Image: L. Gomes / PML / Coun. Ross Siemens pictured in front of his family business, Hub Motor Service in downtown Abbotsford.

By Laurice Gomes

Abbotsford Mayoral Candidate

‘Breaking down cultural and religious barriers’ Abbotsford mayoral candidate, Coun. Ross Siemens

Sep 21, 2022 | 5:00 PM

ABBOTSFORD — When driving through the city of Abbotsford, it’s easy to spot Coun. Ross Siemens’ election signs. The third-generation owner/operator of Hub Motor Service in downtown Abbotsford, said he has a lot to offer, especially with 12 years’ experience serving as a councillor.

“When I was 23, I was elected to two two-year terms for the district of Abbotsford—that was just prior to amalgamation,” Siemens said. “Then I left politics for several years, started a family, took over the family business, travelled the world, and then in 2014, I got elected to a four-year term, and in 2018 to another four-year term.”

Siemens stressed that the work he has done in council for the past eight years has prepared him to bring value to the city if elected as mayor.

“Building on our official community plan, having a comprehensive understanding of the masterplans for the infrastructure as we build out to 200,000,” he elaborated. “And then the financial plans—I think we’ve laid a solid foundation and I felt that there was value in continuity with somebody that has been at the table with those experiences.”

The councillor expressed that this was the right time for him to run for mayor and emphasized his commitment to building a strong community and addressing issues that needed immediate attention.

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“Over the last few years, we’ve seen a lot of division in our society, and that wasn’t just Abbotsford,” he said. “But what we also saw was when the flood hit, we saw the community come together like it never has before; so, I’d like to really build on that complete community, making sure we’re breaking down cultural and religious barriers, making sure we are a cohesive, complete community.”

Siemens added that ensuring citizens felt included with their voices being heard was a top priority for him; he said bridging the gap and being a good listener were also of the utmost importance.

“One of the biggest challenges, I think, is that people don’t necessarily pay attention to local politics,” he said. “And it is a vitally important component—it’s probably the one level of government that affects people the most in their day-to-day operations. So, the challenge is to try and get people motivated and interested.”

Siemens has been married to his wife, Kelly, for 30 years; they have two daughters that both work with special-needs kids, and the proud dad described his children as people who have a heart for people.

“I would love to see a high voter turnout,” Siemens said of the upcoming election. “I think we’ve got several good-quality candidates running; I’d like to see a council that’s reflective of our city, which I think we are.”