Endorsements
Your Voices.
“Carmen Fast Hollett has earned a reputation as someone who cares deeply about Abbotsford and the people who call it home. She understands that a strong Abbotsford depends on a strong local economy, and that means making sure small businesses have the opportunity to thrive. Her commitment to this city is genuine, and I know she’ll bring integrity, hard work, and a fresh perspective to City Council. I’m proud to support Carmen Fast Hollett and Abbotsford Voice. ”
Jagjit Toor
Business Owner and Community Leader
“Abbotsford’s City Council is ripe for change, for refreshing voices that reflect the changing needs of our community and provide new perspectives on how to build a more vibrant, safe and prosperous City in the Country. The candidates of Abbotsford Voice – Patricia Driessen, Carmen Fast Hollett and Kristy Mills – are that new generation of leaders. Each brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the table that will benefit our community for years to come. I heartily endorse Abbotsford Voice and these three individuals for election to Abbotsford City Council.”
Ed Fast
Former Member of Parliament for Abbotsford
“Councillor Patricia Driessen has been an outstanding advocate for recreation and sports infrastructure in our community. Through my involvement with swimming, hockey and other community organizations, I have appreciated her willingness to genuinely engage with user groups and listen to the people who use these facilities every day. She has taken the time to understand the challenges facing athletes, families, coaches and volunteers, and has demonstrated a sincere commitment to ensuring future investments are informed by those experiences. I also appreciate her commitment to planning for tomorrow's needs, not just for today. Building facilities with the capacity to support future growth is the most responsible use of taxpayer dollars and helps ensure they continue to meet the needs of our community for generations.”
Jonathan Fowler
Vice President of the Abbotsford Whalers Swim Club, Lawyer, Business Owner
“I am proud to support Kristy for City Council. As a nurse and fellow mom raising active daughters, I believe Kristy brings a valuable and much-needed perspective to City Council. She understands both the pressures facing our health care system, and the significant gaps in sport and recreation that need to be prioritized and addressed as our community continues to grow. I believe Kristy will be a strong advocate for our rapidly growing community and will work hard to make our city an even better place to live, raise a family, and stay active. I give Kristy my full endorsement.”
Dr. Kara Aiton
Maternity Doctor
“I believe in the vision Carmen and Abbotsford Voice are championing for our city. They love the city we call home just as much as I do, and their passion and bold vision for moving Abbotsford forward are clear. Carmen understands that our sports community is falling behind when it comes to infrastructure. Having been involved in baseball for many years, I have seen firsthand the need for better facilities and greater investment in our local sports community. As a business owner, I also understand the importance of supporting the development of a better Abbotsford. Development that creates opportunities, supports local businesses, invests in our community, and gives people a reason to build their future here. I trust Carmen and Abbotsford Voice to champion this vision and make meaningful progress for Abbotsford. They have my full support.”
Rob Brandsma
Community Advocate, Business Owner, Baseball Dad
“Patricia Driessen is an excellent choice for council, the core agriculture priorities of Abbotsford Voice reflect what many agricultural producers view as important.”
Jared De Jong
Farmer, Rosegate Dairy Farms Ltd.
“Meeting Kristy, and understanding her analytical skills, her research skills that she has that has come from her background and her schooling, makes me think that she’s the perfect person to be able to look and assess the problems that currently exist at the City of Abbotsford. She will provide solutions moving forward, that will work for both builders, developers and the City as a whole.”
Dave Algra
long-time Abbotsford Resident, former President of the Abbotsford Downtown Business Association and Owner, Algra Bros.
“Having known Carmen Fast Hollett for many years, I am excited to support her for Abbotsford City Council. Carmen knows the issues, asks hard questions and isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo. As a small business owner, she gets how decisions at City Hall can help or hinder local businesses because she’s lived it. She cares deeply about Abbotsford, and I’m glad to see her stepping up alongside Abbotsford Voice to bring a strong, thoughtful voice to Council.”
Jessie Legaree
Lawyer/Partner at RDM Lawyers LLP, Downtown Abbotsford Business Owner
“What impressed me about Patricia is that she recognizes that a strong community and a strong local economy go hand in hand. We can talk about building better facilities, expanding programs, supporting youth sports, and creating more opportunities for families, but those goals become much harder to achieve if the businesses that help support them aren't growing and succeeding as well. Small and family-owned businesses aren't just part of our local economy, they are part of the fabric of our community. Patricia understands that if we want our community to grow, we need to make sure the people who invest in our community every single day have the opportunity to grow along with it. That is why I am proud to support Patricia on her journey and her commitment to making small business growth a priority and ensuring that our local businesses continue to be a strong backbone of our community.”
Kevin Vandeven
President Abbotsford Falcons Football Association and Business Community Member
“Leading well with character and conviction is fully in Carmen’s genes. The apple does not fall far from the tree. Ed served as an MP so significantly. Carmen, the next generation, is ready now. I trust her. She will do what is right and won’t compromise. Great traits in a leader. Carmen Fast Hollett has my full endorsement and my vote.”
Dr. Dave Currie
“Kristy Mills brings a rare and powerful combination of real-world leadership experience that is directly applicable to the work of a city councillor. Our city is growing. Our challenges are real. Our residents deserve a councillor who will show up informed, engaged, compassionate, and ready to do the hard work — not just during election season, but every single day. Kristy Mills is that kind of leader.”
Tom Eaton
Vice President, Supply Chain, Metrie, President of the Abbotsford Minor Fastball Association, Father of four and proud resident of Abbotsford
“I’ve known Patricia Driessen for many years through the event community, and one thing I’ve always appreciated is how much she cares about Abbotsford. Even when she’s busy, she’ll make time to sit down and really listen. She wants people to have a voice, and she’s not afraid to ask the hard questions. As an event professional, I was pleased to see a review of the event permitting process included in her platform. I’ve spent a lot of time working through permits for community events, so I know what a clearer, more up-to-date process could mean for organizers, and I’m glad Patricia is giving it attention.”
Sarah Bolton
Owner of Bolton Events Inc. and Event Coordinator for Winter Jubilee, Berry Fest, Toys for Tots, FV Cultural Diversity Awards
“As a music producer and performer in Abbotsford for three decades, I consider Carmen Fast Hollett one of my most trusted collaborators and colleagues. She is dependable, creative, hardworking, and deeply committed to the community. I believe Carmen would be an excellent representative on City Council, and I am pleased to endorse her candidacy. I encourage you to join me in supporting Carmen Fast Hollett in her bid for election this Fall.”
Dr. Calvin Dyck
Violinist, Director, Producer, Conductor, Order of Abbotsford Recipient