Less than one month into election year and two candidates have already thrown their names into Hope’s mayoral race.
Lloyd Forman, current Area A director for the Fraser Valley Regional District, announced last week his plans to run for the town’s top spot in November, citing his human relations experience as major factor in the decision. Forman has been employed by several large corporations, and spent 30 years in small business and a number of years in local government.
“Hope has been my downtown core since 1976,” he said.
“I have spent time on the hospital board, chamber of commerce, and economic development commission while Boston Bar was providing a lot of jobs for Hope at a very good rate of pay.”
Forman plans to hold public meetings in the coming months to discuss his vision. His successful negotiations with C.N. Rail, C.P. Rail and government agencies are skills he believes would prove helpful in advancing Hope’s interest.
“If the residents agree with me, the town council, the community and myself will then work together to bring about a breath of fresh air to Hope,” said Forman.
“Part of this work will include a British Columbian’s right to a reasonable prosperity.”
If elected, the first issue he would like to focus on is a lack of dialogue.
“The three C’s would be a priority,” Forman added.
“Communication that would establish credibility, that in turn would establish community with a positive outlook that would be encouraging to people interested in establishing in Hope.”
After three terms on council, Coun. Peter Robb has also announced his intention to run for mayor in November.
“I considered running because I think have contributed all I can now on council and I would like to take on more of a leadership role,” he said.
“I’ve worked with three different mayors which has given me lots of experience.”
Current mayor Susan Johnston has not yet decided whether she’ll seek re-election.