Langley Township Mayor Kurt Alberts formally announced his plans to seek a fourth term to a standing room-only crowd of more than 200 people at Fort Langley Community Hall Sunday afternoon.
The gathering had all the hallmarks of a campaign event, with balloons, election signs, cheering supporters and a table where volunteers signed up, and election funds were collected.
While Alberts had earlier indicated he planned to run again, he chose to begin his formal campaign considerably earlier than is usual in Langley Township elections.
Rick Green, who announced his plans to run for mayor in February, has been quietly campaigning since that time. Councillor Kim Richter indicated in January that she was considering running for mayor, but has said little on the subject since Green's announcement.
The municipal election takes place on Saturday, Nov. 15.
Alberts got some heavy-duty endorsements, with Fort Langley-Aldergrove MLA and Forests and Housing Minister Rich Coleman introducing him.
Coleman said Alberts believes "in giving back to the community" and has, with council, initiated action on many fronts, including sewer upgrades for Aldergrove, the Langley Events Centre and the Rotary field house in South Aldergrove.
"(These things) take place because the members of council and this mayor work together to build the community. They care about this community - our community," he said.
"The future of Langley is in good hands as long as these types of relationships are in place," he said, referring to the Township's partnerships with the province, Ottawa, the school district and the City...