Editor,

The headline in the Record’s Nov. 2 front page story, “Langley budget calls for rate hikes, mayoral raise” is a misunderstanding of the City of Langley’s 2014 draft budget numbers.

The annual salary for the mayor is not being raised in the 2014 budget; the current city ordinance specified the $53,000 figure for this position for 2013 and 2014. The misunderstanding arises from the fact that former Mayor Kwarsick chose not to draw the full-time salary. However, the mayor’s salary remained specified at the $53,000 level, based on an expectation of full-time service to the city. What’s being changed is the line item of $31,200 in the 2013 budget to match the existing ordinance of $53,000.

Mayor Fred McCarthy has been operating as a full-time mayor effectively and efficiently since the 2013 February day he was sworn into office, which explains the need for the 2014 budgeted salary figure.

Citizens of Langley who have been here longer will recall that six years ago the City administration had both a full-time city administrator and an elected Mayor. Mayor Paul Samuelson revised that structure to have the Mayor’s position combined with that of head administrator for the City, which fully justified the salary levels approved by the City Council, as well as significant savings of city funds at the time.

JIM SUNDBERG

Langley City Council