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Two Gibsons candidates pull out of race

MUNICIPAL ELECTION
TOG Town Hall
The Gibsons election lineup is down to two candidates for mayor and eight for four seats on council after a pair of candidates dropped out of the race last week, saying they were passing the torch to younger people.

The Gibsons election lineup is down to two candidates for mayor and eight for four seats on council after a pair of candidates dropped out of the race last week, saying they were passing the torch to younger people.

Former library board chair Roger Swickis withdrew from the mayoral race before the Oct. 17 deadline, setting the stage for a two-way contest between incumbent mayor Wayne Rowe and Suzanne Senger, president of the Gibsons Alliance of Business and Community.

On the council side, marriage commissioner Greig Soohen also withdrew, citing a decision to support four younger candidates instead.

In a statement to media, Soohen said he decided to run for council “to bring a collaborative and positive approach to the table” after being dismayed in recent years “by the increasingly negative tone and divisiveness” in council proceedings.

“In the process, I met and have come to know four young people who have stepped forward to serve our community,” Soohen said. “What a pleasure to see the fresh energy, ideas, and knowledge they offer! In fact, I am so pleased with these young candidates, I have decided to put all of my energy into ensuring the election of these four young councillors.”

Soohen named former school board chair Silas White, Sunshine Coast Regional District waste services manager Jeremy Valeriotte, Landing restaurant owner Stafford Lumley, and incumbent councillor Charlene SanJenko as his four picks for the Nov. 15 election.

Also running for council are incumbents Dan Bouman and Lee Ann Johnson, former four-term mayor Barry Janyk and ceramic artist Katie Janyk, who serves on the Town’s advisory planning commission.

Swickis, who was labour negotiator for the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada before retirement, said in a press release emailed Monday to Coast Reporter that his decision to withdraw from the mayoral race was prompted by the dilemma of having two candidates with “very similar views and thereby splitting the vote.”

The release said both Swickis and Senger decided to challenge Rowe for the same reason: “As the end of the nomination period approached, it looked like no one was willing to oppose the incumbent. Acclamation of this mayor with its implied endorsement did not sit well with either of them.”

Swickis said he was backing Senger “as a young woman with immense talent, passion and integrity,” and predicted, “She will make a wonderful mayor.”

He said he would be working closely with Senger in various roles during the election campaign and was “by no means withdrawing from the battle.”

Meanwhile, outgoing incumbent councillor Gerry Tretick said Tuesday that he will be assisting Rowe in the mayoral campaign.

“I strongly believe he is a very good leader. That’s basically the bottom line,” Tretick said.

He also said he would support “young, new, energetic leaders, those who have a positive attitude rather than a negative attitude.”

After serving almost three full terms on council since 2005, Tretick said his future plans “are to engage in working in the community to make it better. I’m already involved with the Sunshine Coast Community Foundation and that appeals to me because we’ve focused on doing good things.”

He said he would also be willing to contribute in areas where he is “recognized to have some skills,” including economic development, and plans to “spend a little more personal time” when he leaves council.