3 mayors plan to run again

Photo: Castanet Staff

Penticton Mayor Andrew Jakubeit is planning on running for reelection in 2018

Three South Okanagan mayors tell Castanet News they plan on running for re-election in October, while the rest remain undecided.

Penticton mayor Andrew Jakubeit said he will likely plan to seek a second term in his position.

"I think in May sometime, I would formally confirm that. And that's as far as a commitment I have."

Jakubeit noted increased public engagement, the Official Community Plan, the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and dealing with aging infrastructure as successes by staff and council during his tenure.

"I think it's provided a good stable footing for the community moving forward. And I enjoy being part of that," he said.

In Summerland, mayor Peter Waterman said with the amount of business council is presently dealing with, he hasn't thought about what his plans will be in 10 months.

"We've got all kinds of projects on the go and lots of issues... I think my objective right now is to focus on those issues," he said.

Oliver mayor Ron Hovanes has been at his post for nine years, the longest of all current mayors in the region.

He said the main focus for the town's council right now is Saturday's by-election, but added he's leaning towards seeking re-election at this point.

"If the election were next month, I would definitely say yes. But it's a year, so I'd like to hold off on that commitment for a few more months," Hovanes said. 

He did add there's nothing he hasn't enjoyed during the current term on council.

"I truly believe things are going very well for small-town Oliver. I think its been a really productive time, and it's an exciting time to be involved in local government in our community."

Osoyoos mayor Sue McKortoff said her unofficial plan presently is to seek a second term in her role.

She also has enjoyed her tenure, and has gained relationships with local government members in the region from her position as a board member with the RDOS.

"I think its been a very interesting experience... I think I have the time, energy and health to continue on."

Keremeos mayor Manfred Bauer said he is considering running for a third term, but said he hasn't put much thought into next fall's election yet.

"Certainly there's a lot of projects I would like to see through. And a lot of it will be completed next year, but a lot of it is a little bit longer-term. I will definitely consider it, but will I say 100 per cent now? No," Bauer said.

Frank Armitage, Mayor of Princeton, said he hasn't decided yet on whether or not he'll seek a third term in his job.

"I've enjoyed it very much and as we get closer to the time I'll make a decision," he said.

B.C. municipal elections are slated for Oct. 20, 2018.