Langley’s search for ethics took another step toward reality Monday.

The Langley City Council and newly-appointed Mayor Fred McCarthy discussed the ethics commission. Eight residents applied for the commission, which McCarthy said could be devoid of city staff to avoid a perception of city influence.

“There’s a desire to have it be a completely independent group,” McCarthy said.

Forming an ethics commission was Councilman Hal Seligson’s proposal. A whistle blower complaint filed by a city employee against former mayor Larry Kwarsick led to his resignation in January.

The number of members on the ethics commission was not determined, but will be finalized at the city council’s March 18 meeting.