Langley Township Faces Backlash Over Student Safety Vote

URGENT UPDATE: Langley Township Council is under fire for putting student safety to a community vote, provoking outrage among parents and residents. The council is considering traffic calming measures in front of Walnut Grove Secondary School (WGSS), a route relied upon by hundreds of children daily. Despite a unanimous campaign promise for safe school routes, council members now require a supermajority to decide on these crucial safety measures.

Community member Mike Parker voiced his concerns in a recent letter, highlighting the dangers that students face while walking to school. “The council has acknowledged that this is a dangerous area for our kids yet refuses to make the decision themselves,” Parker stated. The situation is compounded by the flawed voting process: only one vote per household, excluding basement tenants, and a system that risks manipulation through an accessible SurveyMonkey link.

With the ballot limited to the immediate neighborhood, parents of WGSS students from broader areas have been sidelined. “Shouldn’t parents of students get a say in this?” Parker questioned, emphasizing that the safety of children should not rely on an inadequate voting mechanism. The council’s decision to let the community vote on such a critical issue raises significant concerns about prioritizing safety in Langley.

“This process is akin to reviving property-based suffrage instead of ensuring one person, one vote,” Parker argued. The implications of this ballot are serious; without proper measures, children will continue to navigate a hazardous route to school. The community is calling for immediate action from the council to ensure that streets are safe for all, especially vulnerable students.

Residents are urged to engage with the ballot process while expressing their discontent with the current approach. As the vote unfolds, the safety of Langley’s children hangs in the balance. Parents and community members are demanding that their voices be heard in this urgent matter.

WHAT’S NEXT: As the situation develops, the council’s decision-making process will be closely monitored. Parents and advocacy groups are rallying for a more accountable approach to ensure that the safety of children is prioritized. This issue has the potential to reshape how local governance addresses community safety needs. Share this article to raise awareness and advocate for immediate action!