Ward Draper, a local pastor and founder and executive director of The 5 and 2 Ministries, has announced plans to run for council in the municipal election, slated for Nov. 15.
Draper said his passion is for an Abbotsford where community, business and development grow together. He said the city deserves leadership that earnestly listens to those it serves.
“We need to restore broken relationships, mend damaged trust, and to work diligently to create an Abbotsford where everyone is treated with respect, equality, and compassion.”
Draper has been an Abbotsford resident for more than 20 years and has been vocal on social issues in Abbotsford, such as the issue of homelessness and housing in the community.
Draper said he and his wife Lana have three young kids and understand the daily challenges families are encountering.
He said it is time the “average person has a voice in the decisions that affect their daily lives and their future.
“We need to move away from favouring particular segments of our community. We need to hear from single parents, isolated seniors, struggling families, the marginalized, and anyone else who is not typically heard.”