Photo: File photo

Once again, Chris Pieper has been acclaimed as the mayor of Armstrong.

Once again, Chris Pieper has been acclaimed as the mayor of Armstrong.

This will mark Pieper's fourth term as mayor and the third straight time he has taken the mayor's chair unopposed.

Pieper credits the work of council for earning the trust and support of voters in the North Okanagan farming community.

“I thought for sure we would get some competition this time as I've been acclaimed twice before and that's not normal in community politics,” said Pieper. “I think it's our council. I think there is respect from everybody, including staff, on what we do.”

And council for the next four years could be a duplicate of the last four, with seven people running for six seats.

Only Jim Wright put his name in to challenge incumbent councillors.

Pieper said no matter who is elected, Armstrong will once again have a strong council.

And where will Pieper focus his attention as he takes the helm for a fourth time?

“My No. 1 priority is to have Meighan and Deep creeks dredged,” said Pieper. “I've said that all along. This is a terrible issue the community has to deal with every spring.”

Flooding from the creeks has caused damage to numerous homes and businesses, but Provincial red tape and regulations has proven a challenge to wade through to have creeks dredged.

Pieper said he and members of council has spoken to many members of government trying to get permission to do the work.

“We've been working on it for a year and a half. I don't blame anybody in particular. It's not one person that is a problem. It is a whole system that is broken. We have to be able to deal with these drainage issues that cause severe flooding to businesses and residents. We have people now who can't get flood insurance, and that's wrong,” said Pieper.

“There is way too much bureaucracy for a small creek.”