In just over two months, residents of Langley City and Langley Township will be asked to go to the polls and elect new councils, as well as the seven members of the Langley Board of Education. They will be elected for three-year terms, which means they will be overseeing local governments until December, 2014.
These three local governments are very important to the day-to-day lives of Langley residents, and it would be wonderful if many more residents went to the polls to elect mayors, councillors and trustees.
Historically, the voter turnout in Langley is about 15 to 20 per cent, which means that 80 to 85 per cent of eligible voters don’t bother to take part. This means that incumbents almost always get back in, simply because they are better known.
This is not to say that they aren’t worthy of re-election, but most can get re-elected by simply showing up to events and ensuring that they keep in touch with the small number of people who vote. In Langley City, this is particularly easy, as about 3,000 people usually vote. It isn’t hard to have some contact with almost all those voters over three years.
There are many key issues which will affect all Langley residents, and how they are dealt with will impact taxpayers’ wallets, and the overall welfare of the community.
One is the level of education services offered to students, in light of Langley School District’s $13 million deficit. This must be repaid, and trustee candidates need to show how this won’t impact the quality of education students receive. Education has a key impact on their future.
Another is the rate of tax increases in both the City and Township. Steady increases in the four and five per cent range are simply unsustainable, as the economy remains unsteady. Candidates for council need to show how they can hold the line on expenses, or say if they are even willing to consider that as an option. New contracts with unionized staff are on the horizon, and wages and benefits are a major part of municipal budgets.
Local governments also have a voice with TransLink and Metro Vancouver, and their spending plans and services (or lack thereof) have a major effect on Langley’s livability. What will candidates do to get better value for money from these bodies?
Taking part in the local vote is important, and The Times will provide plenty of information in coming weeks.
