After announcing he may run for Township mayor in the Oct. 20 municipal election, developer Eric Woodward has decided to campaign for a seat on council instead.
In a post made on his public Facebook page on Aug. 28, Woodward said that he had given “real consideration” to running for mayor.
“The mayor has a platform to make real change that a councillor doesn’t, not just in terms of policy, but our political culture too,” he wrote. “But, as a councillor, I can still present and pursue new ideas and vision, and offer the leadership we need.”
Woodward grew up in Langley and had a successful career in the emerging internet industry before turning his attention to development and revitalization in Fort Langley. He owns a number of properties in the village and has served as president of the Fort Langley Business Improvement Association for the past five years.
Through his development work in Fort Langley, Woodward has also come into conflict with the Township on a number of occasions. Most recently, he boarded up buildings after reaching an impasse with the municipality over several projects proposed for the core, including a boutique hotel.
READ MORE: Township council wants to hear from Eric Woodward, but will not extend special invite
READ MORE: Buildings boarded up in impasse over development
If elected, Woodward said there are some “big issues” in the Township he’d like to address. He believes Brookswood has missing infrastructure and schools that is leading it to become “another version of Willoughby.” He also believes Aldergrove needs “vision and private investment” and that Willoughby, particularly 208 Street, can be improved as well.
“Thanks to everyone that has encouraged me these past few months to run,” he wrote. “I have heard again and again that we need someone with my experience, vision, commitment, and determination, not just words, to solve our community’s very real problems. I can’t just stand by and watch us continue as we are. I want to help. Let’s fix it.”
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