Voters Deserve to Know Where Candidates Stand
Maple Ridge residents are being asked to make major decisions about borrowing and the future of recreation in our city for generations to come.
Now is not the time for political double-talk. Candidates for council should be clear about how they intend to vote on these issues.
It’s a simple “yes” or “no.” Don’t let a candidate dance around the issue; if they do, email them or comment on their Facebook page about their lack of a stance on this important matter.
I am not going to avoid the question—I am saying NO to all three questions and offer alternatives.
The three Recreation Ready projects could authorize the City to borrow up to $393 million for terms of up to 25 years.*
Are you in favour of the City borrowing up to $23 million for up to 25 years to construct a multi-use community park at 20818 Golf Lane?
I am Voting NO to Multi-Use Park to create NEW Maple Ridge Golf and Recreation Community Centre
Are you in favour of the City borrowing up to $227 million for up to 25 years to construct an aquatic recreation centre at Hammond Community Park?
I am voting NO to Hammond Aquatics Centre. YES to building a pool downtown with private partners
Are you in favour of the City borrowing up to $143 million for up to 25 years to construct a twin-rink arena expansion at 23588 Jim Robson Way?
I am voting NO to build two arenas when only one will be approved by the AlC.
Maple Ridge has a revenue problem.
Because of poor decisions by past councils, residential growth has outpaced our commercial and
industrial development needed to help pay for city services.
We need to bring medium and large business to Maple Ridge to increase tax revenue to take the burden off of residential owners and renter — while continuing to support the small businesses that Maple Ridge was built on.
Maple Ridge needs someone at the Council table who understands major employers, business investment
and what it takes to expand our tax base.
Why are taxes so high?
When a business spends more than it makes, it goes bankrupt.
When a city spends more, it raises taxes and affordability.
Why Operating Costs so high?
About Lou Jose…
Lou works for one of North America’s largest sales, service and marketing companies with over 60,000 employees for over 30 years. He understands how large businesses manage spending, deliver services and lead large teams.
Maple Ridge’s 2026 operating budget is over $180 million with over 450 employees.
Lou is running for City Council to share his experience and help Council members look beyond the totals and understand the hundreds of pages of line items in budgets and financial statements presented by City staff.
Lou has played, coached and volunteered in Maple Ridge soccer, hockey and baseball, and learned to swim with the Neptunes. With four grandchildren in Maple Ridge, Lou supports expanding recreational opportunities for all ages.
Lou Jose
for Maple Ridge Councillor
*3 and *6 Source Data” page
Lou JOSE for Councillor
A NEW direction without repeating the mistakes of the past Councils.