Tuesday would have been the first chance for city of Langley residents to hear their two mayoral candidates in an open forum. But one of them is not showing up.

While this week forum coordinator and Langley resident Glenn Nichols urged Langley residents to meet the candidates Will Collins and Neil Colburn at the forum, Colburn, the city’s current mayor pro-tem and a council member will not be there.

Colburn pulled out of the forum when he discovered that the people who earlier this year tried to besmirch his military record were the same people organizing Tuesday’s event.

“That was enough for me,” he said, explaining his reason for withdrawing.

Colburn has since cleared up any misunderstandings about his service with the Navy.

Earlier in the week, Colburn had been looking forward to the forum. On Wednesday, he said there are many qualities Langley voters should look for before heading to the polls in November.

“I think they should look for someone that brings experience and integrity to the race,” he said.

Candidate Will Collins said the ability to communicate, listen and work well with others are essential components for the job.

“Those are the qualities that are very important,” he said.

He said some issues Langley residents have expressed as areas of concern are parking in Langley, the Langley Small Boat Harbor and growth in Langley. He believes many residents will bring important questions to the forum for discussion.

“I’m hoping to hear some feedback from the community,” said Collins.

The outgoing mayor, Lloyd Furman also had a few words of wisdom for the next mayor. He said some of the important qualities for a mayor should include council, business and leadership experience, as well as the ability to get along with both sides on a contentious issue, whether discussed in council chambers or in public.

“You have to be the type of person that can make compromises,” Furman said.

He also said listening to opposing views and consistency are qualities a mayor should possess.

“Why do you want to be mayor? To me, that’s a key issue,” said Furman.

The mayor’s position has changed in recent years. Three years ago, the city hired Eric Lucas as a full-time city administrator and attorney. Lynn Hicks now fills that spot. She is the city’s top ranking unelected official.

The mayor’s position is part time and paid as such. Furman currently earns $14,400 a year for fulfilling his mayoral duties. However, the ordinance that pays him sunsets with the end of his eight-year administration. For the next mayor to be paid, a new ordinance with a new rate of pay will have to be introduced and passed by the Langley City Council.