Random shootings top of mind in three Surrey ridings
In three of the five Surrey ridings up for grabs in the Oct. 19 federal election, crime is a very hot topic. That’s what the candidates are saying. They hear about it all the time on the doorsteps, over and over. People in Surrey-Newton, Surrey Centre and Fleetwood-Port Kells are saying there needs to be drastic changes so that random shootings and gang activity are reduced, if not eliminated. It’s not surprising. There have been dozens of random shootings this year, and Surrey-Newton MLA Harry Bains’ nephew was shot to death this spring. Most, if not all, the shootings are linked to the drug trade. Voters in Surrey-Newton are particularly concerned, as many of the shootings are taking place in Newton neighbourhoods. In one particularly troubling case, shooters were active near Strawberry Hill Elementary on Sept. 15, as children were playing in the area. One man was injured, and bullets struck the school building. That’s completely unacceptable. Newton resident Meera G...