Sunshine Enters Langford Council Race
Tanya Sunshine has entered the race for Langford city council, positioning herself as one of 16 candidates competing for one of six available spots in the municipal election scheduled for Oct. 17.
The Langford resident stated that her decision to run stems from a desire to move from "the gallery" to "the council table," citing an earlier experience where she and other residents successfully pushed back against a plan to shrink a children’s play area to accommodate a police building expansion.
Sunshine, who works as a medical office assistant at a primary care clinic in Sooke, brings previous professional experience with the province, BC Hydro, and First Nations communities to her campaign.
Policy Priorities and Governance Approach
Sunshine identified transportation as a central priority for her tenure. She wants to see the city’s recently developed transportation and active transportation master plans implemented effectively.
To address community concerns regarding congestion and proposed changes, Sunshine said she intends to visit affected neighborhoods directly to involve residents more deeply in decision-making processes.
On fiscal matters, Sunshine acknowledged that tax increases over the past four years were necessary to catch up on critical services, public safety, and infrastructure. However, she stated a goal to make future tax increases more manageable and predictable for residents.
Her platform also includes priorities such as affordable housing, ensuring that growth and environmental responsibility operate in synergy, and improved asset management.
Personal Background and Campaign Philosophy
Sunshine is the daughter-in-law of Lillian Szpak, a longtime Langford councillor who died in May. Sunshine clarified her relationship to her late mother-in-law’s political legacy, stating, “I’m not trying to replace Lillian. Her legacy is entirely her own.”
She described her governing philosophy as being guided by what best serves the community, a value she said she shares with Szpak.
Sunshine characterized her approach to public service as one of reliability and preparation. She said she wants to be someone residents can rely on who will study issues thoroughly, show up prepared, and listen to both residents and city staff.