Are there Better Options?
Maple Ridge’s City expenses are growing twice as fast as revenue “with tax increases each year”.
If a Candidate tells you they are going to reduce or hold taxes ask them HOW !
I propose to lower operating costs using proven business practices:
Between 2022 and 2025 Maple Ridge’s total management costs increased 60.7%*.
Maple Ridge is top-heavy. In 2025, 58 City employees in management and senior positions earned over $120,000. Council should review management layers, vacant positions and overlapping responsibilities before considering service cuts.
Review every vacant position before filling it. If duties can be reassigned without reducing service, eliminate the vacancy.
Cut duplication across departments. Assign clear responsibility for each service and remove overlapping administrative work.
Budget from actual spending. Examine each department’s recent costs line by line instead of automatically carrying last year’s budget forward.
Over 400 unionized city workers are without a current contract.
Management got a 19.9% pay raise.
What will council offer city staff?
As a voter, you need to decide who you want at the table — protecting employees while safeguarding taxpayers’ money.
The next agreement will involve more than wages and benefits. As municipalities begin integrating AI and other new technologies, future contracts will also need to address how work is performed, how services are delivered, and how staffing requirements may change over time.
Why are property taxes so high… CLICK HERE
With over 30 years of corporate management experience working with multi-million dollar budgets, I bring a clear understanding of strategic planning, fiscal discipline, and the vision to look at alternative options to modernize Maple Ridge.
Regardless of who is elected, I will work with every member of council, applying my professional background to protect taxpayers and guide Maple Ridge in a strong new direction.
Lou has played, coached and volunteered in Maple Ridge soccer, hockey, baseball, and learned to swim with the Neptunes. With four grandchildren in Maple Ridge, Lou supports expanding recreational opportunities while balancing housing affordability for their parents.
