Ophus seeks another term

Duane Ophus is seeking a fourth term on West Kelowna Council.

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet File Photo

Councillor Duane Ophus will run for another term on West Kelowna Council.

Ophus took the summer to make his decision, due in part to the fourth year added to all municipal terms.

He was elected to the first municipal council in 2007 and was subsequently re-elected to three year terms in 2008 and again in 2011.

He has spent the last six years representing West Kelowna on the Regional District board.

Ophus has lived in West Kelowna for nearly 20 years, during which he has successfully operated a local business with his wife, Elaine and raised three children - now all living
elsewhere on their own.

“I enjoy serving on Council and these Boards. I believe my strong analytical and financial management skills serve me well in helping guide our community and region," says Ophus.

“Over the past seven years we have successfully established a new community of nearly 32,000 people. We’ve made significant investments in roads, sidewalks, water systems and other basic
infrastructure to improve the quality of life for all residents. We have also invested in new parks
and playing fields."

Ophus says he is particularly proud of the fact many of the improvements and additions have been made in a financially sustainable manner.

"While serving on the Central Okanagan Regional District Board, we’ve shown leadership by significantly reducing expenses and costs of running the RDCO.

Next year will be the sixth consecutive year we have funded the Sterile Insect Release Board with no tax increases. Staff and the Board have worked well together under our leadership to get the job done with available resources.”

Over the next four year term, Ophus plans to focus on the proposed new municipal facility - ensuring it stays on budget and delivers significant economic benefits to West Kelowna.

He says implementing the Master Water Plan is also a priority. It will require a substantial financial investment to deliver long term, high quality water service to our residents.

Most important, he intends to see the District of West Kelowna continue delivering needed services to the community in a fiscally responsible way.

“I look forward to continuing to use my leadership experience and strong financial management skills to the benefit of all citizens of West Kelowna.”

Ophus is the last member of council to officially announce his intentions to seek re-election.

Only Gord Milsom will not run for another term.

West Kelowna voters go to the polls Nov 15.