Langley City hopefuls were questioned at close range during a seniors election forum on Wednesday.
The event at the Langley Seniors Resource Centre drew around 100 people, who had the chance to raise issues with candidates as they moved from table to table in the centre's large main hall.
This was the first year the centre has hosted forums for candidates, holding separate sessions for Township and City hopefuls on different days.
Concerns about crime and resources for older residents appeared to get the most attention.
During opening remarks different candidates courted the seniors vote in different ways, with acting mayor Ted Schaffer noting that he has the endorsement of previous mayors Aubrey Searle, Peter Fassbender and Joe Lopushinsky.
"Politics brings strange people together," Schaffer said.
Mayoralty hopeful Randy Caine said that he was there to dispel the myth that he is a single-issue candidate.
"Breadth is important," Caine said.
Ray Lewis said if he is elected mayor he will take steps to make the city a safer place.
"Seniors especially, I feel, are feeling very threatened. It's not safe to walk down the street," Lewis said.
In contest for one of six council seats, Paul Albrecht promised a "fresh perspective," and incumbent Jack Arnold said voters had the opportunity to elect three new councillors while returning the three incumbents, allowing "you guys" to bring new blood to council while keeping experience.
Incumbent Dave Hall said voters who look at his record will see that he is truly politically independent, Christine MacIntosh offered to have coffee with attendees who wanted to know her better, saying "I have guided my life by respecting my elders and listening to them" and Miriam Marshall said she will work to create an "official seniors committee" for Langley.
Incumbent Gayle Martin said her time on council offers experience and stability, Sharon Newbery said as a local business owner she is concerned about crime and the change in the city's "economic base" and Nathan Pachal said he would bring "fresh ideas" and make the community more accessible through measures like wider sidewalks.
Carla Robin pointed out that she worked as the first United Way-funded seniors coordinator in the city, Rudy Storteboom said his mother, who was present, would vouch for him as a good son who takes his responsibilities seriously, and Val van den Broek talked about her volunteer work as an auxiliary police officer who "understands what needs to be done."