10/15/2026
From Michelle Sparrow, previous multi-term Councilor for Langley Township:
To be honest, I have found myself during this election feeling a lot of fear around speaking up and adding my voice to the conversation. There has been a pattern of personal attacks and intimidation toward those who do speak up. I have also, in the past, experienced the worst kinds of behaviour from those who seem to have felt justified simply because it was in support of the current mayor and his team. Despite that fear, it is far too important for me to be silenced. I have always believed that each one of us can make a difference and that together we are stronger than apart. I believe that, given where we find ourselves as a community right now, standing together could not be more vital.
I was born and raised in the Township of Langley, and I’m a mother of four daughters who also grew up here. I was fortunate enough to serve two terms and seven years as a councillor on Langley Township Council. This election looks very different for me. It’s the first time since first running in 2011 that my name is not on the ballot. Even though I’m not a part of this election campaign, I am still just as invested in the Township of Langley. I love this community, I care about its future, and I am deeply concerned about the path we are on.
I have watched from the sidelines for many years and have seen the culture and the atmosphere shift dramatically at the Township of Langley. Decisions made at a municipal level touch our lives on a daily basis, from what our neighbourhoods look and feel like to the water that flows from our taps, and these decisions are shaped by those whom we elect to represent us.
I have always believed that the council table should have a variety of perspectives and that it is essential that the mayor not only allows space for those perspectives but also encourages them. Healthy debate and differing opinions allow for the formation of better ideas and better policies, and I believe they are the foundation of good governance.
When you go to the polls, you choose a mayor and eight councillors. You decide whom you want to represent you at the council table and whose voices you feel are important to add to the conversation. You don’t make those choices only for them to be silenced.
The current mayor has a proven pattern: those who disagree with him are exiled and silenced. He has demonstrated countless times that it is not safe to have a differing perspective or to challenge his predetermined path. This has been demonstrated over and over for years.
But don’t take my word for it… look for those who are brave enough to share their stories. Ask questions and educate yourself on what’s really happening at the Township before you cast your vote. Then decide who you want to represent you and who you want to be your voice at the council table.
Character and integrity are qualities that are extremely important to me. They are fundamental to building trust and respect, and they are, in my opinion, absolutely integral to the role of mayor. In my opinion, there is simply no comparison between the two mayoral candidates when it comes to character and integrity, or when I consider who I would be proud to have represent the community I love.
It is for that reason, and for many others, that I am adding my endorsement to Jay Lundgren and the Langley Strong team.
Eric and his team have pointed to the fact that Jay is not a “politician,” and for me, that is one of the many positives. I am choosing a family man with experience in team building over a property developer and politician. I am choosing respect and integrity, and I am choosing Langley Strong. I hope you will too.
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