For a Common Sense Approach,
I will ensure:
Infrastructure keeps pace with population growth,
Your tax dollars are spent efficiently to provide the best possible services,
I am your Independent voice who represents all residents of White Rock
AFFORDABILITY: As a collective team player I will work to enhance the livability for all White Rock residents.
LOW TAXES: As a business owner I will work to ensure the City delivers services at the lowest possible cost
WHITE ROCK CITY HALL: I will work to ensure services are delivered timely and efficiently.
PARTNERSHIPS: I will work with all levels of government to develop and access all funding sources for the business community to improve the business climate in White Rock Council members to ensure we look to taking a leadership role and set an example for other communities to follow.
INDEPENDENT: I will be a team player with priority given to residents I represent, not a political party or a special interest group.
TOURISM: I will ensure we promote and increase opportunities for tourist to enjoy the City by the Sea.
BUSINESS: I will ensure we are a city that is progressive and supportive of the business community, supporting and working together with other organizations to drive business to our city.
About Me
I was born and raised in Abbotsford, my parents were refugees coming to Canada after the Second World War. I grew up on a farm with 6 siblings, living on a farm in a small 3 bedroom 1 bathroom house. Life revolved around work, school, church and extended family get togethers. Currently my husband and I live in White Rock where I have owned and operated Ashberry and Logan, The Art of Flowers for over 20 years. Our family includes 3 children with their spouses and 2 grandchildren, 6 siblings and my 96 year old mother. Family life is very important to me.
After high school, I moved to Pennsylvania for a year and worked as a volunteer for a non profit, relief organization which supports the hungry and hurting in many countries and sends food and clothing as well as brings education and training to people living in poverty. Following that, I studied and lived in Santa Barbara, California, received my BA in Fine Arts majoring in photography. I moved back to Abbotsford, started Imagemakers Photography, successfully running the business for 10 years. Following the birth of my second child, born with Cerebral Palsy, I formed and operated the Fraser Valley Child Development Centre, a non profit organization for the next 10 years working with and advocating for change for families who have a child with a disability. In 1997, I moved to Vancouver and started Ashberry and Logan, opening a 2nd location in White Rock in 2002 which I have owned and operated ever since.
Throughout my life , I have always been involved in the community, volunteering for many groups and donating time and merchandise whenever possible. In White Rock I was the treasurer and board president for the White Rock Business Improvement Association for 7 years.
I love our community and my only desire is to see
it grow stronger and better for all.
My Passion for Business
I've owned a successful local business for over 20 years giving me insight into needs of the business community
My Involvement in the Community
BIA president aims to bring ‘balanced approach’ to White Rock council
Ernie Klassen enters race for councillor seat
Ernie Klassen acknowledges, works and lives in the community on the ancestral, traditional, and unceded territory of the Semihamoo and the historic Coast Salish peoples"
As a White Rock City Councilor,
I will ensure:
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Safety of our citizens is a top priority,
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Tax increases are minimized by eliminating unnecessary expenses,
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City Hall is run effectively, efficiently and customer service is top of mind,
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All White Rock residents are represented by an independent, objective voice,
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White Rock benefits from partnering with all levels of government and other service providers.
A few facts about Ernie
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Local business owner, Ashberry and Logan, 25 years.
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President of the White Rock Business Improvement Association, 7 years.
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Director, South Surrey/White Rock Chamber of Commerce.
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Former member of White Rock Economic Development Advisory Committee.
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Recipient of Queen's Platinum Jubilee Award for volunteer services to community.
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Founder and President of White Rock Pride Society.
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Lifelong volunteer and contributor to numerous local non profit organizations.
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Former executive director of BC and Yukon Association for Child Development and Rehabilitation Services.
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Former owner of Imagemakers Photography.
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Husband, father and grandfather.
