Veteran city councillor Judy Dueck has announced she will again run for city council, and if successful would surpass 30 years of service in public office in Maple Ridge.
Local elections will be held across B.C. on Oct. 17. The end of this term marks 20 years on city council for Dueck, and prior to that she served nine years as a school board trustee, including as chair and vice-chair.
“I made the decision to run again because of my deep passion for local politics, and my commitment to serving our community,” said Dueck. “So many people in Maple Ridge, along with my friends and my incredibly supportive husband encouraged me to seek re-election.”
Dueck was the only member of council who was not part of Mayor Dan Ruimy’s slate called A Better Maple Ridge, after Coun. Ahmed Yousef was forced to take a leave from council facing criminal charges. But Dueck did not appear to be at odds with her council colleagues. She was the only councillor with prior experience serving at city hall.
“Our community deserves representation that is committed to the role, genuinely engaged, accessible and compassionate,” said Dueck. “It would be an honour to continue to serve and receive your trust once again and be ‘the voice of reason.’”
She said Maple Ridge is at a turning point, and as the community continues to grow, the choices council makes today will define the future.
“Together, we can build a city that is affordable, safe, well-planned, and welcoming for generations to come,” said Dueck. “I am committed to fostering the conditions that allow businesses to thrive. That means ensuring Maple Ridge is a welcoming city, one that delivers excellent customer service, meets its commitments consistently and on time and embraces investment and innovation.”
Dueck said it’s important to support local businesses, and also noted she voted for online applications for building permits to speed up processing times.
Dueck said the past four-year term was marked by expanded industrial lands to ease the burden on the residential tax base and support local jobs, infrastructure improvements, key transportation improvements including the Abernethy Way widening and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) plan. She said council also improved arts and culture programming and services.
“I will also continue to champion what matters most to our community: a fiscally responsive government grounded in accountability and transparency, and a safe, vibrant city strengthened by prevention, intervention, and meaningful community engagement,” said Dueck. “These commitments guide my work every day. They reflect our shared belief that Maple Ridge thrives when decisions are made responsibly, when residents feel secure and supported.”
Dueck has called Maple Ridge home since 1976, raised her family here, and ran a business.
“If re-elected my promise is simple: to show up, work hard, and to lead with the community at the centre of every decision. That is the standard I hold myself to, and it is the foundation of how I approach this role, with respect for the responsibility entrusted to me.”