Some Surrey voters uneasy about council divisions

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SURREY (NEWS 1130) – As Surrey city council deals with internal tensions at the council table, some people living in the city are beginning to doubt whether elected leaders can deliver on key promises.

This comes after several councillors told NEWS 1130 they were no longer members of the Safe Surrey Coalition, leaving the mayor as the last remaining member. Other councillors say the coalition does exist, and there have been no changes.

Those in Surrey who voted for the coalition say they cast their ballots for a city council that would bring in big changes and work together to make Surrey safer, but some of those same voters are now feeling uneasy about their decision and the recent divisions.

At Guildford Town Centre many expressed their doubt and frustration to NEWS 1130, like 16-year-old Pavin, who says her parents voted in favor of the Safe Surrey Coalition platform that included a new police force and SkyTrain expansion.

RELATED: Surrey councillors divided over existence of Safe Surrey Coalition

“If you make these promises to somebody and never execute it, what are you going to think?” she says. “No one is going to trust you, no one is going to believe in a different change, no one is going to believe in anything.”

Amy, a voter, says the SkyTrain and police force were top of mind for her as well and echoes those concerns.

“It’s easy for the different councillors to point fingers at the other ones, but what’s different about them? Nothing.”

NEWS 1130 also spoke with Greg and his wife, who both voted for change but in recent months have seen councillors and the mayor disagree on key issues, like public consultation surrounding a municipal police force.

“We were part of the community and now we feel detached,” says Greg. “I’ve never been so disappointed.”

He’s also hoping cooler heads will prevail and council will be able to win back voter confidence.

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