CANDIDATES CAST VOTES

About 125 people turned out Nov. 2 to hear the views of the people
running for Langley City council.

The forum was hosted by the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce and
the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

In a new form, the organizers structured the forum like a council
meeting, calling on candidates to vote yes, no or abstain on various
issues put forward by the organizers or the audience. With each vote,
the names of four candidates were drawn and they could provide
explanations of their position on that issue.

Candidates had to vote on whether they would want an advisory
committee created to work on a crime reduction strategy. It passed
unanimously.

Incumbent councillor Teri James commented on the increased crime and
drug problems in the downtown core.

"It's probably the worst I've seen it probably ever," James
said.

When asked about refurbishing McBurney Lane and eliminating parking
spots in favour of green space, incumbent Rudy Storteboom said he has
heard a lot of opposition from merchants so the City has to have
another look.

Dave Hall, also currently on council, said the City is trying to
increase green space and the project would encourage increased walking.

Candidates were asked about the business to residential tax ratio
(about 2.2:1 in Langley City).

Ted Schaffer argued that businesses pay a higher tax ratio because
they receive more in return for those taxes and the City has one of
the lowest ratios in the Lower Mainland.

Teri James said she would work to make the ratio fair for businesses
and residents.

Mayoral candidate Ron Abgrall said he would lower the ratio because
businesses do a service for the community and generate taxes for government.

"I think it should be more equitable," he said.

Paul Albrecht said he believes in tax fairness which Canadians do not
have and that communities are facing aging infrastructure.

The candidates agreed when asked if they would support a "properly
licensed" medical marijuana dispensary in the City.

Abgrall said "medical marijuana problem in this City could be
completely eliminated with abolition."

Council candidate Paul Humphries joked that "okay, yes I inhaled but I
never exhaled."

He said he agrees with licensed, regulated use and that people should
be able to obtain medical marijuana in their own community

All the candidates agreed that the City should have better
communication with the Langley School District. Gayle Martin noted
that the City has had one 60-minute meeting in the past year and
should have at least four annually.

On the question of amalgamation with Langley Township, Martin said
"bigger is not always better" and that the City residents would have
to help pay for the Township's $79 million debt. Langley City is debt
free.

"Now that we have the casino and we are debt free, they want in,"
commented Catfish Potesta.

Darrell Krell said City residents never initiate the requests for
amalgamation, proof that residents aren't interested.

The mock city council meeting format also included questions about
secondary suites, providing buyers better information on properties
that have been used for marijuana grow ops or drug labs, and
attracting light industry.

No other all candidates meetings are planned for the City election.
There are still candidate forums for the Langley School Board and
Township races.