Dear Editor,
Kim Richter is not the leadership I want for the Township of Langley - this is my opinion, of course.
Councillor Richter has declared her intent to run for mayor - yet in her six terms as councillor since her win in 1999 she has continually opposed fundamental projects that attract business, jobs and tourists to this community.
A great mayor understands how vital economic development is to our region and embraces new ideas while understanding and educating themselves on what makes our economy tick.
A great mayor should have a vision for the community that encourages collaboration. Yet, Kim continually demonstrates her disinterest in being a team player with her fellow councillors on many issues.
It’s critical that the mayor have the temperament and judgement to collaborate with residents and colleagues, and staff of course, to work to improve and maintain the quality of life for everyone in the Township.
You have to be able to collaborate. We need a mayor that ultimately will make a decision that is in the best long-term interests of the Township, not be grandstanding to their Facebook followers for attention.
Kim lacks the ability to envision the future. Vision provides hope, planning provides involvement, but in the final analysis it is action that produces results. A mayor should be judged on results.
Kim has opposed many of the most beneficial projects the Township of Langley has accomplished in recent years.
She voted against staffing firehalls with full-time professional firefighters.
She voted no to the Glover Road Overpass.
She has been against the pool/arena/community centre much needed in the redevelopment of Aldergrove.
The list of Kim’s lack of vision is too long for this letter.
Kim does not understand that many are involved in the decision-making process.
A great mayor is a leader that should work hard to listen to others and draw in as many ideas and opinions as possible.
Finally, a good leader needs to know when it is time to move on. Time to get out, Kim.
Kerri Lucas-West, Langley