Pubdate: Tue, 08 Nov 2011 Source: Langley Advance (CN BC) Copyright: 2011 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc. Contact: http://www.langleyadvance.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1248 Author: Heather Colpitts, Langley Advance 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. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.