Former five-term mayor endorses Murdoch’s mayoral bid

A former long-time mayor of Oak Bay officially threw his support behind mayoral candidate Kevin Murdoch Friday (Feb.16) for the 2018 municipal election.

“There has been a vacuum in the mayoral leadership in Oak Bay and I think Kevin has the ideal characteristics to fill that gap,” said Christopher Causton, who spent 15 years as Oak Bay mayor from 1996-2011. “Like many others in Oak Bay, I am saddened by how the community’s trust in the leadership of this municipality has diminished in recent years.”

Murdoch, 48, released his framework policy which lists plan, fund, build, and foster as the “four foundational pillars for Oak Bay’s future.” These pillars will be the foundational support for dealing with what Murdoch feels are the two most significant issues Oak Bay faces today: infrastructure upgrades costing hundreds of millions of dollars, and community development without clear goals or guidelines.

Citing inconsistencies in council decisions around housing and development, Murdoch feels it is time for some thoughtful action using the four pillars which deal with: housing and commercial development planning; financial transparency and long-term planning; infrastructure replacement; and efficiency, service, and ownership of results. A deeper look into the framework policy can be found on Murdoch’s campaign website.

“No community can survive standing still while the world changes around it. For Oak Bay to remain a great place for our children and grandchildren, action is needed now,” wrote Coun. Kevin Murdoch.

The public is invited to a drop-in “meet the candidate” event at the Penny Farthing Public House on Feb. 22 from 3 to 6 p.m. at 2228 Oak Bay Avenue. Causton encourages the community to come out and “talk to the future mayor of Oak Bay.”

“This is a very important election, about issues that go the heart of what community we want to live in, how it will be governed, and how we will fund it,” said Murdoch. “We need to see residents of all ages and backgrounds coming out to have their voice heard on Oct. 20. It’s time for a positive change in leadership.”