As one of the youngest candidates so far in the election, Tyler deBoer hopes to appeal to an “alternative and younger demographic,” and stir interest among the young to vote.
“I look to offer an alternative to younger voters and make a connection where we can draw them into becoming more involved in what happens within their community,” deBoer said. Although a daunting task, with help from great groups already established, such as ivotelangley.com, it is definitely possible.”
He said his interest in running for council started about a year ago when an issue that affected his neighborhood piqued his curiosity.
“In the months prior to attending council meetings, I had heard many rumours in regards to the questionable decisions being made at the council table and a general lack of consideration for the public’s best interest,” he said.
“I was able to witness firsthand the dysfunction I had been hearing all about,” deBoer said.
“With all that was happening, I don’t think the press had been able to reasonably portray just how dysfunctional things were.”
DeBoer has a keen interest in the unique agricultural community that the Township has to offer, and said that forward thinking and planning with regards to agriculture, community planning and infrastructure are necessary.
Budgeting and fiscal responsibility are key to Langley’s success as a growing community.
“Writing errant cheques and never ending property tax increases do not scream of responsible and creative budgeting which I believe the taxpayers are pleading for,” he said.
“I plan to keep an open mind and commit to listening and hearing the public out on issues that mean the most to them.”
DeBoer is the operations manager and works in sales at Jonkman Equipment, an agricultural equipment dealer.
DeBoer said Mayor Rick Green’s attempt at change has been derailed, and “constant politicking, self-serving councillors and immature antics have far overshadowed what positive change has been accomplished as well as the potential for what could have been changed.”
DeBoer and his wife, who is expecting the couple’s first child this month, live on a hobby farm in North Langley.
He pledged that Vote Langley Now’s team of individuals “will collaborate and work in the public’s best interest as well as promote our core values, .to keep the community moving forward in the years to come.”
to ensure growth and change in the community.”