Langley got big news this week when it learned first-term Mayor Fred McCarthy will not seek re-election this November.
No doubt many will be disappointed in losing him so soon, for the mayor accomplished much in very little time. Indeed, the Village by the Sea will be hard pressed to find a replacement who is as committed to economic development and combating South Whidbey’s alarming drug problem. In these areas, McCarthy showed real leadership, and Langley is a better place for it.
Of course, not everyone has been so satisfied with the past two years, and chances are good critics are looking forward to a new chief at City Hall.
Such is politics.
Public office is a tough and often thankless job, and there isn’t a person on Earth who can satisfy everyone. Particularly true in small towns, unknowing people jump at the chance to make a difference and fix problems real or fancied, only to find their solutions met with argument and debate, and their intentions and integrity questioned on a community scale. It can be a rude and unexpected awakening for many.
McCarthy says that wasn’t true with him.
“When you’re in the kitchen, you better be ready for the heat,” he told The Record.
Nevertheless, as we look to filing week next month, which begins May 11, we urge would-be elected officials to recognize the challenges and personal price tag of public office before they throw their hat into the ring. Especially with the mayor’s race.
The seat has been a rodeo bull in recent years, bucking four mayors in less than a decade. There’s nothing wrong with new blood, but longevity is a platform for steady direction, follow through and often translates into actually getting things done. Langley could use a bit of stability.
Perhaps a two-term mayor is too much to hope for in a town as rough and tumble in politics as Langley. Voters are the ultimate deciders of course, but it would be nice to see candidates come forward who are interested in the job over the long term.
Prospective mayors should consider the realities of office carefully, asking themselves honestly if they’re willing to shoulder the weight of never-ending criticism, the burden of public debate and the headaches of transparency. If the answer is yes, then file for office and give the people of Langley your pitch.
Three city council positions are also up for election this year: position 2, held by Robin Black; position 3, held by Jim Sundberg; and position 4, held by Bruce Allen.
The mayor’s seat and council positions are all nonpartisan and carry four-year terms.
