Editor,

It’s the Janus time of year in Langley where we gaze backward and look forward simultaneously. Behind us I see the accomplishments of Mayor Fred McCarthy’s administration. Fred came into office at a difficult time and instantly worked to move the city forward. His accomplishments are many but what I will remember most is his humility. Fred was responsive to citizens, the staff and council, setting a tone of respect in all that he undertook. I have greatly appreciated his efforts to solve problems in a positive and honorable way. This kind of leadership is what keeps me and other public servants interested in doing this job.

As a public servant I often hear “I don’t know how you do it, I couldn’t!” What motivates me is the opportunity to work with neighbors to keep Langley a healthy, economically viable and high quality of life place to live. McCarthy served with those intentions as well. Fred’s leadership and ability to look for the positive in people and situations was inspiring even in the face of constant scrutiny. That scrutiny wears us all down at times. In this day and age of distrust in government some people look for what is wrong. What I have found makes for good government is people compelled to look for the good and build on what works. That said, I believe in holding government accountable.

Looking forward toward 2016 I welcome the enthusiasm and energy our new mayor-elect, Tim Callison, will bring to Langley. I hope our citizens will take time to get to know Tim and new council member Ursula Shoudy. We want to know what your needs are. Connect personally, attend meetings, ask questions and make sure you understand what’s really going on. You can’t always believe what people write on blogs, which often reflect their own bias.

I believe we are all in this together: citizen taxpayers, landowners, business owners and employees. Businesses, essential to an economically viable community, provide jobs and pay hotel/motel and business taxes. Combined revenues from property and business taxes pay for infrastructure we all value such as safe drinking water, a working sewer system, clean storm water that protects salmon, clean, safe streets and police protection. Join us, get involved and help us solve some of the complex problems we face in 2016.

Sincerely,

RENE NEFF

Langley City Councilwoman