The political heat in Langley is dying down, and with some luck and good management, it will stay that way for the next three years.
Most of the heat has been at Township council, where Mayor Rick Green battled with council for almost the entire term. There is no need to review all the issues, but suffice to say that charged atmosphere played a big role in Green’s ouster Saturday.
New mayor Jack Froese will now have to step up to the plate, and he seems to have the backbone to deal with a council which looks a lot like the old one which caused Green so much grief. Froese will not hold it against the six incumbents that they backed his challenger Mel Kositsky.
He now knows a lot more about the fickle and fleeting nature of political alliances. It is valuable knowledge to have before being sworn in. It also reinforces his independence.
He and new councillors David Davis and Michelle Sparrow have a lot to add to the discussion at Township council, and what is most hopeful is that they will push for a vision for the Township. If there has been a vision, it has been lost in political wrangling and backbiting. There is a great need for leadership from council in this area.
Froese also wants to hold strategic planning sessions with all elected officials in Langley, including MP Mark Warawa, the two MLAs, and the three local government bodies. This is a great idea and can’t come soon enough. Langley needs to speak with a unified voice on the broader stage.
One of Green’s most successful initiatives was his regular monthly meetings with residents. Froese would be wise to continue these meetings. They are a great way to get direct feedback from residents and deal with problems which sometimes get lost in bureaucracy.
City Mayor Peter Fassbender was easily re-elected and is already in Ottawa in his capacity as observer in the RCMP contract negotiations. He will continue to represent the Langley area ably on the regional, provincial and national stages.
The City has had a clear vision in recent years, and it is starting to pay dividends. That’s a good reason for the Township to follow suit.
Congratulations to all those who were elected or re-elected. And thanks to all who ran in Saturday’s election. Whether you won or lost, you added an important dimension to community discussions and showed the value of democracy.
