one of 16 directors of the International Fire Fighters Association that serves over 315,000 members.
This summer Hurley will be listening to the people of Burnaby as he builds his platform. Throughout his career, he has brought people together to find solutions. As Mayor, he will provide the same leadership and build a better Burnaby.
