Henry Braun started laying track toward a council seat Wednesday morning, with a campaign launch at the Ramada Plaza.
Braun was the co-owner, president and CEO of Abbotsford-based Pacific Northern Rail Contractors Corp up until his retirement in 2003. He told an audience of approximately 150 that he has time in his personal life to serve on council.
Braun, 61, has lived in Abbotsford for 58 years, and has a long record of community service that includes six years on the Abbotsford Police Board, where he served as commissioner; eight years on the economic development committee, where he was chair; and the Airport Authority, where he was vice-chair. He also served eight years on the advisory board to the School of Business at Trinity Western University.
Carson Noftle, a longtime friend who introduced Braun, called him "a proven, trustworthy servant of the public."
"Forward thinking and fiscally responsible" will be the theme of Braun's campaign.
"We must have a long view of what we want this city to look like," Braun said. "We have to prioritize and differentiate between what is needed and what is wanted."
He said his priorities will be crime and safety, escalating property taxes, water requirements and the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre operating budget.
Braun said he is not opposed to the concept of P3 projects, as is proposed for the new Stave Lake water system, but is "still sifting through all the information," about the proposal that will go to referendum.
Henry and his wife Velma are members of the Sevenoaks Alliance Church, where they are actively involved in various ministries including homelessness and addiction recovery.
If elected Braun pledges “that I will use my business experience and passion for the community to serve the citizens of Abbotsford to the best of my ability.”