Langley names planning chief

Jeff Arango is in line for a promotion to the top spot in the city of Langley’s planning department.

Jeff Arango is in line for a promotion to the top spot in the city of Langley’s planning department.

Arango was hired in February as a community planner. If his appointment is approved by the city council on Monday, Arango will take over in 2012 as the city’s planning chief.

“I love my job and have enjoyed working with and getting to know the city staff and members of the community,” Arango said. “I look forward to continuing to work in support of the Langley community as we explore new and creative ways to plan, design and engage the community around important issues.”

“I hope people see me as a resource and if there is an issue I may be of assistance with that they don’t hesitate to contact me,” he addded.

Larry Kwarsick, the city’s current head of the planning department, is expected to step down from his post before he takes over as the mayor of Langley. Kwarsick, who is also a part-time planner for the city of Coupeville and also runs his own private consulting business, was elected as mayor of Langley in November.

Arango has had prior experience as a planning director in Vermont. He was the planning director for the village of Essex Junction for six years.

A 2000 graduate in environmental studies from St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y., Arango received his master’s degree from the University of Washington last year.

The council will meet at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5 at Langley City Hall.