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Kelowna  

Ex Eldorado GM looks at council

The former GM and partner at Kelowna’s Hotel Eldorado has declared himself a candidate for Kelowna City Council.

Brad Sieben made the announcement Wednesday morning.

“I guess you could say that the timing is right,” says Sieben. 

“With the sale of our business, the retirement of veteran councilors and the momentum in the direction of city council, I decided that I wanted to stand up and get involved now.” 

His press release states Sieben was born and raised in Kelowna and that he brings a perspective that is diverse and well-rounded.

He has taught high school in the Central Okanagan, worked for two multi-national corporations, and was the GM and partner in the Hotel Eldorado from 2003-2014.  

Sieben says his background in business has had the most impact on him and has prepared him well for city council. 

“My father-in-law, Jim Nixon, is the consummate entrepreneur and took an idea and was able to move and re-build the Eldorado," says Sieben.

"Having had the opportunity to lead a family-business alongside Jim, Kyle, Carolyn and Karlee, my wife; I know the importance of making strategic investments to help drive revenue while remaining diligent in controlling your costs.  Good fiscal management is essential. ”

Sieben is the former chair of Tourism Kelowna’s Board of Directors, has served on the advisory Board of Directors for the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission,  Kelowna Hotel Motel Association as well as been a committee member for the Canadian Culinary Championships, Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Convention Centre Task Force, and the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Marketing Committee.

“I want Kelowna to keep moving forward. We need to make decisions based on what is best for this community for both immediate results and long term planning.”

Sieben acknowledges that the Official Community Plan provides an outline for the growth of the local economy, improving public transportation, enhancing public safety, increasing urban densification working towards greater sustainability, and providing better access to recreation, health, arts & culture.   

“To be a good councillor I believe you need to listen to the public, use good judgement, common sense, and then be decisive and get things done.  The ability to execute the plan is what I believe sets people apart from one another.”

Sieben is one of 29 people who have picked up packages for one of the eight positions on council.

Another 14 packages have been picked up for mayor.

Kelowna voters go to the polls to elect a new council November 15.



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