Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner, who is in her first term as mayor, will not be running for re-election in October’s municipal elections.
According to the statement, after some soul searching, Hepner realized that she needed to make her family a higher priority than the city.
“For 33 years the City of Surrey has been a chosen priority in my life and I have been honoured to serve the people of this city,” she said.
“During my time with Surrey, the city has evolved from a modest suburb into the region’s second metropolitan centre and a globally recognized leading-edge city. I am very proud to have contributed to this transformation, but there will always be more to do, more to achieve and, therefore, there is never an ideal time to leave.
Over the last 33 years I have had the honour and privilege to serve the people of Surrey as we transformed into one of...
Posted by Linda Hepner on Wednesday, 11 April 2018
“I have thought long and hard about this and it has not been an easy decision to make, but I sincerely believe that now is the right time to dedicate more time to my family and friends.”
She thanked city staff and the citizens of Surrey for their work, support and trust.
"I look forward to serving out my term as Mayor as we finalize the largest investment in transportation and housing in the City’s history. In my more than three decades at the City of Surrey, I have had the pleasure to work with remarkable people at all levels and I have made many friends along the way.
"To all the staff at the City, I want to thank you for the exceptional work you have done and continue to do. Finally, I want to give my heartfelt thanks to the people of Surrey for their ongoing trust and support. It has been an honour and privilege to serve you and the City of Surrey."
In January, Vancouver's Gregor Robertson announced he'd be stepping down after serving three terms in office.