Editor: I would like to congratulate Mel Kositsky for stepping it up after 18 years on council. It was interesting to read that Rick Green’s endorsement of Mel Kositsky as the eighth councillor candidate was done without his knowledge. I am happy to see Kositsky sticking to his principles of being a true independent.
His earlier announcement that he was considering taking a run at the seat certainly caught most political observers off guard. It is also appreciated that he hasn’t kept people waiting for this announcement until the final moment either.
Many citizens of Langley, like myself assumed Kositsky would be a councillor forever, as he seemed comfortable in that role. His years of experience will be noted by many on election day as people vote for their mayor.
All the mayoral candidates bring something different to the race. Jack Froese, though new to the political scene, has many friends. He has lived in Langley a long time. Froese has been deeply involved in his community. He has operated a successful people-friendly turkey farm/sales operation for years.
Green has his followers and rather dynamic election campaign style. Of course, as incumbent, he has experience as mayor with one term under his belt.
Kositsky has years of experience on council. Councillor Kositsky has served under numerous mayors. He has headed up numerous committees and been a committed councillor for 18 years.
The mayor’s seat could, in fact, be won by any one of these candidates on election day. One thing for sure is, if they want it, they are going to have to work for it like they have never worked before.
They won’t get elected on smiles alone. With three candidates in the race, the focus will now be more about what can “they” deliver for Langley.
Most importantly, it will not be a back and forth whiplash undermining of candidates, which often happens in a two-candidate race. This becomes a much more interesting race.
Good for you Mel, for stepping it up. You have served Langley well and are deserving of this chance. As long as no other candidate throws their hat in the ring, I say best of luck to Kositsky, Green and Froese.
The three of you need to get to work, and may the best candidate win.
Sonya Paterson,
Langley
