MAYOR’S BEAT | The joys of being Langley’s mayor

Published 1:00 pm Saturday, May 30, 2015

By FRED MCCARTHY

Langley Mayor

I’d like to relay some recent joys of being mayor of Langley: attending the Revitalize Washington Conference and witnessing the Langley Main Street Excellence Awards.

The Spark Radio Museum in downtown Bellingham was the perfect venue on Thursday, May 7, for some well-deserved recognition and appreciation. A representative group of Langley Main Street leaders and volunteers rose from their seats on three separate occasions and accepted beautifully framed certificates and the applause of their peers for their transformational efforts in Langley.

The event was capped by, as the lights dimmed and the museum director fired up the ceiling-mounted lightening bolt generator, sending arcs of electricity around the room and bringing a box of fluorescent tubes of inert gas to life in time with the driving music. It was nothing short of spectacular to end a memorable day in this manner.

I recall the inspirational speakers, passionate presenters, and tours of obscure and quirky Bellingham businesses in the Alley District. Three messages keep resurfacing in my consciousness. They called it the “The Triple Bottom Line: 1. People, 2. Environment and 3. Profits.”

The singular focus of all these Main Street Stars back in their own communities. It’s exciting to be part of a winning team. We are so very proud of Janet Ploof, Lorinda Kay, Rene Neff and so many dedicated Langley volunteers back home.

Sincerely,

Fred