A complex set of local and regional issues awaits local governments on the Coast in 2008 - but though the challenges may be daunting, there's no lack of candidates making themselves available for the often-thankless job of being a civic politician.
Four Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) electoral areas will see competition for a director position. In Area A (Pender Harbour and Egmont), Geoff Craig and Eric Graham are both vying for the chance to represent the area's more than 2,600 residents. In Area B (Halfmoon Bay), Frances Wasserlein is challenging incumbent Garry Nohr, who won the position by more than 200 votes in the 2005 election. Two areas will feature the same tight races as occurred in 2005: Lorne Lewis will again face Robert Corlett in Area E (Elphinstone), after winning by 41 votes in 2005, and Lee Turnbull will try to stave off Bill Hubbs in Area F (West Howe Sound), after beating him by 62 votes in 2005.
Only Donna Shugar will win by acclamation, as no other candidates have sought to challenge her in Area D (Roberts Creek).
In the Town of Gibsons, Mayor Barry Janyk will face challenger and current councillor Gerry Tretick, who led all Gibsons councillors in the 2005 election with 856 votes. Janyk won the mayor's position in 2005 by an 121-vote margin over challenger then-councillor Angela Letman.
Ten candidates running for the four council seats in the Town should make for a broad range of choices for electors. Incumbents Bob Curry, Chris Koopmans and LeeAnn Johnson - the lone female candidate - are all aiming to hold on to their seats. Kenan MacKenzie will try to recapture the seat he held from 2002 until 2005, and newcomers Jeff Barringer, David Croal, Wayne Rowe, Brian Sadler and David Stow are also going for positions. Bob Jones is making his second run at a council seat, while 27-year-old Amanda Amaral has withdrawn from the race and has thrown her support behind Johnson.
Five candidates are gunning for the two seats available on the Gambier Island local trust area board. Bruce Bingham, Joyce Clegg, Jan Hagedorn, Kate-Louise Stamford and Ken White are all in the running.
