Langley Township Councillor Kim Richter has announced she will run for mayor in 2018.
In an advertisement scheduled to run in the Nov. 16 edition of the Langley Advance, Richter criticized a recent decision of her fellow councillors.
“Two weeks ago, six of the nine current members on Langley Township council (including the mayor) voted to say it’s okay for elected members of the council to bid on Township work, get Township work, and have their businesses benefit from Township resources while on council,” reads the ad. “I believe this is not OK!”
The ad references a recent controversy, after fellow Township Councillor Angie Quaale’s business bid for and won a contract to cater a Township farm tour. Richter argued it was a conflict of interest, but Township lawyers did not find fault with the process. Quaale’s Well Seasoned had a lower bid than the only other firm that met the requirements.
The ad also suggests Richter is looking to support other candidates to upset some of the incumbents.
“My team is looking to support council candidates who have the best of values & ethics, and who believe in true change for BEST government in our Township,” says the ad.
Richter has often been at odds with the majority of the council.
Most recently, she opposed the new Brookswood Official Community Plan, and attempted to call for a reconsideration of the bylaw.
She has also frequently clashed with mayors over the Township budget, arguing for lower property tax increases.
Richter has been a Township councillor since 1999. She also ran unsuccessfully as a federal Liberal in the 2006 federal election.
Richter was not available for further comment.
Mayor Jack Froese said he welcomed Richter to the race.
“I will be running again also,” said Froese, a two-term mayor.
The next election is almost a year away, scheduled for October 20. This past term has been the first four-year term for B.C. councils, a change brought in by the provincial government.