Editor's note: With the municipal election set for Nov. 19, current councillors and mayors are deciding whether or not to run for another term. Coast Reporter caught up with incumbents this week to ask if they are running, what position they are planning to run for and what their top election platform issue will be.
Sechelt Mayor Darren Inkster will be seeking his second term as mayor this November.
"My main focus will be sustainable economic development in Sechelt and one of my top priorities will be jobs and local opportunities for families and young people," he said.
As for the current councillors, Alice Lutes, Keith Thirkell, Warren Allan and Alice Janisch are all seeking re-election while Ann Kershaw has decided not to run again. Coun. Fred Taylor did not return multiple messages seeking comment; however, District staff confirmed he has taken out a nomination package to run for mayor.
Lutes said she has many election issues to bring forward, including economic development, affordable housing, youth issues, local purchasing and banking. Thirkell said fiscal accountability and appropriate growth of Sechelt are also important to him.
"My main concern as always is the look and feel of our community as it grows," Thirkell said.
Allan said he plans to focus on airport development, completion of the bio-solids treatment facility and planning and construction of a new Sechelt bypass route, if re-elected. Janisch said she will be seeking re-election, but added, "I think it is a bit premature to broadcast what I think the most important issues will be."
Gibsons
In Gibsons, Mayor Barry Janyk is seeking re-election for another term as mayor.
Janyk outlined his three main priorities (in no particular order): creating opportunities for young people, sustainable community economic diversification and development, and to create an "eco-village" in Gibsons - housing that is attainable and available.
Opposing Janyk will be current councillor Wayne Rowe, who will be outlining his election plans in more detail on Sept. 24 during an event at noon at the Blackfish Pub.
Councillors LeeAnn Johnson and Bob Curry will both be seeking re-election, while Coun. Gerry Tretick said he is still undecided if he will enter the race.
"If I were to run it would be for council," Tretick said. "There are a number of things I think are important. I would like to see a council and mayor work togetheras a team tocommunicate and make decisions onimportant issues."
Johnson said a multitude of issues are important to her including housing, advocating for better business opportunities and good jobs, and working to improve ferry schedules and lowering fares.
Curry cited sustainability of small business and affordable accommodation/shelter for those who work here as matters important to him.
SCRD
All area directors are planning to seek re-election, with the exception of Pender Harbour director Eric Graham, who has decided to retire.
"It has been a good three years and I am grateful that the electorate of Area A had their confidence in me," said Graham.
A candidate has yet to come forward for Area A, but while he will not support any one candidate, Graham encourages and supports those willing to put their name forward.
Current board chair Garry Nohr and director for Area B Halfmoon Bay said his platform will be focused on his area's official community plan (OCP) upgrade, improvement to economic development for Halfmoon Bay without losing the rural way of life and improvements to trails and parks. He also wants to assist the community on noise problems and other zoning issues by getting bylaw 310 completed. The bylaw, currently being worked on, will look at issues of noise and zoning.
Area D Roberts Creek director Donna Shugar said there are a number of important projects she would like to see through to completion in her area as well as the entire Coast. They include the Roberts Creek OCP, the Zero Waste Management Plan, the Community Energy and Emissions Plan, affordable housing and progress of the Sunshine Coast housing committee, and further work on bylaw 310.
Lorne Lewis, director for Area E Elphinstone, listed numerous issues he feels are important with a focus on drinking water protection in Chapman Creek and on the Coast as a whole, shoreline restoration of Ocean Beach Esplanade, SCRD financial responsibility, and economic development.
Area F West Howe Sound director Lee Turnbull said her platform would be very similar to that of the last election: "helping to achieve the highest standard of sustainable government on the Coast."
Listing a wide array of issues, she placed importance on transparency, equity, effective use of tax dollars, sustainable and diversified economic development and smart, affordable solutions to community needs such as housing and recreation.
SD46
All current trustees, except Ken Sinnott, will be running again for school trustee.
Sinnott officially resigned this month from his position representing the Town of Gibsons.
Current school board chair Silas White said, if re-elected to represent the District of Sechelt, he wants to "implement plans for strong board leadership, community engagement and student success."
Trustee Dave Mewhort also plans to run for re-election to represent Sechelt.
"In terms of a platform, I can tell you that I will continue to strongly advocate for public school funding. It has never been more necessary than now," he said, noting he also plans to push for a district-wide fine arts program.
Lori Pratt will run again to represent area one, which includes Pender Harbour, Egmont and Halfmoon Bay.
"I have really enjoyed my first term as a trustee, and believe I have more to contribute. I would like to continue to advocate in the best interests of students and parents in our district," she said.
Fran Heppell will run again to represent area two, which includes Roberts Creek, Elphinstone, West Howe Sound and the Sechelt Indian Government District.
"I will continue to be a strong advocate for early learning but there are many other issues to be addressed in public education," she said.
Greg Russell will also run for area two again.
"I have a couple of things that I'm quite keen on trying to support should I get elected and that is the expansion of our trades training programs the other thing I'm quite focused on is that I feel we really need to get back to having senior management look after the operation of the school district and trustees get back to representing the community," Russell said.
And trustee Jason Scott will also run for re-election in area two.
"A major focus for me will be to continue promoting our great neighbourhood schools as vibrant learning and recreation centres for the entire community," he said.
Deadline for candidates wishing to file is Oct. 14.
Coast Reporter will continue its election coverage in the coming weeks with updates on new candidates as they come forward and more in-depth profiles on all the candidates once the slate is confirmed on Oct. 14.
