Challenges ahead as Ross Siemens moves into the Abbotsford Mayor’s seat
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ABBOTSFORD — “We hit the ground running, and along with council I am looking forward to working on those things I laid out in my inaugural address,” said newly elected Abbotsford Mayor Ross Siemens in a one on one interview with Fraser Valley Today this week. “I have been sitting together with City Council in our governance workshops, just getting on the same page on what needs to be done, and what is expected of us.”
Meeting expectations will prove to be a challenge for Mayor Siemens as Abbotsford, although booming in certain sectors, is continuing to see difficulties from increased homelessness, crime, and the impact of the 2021 floods on the city.
During the mayoral address at the November 7 Inaugural Meeting, homelessness was highlighted as an issue in Abbotsford. The mayor reiterated that position later in the week. “We have our outreach teams, our law enforcement trying to get a handle on this problem.”
Siemens expressed concern with some characterizations of the homeless population, including the blame some put on the sector for crime. “We can’t paint all people with the same brush, there is a small component of crime associated with homelessness.” Siemens added, “there is a criminal component that also preys on these people, who are very vulnerable.”
