According to the Langley Strong slate, its transit shelter posters about the municipal debt were improperly taken down at the behest of the Township.
A statement issued by Langley Strong called it a “misuse” of the bylaw governing election signs, while Mayor Eric Woodward said it was because the posters were “illegal” election signs.
Langley Strong was formed this year to challenge the Progress For Langley slate, headed by Woodward, which currently holds five of nine council seats.
The posters estimated Langley Township debt has risen 230 percent since 2022, and put the impact at $10,000 per household.
Langley Strong said the company that operates the shelter advertising contacted them on Thursday, June 25, to advise the Township had identified the shelter advertising as an “election or political sign” under the bylaw governing election signage and directed that it be removed.
Among other things, Bylaw No. 6118 only allows election signs “from 9 a.m. on the 21st day prior to general voting day, until four days after general voting day.”
Election day is Oct. 17.
Langley Strong said the bylaw “is intended to regulate the placement and timing of temporary election lawn signs, not advertising professionally installed within permanent commercial transit shelter infrastructure.”
It said it was “conducting a legal review” of the order.
Langley Strong mayoralty candidate Jay Lundgren described it as a move by Woodward to silence critics.
“I’m not surprised at all,” Lundgren said.
“It’s part of a clear pattern. When someone challenges him, whether it’s a councillor, a non-profit, a community organization, or any resident with a different point of view, he uses his power to try to silence them.”
Langley Strong called on Township residents to contact the mayor and council to protest.
Woodward said it was a “bylaw enforcement issue.”
“It’s a good stunt to put up an illegal sign and then claim that you’re being silenced,” Woodward told the Langley Advance Times.
“I applaud them on the stunt, but obviously if you want to govern the Township, perhaps you should read the bylaws. I mean, I’m a bit confused by their campaign so far. I thought they were a positive path forward, yet all they seem to do is attack people.”
