LANGLEY – The Langley City Council unanimously picked Doug Allderdice as the city’s newest councilman at the council meeting Monday evening.

Allderdice, a former city councilman who stepped down in 2006, rejoined the council this week in council Position 5. He was sworn in Monday after the council vote, and will fill out the remainder of Robert Gilman’s term.

Gilman resigned in August.

There were two candidates for the job: Allderdice, a retired physician; and Bruce Allen, a retired Army command sergeant major and former business owner.

Council members spent about 20 minutes interviewing the candidates in an open public session.

Allderdice and Allen were asked the same eight questions, which ranged from what they thought were the top issues facing the city, to their experience working with groups such as the council, and how to allow for growth while keeping the city’s vistas and rural charm.

After a 15-minute, closed-door executive session, council members returned to council chambers for the vote.

Allen’s future with the city is still undecided, however. He is a candidate on the November ballot for Langley City Council Position 4, and is challenging Thomas Gill for the seat on the council, now held by Councilman Bob Waterman. Waterman announced earlier this year that he would not seek re-election.