Tim Callison says he’s not a politician.

For all of his political denial, he stood before a few dozen people in his neatly manicured backyard during a campaign kickoff event last week and told the crowd how he will behave if elected as the next mayor of Langley. Callison, a public election neophyte, said he wanted to apply the teamwork lessons he learned in a long career as a business executive to fill City Hall with highly-skilled people and continue to work with those already serving the city.

Also, echoing the ideas of his wife, Councilwoman Robin Black, when she applied to fill in an interim position, Callison said he wanted to push initiatives that enticed young families to move to or stay in Langley.

“If we continue to age, Langley will just become another waiting room for heaven,” he said during a brief, unscripted speech to his supporters.

Already, Callison has drummed up support from movers and shakers in Langley. He has the endorsements of four council members — all except mayoral challenger Thomas Gill. Other attendees included Pam Schell, Port of South Whidbey Commissioner Ed Halloran (the port’s liaison to Langley), several business owners and former city mayor Neil Colburn.

While other people focus on negatives in Langley, said Callison, such as some empty storefronts and the divisive marina access improvement project proposals, he’s being positive and looking for solutions.

Hoping to be a candidate focused on the “positives” of Langley, Callison cited the upward trends for some of city’s sales tax and business and operation revenues as beneficial signs of increasing prosperity. Referring to a recent financial report from a Langley City Council meeting, Callison said that sales tax revenue is on pace to meet or exceed Langley’s best year — back in 2008, when Colburn was mayor.

“Thank you, ’cause I was mayor in 2008,’” Colburn interjected during Callison’s speech, drawing a round of laughter.

Colburn seized an opportunity after the speech to explain why he is backing Callison.

“You see what’s right about Langley and celebrate it,” Colburn said. “Your opponent is about what’s wrong with Langley.”

Also vying for the mayor’s seat is City Councilman Thomas Gill and Sharon Emerson.

Another person chimed in and said Callison was a “sincere” person.

Callison said he would be a champion for the people and residents and would never lose sight of for whom he works.

“If elected, I will always remember I’m your servant,” he said.

Added Councilman Bruce Allen: “It’s not if, it’s when.”