Editor: Every one of the 41 people running in the Township election is to be commended for putting themselves forward. However, the sheer number makes it difficult for candidates to present themselves and their perspective, and for voters to make an informed choice. The situation is further exacerbated by the volume of rhetoric, innuendo and misinformation muddying the waters.
For incumbents there is at least a public record of performance. For new candidates it’s an uphill battle. How do you get the word out about who you are and what you stand for? How do you finance your campaign without allying yourself with another group which will expect support in the future?
Many of the new candidates have to rely on the people who know them to help spread the word. I’m personally acquainted with two of the new candidates and want to help “spread the word” for them — Kari Medos and Jack Froese.
I’ve known Medos for over 20 years. I know her to be a principled, intelligent, caring person, an independent thinker, and one of the hardest working people I’ve ever met. Medos cares about education in Langley. She was a leader in PAC and DPAC from the day her daughter started Kindergarten to the day she graduated. She put in countless hours of time and boundless energy, all as a volunteer. She’s attended board meetings for the last six years and has a good grasp on what’s going on in the district. I know Kari will be a strong, independent voice on the board.
Froese was my daughter’s soccer coach for 12 years, from Grades 1 to 12. He supported that group of girls through thick and thin, always positive and always teaching and modelling good sportsmanship — respect for each other and for the other team, working together to be the best they could be, win or lose. There were times when the girls, as teenagers, were enough to test the patience of a saint, but he invariably maintained his calm and his control, always bringing them back together as a “team.” If he can do it for teenage girls, surely he can do it for council.
Hattie Hogeterp,
Langley