A Langford teenager fresh out of high school is looking to land his first job as a Langford councillor.
Grant McLachlan, an 18-year-old who graduated from Belmont secondary in June, plans to run for a Langford council seat in the Nov. 19 municipal election.
“Through my years in Spencer (middle school) and in high school, I’ve seen a lot of changes in Langford,” he said. “Some I agree with, some I don’t.”
McLachlan said he’s focusing on bringing a more aggressive environmental sensibility to council when gauging the merits of property development. He’s also advocating that Langford adopting a “living wage” policy, and he wants to be a voice for youth on council.
“I opposed to development that damages ecosystems,” McLachlan said. “I want to see an environmentally responsible growth plan in Langford.”
A young man who lives and breathes politics, McLachlan volunteered on NDP MLA John Horgan’s 2009 provincial campaign and NDP MP Randall Garrison’s 2011 federal NDP campaign. Those campaigns solidified his desire to enter the political arena.
“I learned how to talk to voters, how to engage,” he said. “And I learned a lot of progressive policies from Horgan.”
His first attempt at wooing voters was running for valedictorian at Belmont this year. He didn’t win, but said it was a good experience. “(November’s) election is a bit more important,” he said.
McLachlan said he hopes voters don’t dwell on his age, but stay focused on issues affecting the city where he was raised. But he does hope a young candidate will help pique the interest of young voters, many who usually ignore municipal politics.
“I’m hoping to win young people over and increase the voter turnout,” he said. “I’ve been involved in politics for three years. I know the political process, and I’m ready to bring change to Langford.”
editor@goldstreamgazette.com