Langley Township Councillor Michelle Sparrow announced that she is seeking re-election. She is completing her first term on council.
"Over the past three years it has been a privilege to share my perspective and passion for our community on Langley Township council. I have enjoyed my first term and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to hear from so many residents about what matters. I am proud of the work I have accomplished so far on behalf of Langley residents," she said.
Sparrow said she has "been a strong voice on Langley Township council in speaking against the urban development of our agricultural lands. I have been unwavering in my fight to see our agricultural lands preserved and to protect what makes Langley such a unique place to live."
She has long been an advocate for citizen engagement, and has worked with the Township IT department in making extensive improvements to the Township website. This has made it easier for citizens to access information. An interactive budget simulator and improved online access to important documents such as council agendas, minutes and video web streaming are some of the improvements.
Sparrow proposed that Township council set a strategic vision and set goals at the beginning of every term, ensuring there is a clear vision and direction for which elected officials are responsible. This was passed unanimously."
"I have worked to see that our urban development areas provide a variety of housing options and respect the diversity our "community of communities" offers. Encouraging in the appropriate areas mixed-use, walkable communities, which provide at our doorstep, shops and services we would otherwise have to drive to, and leaving space for parks, community gardens and ample green space, allows us to move away from automotive-focused communities.
"If given the opportunity to serve another term, I will continue to be a strong voice, to bring innovation and a fresh perspective to Township council. This upcoming term I have several priorities which I will work to see move forward. Some of those key objectives include: a commitment to see shovels in the ground for a new recreation complex for Aldergrove, to explore the potential partnerships and opportunities available for a performing arts theatre for the Langleys, to continue to work to address the essential needs of our protective services and to continue the citizen engagement work I have started, which will see the continued implementation of a e-democracy strategy moving to broader more active citizen participation, enabled by the internet.
"I will always be a believer that each one of us can make a difference, and I will never take for granted the opportunity I have in front of me. I look forward to the future ahead, and to achieving our goals together," she said.
More information about her campaign and objectives can be found at her website VoteSparrow.ca.