It’s all about the money, and how much is being spent. Taxes, debt and spending have become key issues in the municipal election in Langley Township, home to about 165,000 people and growing. There are just two mayoral candidates in the upcoming election. Incumbent Eric Woodward and political newcomer Jay Lundgren. Woodward is defending the decision to borrow what he says amounts to more than $400 million during his term for projects like the ice arena expansion at Langley Events Centre, a new fire hall in Brookswood and improved roads. “The plan to pay it down is very simple: we use growth revenues from all of that projected growth to ensure we have the roads and facilities. Growth paying for growth, and without our plan, it will be taxpayers paying,” said Woodward, with Progress for Langley. But his opponent disagrees, saying the debt has actually climbed to about $600 million in the past four years. “We need to come in, do a forensic audit,” explained Lundgren, who is running with Langley Strong. “Truly where we are financially and put together a plan that makes sense for taking care of the debt and continuing to create infrastructure projects.” Lundgren is calling for spending transparency. His party has also criticized tax increases of more than 20 per cent since the last municipal election. But Woodward said that within Metro Vancouver, Langley’s tax increases have remained low. “We’re in the bottom four of tax increases this term that went straight to police, fire and bylaw, and we’re still dealing with some inflationary pressures coming out of COVID,” said Woodward. “What he’s probably not going to tell you is that $79 million were taken from reserves to cover the shortfall and keep taxes at a four per cent increase in shocking, an election year,” said Lundgren. He believes too many decisions on council are being made behind closed doors. “I think we have a leadership crisis. Many are being dismissed, not listened to if they don’t agree with township hall. They’re not being heard,” he said. When it comes to crime, both candidates believe Langley needs to be prepared before Skytrain expansion is complete. “Langley, right now, is at an 800 to 1 officers-to-residents ratio. RCMP recommend 650 to one…We do need to get to that ratio as soon as possible and especially preparing for Skytrain coming. Because Skytrain brings opportunity,…but it does also bring crime into areas,” Lundgren said. For Aldergrove, where residents sometimes feel forgotten in municipal elections, both candidates promised investment. “We have a great plan for Aldergrove Athletic this term which is underway. We want to complete phases two and three, a significant upgrade for Aldergrove Athletic. We have a new library coming for downtown Aldergrove,” Woodward said. “There hasn’t been much investment in Aldergrove,” said Lundgren. “They do need another sheet of ice. They need a gymnasium for public access,” he said. One thing the candidates do agree on is that a Willoughby Community Centre would be their top priority project.
