Three in race for mayor's chair

Photo: Contributed

Vernon City Council and Mayor

The race for Vernon's city council and mayoral seat is starting to heat up as more residents throw their hat into the ring.

Those bidding for the mayor's chair now sits at three; current Mayor Rob Sawatzky announced in July he would not seek re-election.

Most recently, second-term city councillor Mary-Jo O’Keefe announced she was running for mayor, noting it is a natural next step for her politically.

Former city councillor Klaus Tribes is also running for the top spot, trying again after losing his mayoral bid in 2002.

And, economist Victor Cumming is also interested in the seat, a first time candidate who has lived in the area since 1992.

Photo: Contributed

Dr. Shawn Lee

The most recent political announcement comes from a long-time Vernon dentist and former politician Shawn Lee, who is vying for one of the six council seats.

Lee had previously been a councillor but was not re-elected after he had served one term.

“I am confident that I bring the appropriate range of experience and skill to make a meaningful contribution to the efficient running of the city. As a keen student and observer of the actions and decisions of the current Council for the past three years, I believe that I can hit the ground running when endorsed by the voters in the fall. I am asking for renewed and expanded support from the voters of the City of Vernon,” said Lee.

Lee now joins Councillor Catherine Lord in the running for the six council seats.

Remaining sitting councillors Juliette Cunningham, Bob Spiers and Brian Quiring have not yet announced whether they will seek re-election.

The municipal election will take place November 15, 2014.