A class act to leave office

Surrey is about to lose the representation of a politician who has made a significant mark upon the community, and national political history.

Penny Priddy, the only Canadian woman ever to serve on all levels of government, civic, provincial and federal, has announced she will not seek re-election.

The long-standing NDP member is leaving politics to spend more time with her family.

After 22 years of dedicated service to this city, Priddy more than deserves the rest, and freedom to commit to her loved ones.

For all of those who consistently placed her high in the polls, there were also many who could not agree with her socialist politics, or the decisions of the governments with which she has served. However, no one can claim that this woman was not a stalwart supporter and tireless crusader for the constituents she represented, and the human values she holds so dear.

Priddy lobbied hard, and very effectively during her many stints as a powerful provincial minister – the difficult children and families ministry among them – to bring funding to Surrey for a wide spectrum of worthy projects and programs.

Her voice, muted briefly only during a successful battle against breast cancer, was always one of reason and persuasion. The physically diminutive Priddy was a towering role model for political persuasion, rather than posturing and bombast. She was tough when required, wise beyond party platforms, and always polite and attentive to her audience, supporters and detractors alike.

That, and her genuine personality, enabled her to cross many political and cultural borders. Priddy has been a ubiquitous figure at all manner of community events, from small neighbourhood get-togethers to major ethnic celebrations. And we’d venture that the participants felt as though this representative was there because she wanted to be, not because it was politically expedient to do so.

Surrey has been extremely fortunate to have had such a dedicated public servant for the last two decades.

Priddy will leave a legacy, and a vacuum.

She has truly earned the title as an “Honourable” Member of Parliament, which can also be applied to all of her preceding appointments.

We salute you, Ms. Priddy, thank you sincerely for your devotion and hard work, and we wish you health and happiness in your many future years.