The funicular, Wharf Street widening, economic vitality, and potential hiking trails were addressed by Langley mayoral candidates Tim Callison and Sharon Emerson at the League of Women Voters election forum last Thursday, Oct. 8 at Langley United Methodist Church.

Once a proponent of widening Wharf Street to improve access to the marina, Callison said he has flipped his position on the matter after conducting additional research. Callison said he spoke with Langley Public Works Director Stan Berryman who said the latest estimate to widen the street would cost over $1 million. Callison said there is about $500,000 available for the project currently, and that pursuing the project would require asking for additional funds.

Callison said he was told by Marianne Edain, a founder of Whidbey Environmental Action Network, and others that bluff stability has been greatly improved by moving Cascade Street over six feet and redirecting storm water away from the bluff and down Second Street.

“So, really, I’m not in favor of doing the bluff and Wharf Street anymore,” Callison said.

Emerson said she still wants to use the grant money to widen the street and stabilize the bluff.

Callison and Emerson kept to their positions of opposing the funicular to connect the marina to downtown. Emerson said the project didn’t warrant the use of grant money.

The candidates were also asked what they would like done to improve quality of life for Langley residents.

Emerson said she would like to see public safety and general preparedness addressed more thoroughly. She also said she would like to see more balance between resources dedicated toward residents and businesses, which could include creating more sidewalks and walking trails. She also would look into lowering utility bills.

Callison said he was attracted to Langley by its access to water and believes it to be a quality of life issue. He also cited public safety, good infrastructure and safe schools.

Both candidates felt City Hall could better highlight and show projects and the priority in which they’re being addressed on the city’s website. Callison said he would require city directors to publish their list of priorities on Langley’s website and update it as progress is made.

Emerson said she is an advocate of updating the website regularly, so she would ensure that a checklist of projects was put online for citizens to check.

Emerson and Callison were also both in favor of pursuing the development of walking trails around Langley. Callison suggested using the grant money that is intended to build a funicular to instead develop the walking trails.