Simon Yu running for a second term as Mayor of Prince George

Yu said Prince George is approaching what he described as a “critical juncture” and believes continued leadership will be important as the city navigates future growth opportunities.

“We are entering into a critical juncture of the development of the city, and I feel I still need to be in the mayor’s chair to get through the next term,” he said.

At the centre of Yu’s re-election campaign is a focus on creating and protecting jobs while ensuring Prince George benefits from major economic opportunities expected over the coming years.

“We need to create and protect jobs, get the economy going,” Yu said. “We have an incredible opportunity coming and we need to employ it, we need to service it, and we need to really make sure the benefits stay in Prince George to grow the city together.”

Yu has frequently pointed to Prince George’s strategic position as a regional service hub and said future economic development must translate into long-term benefits for local residents and businesses.

Alongside economic development, Yu said public safety remains a major priority. While highlighting improvements made during his first term, the mayor acknowledged more work remains.

“We need to do a little better in public safety as well,” he said.

Yu noted that Prince George’s crime statistics have improved in recent years, saying the city has moved from being ranked first in certain crime measures to fifth. He also pointed to the absence of active homeless encampments as a positive development. However, he said public perception remains a challenge.

“There’s still a perception of a safety issue in many pockets of the city,” Yu said.

To address those concerns, he called for greater collaboration among local governments, community organizations, law enforcement, businesses and residents.

“We need to work better together with all stakeholders to get it done,” he said.

Yu’s path to re-election will not be easy. He faces a competitive field that includes current city councillors Garth Frizzell and Kyle Sampson, both well-known figures in local politics, as well as lawyer Roy Stewart and acute care nursing assistant Ernesto Caranto.

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Email: Adam.Berls@pattisonmedia.com

by Adam Berls

Simon Yu running for a second term as Mayor of Prince George

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