ELECTION: City council seats attracting candidates

More people have come forward to seek office in Langley City’s Nov. 15 civic elections.

Ted Schaffer

Acting City Mayor Ted Schaffer wants to make it a permanent gig.

“The most important issues I see facing our City in the next four years are managing expectations. Balancing the need to retain competitive taxation levels with enhanced public safety, enhancing the quality of life in our community, and infrastructure renewal,” he said.

Schaffer said his focus as mayor would be on keeping the City a “thriving, safe community… encouraging business growth in the downtown core and working with the RCMP” to meet those goals.

Schaffer is concerned that youth and seniors have amenities and resources for their needs.

His concerns also cover environmental and transportation issues.

Schaffer has been on council for 21 years, and is a past member and director of the Rotary Club of Langley, a former representative to the Langley Senior Resource Centre, a representative to the Lower Mainland Treaty Association, and a former president, coach, and umpire of the Langley Girls Softball Association.

Nathan Pachal

Nathan Pachal is a broadcast technician with Rogers Media and has the long-running South Fraser blog.

“I want to support a strong local economy, and that starts with supporting Downtown Langley – to create a prosperous and successful core, to reduce the burden on redevelopment to attract more businesses in Langley” he said in announcing his bid for a councillor’s chair.

Pachal has been vocal about transportation and sustainability issues in the community and region.

“I want to build a safe and accessible community for all people. To connect them to shops, services, work and recreation.”

He called for more support for seniors and the disabled, and wants to work with the RCMP.

He is the longest serving member of the City Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.

Miriam Marshall

Environmental scientist and biologist Miriam Marshall has volunteered with the City parks committee, the Langley Christmas Bureau, the Langley Walk, Earth Day, Christian Life Assembly, World Vision Canada, the Vancouver Union Gospel Mission, and the Kwantlen Polytechnic University Environmental Protection Technology Advisory Committee.

Marshall says she would like a seat on City council to making the City a place where people feel safe and respected, and where people and businesses can grow and prosper. Her other priorities are transportation and livability.

Paul Albrecht

The long-time resident and married father of four Paul Albrecht wants to bring his knowledge of municipal government, civil engineering, team building, and labour-management relations to the City council table.

“Having lived in the City for many years and worked in local government, I understand the needs of our community and the growing list of challenges, both socially and from an infrastructure perspective,” he said.

Currently employed by the Township of Langley, Albrecht is the president of CUPE 403 and has been involved within the labour movement for more than a decade.

Albrecht’s involvement in the community has extended to the Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) for Langley City, as well as the Triple A Housing forum for affordable living alternatives. He has been active in Langley Minor Hockey as a coach for many years.

Incumbent Dave Hall previously announced his candidacy for City council.

• Read more about these candidates and others at www.langleyadvance.com